A Promise to Keep

"Brother Alexander, my driver will also come shortly, so please don't mind me," Emily said, her voice laced with a subtle edge of defiance, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. She bid Sophie goodbye, her smile sweet and innocent, but her eyes sparkling with a secret knowledge.

Sophie watched as Emily disappeared into the night, feeling a pang of gratitude towards her friend. She turned back to Alexander, her heart racing with anticipation.

"Thanks for the ride, Alexander," Sophie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander's eyes flicked to hers, his gaze piercing and intense.

The silence between them was palpable as they glided through the streets. Alexander attempted to break the silence, his voice low and smooth.

"Did you enjoy today's food at the restaurant?"

Sophie's response was curt, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside. "Yes. And what about you? Did you enjoy your company there?"

Alexander's gaze flickered, his eyes narrowing slightly at the subtle jab. "It was a business-related meeting," he replied, his tone measured.

Sophie chose not to pursue the conversation further, her mind drifting back to the painful incident two years prior. The memory still lingered, a constant reminder of the heartache and betrayal she had endured. As the car continued on its route, the silence between them grew more oppressive, the weight of their unresolved emotions hanging heavy in the air.

Alexander glanced in Sophie's direction, his eyes lingering on her profile. He could sense her unhappiness, her discontent palpable. He knew she was in a sad mood after meeting Trisha and the knowledge gnawed at his conscience. The Maybach's luxurious interior seemed to shrink, the silence between them becoming increasingly suffocating.

As they approached to the house,Alexander's thoughts turned to the complex web of emotions that entwined them.But for now, the silence between them remained, a poignant reminder of the distance that still separated them.

The car came to a gentle halt, and Sophie reached for the door handle, her movements swift and decisive. "Thank you for the ride," she said, her voice polite but distant.

Alexander's eyes followed her as she exited the car, her slender figure disappearing into the night.

Sophie's mind, meanwhile, was a jumble of emotions as she reflected on the incident that had taken place two years prior. Trisha had come to greet the Blackwoods family while Sophie had come to spend time with Grandma Blackwoods. Both of them were chatting with enjoyment when Trisha suddenly appeared, to greet Grandma .Sophie had disliked Trisha from the beginning, sensing that she was clingy and manipulative. And as she grew older, Sophie realized that her instincts had been correct.

Trisha's arrival had marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Sophie's life. She had tried to avoid Trisha, but the older girl seemed to be everywhere, always lurking in the shadows, waiting for her chance to strike.

Sophie, after spending some time with Grandma. She asked permission to leave, her eyes shining with a sense of responsibility. "Grandma, may I go now? I need to keep Alexander's room clean."

Grandma's face softened, her eyes filled with affection. "Sophie, you don't have to ask permission from us; you can do whatever you want. You're like a part of our family."

Sophie's face lit up with a smile, her heart full of joy. "Thank you, Grandma. I promise to keep my word. I'll always keep Alexander's room neat and tidy, just like I promised when I was 9 years old."

Grandma's eyes misted with nostalgia. "Ah, yes. You were so determined back then. And you've kept your promise all these years. Alexander may not be here, but he's lucky to have you in his life."

When Sophie was 9 years old, she had said that in Alexander's absence, she would keep his room neat and tidy. Alexander also agreed to her request, thinking that she would forget about it as she grew up. But she still remembered it and kept her promise. She would come and keep his room neat and clean. She liked to do this, seeing her enthusiasm; others also felt like allowing her to do whatever she wanted. All of them knew Alexander was a very important person in her life.

As Sophie turned to leave, Trisha's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Sophie with a calculating intensity ,her eyes narrowed, but she hid it perfectly. "Grandma, I have something to discuss with her," Trisha said, her voice sweet but laced with malice.

Grandma's eyes flickered with concern, but she nodded. "Okay, then go upstairs, but don't do anything that would upset her." She knew Sophie didn't like Trisha, and she didn't want any tension between them.

Trisha's smile was saccharine as she followed Sophie upstairs.She went and caught up with Sophie, who was about to turn the knob of Alexander's room"Don't think by doing this, you can win his heart one day," Trisha sneered, her voice dripping with venom.

Sophie's hand froze on the doorknob, her heart skipping a beat. She turned to face Trisha, her eyes flashing with determination. "What are you talking about, Trisha?" Sophie asked, her voice steady but her heart pounding in her chest.

Trisha's eyes gleamed with malice." Do you think you can fool me? I know you like Alexander; you better stay away from him. If he has to be someone, he will be mine only. Sophie, don't think by doing these, you will be able to achieve your dream. Dream on; I will never let it happen. She continued ,"Don't play dumb, Sophie. I know you've had a crush on Alexander for years. But let me make one thing clear: he's mine. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep him."

Hearing Trisha's words, Sophie became angry. "And I also won't allow a girl like you to get married to this family. I know your real nature." Sophie said angrily.

Sophie's eyes blazed with anger, her heart racing with indignation. "You can't dictate who Alexander chooses to be with, Trisha. And I won't back down just because you're trying to intimidate me."

Trisha's face darkened, her eyes narrowing. "You're just a foolish little girl, Sophie. You think you can compete with me? I have everything: beauty, brains, and wealth. What do you have? Nothing but a silly crush and a futile dream."

Sophie's heart raced with anger, but she refused to let Trisha get under her skin. She stood tall, her eyes locked onto Trisha's. "I may not have what you have, Trisha," Sophie said, her voice firm. "But I have something that you'll never have: Alexander's heart. And no matter what you do, you'll never be able to take that away from me."

Trisha's face twisted with rage, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're just a stupid little girl, Sophie. You'll never have Alexander. He's mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep him."

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken threats and unresolved emotions. Sophie knew that Trisha was trying to provoke her, but she refused to back down. She stood her ground, her eyes locked onto Trisha's, her heart beating with determination. She knew that she had to fight for what she wanted, and she was ready to do just that.