CLASH OF THE CLANS

"I can't believe you're doing this, Lucas," Sophia said, her voice trembling as she stared at the contract in front of her.

"It's just business, Sophia. You know that," Lucas replied, his eyes cold and detached.

"But an arranged marriage? It's archaic," Sophia protested. "It's a smart move. You'll be the perfect trophy wife for a CEO like me," Lucas said, his smile dripping with arrogance. Sophia's eyes flashed with anger. "And what about love? Don't you believe in that?"Lucas snorted. "Love is a myth. This is about power and status." Sophia felt a pang in her heart. She had once believed in love, but Lucas's words cut deep.

Just then, the door burst open and a tall, dark-haired man strode in. "Lucas, you're not going through with this, are you?"

Lucas's eyes narrowed. "Mind your own business, Ethan." Ethan's gaze locked onto Sophia. "You don't have to do this, Sophia. You deserve better." Sophia's heart skipped a beat. Who was this stranger, and why did he care about her?

Sophia's eyes met Ethan's, and she felt a spark of connection. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm someone who knows Lucas's true intentions," Ethan replied, his eyes never leaving hers. "He's using you for his own gain, Sophia. You deserve better." Lucas snorted. "Ethan, you're just jealous. You've always wanted what I have."

Ethan's gaze turned cold. "I may have wanted your success, Lucas, but I would never stoop to your level. You're manipulating Sophia for your own benefit."

Sophia's mind raced. Was Ethan telling the truth? She looked at Lucas, searching for answers, but his expression was unreadable.

"I need time to think," Sophia said finally, her voice firm. "I won't sign anything today."Lucas's eyes narrowed. "Fine. But know this, Sophia: I always get what I want. And I want you."

Ethan stepped forward. "I'll make sure you're safe, Sophia. You don't have to go through with this."

Sophia felt a flutter in her chest. Why did she feel like she could trust Ethan, a stranger, more than Lucas, the man she was supposed to marry?

Sophia's heart raced as she left the office with Ethan. "Who are you?" she asked again, her curiosity getting the better of her. Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm someone who's been watching Lucas for a while. He's not the man you think he is, Sophia." Sophia's mind raced. What did Ethan mean? What secrets was Lucas hiding?

As they walked through the city streets, Ethan told her about Lucas's shady business deals and his reputation for using people for his own gain. Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Ethan's gaze locked onto hers. "Because I want to protect you, Sophia. You deserve better than a man like Lucas."

Sophia felt a flutter in her chest. Why did she feel like she could trust Ethan, a stranger, more than Lucas, the man she was supposed to marry?

As the sun began to set, Ethan walked her to her apartment, his presence making her feel safe and protected. At the door, he turned to her, his eyes burning with intensity. "Don't sign the contract, Sophia. You have a choice. Choose yourself, not Lucas's wealth and status." Sophia's heart skipped a beat. Could she really trust Ethan? And what would happen if she chose to walk away from the contract?

As Sophia pondered her decision, Lucas's words echoed in her mind. "I always get what I want." But why did he want her so badly? What was behind his insistence on a contract marriage?

The next day, Sophia confronted Lucas in his office. "Why do you need a contract marriage?" she demanded. Lucas leaned back in his chair, a calculating glint in his eye. "My investors are getting nervous. They want to see me settled, stable. A marriage to someone like you, Sophia, will reassure them that I'm committed to the company's future."

Sophia's eyes widened. "You're using me as a business pawn?" Lucas shrugged. "Call it what you want. But this marriage will benefit both of us. You'll get financial security, and I'll get the stability I need to take my company to the next level."

Sophia felt a surge of anger. "And what about love? Don't you believe in that?" Lucas snorted. "Love is a weakness. I can't afford to be weak in my position." Sophia realized that Lucas's drive for success had consumed him, leaving no room for emotions or relationships. But she still had a choice to make.

Lucas leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Sophia's. "I'll make it worth your while, Sophia. A million dollars upon signing, and a lifetime of luxury and security. You'll be the mistress of this mansion, with everything at your fingertips."

Sophia's eyes widened as Lucas gestured to the opulent office, the lavish furnishings and artwork a testament to his wealth.

"But that's not all," Lucas continued, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I'll also make sure your art career takes off. I have connections, Sophia. I can get your work exhibited in the most prestigious galleries, make you a star in the art world."

Sophia's heart raced as she considered the offer. A million dollars was a small fortune, and the chance to showcase her art to the world was a tantalizing prospect.

"But what about love?" she asked again, her voice barely above a whisper. Lucas's smile grew wider. "Love is overrated, Sophia. I can offer you something far more tangible: security, status, and a life of luxury. That's what truly matters."

Sophia felt a flutter in her chest as she weighed her options. Could she really sacrifice her dreams of true love for a life of comfort and fame?

Sophia hesitated, her mind racing with the pros and cons. She could feel the weight of Lucas's gaze upon her, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Just think about it, Sophia," Lucas said, his voice low and persuasive. "You'll be set for life. No more struggling to make ends meet, no more worrying about your future. You'll be free to pursue your art, to travel, to live the life you've always wanted." Sophia took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the temptation, the allure of the luxurious life Lucas was offering. "And what about Ethan?" she asked suddenly, her eyes locking onto Lucas's.