Sophia Bennet
At 19, my world is gilded with privilege, yet beneath the surface, I'm tangled in a web of emotions I never expected to find myself in. My crush on Gabriel-my father's rival-feels both exhilarating and forbidden. He's older, married, and yet, there's an undeniable spark. I see the way he carries himself in meetings, the confidence that radiates from him. But with each stolen glance, I'm reminded of the chasm between us. My father's legacy looms large, and the thought of betraying him feels like a betrayal to my very identity. Yet, when Gabriel looks my way, I can't help but wonder if there's more to him than the rival he's made himself out to be.
Gabriel
As a businessman, I thrive on competition. But when I see Sophia, the daughter of my fiercest rival, everything shifts. She's young, ambitious, and so full of life, yet I know I should keep my distance. My marriage to Natasha has been a partnership based on mutual respect, but lately, I feel the weight of unfulfilled desires. Sophia's lingering gaze haunts me in meetings. I remind myself that I can't cross that line-not just because of my vows, but because it would mean dragging her into a world of rivalry and chaos. Yet, the thought of her is intoxicating, and every time we're in the same room, I feel the stakes rising.
Marshal Bennet
I built my empire through sheer determination and a ruthless approach to business. Gabriel's emergence as a competitor has been a thorn in my side, but what unnerves me more is the way he seems to captivate my daughter. Sophia is innocent, yet I can see the glimmers of ambition in her eyes-a reflection of my own drive. I know Gabriel plays dirty, and his charm could easily entangle her in a dangerous game. My instincts scream to protect her, to keep her away from someone who could lead her down a dark path. The thought of losing her to the very man I despise ignites a fire within me. I'll do whatever it takes to ensure she stays in my world, away from his grasp.
[Book 2 in the Secret series]
"That's not what I meant..." I chew on my lip.
"Well, what the fuck did you mean then?" He shouts.
"When I'm there I don't have to think about you!" I yell back. Wrong choice of words again, Sophia. I curse myself.
His form immediately stands and he strides over to me, he is now inches away from me, his body is so close to mine that I am forced to take a couple of steps backwards. My back is pressed up against the window. Noah's breathing is deep but he speaks softly, "when you're there all I can think about is you." He raises his hand and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
I step around him and head for the door, "uh I'm going to go to the hospital." I pick up my bag and rush out of the door leaving Noah in the room and saving myself from doing something I would definitely regret and make me change my mind about going back to Pennsylvania.
------------
'I love you too,' were the last words Sophia heard before she was banished from her home city and she left without a second thought. If she didn't she knew she would be in danger. A month and a half later Sophia returns as a person close to her is in critical condition in hospital. Everyone's eyes are on Sophia, and they are looking for someone to blame.
Will she return to her new life and forget about New York once and for all? Or will she fit right back into the McKenzie's life as if she never left? And as for her relationship with Noah, there might be a chance for romance after all.