LIMITLESS TROUBLE

Bound by Strength

Chapter 18: Bound by Strength

The soft morning sunlight crept through the windows as Sophie slowly opened her eyes. Blinking away the sleep, she stretched lazily and looked around, adjusting to the soft warmth of the terrace. Her eyes fell on Jason, who was already awake and in the middle of his morning workout. He was shirtless, his muscles flexing and glistening in the sunlight as he moved through his routine of stretches and exercises.

Sophie couldn’t help but watch for a moment, her cheeks warming slightly as she admired him. His focus was intense, his movements controlled. A small smile played on her lips as she called out to him, teasingly. “Do you do that every day, or are you just trying to impress me?”

Jason, without breaking his form, smirked slightly. “I think you woke up late.” He finished his last stretch and reached for his shirt, slipping it back on.

Sophie sat up, still smiling. “Are you done?”

Jason shook his head, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “Not yet, but you might not like the next part.”

Sophie raised an eyebrow playfully. “I like it... or maybe I want to join. Can you help me?”

Jason looked at her, surprised for a moment, then nodded. “Sure. Come on.”

Sophie got up and walked over to him, and they began a light workout together. Jason showed her some basic stretches and exercises, gently correcting her form, their movements synchronized in a way that brought them even closer. As they worked out together, their bond seemed to deepen, a quiet understanding growing between them.

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After the workout, Jason and Sophie went downstairs, where Jason’s mom was already preparing breakfast. She greeted Sophie with a warm smile, almost treating her like part of the family now.

“Sit down, Sophie,” Jason’s mom said, waving her over to the table. “You have to eat more. You’re too skinny! No muscle, no strength.”

Sophie laughed lightly, shaking her head. “No, Mom, I’m full. Really, I am.”

Jason’s mom wasn’t convinced. “Come on, one more bite. You need it!”

As they sat down for breakfast, Jason’s grandparents entered the room, greeting everyone with bright smiles. Jason stood up and greeted them warmly. His grandfather raised an eyebrow, giving him a knowing look.

“Where were you last night, Jason?” he asked. “Your mother was getting worried.”

Jason explained, glancing at Sophie. “Sophie was alone. Her parents weren’t home, so I stayed with her.”

His grandmother nodded thoughtfully but added, “You should take care of your mother, Jason. She was tense, waiting for you.”

Jason nodded, understanding the responsibility he had to balance. After breakfast, they all sat down for a light lunch, talking about their day. His family was very happy and welcoming, and Sophie seemed to feel at ease in their presence.

Sophie, always curious, asked, “Do your grandparents work too?”

Jason’s mom smiled. “Yes, they work in a toy factory, checking the quality of the toys. They enjoy it. They have a routine—home by 6, asleep by 10. They’re very disciplined.”

The conversation flowed easily, everyone enjoying each other’s company. It felt like a family, and Sophie could sense the love and connection between Jason and his family, something she admired and perhaps even envied a little.

As they were finishing up, Sophie turned to Jason’s mom. “Where do you work, Aunty?”

Jason’s mom smiled warmly. “I’m a nurse at the city hospital. It’s a tough job, but it’s rewarding.”

Sophie’s eyes lit up. “Wow, you’re amazing. Nurses are heroes.”

Jason’s mom laughed. “Thank you, dear. Now, Jason, remember—come home on time tonight. I have my night shift, and I won’t be here. Don’t be careless.”

Jason nodded, feeling the weight of her words as he realized how much his mother did for the family. He promised to return home early.

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Later in the day, Jason dropped Sophie off at her house, but when they arrived, her parents were already gone. Jason looked around, feeling a wave of confusion.

“Your parents didn’t notice you weren’t home last night?” Jason asked, clearly shocked.

Sophie shrugged, a trace of sadness in her eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m used to it. They’re always too busy.”

Jason felt a pang of sympathy for her. He realized how different their lives were. Despite all her wealth, Sophie was often left alone. She didn’t have the warmth of a family like Jason did.

“Come with me,” Sophie said, pulling him along as she got ready for school. Jason waited in her room, looking around at the luxurious space, feeling out of place.

---

At school, everything seemed normal until the teacher announced an upcoming sports event. Everyone was required to participate, and students were tasked with forming teams for various events.

A group of four or five girls quickly surrounded Jason, eager to talk to him and find out what he planned to do. They all seemed interested in teaming up with him, hoping to impress him. Meanwhile, Sophie was approached by a group of boys, each trying to catch her attention.

But Sophie’s eyes were only on Jason. She watched, growing irritated as the girls kept talking to him. Finally, she stormed over, standing in front of him with her arms crossed. “Why are you listening to them?” she asked, her voice slightly annoyed.

Jason glanced at her calmly. “If I say no without listening, it looks a bit egoistic, don’t you think?”

Sophie’s mood instantly shifted, and she began laughing. “Alright, fair enough. What do you want to do for the event?”

The two of them sat in the corner, discussing what they wanted to participate in, while their classmates watched with curiosity. Eventually, they decided to do a flute performance for the talent show portion of the event, and they went together to inform the teacher.

The teacher smiled and nodded. “You don’t need anyone else?” he asked.

“No, it’s just the two of us,” Jason replied confidently.

---

Later in the day, they headed to the auditorium to practice. Other students were busy practicing their routines as well. However, trouble wasn’t far behind. A group of boys, known for bullying others, spotted Sophie and Jason.

One of the boys, clearly eyeing Sophie, smirked and approached her. “Hey, Sophie, you look hot today. What are you doing later? Want to go on a date?”

Sophie’s expression turned cold. “Mind your words,” she said firmly.

But the boy continued, his tone mocking. “Don’t act like you’re better than us. What’s going on with you and this guy? Has he satisfied you? Give me a chance—I’ll show you a good time.”

Before the boy could even blink, Jason grabbed him by the neck and threw him hard against the wall. The force of the impact left the boy stunned, and his friends immediately rushed to attack Jason.

Jason moved like lightning. He effortlessly dodged their attacks, taking down each boy with swift, powerful strikes. In moments, they were all lying on the ground, groaning in pain, completely defeated.

Jason stood over them, his eyes cold. “Don’t you dare say something like that again.”

The boys, terrified, nodded frantically. “Okay, okay, we’re sorry!” they stammered, scrambling to get away from Jason.

But Sophie didn’t seem relieved. In fact, she looked sad. Without a word, she turned and walked out of the auditorium, leaving Jason to chase after her.

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End of Chapter 18