Chapter 4 Fears

Naven walked with measured calm toward the VIP lounge of the racetrack, where a polished leather chair waited beside an elegantly styled landline. He lowered himself into the tall black seat and punched in a number with effortless precision, not bothering to glance down.

"Fort," he said quietly when the call connected on the third ring.

"Well, well... Naven Fort. "What a pleasant surprise. I was starting to believe you had forgotten my existence," Harry Meyer's rough voice answered with drunken amusement. His tone made it obvious he had been drinking again, as he so often was.

"I am not calling to entertain you, Harry. I am finalizing something. A matter that might catch your attention."

A short silence followed.

"Let me guess. You have found another opportunity. Another failing empire for you to claim?" Harry asked with a sharp laugh. His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Although, knowing you, it is never that simple. You are Naven Fort."

"I wouldn't call myself a miracle worker, but I'm definitely not in the mood to debate fate tonight. This is about marriage," said Naven, his tone brisk and unwavering. "A few weeks back, I heard whispers that your associates in Berlin want you to project a picture-perfect life. They want stability-a family man image-so you can close that deal with the Swiss banks. Am I wrong?"

"Those bastards want nothing more than for me to look respectable. Having a decorative wife scores easy points. She should be quiet, pretty, and know her place. I've already lined one up."

Naven responded, almost as if he were talking about high-end cars. "Actually, I have someone better. Lorena Viera. She's young, sophisticated, well-educated. Her family's got strong ties in Latin America, which could be useful for your future ventures."

"Viera... the name rang a bell. Weren't they related to the Knights of Castilla? I've already been offered someone from the De La Cruz family, but they're not exactly wealthy, while the Vieras could open a lot more doors."

"You're right. But Lorena isn't helpless-she has a mind of her own, though she's obedient."

"Obedient, you say?"

"Yes." Naven's voice was ice cold. "But she's easy to shape. A man like you will know exactly how to handle a woman with nowhere else to go."

On the other end, Harry let out a laugh that was rough, almost like tearing fabric.

"You're a son of a bitch, Fort."

Naven kept his composure. "Takes one to know one."

"So, what are you getting from all this?"

"Let's just say you owe me a favor now. And I make it a point not to forget when someone's in my debt. But I'm after something else, too."

"Name it."

"Keep your distance from Catalina De La Cruz. Don't approach her. Don't talk to her. Don't even let her cross your mind."

A long silence followed. Harry was no fool-he knew Naven never made demands without a purpose.

A trace of dark amusement crept into Harry's reply. "Well, well... What's so fascinating about Miss Cruz?"

"Nothing in particular. But someone close to her is under my protection. That's all you need to know."

"I get it... Trading one woman for another, just like in the old days. The eternal game of leverage and alliances. I have to admit, I like how you play, Fort. The deal is on."

"Perfect. My lawyers will have the paperwork ready by tomorrow. Agree to the terms, show up for the ceremony, and act with class in public."

"And behind closed doors, I can do as I wish, right?"

"I'm not your conscience, Meyer. Just know this-if you mess this up, the losses will go far beyond money."

"You have my promise."

"Your promise doesn't matter to me," Naven replied, and he ended the call without so much as a farewell.

A heavy hush settled over the room, but this silence felt different-charged and tense, as if even the air was aware of what had just unfolded. Somewhere between those words, a life had been traded for another. One woman handed over for the sake of convenience, another cast aside for reasons no one dared name.

He stood and wandered to the window, staring out at Madrid as it shimmered beneath the night. From the Hippodrome's vantage point, the city glowed with restless energy, empty words, and hidden motives. Amid all that chaos, he had just rewritten the futures of two women.

Meanwhile, Sofia was shielded by someone who played by his own rules-a man whose gaze was starting to change when it landed on her.

Still, in Naven's cool, steel-gray eyes, there was no sign of regret. Only a calm, unwavering resolve.

On the chessboard of Sofia's life, a pivotal piece had moved. No one could say for sure whether she was the queen, but Naven had already made one thing certain: no other king would lay a hand on her.

Sofia wandered the halls of the hotel, each step feeling weightless and unreal. Her body moved through the world, but her thoughts stayed anchored in that suite-with Naven, with the binding contract that was beginning to write itself beneath her skin.

Just hours before, she'd been sitting in a classroom, finishing an exam. Now she stood between two lives-one as a university student chasing normal dreams, the other as a bargaining chip in the highest circles of power.

