Chapter 11

Sophia's pupils contracted sharply, her fingernails digging deep into her palms.

"What do you mean?" Her voice trembled.

Ethan Roscente leisurely adjusted his cuffs, a mocking curve playing at the corner of his lips.

"From start to finish, did I ever say I agreed to your terms?"

He suddenly leaned in, his cold fingers gripping her chin. "Miss Lowell, there's a limit to wishful thinking."

A chill ran down Sophia's spine.

He was right. Yesterday, he hadn't explicitly agreed. Blinded by anger, she had mistaken his silence for consent.

In this game, she would always be the loser.

Her legs weakened, and she staggered, catching herself on the coffee table behind her.

"Ethan..." Her voice was hoarse. "I surrender. I can't play this game anymore."

A shadow flickered in the man's eyes.

"Scared now?" He sneered. "Too bad. I make the rules."

He yanked her into his arms, his scorching breath grazing her ear.

"If you dare provoke me, you'll pay the price." Each word was like a poisoned blade. "You won't escape until I say it's over."

Sophia trembled violently, her nails scraping against the table with a shrill sound.

He was punishing her, after all...

This man's heart was even crueler than she'd imagined.

Ethan watched her pale face with satisfaction, lowering his head to claim her lips. Suddenly, a sharp ringtone shattered the moment.

The caller ID flashed: "Isabella."

Frowning, he released Sophia and strode to the window to answer. Within seconds, his expression darkened.

"I'll be right there."

Hanging up, he grabbed his coat and cast an icy glance at Sophia, who sat slumped on the floor.

"Move back to Riverside Heights by tomorrow." His voice was commanding. "Or I'll personally escort you there."

The door slammed shut behind him.

Sophia stared blankly at the name on his phone, her heart tearing in two.

So he could say someone else's name with such tenderness... So he could rush to someone else's side...

Unlike with her—where there was only cold orders and humiliation.

Tears blurred her vision, and a sharp pain suddenly shot through her abdomen. She curled into herself, her back drenched in cold sweat.

"Baby..." She pressed a trembling hand to her stomach. "I'm sorry..."

The doctor's warning echoed in her ears: Extreme emotional distress can harm the fetus...

She tried to steady her breathing, but the tears wouldn't stop.