Four hours earlier, Sophia received an unexpected call from Gilbert, demanding she accompany him to watch a fight at the Paris Arena.Sophia despised fights.She never had interest in violent sports and didn't even know the arena existed until Gilbert summoned her.“I'm sorry, Gilbert, but that's not my kind of entertainment,” Sophia declined.Gilbert leaned close, eyes narrowed threateningly.“Do you prefer something bad happening to your mother or little brother instead?”Within an hour, she was aboard Gilbert's private jet, speeding from Vancouver to Paris.When they arrived, Gilbert escorted her into an exclusive room filled with Parisian elites, proudly introducing her as his fiancée and boasting about their upcoming wedding.Sophia felt nauseous at the announcement, especially as the elites swarmed around her, complimenting her looks and gushing about how fortunate she was to marry a man like Gilbert.It was obvious—they were trying to win her favor solely because of Gilbert’s i

When people started chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Alex felt his pulse quicken.He stared into Sophia's beautiful eyes, captivated by the soft glow on her flawless face.He loved this woman with every fiber of his being, deeper than he’d ever loved anyone before.But tonight, she was drunk, vulnerable, and worse—she was supposed to marry someone else in a matter of days.As much as his heart begged him to kiss her right there, Alex knew he had to do the right thing."No," Alex whispered gently, fighting against his own desire.Instead, he swept Sophia into his arms, lifting her gracefully in a princess carry.Her delicate frame rested comfortably against his chest, sending warmth through his body."I'm taking you back," he said firmly, trying to ignore how good it felt to hold her so close.Sophia struggled slightly, beating softly against his chest."Let me down, Alex! If you don’t love me, don't touch me!"Alex tightened his hold, ignoring her protests."I'm not letting you go," he s

“Sophia!” Alex burst into the room, his voice sharp with panic.“What the hell happened to you?”“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, terror in her voice.“If Gilbert finds out you’re here—he’ll kill you!”Alex didn’t stop. He crossed the room in seconds, eyes burning, fury barely held in check.He swept her into his arms, holding her like something precious and broken, and carried her to the bed.“Put me down! Get out, Alex!” she sobbed, fighting against him with what little strength she had left.Her body shook with pain—real, raw pain—and her cries hit him like knives.Each tear was a trigger, every tremble fueled the fire inside him.“You’re hurt, Sophia. Let me help you.”“Don’t be kind to me,” she whispered through tears. “Just go. Please. You cannot be here.”But he wasn’t going anywhere.Alex’s eyes scanned her bruised arms, the swollen mess of her face, the blood trickling from a wound on her head.Rage and helplessness warred in his chest.Without a word, he pulled out his