Chapter 7: The Intruder
781 Words
Alexander immediately moved in front of Sophia.
His entire body became a shield between her and the danger.
The stranger stepped into the light.
He was tall, dressed in black, with a scar running down one side of his face.
Sophia's pulse hammered in her ears.
This was no ordinary burglar.
The man smiled.
A cold, unsettling smile.
"Good evening, Mr. Knight."
Alexander's expression remained unreadable.
"Who sent you?"
The intruder chuckled.
"Straight to business. I like that."
His gaze shifted toward Sophia.
The moment it did, Alexander's jaw tightened.
A dangerous warning.
"Look at her again and you'll regret it."
The man laughed.
"So the rumors are true."
"What rumors?"
"That the great Alexander Knight finally has something to lose."
Silence filled the room.
Sophia felt a chill crawl down her spine.
The stranger already knew about her.
About the baby.
This wasn't random.
It was planned.
Alexander took a slow step forward.
"You're trespassing."
The man shrugged.
"And you're running out of time."
Before anyone could react, he tossed a small envelope onto the kitchen floor.
It slid across the marble tiles.
Stopping at Alexander's feet.
Then the stranger backed away.
"I'm just delivering a message."
Alexander didn't take his eyes off him.
"What message?"
The man's smile widened.
"Your enemies know everything."
Sophia's stomach dropped.
Everything?
The man nodded toward her.
"They know about the mother."
Then toward her stomach.
"And they know about the child."
Fear exploded inside her chest.
Alexander's face turned to stone.
The stranger began walking backward.
"You should be careful, Mr. Knight."
His smile disappeared.
"Because next time, I won't come alone."
A second later, he turned and ran.
Security alarms immediately erupted throughout the penthouse.
Red lights flashed.
Footsteps echoed from distant hallways as Alexander's security team rushed toward the scene.
But the intruder was already gone.
---
Five minutes later.
The penthouse was filled with security personnel.
Sophia sat on the couch trying to calm her racing heart.
Alexander stood near the shattered window speaking with his head of security.
Every word coming from his mouth was sharp and controlled.
Yet Sophia could see the anger beneath the surface.
Pure fury.
The kind of fury that terrified people.
Eventually, Alexander walked back toward her.
His eyes softened slightly.
"Are you hurt?"
She shook her head.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
For a brief moment, relief flashed across his face.
Then it disappeared.
Replaced by determination.
Alexander crouched in front of her.
"Listen carefully."
Sophia nodded.
"You are not leaving my protection."
"What?"
"Not for work."
"Alexander—"
"Not for shopping."
She groaned.
"Alexander."
"Not for anything."
Sophia stared at him.
"You cannot lock me up."
His expression remained serious.
"I can try."
Despite the situation, she almost laughed.
The man was impossible.
---
A few hours later.
The security team finally left.
The broken glass had been cleaned.
The penthouse was quiet again.
But neither of them could sleep.
Sophia stood near the giant windows overlooking the city.
The lights below seemed distant.
Small.
For the first time, she truly understood the danger surrounding Alexander.
His wealth came with consequences.
Enemies.
Threats.
Risk.
She felt him approach behind her.
"Regretting meeting me yet?"
His voice was low.
Sophia smiled sadly.
"Sometimes."
Alexander actually laughed.
A genuine laugh.
Deep and warm.
It caught her completely off guard.
She turned to face him.
And suddenly realized how close they were standing.
Too close.
Her breath caught.
His gray eyes locked onto hers.
Neither moved.
Neither spoke.
The tension between them became almost unbearable.
Sophia's heart pounded.
Alexander slowly lifted a hand.
His fingers gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
The touch sent shivers through her.
For a moment, the rest of the world disappeared.
No enemies.
No threats.
No fear.
Just the two of them.
Alexander lowered his head slightly.
Sophia forgot how to breathe.
Was he about to kiss her?
The thought sent her pulse racing.
Then his phone rang.
The moment shattered instantly.
Alexander cursed under his breath and answered.
His expression darkened almost immediately.
"What?"
Sophia watched as every trace of warmth vanished from his face.
"What happened?" she asked when he ended the call.
Alexander looked at her.
His eyes cold with shock.
"My lawyer just called."
A knot formed in her stomach.
"And?"
Alexander took a deep breath.
Then delivered the words that changed everything.
"My grandfather's will has been opened."
Sophia frowned.
"What does that have to do with us?"
Alexander's gaze dropped briefly to her stomach.
Then back to her eyes.
"Everything."
Her heart skipped.
Because suddenly, whatever was in that will seemed connected to her.
And to their unborn baby.
- Writer
