Shadows of control { Under Editing }

3.Drunk

AUTHOR'S POV:

Nearly a month had passed since the incident. Sophia had shed her soft heart, embracing the change. She didn't want to turn into this fierce person, but here she was, determined to prove her boss wrong.

The office was abuzz when she walked in. Eyes glued to her, whispers filling the air. She ignored it all, striding toward her cabin. Something in the air-an unfamiliar scent-pulled her in.

She pushed the door open. Ansh. Sitting at her desk, his back to her. He didn't need to turn around to know she was there.

"Yes, ma'am. Come in,"
his voice was cold, smooth, like he had all the time in the world.

Sophia inhaled sharply. Mask in place, she crossed to her chair.
"Good morning, Boss."

His eyes flickered with amusement, studying her carefully.
"Sit,"
he said, his tone almost... playful.

He'd never said her name before. Hearing it from him now... it was like music. Unsettling.

She hesitated. He noticed.

"It's your cabin. You wouldn't want to stand all day,"
he smirked, his voice soft yet commanding.

Sophia's voice barely trembled.
"Is there any work for me, Boss?"

Ansh leaned back, a mischievous grin creeping up. "We're attending a party tonight. You'll come with me."

Her stomach dropped. The thought of being anywhere near him after their last encounter made her nervous.

Before she could respond, he stood, his gaze turning cold.
"Problem?"
he asked, the challenge in his tone unmistakable.

She quickly shook her head. "No."

"Good,"
he said, turning on his heel.
"Antonio will pick you up at five."

The words felt like chains tightening around her. Trapped. No escape.

Antonio's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Go with the girls,"
he ordered.

Girls? For makeup? She didn't question it. She followed them.

She was transformed-sleek, professional. The dress. The makeup. Immaculate. Mysterious. Alluring.

Antonio casually leaned against the car, opened the door. She slid in. He sat up front.

Sophia couldn't hold it in.
"Why me? Why this party?"

Antonio's gaze met hers in the rearview mirror. His expression was unreadable.
"Prestigious event. Global businessmen. The boss sees something in your work. But in this world... everything's more than it seems...."

"A personal reason?" she pressed.

Antonio shrugged, eyes fixed on the road.
"In our world, there's the face we show and the shadows we hide in. Stay sharp. Everything means something."

Sophia said nothing. The car came to a halt. They were there.

Antonio opened the door, ushered her inside.

She stepped out. The venue was opulence itself.

And then she saw him.

Her eyes immediately met Ansh, who looked breathtakingly handsome in a black tuxedo and white shirt , excluding an almost divine aura.

He was absorbed in his phone, one hand casually in his pocket. Surrounded by his ever-vigilant guards. His presence-a magnet.

She shivered when his gaze found her.