Tension over heads

The morning sun streamed through the blinds as Sophie sat at her desk in the office, sorting through files and band schedules. She was trying her best to keep her mind occupied, but the chaos of her life weighed heavily on her.

As she worked, the door creaked open, and Oscar Parker stepped inside. His relaxed smile and easygoing demeanor were a welcome distraction.

"Hey, Sophie," Oscar greeted, leaning casually against her desk. "How's it going?"

Sophie looked up and forced a smile. "Busy, as always. What brings you here?"

"Just thought I'd check in. You've been looking… I don't know, a little off lately,"Oscar said, his voice tinged with concern.

Sophie hesitated. "I'm fine. Just trying to get used to everything here."

"Well, if you ever need to talk, I'm around," Oscar offered, his tone sincere.

"Thanks, Oscar. I appreciate it," Sophie replied, feeling a flicker of warmth in her otherwise stormy life.

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Sophie's heart skipped a beat, half expecting Aiden, but it was only a staff member delivering paperwork. She exhaled in relief, though the thought of Aiden lingered.

---

In his private office, Aiden sat at his desk, his face a mask of frustration. Riley Woods stood before him, holding a file.

"Still nothing?" Aiden asked sharply.

"No, sir," Riley replied. "We've followed every lead, but the girl who sent the confession letter remains elusive."

Aiden clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing. "Keep looking. I don't care how long it takes. I need to find her."

"Yes, sir," Riley said, leaving the room.

Alone, Aiden leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. The memory of the mysterious confession haunted him, though he couldn't explain why it mattered so much.

---

Later that afternoon, Sophie decided to visit the mall, hoping a change of scenery might help clear her mind. Meanwhile, trouble was brewing in another part of the shopping center.

In a high-end jewelry store, Isla Davis and her daughter Indira were causing a scene.

"I want that necklace," Isla demanded, pointing to an extravagant diamond piece.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but it's already reserved," the salesperson explained.

"That's unacceptable!" Indira snapped.

Before the argument could escalate, Rebu Wilson and Chole Wilson entered the store, their presence commanding immediate attention.

"Is there a problem here?" Rebu asked coolly.

"This store refuses to sell us what we want," Isla said, her tone indignant.

"That's because it belongs to me," Rebu replied, her expression calm but firm.

Isla and Indira exchanged furious glances before storming out of the store, muttering under their breaths.

Outside, they encountered Lucas Davis. He looked disheveled and desperate, his eyes darting nervously.

"Mom, Indira, please," Lucas pleaded. "I need help. I owe money, and they're after me."

"Not our problem," Indira said coldly.

"Figure it out yourself," Isla added, walking away.

Moments later, a group of gangsters appeared, cornering Lucas in an alley. He tried to run, but they caught up to him, their fists flying.

Sophie, who had been nearby, heard the commotion. Her heart sank as she saw her brother being beaten. Without thinking, she rushed into the alley.

"Stop!" Sophie shouted, throwing herself between Lucas and the attackers.

One of the gangsters sneered. "This isn't your business, lady."

"It is now," Sophie said, her voice trembling but resolute. "How much does he owe?"

The leader of the group crossed his arms. "Ten thousand. You got that kind of cash?"

Sophie swallowed hard. "I don't, but I'll pay it. Just give me some time."

The men exchanged glances before backing off. "You've got one week," the leader warned.

As the gangsters left, Sophie turned to Lucas, who was slumped against the wall, blood trickling from his nose.

"Are you okay?" she asked, helping him to his feet.

Lucas nodded weakly. "Thanks, Sophie. I don't deserve your help after everything I've done."

"You're still my brother," Sophie said, her voice soft but firm. "But you need to get your life together, Lucas. This can't keep happening."

Lucas nodded, guilt evident in his eyes.

---

That evening, Sophie returned to her apartment, emotionally drained. She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts of her family, Aiden, and the mounting challenges in her life.

Why had everything become so complicated? And why had Aiden changed so much in the years since she'd first fallen for him?

As these questions swirled in her mind, a knock at the door startled her. Her heart sank when she opened it to find Aiden standing there, his expression unreadable.

"What do you want?" Sophie asked, her voice shaky.

Aiden stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, his presence filling the room. Sophie backed away, her nerves on edge.

"Sophie," Aiden said, his voice low and dangerous. "You're hiding something from me. And I don't like secrets."

Sophie's eyes widened, but she didn't respond.

Aiden's gaze bore into hers, but before he could say more, he turned abruptly and left the room, leaving Sophie to wonder what he truly wanted from her.

.....