The revelation from Kate lingered in Elijah’s mind, a shadow that refused to dissipate. The Norton estate fire had always been a painful scar, but now, the weight of its hidden truth pressed heavier than ever. Kate’s words had stirred up memories he’d long buried, not just of loss but of survival—and the one person who had saved him when he had no hope.“Sophia,” Elijah began softly, watching her as she entered the room where he and Doug were pouring over old records. Her brow furrowed as her eyes landed on the spread of documents. “What’s going on?” Elijah hesitated, carefully choosing his words. “Kate hinted that the fire that destroyed my family wasn’t an accident. She claimed it was planned.”Sophia’s eyes widened, her hand instinctively going to her chest. “What? Why would anyone…?” “I don’t know yet,” Elijah replied, his voice steely. “But if it’s true, someone has to pay for what they did.” Sophia stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “How can I help?” Eli
The moonlight filtered through the curtains of their bedroom, casting a soft glow across the room. Elijah sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers lightly brushing against Sophia’s. She sat beside him, her expression warm yet introspective. “I never imagined things would be like this,” Sophia said softly, her voice filled with vulnerability. “Knowing what happened to you, to your family… it makes me want to fight even harder for us.” Elijah turned to her, his gaze steady. “You’ve given me something I thought I lost a long time ago—hope. Sophia, I never thought I’d feel this connected to anyone.” Her cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled, leaning closer. “You don’t have to carry everything alone anymore. Let me share the weight.” Elijah gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin. “You already do, more than you know.” Their lips met in a slow, passionate kiss that deepened with each passing moment. Elijah’s hands slipped around her waist, pulling her closer as Sophia’
The early morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting soft, golden light on the secluded clearing where Elijah and Sophia had retreated for some quiet time. The air was crisp, and the world seemed to slow as they sat together on a picnic blanket, a rare moment of peace. “I needed this,” Sophia said, leaning into Elijah’s side. Her hand rested on his arm as she traced small patterns with her fingertips. “Sometimes it feels like we’re constantly fighting the world.” Elijah glanced down at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “We are. But moments like this remind me why it’s worth it.” Sophia tilted her head to look at him. “And what’s that?” He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You.” Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she laughed. “You’re far too smooth for your own good, Mr. Norton.” “Only for you, Mrs. Norton,” he teased, his voice low and warm. Their laughter faded into comfortable silence as the wind rustled the leaves around them. So
Elijah sat at his desk in the study, the letter spread out before him. His eyes scanned the elegant handwriting, searching for hidden meaning. Sophia stood beside him, her arms crossed, her brow furrowed in concentration. “What do you think it means?” Sophia asked, her voice low. Elijah tapped the paper lightly. “It’s cryptic, but the phrasing suggests a specific location. ‘Where the truth began.’ It must be tied to the Thompson Accord or the early days of the Nortons’ downfall.” Sophia leaned over the desk, her fingers brushing against Elijah’s. “If it’s tied to the Accord, then it has to be somewhere significant to all the families involved.” Elijah nodded. “Agreed. Doug’s looking into potential locations. This letter—whoever sent it—wants me to find something. The question is, why now?” Sophia straightened, her expression resolute. “Because they know we’re getting close. The more we uncover, the more desperate they’ll become.” Elijah reached for her hand, pulling her ge
The warehouse loomed ahead, its broken windows and rusted exterior whispering tales of a bygone era. Elijah stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. Sophia followed closely, wrapping her coat tightly around herself against the biting wind. “This place…” she whispered, her voice carrying an edge of unease. “It feels like it’s been waiting for us.” Elijah nodded, his expression unreadable. “That’s what worries me.” They pushed open the creaking metal door, the sound echoing ominously in the vast, empty space. The dim light filtering through the cracked ceiling revealed scattered crates, old machinery, and faded paperwork strewn across the floor. “Start looking for anything tied to the Accord,” Elijah instructed. “This place may hold answers, but it could also be a trap. Stay close.” Sophia nodded, her eyes scanning the room as she moved to the nearest table. The surface was covered in ledgers and notes, their ink faded but still leg
Elijah paced the study, his hands clenched tightly around the piece of paper bearing Ethan Donald’s signature. The room felt heavy with the weight of revelations, and his thoughts churned as he considered the implications. When the door opened, and Sophia stepped in, her gaze immediately found the document in his hands. “You found something,” she said softly, closing the door behind her. Elijah nodded, turning to face her fully. “It’s a contract… signed by Ethan.” His voice was steady, but the pain in his eyes was unmistakable. “Your grandfather was part of the alliance that destroyed my family.” Sophia’s breath hitched, her hand covering her mouth as she absorbed his words. “No… Elijah, I… I didn’t know.” He stepped forward, placing the paper gently on the desk. “Sophia, this changes nothing between us. I know you’re
Elijah Norton woke up early in the morning.He felt something soft in his left hand, so he turned his head to the left and discovered a woman with a veil lying beside him.His left hand was gripping her... Elijah subconsciously pinched it.Sophia Donald was startled awake by the pinch, realizing she was completely naked except for the veil on her face."Ah!" Her scream echoed throughout the hotel.Breathless with fear, she clutched the bed sheets tightly to cover her body and slowly moved back to distance herself from Elijah."Who... who are you? What did you do to me?" Sophia asked anxiously."My name is Elijah. It seems we've done everything a young couple can do," Elijah shrugged casually."How could you do this to me? You violated me; you're a criminal!" Sophia was both angry and embarrassed, but more than that, she felt wronged. Tears welled up in her eyes as her voice trembled."That's not true! You were the one who made the first move last night!" Elijah defended himself."No w
"What a small world! This is the fate between us, Sophia" Elijah murmured to himself.He never expected that the woman he had been searching for had just slept right beside him the night before."Sophia, you saved me ten years ago. Now, it's my turn to save you!" Thinking of her difficult situation, Elijah resolved in his heart to make her the happiest woman in the world."Doug, head to the Donald family!""Yes, Dragon Marshal!" ... ... Sophia walked up the steps to the Donald family mansion, her legs feeling like lead.Her heart pounded in her chest, dread settling in her stomach like a stone. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, only to be met with a room full of angry faces.Her fiancé, Alan Shaw, stood at the front, his arms crossed, staring at her, like a predator sizing up its prey.The rest of the family members filled the room, their eyes like daggers, full of judgment and contempt.At the head of the table was Ethan Donald, who's the family patriarch and Sophia's g