Chapter 5 Hidden secrets

Chapter 5:

Hidden Secrets

Theme: Curiosity and Consequences

Come closer to Adrian and staring toward the distant corner of the room, Sophie's voice faltered. "What brings her here? And... with him? Her uncertainty and panic were evident, even though her words were hardly audible.

Adrian's face hardened as he followed her gaze. Victoria never appears in a place without a purpose. Regarding the man... His sharp gaze returned to Sophie as he paused. "You must know him."

Sophie swallowed, her throat constricted as long-buried memories came flooding back. With a clipped tone, she muttered, "I don't want to talk about it."

Adrian's forehead wrinkled. "Sophie, if this man is associated with-"

Her voice was harsher now as she interrupted him, saying, "I said I don't want to talk about it."

Adrian didn't press, but his lips became thinner. He sipped his drink slowly while keeping his eyes fixed on hers. "All right. But keep your attention on what matters. Don't let anyone, including Victoria, divert your attention.

Sophie's gut roiled as she gave a rigid nod. Her thoughts were racing, but she made herself turn her gaze away from the pair in the corner. Why was her father in this place? Why was he conversing with Victoria?

By the time Sophie managed to get away from the throng, her hands were trembling. Almost automatically, her feet led her to her father's now-alone position. He appeared as arrogant as she recalled, even though she hadn't spoken to him in years.

"Why are you in this place?" She took hold of his arm and dragged him into a more peaceful nook while making her demand in a loud whisper.

Her father grinned and fiddled with his suit as though he had endless time. Is that how you welcome your elderly man? I assumed you would be pleased to see me.

With her heart racing, Sophie snarled, "Answer the question." "Why were you speaking to Victoria Kingsley, and what are you doing here?"

He grinned more broadly. "Victoria? Lovely gal. She brought up your ... predicament. You've done well for yourself, it seems. Have you married into wealth?

Sophie felt a knot in her stomach. "That isn't your concern."

"Oh, but it is," he remarked, his voice brimming with satirical worry. Is your spouse aware of what you're concealing? Or ought I to tell him?

Her blood froze. "You wouldn't."

There was a dark glimmer in his eyes. "Give me a try."

Sophie's mind was racing as she clinched her fists. She had to keep him from ruining everything. She said, her voice shaking with barely controlled rage, "Stay out of my life." "Don't tell anyone what you believe you know."

He gave a gloomy laugh. "Sophie, I'm simply here to catch up. You don't have to be so defensive. However, you know where to find me if you want to talk.

He turned and left Sophie standing there, her chest heaving with dread and rage, without saying another word.

With her head still spinning, Sophie rushed away from the altercation, her shoes clicking against the marble floor. Adrian didn't catch her eye until he crossed her path, and his piercing stare fixed her.

"Who was that man?" Adrian inquired in a cool voice with a hint of steel in it.

Sophie paused, checking behind her to make sure her father was not there. "No one significant," she blurted, sweeping Adrian aside.

She was stopped in her tracks as Adrian grabbed her arm. "Sophie, don't tell me lies. You appeared shaken. Who is he?

She avoided looking at him and remarked, "It's personal."

Adrian tightened his hold on her arm just enough to make his point without causing any pain. "No longer. I need to know if he poses a threat to you or us.

As Adrian's words took hold, Sophie's chest constricted. She didn't want him to be involved. Didn't want her troubled past to be revealed. He wasn't going to let this go, though, based on the passion in his gaze.

Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she begged, "Please, Adrian." "Give it up. I'll take care of it.

Adrian's face grew serious. "That is not for you to decide. Not when it might impact us both.

Sophie's rage flared as she yanked her arm free. "You are unrelated to this! Simply keep out of it.

Adrian's eyes narrowed as he studied her, but his jaw tightened and he took a step back. "You're concealing something," he stated in a menacingly low voice. "And I'll find out myself if you won't tell me."

Sophie stood there, her feelings whirling in a tempest of dread, rage, and remorse, her heart sinking as he turned and left.

Sophie's thoughts were racing as she sat by herself in the penthouse later that evening. Adrian's demands for explanations, Victoria's enigmatic presence, and the showdown with her father were all too much. She had the impression that she was perched on a precipice and that one mistake would send her tumbling into anarchy.

She snapped out of her reverie when her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Anticipating another message from Adrian or even her father, she snatched it up. However, an unidentified number was shown on the screen.

She opened it with a feeling of dread.

"Secrets tend to come to light." Watch who you put your trust in

Sophie's hands were shaking as she peered at the words, her blood running cold. Who was the sender? And how were her secrets known to them?

A shadow passed outside the window as she struggled to comprehend the warning. Her breath caught in her throat as she turned abruptly. However, upon closer inspection, she saw nothing but the glass's reflection of her terrified visage.

The message on her phone, which buzzed once more, was even more eerie.

Sophie, you're not safe. Not with him.

Sophie's mind was racing as she gazed at the television, her heart thumping. What were they trying to say? Was Adrian the only person who could keep her safe, or was he the threat?

The silence was stifling, and the room felt colder now. One thing was clear as she sat there, holding her phone tightly.

The darkness was encroaching on her, and she was unsure of whom to believe.