"The First Night"

Scene: Sophia’s Room, Midnight

Sophia sits by the large window of the lavish bedroom, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and frustration. The moonlight casts a soft glow over her tear-streaked face as the events of the day replay in her mind. She feels trapped, betrayed by circumstances she couldn’t control.

A knock on the door startles her.

Sophia: "Who is it?"

Her voice is sharp, edged with defiance.

The door opens without her permission. Alex strides in, his tailored suit as intimidating as his presence. His eyes rake over her, noting her disheveled hair and the way she clutches her knees to her chest.

Alex: "You should get some rest. Tomorrow, your new life begins."

He smirks, his tone casual, as if they were discussing the weather.

Sophia: "This isn’t a life—it’s a prison."

Her voice is steady, but the anger simmering beneath it is palpable.

Alex steps closer, his hands in his pockets.

Alex: "A gilded prison, perhaps. But it’s more than most people dream of."

Sophia glares at him.

Sophia: "I don’t care about your wealth or power. You can’t buy me."

Alex chuckles, a low, dangerous sound.

Alex: "Sweetheart, I already have. You just don’t realize it yet."

Sophia stands, crossing her arms.

Sophia: "Why me? Out of all the people you could’ve ruined, why did you pick me?"

For a moment, something flickers in Alex’s eyes—something she can’t quite place. But it’s gone as quickly as it appeared.

Alex: "Because your brother made a mistake. And you’re the perfect collateral."

Sophia’s chest tightens with anger.

Sophia: "You’re a monster."

Alex tilts his head, his smirk fading. He steps closer, invading her space until she’s forced to step back. Her heart pounds as she meets his piercing gaze.

Alex: "And you’d do well to remember that, Sophia. Monsters don’t show mercy."

He turns abruptly and walks out, leaving her trembling—not just with fear, but with the frustration of feeling so powerless.

Scene: Alex’s Study, Late Night

Alex pours himself a glass of whiskey, his mind replaying the confrontation. Her fiery spirit intrigues him, though he’d never admit it aloud. Women usually bowed to his will without question, but Sophia? She was different.

Alex’s Consigliere, Marco: "You look troubled, boss."

Marco, his closest confidant, steps into the room.

Alex: "She’s...a challenge."

He swirls the whiskey in his glass, frowning.

Marco: "You sure this is worth it? Forcing her into this? She’s not like the others."

Alex narrows his eyes.

Alex: "I don’t care. She’ll learn to accept it. They always do."

Marco shrugs, though his expression shows doubt.

Marco: "Just don’t underestimate her. That one’s got fire."

Alex smirks, though his gaze hardens.

Alex: "And fire can be controlled."

Scene: Sophia’s Room, Early Morning

Sophia barely sleeps. The first rays of sunlight stream through the large windows, but instead of bringing her peace, they only remind her of her confinement. She stands and paces, searching for a way out.

Her eyes land on the balcony. Heart pounding, she steps outside, the cool morning air brushing against her skin. The estate is surrounded by high walls and armed guards, but she spots a tree that looks close enough to climb.

Sophia (to herself): "If I can just reach that tree..."

She doesn’t think twice. Barefoot and still in her nightgown, she climbs over the railing. Just as she’s about to jump, a strong hand grabs her arm, yanking her back.

Alex: "Going somewhere, darling?"

His voice is cold, but there’s an edge of anger beneath it.

Sophia struggles against his grip.

Sophia: "Let me go!"

Alex pulls her close, his expression thunderous.

Alex: "You don’t get to leave. Not now, not ever."

Sophia: "You can’t keep me here forever!"

Alex: "Watch me."

She glares at him, her chest heaving.

Sophia: "You’re a coward. Hiding behind your power because you can’t handle someone saying no to you."

For a moment, Alex is silent. Then he leans in, his voice a dangerous whisper.

Alex: "Careful, Sophia. You don’t want to see what happens when I lose control."

But instead of fear, Alex sees something else in her eyes—determination. It unsettles him more than he’d like to admit.

Scene: Sophia’s Room, Later

Alex locks the balcony door himself, leaving her fuming.

Sophia (to herself): "I won’t let him break me. No matter what, I’ll find a way out."

As she plots her next move, Alex watches her from a hidden security feed. He doesn’t know why, but he can’t look away.

Alex (to himself): "What is it about you, Sophia Bennett?"

For the first time, the ruthless mafia king feels something unfamiliar—uncertainty.