The Bennet Scandal

Torn Between Two Worlds

Sophia pushed open the door to the living room and stepped inside. She had just returned from school and was eager to head to her room for a hot bath. But as soon as she entered, a wave of tension hit her like a freight train. Her mother's voice echoed through the hallway, laced with anger.

"—you don't understand the implications of this, Marshal!"

Her heart raced at her mother's tone. She hurried toward the living room, dread pooling in her stomach. When she reached the doorway, she froze at the sight before her: her father, Marshal Bennet, stood with his fists clenched and his face flushed. Reckon, her older brother, was also there.

"What happened?" she breathed, her voice trembling as she stepped further into the room.

"Gabriel Westbrook," her father spat, the name dripping with contempt. "Firstly, he snatched the deal for that prime piece of land I needed for the shopping mall. After years of planning, he swoops in and takes it right from under me!"

Sophia's heart sank. "What do you mean? How could he—?"

"He not only outbid me," Marshal continued, his voice rising. "He went to the government and reported subpar materials being used in the construction of my hotel! They've sealed the land and stopped all work... and now it's going to cost me millions!"

"Dad, wait—" Sophia interjected, but her father wasn't finished.

"He's playing dirty, and I won't let him get away with this," Marshal growled. "I always knew that Gabriel was ruthless, and he'll do whatever it takes to destroy our family."

Sophia's heart raced as she fought to process the information. She couldn't believe Gabriel would do something so malicious, but a part of her felt the weight of her father's anger. She loved her family but felt an inexplicable pull toward Gabriel, a connection that was both thrilling and terrifying.

"Reckon, tell her," Marshal said loudly, turning to his son, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of fury and disbelief.

"Gabriel's a snake, Dad... and everyone knows this," Reckon said, his voice low and menacing. "He's been plotting this for ages. He sees us as a threat, and he won't stop until he's crushed us. You can't just let him walk all over you like this."

Sophia felt her stomach twist. "I cannot believe this... how could he stoop to such a low level?" she said, overwhelmed by anger and shock.

"Gabriel has always been cunning and a man with no morals," Reckon shot back, his eyes flashing with anger.

"I can see that," Sophia replied.

"That's why I asked you to be cautious of Gabriel. You don't know how cutthroat this business world is... and Gabriel has made it clear he wants to ruin us!"

"Yes, I understand," Sophia said in a low voice.

Her heart ached at the thought. She was torn between the man she felt drawn to and her loyalty to her family. The love she felt for Gabriel clashed violently with her father's hatred for him, and she didn't know how to reconcile the two.

"What are you going to do now?" Sophia asked.

"Can't we just talk to him? Maybe there's a way to resolve this without all the fighting?" she suggested, hoping for a way out.

Marshal shook his head vehemently. "This isn't a negotiation, Sophia. This is war. And I won't let him take what's rightfully ours."

"War?" Sophia echoed, her voice trembling. "Is that really what you want?"

"Don't be naive," Reckon said, crossing his arms. "You think this is just about land? It's about power and control... Gabriel wants to make us suffer."

Sophia felt a wave of despair wash over her. The clash between her family and Gabriel felt insurmountable.

"But what if someone else misinformed the government officials and used Gabriel's name instead?" she argued, desperation creeping into her voice.

Marshal's eyes bore into hers as he replied, "Nah... it was Gabriel. I'm sure of it."

"Love, you don't need to worry. Just go to your room and let us deal with Gabriel and his dirty games," he said in a low but determined voice.

Sophia looked at her dad's face and realized that she could never speak openly in defense of Gabriel, nor could she admit her feelings for him. So, she decided to leave everything behind and retreat to her room. She needed time to process her thoughts—whether she was feeling anger over what Gabriel did or if she was worried that her dad's relationship with him had taken a turn for the worse.

Once back in her room, she locked the door. The love she felt for Gabriel was something she could no longer deny, but it felt like an anchor dragging her deeper into conflict. The chaos of emotions swirled within her, leaving her feeling helpless and alone.

Sitting on her bed, she buried her face in her hands, feeling the sting of tears. The clash between her father and Gabriel felt insurmountable, a wall that separated her from the man she longed to love.

"Would I ever have the courage to pursue my heart, even if it meant standing against the very people I love?" Sophia asked herself.

As she stared out of her window at the fading light, she felt a mixture of uncertainty and fear.