Bound by contract

The room was suffocating, the air thick with tension. Sophie stood frozen as Aiden moved toward her, his piercing gaze locked onto hers. She took a step back, her heart racing, but he closed the distance in seconds.

"Sophie," Aiden said, his voice low, almost predatory. "You're mine now. Don't forget that."

Her breath hitched as he grabbed her waist, pulling her close. Panic surged through her veins. "Let me go!" she cried, struggling against his grip.

He ignored her protests, his face mere inches from hers. "You're not going anywhere," he said, his tone firm. His eyes flickered with something dark, something dangerous, as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers.

"No!" Sophie turned her head away, her voice trembling. "Please, don't do this."

Aiden froze for a moment, his grip tightening. The silence between them was deafening, broken only by the sound of her ragged breathing. Finally, he released her with a frustrated growl, shoving her onto the bed.

"You're lucky I'm letting you go," he said, his voice cold. "But don't think for a second that you can defy me."

Sophie scrambled to the corner of the bed, her body trembling. She didn't dare speak, afraid of provoking him further. Aiden stared at her for a moment longer before turning on his heel and leaving the room, slamming the door behind him.

She sat there for what felt like hours, tears streaming down her face. The boy she had once loved was gone, replaced by this cold, ruthless man.

The next morning, Sophie gathered her courage and approached Aiden in his study. He sat behind a massive desk, his expression unreadable as she entered.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering to look up.

"I… I want to work," she said, her voice shaking.

Aiden finally looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Work?"

"Yes," she said, swallowing hard. "If I work, I can pay off the debt. Please, let me do this."

He leaned back in his chair, studying her with an intensity that made her skin crawl. "And what makes you think I'll let you go out there? You could run away."

"I won't," Sophie said quickly. "I promise. Just… give me a chance."

Aiden smirked, though there was no humor in it. "Fine," he said after a long pause. "But remember, Sophie, if you even think about running, I'll find you. And the consequences won't be pretty."

"I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Good," he said, waving her off. "Now get out."

Later that day, Sophie found herself standing outside the headquarters of the "Company of Music." She had applied for a manager position months ago, never imagining she'd actually get it. The building loomed over her, its sleek, modern design a stark contrast to the chaos her life had become.

As she entered, the receptionist greeted her with a warm smile. "Miss Davis, congratulations on your new position. The band is waiting for you in the conference room."

"The band?" Sophie echoed, her stomach sinking.

"Yes," the receptionist said. "You're the new manager for 'The Triffles.'"

Sophie's heart stopped. "The Triffles?" she repeated, her voice barely audible.

The receptionist nodded. "Yes, the top band in the country. They're very excited to meet you."

Sophie forced a smile, though her mind was racing. She couldn't believe it. Of all the bands she could have been assigned to, it had to be Aiden's.

She made her way to the conference room, her legs feeling like lead. When she opened the door, her worst fears were confirmed. There they were—the five members of The Triffles, seated around the table.

Aiden sat at the head, his expression cold and indifferent. The others looked up as she entered, their faces lighting up with curiosity and excitement.

"Welcome!" said Noah Harris, the band's lead singer, standing to shake her hand. "We've heard so much about you."

"Uh, thank you," Sophie said, forcing a smile.

Oscar Parker, the electric guitarist, grinned. "Finally, someone who can keep Aiden in line."

The others laughed, but Sophie could barely hear them over the pounding of her heart. Aiden remained silent, his gaze fixed on her as she took a seat.

Riley Woods entered the room moments later, carrying a stack of papers. "Miss Davis, these are the contracts you'll need to sign to finalize your position."

Sophie hesitated, her eyes darting to Aiden. He didn't say a word, his expression unreadable.

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" Riley asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No," Sophie said quickly. She picked up the pen, her hand trembling as she signed her name.

"Welcome to the team," Riley said with a nod, collecting the papers.

The other band members cheered, clapping and welcoming her warmly. Sophie forced herself to smile, though her mind was spinning.

As the meeting ended, Logan Reid, the band's guitarist, approached her. "You'll do great," he said, his tone reassuring.

"Thanks," Sophie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

She turned to leave, but Aiden's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Sophie."

She turned slowly, meeting his cold gaze.

"Don't forget," he said, his tone laced with warning. "You're here to work off your father's debt. Nothing more."

Sophie nodded, her heart sinking. She had hoped for some glimmer of the boy she had once loved, but it was clear he was long gone.

As Sophie left the building, she couldn't shake the weight of what lay ahead. Working with Aiden every day was going to be a nightmare, but she had no choice. She had to endure it—for her family, for herself.

Her new life had begun, and there was no turning back.

.....