She paused outside Catalina's suite, nerves prickling under her skin. For a moment, Sofia pressed her palm to the wood, steadying herself. Catalina couldn't find out-at least, not yet.

The door swung open at the first knock. Catalina appeared in a robe the color of spring violets, her face brightening the second she caught sight of Sofia.

"Sofi!" Catalina called out, arms open for an embrace. "You're still here!"

Sofia mustered her best smile.

"I wouldn't dream of leaving so soon." The words tasted hollow. She needed just a little more time to process everything.

Catalina didn't push for more. She caught a glimpse of something dark in Sofia's usually lively eyes, and simply slipped her hand into her friend's, leading her toward the sofa by the window.

"Can I get you anything? Maybe tea, or water? They brought up a plate of fresh raspberries." Her voice was gentle, almost hesitant.

Sofia shook her head. "I just want to sit with you for a while," she murmured, eyes fixed on her hands.

A quiet settled between them, heavy but not uncomfortable. Catalina, still unsure what had shaken her friend, pressed closer and laced their fingers together, as if anchoring Sofia to the moment.

"Sofi... are you really alright?"

Sofia nodded silently, her gaze distant, as though waiting for something she couldn't name.

The clock read five twenty-seven. Evening crept in, painting the sky outside with gentle amber streaks. That was when the phone on the bedside table rang, sharp and unexpected. Catalina straightened, puzzled by the interruption-she hadn't arranged to hear from anyone.

"Hello?"

Sofia glanced over, watching as Catalina listened closely.

"Excuse me? What do you mean, it's off?"

A long pause followed, the silence filling the room until Sofia's heart started to race.

"I see. Thank you," Catalina responded quietly, and ended the call.

She sank back onto the sofa, frowning, lost in thought. Her eyes met Sofia's, searching for answers.

"That was someone from Harry Meyer's circle," she said at last, disbelief threading through her words. "They said there won't be an engagement anymore. No wedding. It felt so final, as if the decision had been made somewhere far beyond my reach."

Sofia's breath caught. She knew this was coming. Secrets pressed at her chest-she couldn't carry them any longer.

"Cata..." Sofia whispered, gathering Catalina's hands in hers. "There's something I need to tell you."

Catalina's eyes locked onto her face, waiting.

"What happened?"

"I went to see him," Sofia admitted, gaze dropping. "I spoke with Naven Fort."

Surprise flashed across Catalina's face, her eyes going wide.

"Why would you do that?"

"Because I couldn't stand by and watch them back you into something you never wanted. You've always stood up for me. You're more than a friend-you're family. And sometimes, life forces us to make choices that hurt."

Catalina shook her head slowly, struggling to make sense of it all.

"What did you tell him?"

"I asked for his help. I begged him to shield you from that engagement. And he agreed."

A wave of dread washed over Catalina. She knew men like Naven Fort never offered favors out of goodwill. "What did he want in return?"

Fighting to keep her composure, Sofia inhaled shakily.

"I promised to marry him."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Catalina's gaze stayed locked on Sofia, lips parted, her breath caught somewhere between disbelief and heartbreak.

"No. Please, no. Don't tell me you really did this. You traded yourself for me?"

Sofia lowered her head and nodded, silent tears threatening to fall.

"I couldn't let them throw you to Harry. He's dangerous, Cata. You wouldn't have lasted a month."

Catalina's hand flew to her mouth, eyes filling with tears that shimmered in the dim light.

"But, Sofi, you shouldn't have to suffer for me either!"

Sofia stopped her with a gentle look. "Don't. What's done is done. I'd make the same choice again, no regrets."

Catalina rose, pacing back and forth, wracked with worry.

"This is insanity. You know what they say about Naven Fort-he isn't like other men. He's ruthless, impossible to predict. Women chase after him, but none ever stay. He doesn't know how to love, Sofi. He won't treat you like a real wife!"

A calm steadiness settled over Sofia. "I'm aware of who he is. But I can handle it. I've always been the strong one. At least you're safe-that's enough for me."

Catalina dropped to her knees before her, clutching Sofia's hands as if she could somehow pull her back from this fate.

"I don't even know how to thank you for this... Or how I can let it happen."

Sofia brushed a tear from Catalina's cheek, her touch gentle. "There's nothing you owe me, not ever. Just promise me you'll find happiness. Live your life and don't let this become your burden."

Tears spilled freely down Catalina's cheeks as she wrapped Sofia in a fierce embrace. Sofia held her close, just as she had countless times before-through late-night study sessions, heartbreaks, and the quiet victories that only true friends share.

