Chapter 5: Unexpected Repercussions

With shaky palms and a racing heart, Sophia gazed at the little plastic stick on her bathroom counter. She was met with two striking pink lines that were unmistakable in their meaning. Positive.

"No," she said softly, her voice cracking. "This cannot be true."

Rereading the directions as if a new meaning could emerge, she snatched the package back. But the outcome was obvious, and it weighed on her like a tidal wave.

Sophia collapsed with her head on her hands on the chilly tile floor. Financial ruin, shame, and treachery had already torn her life apart. This now? An infant?

She thought of the night she spent with Alexander. He made her feel alive, even if only briefly, with his imposing presence and his piercing blue eyes. Her prior life, which was meticulously planned, would never have allowed her to make such a careless and impetuous choice. However, the repercussions were now indisputable.

She was startled out of her trance when her phone buzzed on the counter. It was Grace.

Sophia took it but remained silent. She was unable to bring herself to speak to anyone at the moment. Not when her world was whirling out of control again.

Breathing heavily, she put a palm on her tummy. How will I respond?

The following day, Sophia was in Midtown Manhattan, standing outside a modern glass building. Pale and nervous, her reflection gazed back at her from the gleaming revolving doors. She squeezed her bag harder and inhaled deeply.

She had been considering her options all night, trying to determine whether or not to contact Alexander. That evening, he had not promised anything, nor had he even alluded to wanting anything more than their brief relationship. However, he was entitled to know, wasn't he?

Sophia rushed through the doors into the vast foyer before she could talk herself out of it. The room was lavish, with tall columns and marble flooring. Individuals in fitted suits walked deliberately, their chatter mingling with a faint murmur.

A professional receptionist said, "May I help you?" in a courteous but clipped tone.

Despite the internal turmoil, Sophia's voice remained firm as she continued, "I'm here to see Alexander Knight."

The receptionist's eyebrow was lifted in the ideal form. "Do you have a scheduled appointment?"

Sophia was hesitant. "No, it's urgent."

A glimmer of doubt was visible in the woman's eyes, but her smile remained unwavering. "Mr. Knight has an extremely hectic schedule. Next week I'll try to fit you in—

With a harsher tone now, Sophia added, "It's personal." Inform him about Sophia Harper. I'll be recognized by him.

After a minute of staring at her, the receptionist picked up the phone. Sophia waited, her ears thumping with her heartbeat.

The receptionist hung up after a brief conversation and gave her a look. "You will see Mr. Knight. To get to the top floor, please use the private elevator.

Sophia muttered a thank you and nodded before making her way to the elevator. Trying to steady her breathing, she pressed her hands against her thighs as the doors closed and the car started its smooth ascent.

A large office with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a broad perspective of the city was revealed when the doors opened. With his back to her, Alexander stepped close to the window and spoke into his phone.

With a harsh tone, he said, "I don't care what it takes." "Achieve it."

He hung up the phone and turned, his face unreadable and icy. He had the same commanding presence as she remembered, and his fitted suit was spotless.

He said, "Sophia," in a warm but smooth voice. "This is surprising."

She took a step forward, her heels clicking on the shiny floor. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't needed."

A beautiful leather chair in front of Alexander's desk was indicated. “Take a seat.”

Feeling the pressure of his stare, she complied after hesitating and sank into the chair. He studied her, his fingers steepled as he sat across from her.

His voice was informal but tinged with interest as he asked, "What brings you to my office?"

Sophia's hands were moist as she swallowed hard. "I discovered an unexpected thing. You are also involved.

Her comments seemed to have caught his attention, as seen by the small narrowing of his eyes. "Go ahead."

She inhaled deeply, her voice trembling even as she tried to keep her cool. “I am expecting a child.”

What followed was a deafening hush. Her stomach turned as Alexander's penetrating eyes locked onto hers with such intensity that his body became stiff, yet his expression remained the same.

He said in a quiet, controlled voice, "How long?"

"Roughly six weeks," she said, holding onto the chair's arms. "It occurred on the evening that we spent at the club."

He reclined in his seat, his eyes unblinking. "You're positive it's mine, too?"

Sophia recoiled as a mixture of humiliation and rage marked her cheeks. "You were the sole person."

His jaw clenched, and he got up and paced toward the window. His calmness briefly wavered as he combed his black hair with his hand. He looked back at her, but his face was inscrutable.

"What do you need from me?"

Despite his non-accusatory tone, the inquiry struck her like a smack. He seemed to be talking about a commercial deal rather than the life they had unintentionally created, and it was disconnected.

Her voice rose as she said, "I don't want anything." "I believed you have the right to know . That’s all.

After giving her a thorough examination, he went back to his chair. "And how do you intend to address it?"

Sophia clenched her throat. She had been struggling with that issue for hours, and she still didn't know the answer. When she eventually uttered, "I'm keeping the baby," her voice was hardly audible above a whisper.

She thought she saw a glimpse of something—concern?—when Alexander's eyes darkened. Then his veneer of indifference came back. Anger? Regret?

"Then there's a problem," he said.

Sophia grimaced. “What sort of issue is it?”

"Whether you like it or not, this child is now my responsibility," he said in a stern voice. "My son or daughter will not be allowed to grow up without security or safety."

At what he said, her stomach turned. "Defense? Stability? Alexander, this has nothing to do with business. It's a newborn. Someone.

“And that individual deserves the best,” he leaned closer to say. "On your own, you cannot provide that."

Sophia became agitated, her pride showing. "Without your assistance, I can raise my child just fine."

Alexander's eyes became stern. "There's no argument about this. I will participate if you decide to retain the child. Immediately.

Her words stuck in her throat as she opened her lips to protest. She was hit like a tidal wave by the truth of her predicament, which included financial devastation and uncertainty.

Alexander buzzed his phone on the desk before she could reply. Ignoring everything, he focused only on her.

He softened his voice a little and stated, "You can hate me all you want." But I also own this kid. And I will not desert them.

Sophia gazed at him, her feelings a jumbled mix of uncertainty, rage, and terror. Instead of making decisions about her future, she had come here to deliver news. But there wasn't much space for question given Alexander's commitment.

There was a long pause between them before Alexander eventually spoke. Later, we'll discuss this in greater detail. You will temporarily reside in my penthouse.

Sophia's eyes became bigger. “What?”

He said, "It's non-negotiable," in a tone that left no space for debate.

With a start, Sophia got up, her chair scuffing the floor. "You can't simply control my life in this way."

And Alexander was standing, taller than her. “Observe me.”

Her fists were locked at her sides as she scowled at him. "Alexander, this

isn't finished."

A small grin that bordered on predatoriness curled his lips. No, Sophia. It’s just the beginning.