The First Threat
615 Words
Chapter 7: The First Threat
Sophia stared at the message on her phone, her pulse racing.
Unknown: But let’s be honest—you don’t belong in his world.
The words felt like a challenge.
Her fingers hovered over the screen. Should she respond? Ignore it? Confront Damian about it?
Before she could decide, another message popped up.
Unknown: No reply? Smart. But let’s see how long you last.
A slow, uneasy dread settled in her stomach.
She locked her phone and exhaled sharply. No. She wasn’t going to let this get to her. Whoever Madeline thought she was, she wasn’t about to scare Sophia away.
But deep down, she knew—this was only the beginning.
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Scene Break: A Close Encounter
The next morning, Sophia arrived at the office a little earlier than usual, hoping to have a quiet moment before the madness of the day began.
But the moment she stepped into the building, she felt it.
Eyes watching her.
She turned slightly and froze.
Madeline.
Standing by the receptionist’s desk, casually flipping through a magazine, looking as if she owned the place.
Their eyes met, and Madeline’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk.
“Good morning,” she purred, setting the magazine down.
Sophia forced a neutral expression. “What are you doing here?”
Madeline tilted her head. “I had a meeting. Thought I’d drop by and say hello.”
Sophia didn’t believe that for a second.
Madeline took a step closer, her voice lowering. “You must be exhausted.”
Sophia blinked. “Excuse me?”
“All the pretending,” Madeline said smoothly. “Keeping up with Damian, acting like you belong. It must be tiring.”
Sophia clenched her jaw. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Madeline laughed softly. “Oh, sweetheart. You think you can fool everyone, don’t you?”
Sophia stiffened.
Madeline leaned in, lowering her voice even more. “I know your type, Sophia. You’re temporary. Just a placeholder until he gets bored. And trust me… he will.”
Sophia refused to let her see how those words stung.
Instead, she smirked. “If I’m temporary, then why are you so worried?”
Madeline’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a flicker of something dangerous in her eyes.
Before she could respond, a deep voice cut through the tension.
“Madeline.”
Both women turned to see Damian standing a few feet away, watching them with a cold, unreadable expression.
Madeline straightened, her smile returning. “Damian. I was just catching up with your fiancée.”
Damian’s gaze flicked to Sophia as if assessing the situation. Then, without hesitation, he walked up and wrapped an arm around her waist.
Sophia stiffened slightly but played along.
Damian’s voice was calm, but there was a quiet edge of warning beneath it. “Whatever conversation you were having—it’s over.”
Madeline raised an eyebrow. “Protective, aren’t we?”
“Just making sure my fiancée isn’t bothered by unnecessary distractions.”
Madeline chuckled, stepping back. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of interfering.”
With one last lingering glance at Sophia, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
Sophia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Damian finally let go of her waist, his gaze still on Madeline’s retreating figure.
“She’s not going to stop,” Sophia muttered.
Damian sighed. “I know.”
Sophia looked up at him. “So what do we do?”
His expression darkened slightly. “We play smarter.”
A chill ran down her spine.
Something told her the real game was just getting started.
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- Writer