They clung to each other in wordless understanding.

Outside, the city thrummed with distant life. In the towers where the powerful pulled invisible strings, one name kept circling through Naven's thoughts-Morgan. He hadn't counted on that surname. He hadn't expected a woman like her. Yet now, despite every effort, he couldn't bring himself to let her go.

Later that night, they slipped quietly from the hotel. Sofia knew she'd have to see Naven again soon-perhaps he'd send for her, or maybe she'd walk through those doors on her own. For now, she needed distance from that place and the decisions she could never take back.

Her own apartment felt like a sanctuary, always warm and scented faintly of lavender. Catalina knew every corner, every secret of the small space. Years of friendship had unfolded within these walls-nights spent sharing stories, laughter, and tears.

Catalina drifted off on the living room couch, bundled in a thin blanket. She'd insisted on staying, and Sofia was too tired to object. Truthfully, she was grateful for the company, even if her mind spun with worry she couldn't quite silence.

The kitchen clock ticked past two in the morning.

Sofia perched on the edge of her bed, knees tucked beneath her, swaddled in a thick wool sweater that barely eased the chill creeping through her.

Sleep refused to come.

Her mind spun with worries she could not silence.

She had turned off her phone-not because the battery had died, but out of dread. She feared her parents would call. Her mother, always uncannily perceptive, would surely hear the tremor in her voice. Her father, the formidable Alessandro Morgan, would press for answers with that unyielding authority that made executives and rivals alike fall silent. If he did, if he asked her directly, she doubted she'd be able to hide the truth.

How could she tell them? How could she ever explain that she'd promised herself to a man she hardly knew, all to spare a friend from misery? And how could she admit that this man was Naven Fort-the most formidable, cold-hearted power broker in all of Spain?

Everyone in Madrid whispered about him. Now she was tangled in those rumors.

A man who could move mountains with a single call, who struck deals without blinking, who would destroy reputations or entire fortunes just to tip the scales in his favor. Naven Fort was a king without need for a crown; respect and fear already paved his way.

Now, Sofia found herself swept up in his intricate game.

She pressed her hands to her face, trying to steady her breath.

Her heart thundered in her chest, the pressure almost unbearable. Just thinking of his name-Fort-brought a tangle of awe, anxiety, and something else she couldn't quite name. It wasn't simply the power he held. It was the way he watched her, that frost in his eyes, the measured words that made her feel as if she were only a piece in some elaborate strategy.

New doubts crept in. Did Naven already know her family's reputation? Did the Morgan family and the Fort family share any history? Sofia longed for answers she could pull from a forgotten letter or a digital file-anything but a face-to-face confrontation. She was not naive about the weight her last name carried.

Soon, the world would hear about her engagement. She could already imagine her father's fury, her brothers' barrage of questions.

Drawing her arms around herself, she tried to keep the chill at bay, though it was uncertainty that truly made her shiver.

What if she wished she could undo it all? What if turning back was no longer possible?

Her eyes drifted toward the sofa, where Catalina lay sleeping, finally free from the burden that had haunted her for so long. That fragile peace was what kept Sofia's own tears in check.

She rose from the bed and padded quietly to the kitchen, pouring a glass of water with unsteady hands. The glass rattled as she set it down, echoing softly in the stillness.

"You're alright, Sofia," she whispered, hoping the words might steady her nerves.

But she knew it was a lie.

Each time she closed her eyes, she saw him-Naven, in a sharply cut suit, his face impossible to read, his voice resonant with quiet authority that brooked no argument.

What did he really want from her? Was she just a convenient pawn, a beautiful ornament to display? Did he draw boundaries, or was she expected to pay whatever price he set?

She pressed her forehead against the refrigerator door, drawing strength from the cool metal. Her gaze drifted to the photos of Alexander, Alessio, and Abigail, their bright smiles a fragile anchor.

Fear weighed heavy on her shoulders. Still, something inside her-small, stubborn, and unyielding-refused to collapse. She was a Morgan. Her father's words echoed in her mind: "Sofia, always remember your name. When the world presses in, it's not your promises but your resolve that will set you apart."

That was what she clung to now.

She made her way back to the bedroom, dropped to the floor, and hugged a pillow close. At last, she let herself cry in the dark. These tears were not for regret, but for pure exhaustion, tangled thoughts, and the rawness of being human.

By four o'clock, she lifted her head and looked toward the window. Night had begun to fade. A pale light was stealing into the sky.

Morning was on its way.