Don't Get too Comfortable
1036 Words
Chapter Five: Don't Get too Comfortable
Sophia stepped out of Gabriel office that day, with her heart pounding like she was chased by a dreadful looking masquerade.
“Had she just agreed to a fake engagement? Was she out of her mind?”
Sophia paced back and forth in her room, running her hands through her hair.
“What have I done? This isn't just some casual agreement, it's an engagement”
“Even if it's fake, it's still a huge deal.”
That night, she barely got any sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, images of Gabriel's piercing gaze and confident smirk filled her mind
By morning, she had made up her mind. She wanted to set things straight. She needed to be sure that this was a business arrangement , nothing more.
Sophia walked into Gabriel's office the next day. He was seated behind his large mahogany desk, she was dressed in a navy- blue suit.
He looked up from his papers, his eyes sharp and calculating.
You are back “ he said,
“I've made my decision.” she announced, folding her arms across her chest.
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, eyeing her carefully. “And?”
“I’ll do it”
A smirk formed on his lips. “Good”. He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out paper sliding it across the desk.
Sophia hesitated a little before picking it up. Her eyes skimmed through the contract, she felt a twist in her stomach.
“Gabriel what is this?” She asked, her voice rising slightly.
“The contract” Gabriel said simply. “ To make things official”.
She flipped through the pages , her eyes stopping on a particular clause. “Wait. This says I have to move in with you”.
Gabriel nodded. “Of course”.
“That wasn't part of the verbal agreement”
“You didn't ask,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “If we want to be convincing, we have to be together”
Sophia exhaled sharply. “ But this is insane”.
Gabriel leaned forward, his gaze locked with hers.
“ If you want to back out, now is the time to do so”.
Sophia clenched her first. She hated how he always had the upper hand. “Fine,” she muttered, I'll do it.”
A victorious smile appeared on Gabriel lips. “Good” he replied.
Moving in with Gabriel was very overwhelming, his Mansion is vast and intimidating.
The first few days were a blur of adjusting to the luxury, it was a world apart from her small house. But soon, things started to shift between them.
The first night, she decided to cook, she was chopping vegetable when Gabriel appeared behind her.
“ You cook ?” He asked.
Sophia rolled her eyes. “Of course I cook”
“Let me help.”
He reached for the knife, but their hands brushed. Sophia froze. His touch was warm, his presence very close.
Her breath caught in her throat as she met his eyes, Sophia the heat on her cheek.
She pulled away quickly, focusing on her cooking.
Days passed while they spent time together. One evening, a storm knocked the power out. The darkness made Sophia very scared, she manage to curl up on the couch, wrapping a blanket around herself.
Sophia heard a sound and fear gripped her. Gabriel just came back. He entered the room and noticed Sophia was scared.
“You okay?” He asked
She nodded, but he wasn't convinced. Without a word, he draped his jacket over her shoulders.
The fabric smelled like him, warm and safe.
Her fingers curled around it, and for a moment, she wondered if this was still a fake engagement.
Gabriel was invited to come for a family dinner with his fiancée.
Sophia objected at first but since she already signed the contract, she had no choice.
Gabriel has not been speechless before, but when she descended the stairs in a deep red gown, his lips parted slightly, his eyes darkening.
“You look. . .” He started, the stopped
She smiled. “ What?”
“Dangerous,” he murmured, his voice low,
Her smile disappeared.
At dinner, Mrs. Morgan barely acknowledged her, her gaze cold and investigative.
“ And how exactly did you two meet?” she asked, her tone laced with disbelief.
Sophia smiled, though inside, she was inraveling, “it's a long story.”
But Mrs. Morgan still didn't belief.
The next morning, while setting the breakfast, Sophia felt the woman's gaze fixed on her “ You don't belong here,” Mrs. Morgan said bluntly.
Sophia stiffened. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” she replied. “ This isn't your home. Don't get too comfortable.”
Sophia bit her tongue, refusing to rise to the bait. She only smiled.
After the breakfast, Sophia and Gabriel were about leaving.
Just as they stepped outside, A young woman in her twenties appeared. Mrs. Morgan went forward to welcome her introducing her to Gabriel
“ You two would make a lovely couple” she blurted, ignoring Sophia entirely.
Sophia's chest tightened, but she refused to waver. She slipped her hand into Gabriel's arm, lifting her chin. “ Actually, we’re quite happy together.” She said smiling.
To Sophia's surprise, Gabriel pulled her closer by the waist, his grip firm. “ Very happy,” he added, locking eyes with his mother.
The defiance in Gabriel's voice made Sophia's heart flutter. Before Mrs. Morgan could react, Gabriel and Sophia got into the car and drove off.
While inside the car, Sophia quickly pulled away from Gabriel. Each time they glanced at each other and looked away.
They continued this way until they got to Gabriel's house.
Sophia came out first
“Can't you at least wait for your loving fiancee,” he asked with a smirk.
Sophia rolled her eyes and turned.
“Loving fiancee indeed, stay away from me. This is a fake engagement.
She blurted raising her voice a little.
Gabriel smiled. “Just say you are falling for me already.”
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