Sophia Bennett was once a rising star in the world of ballet, until a devastating accident left her wheelchair-bound and shattered her dreams. Now, trapped in a marriage of convenience to ruthless tech billionaire Elliot Thorne, she struggles to find her place in a world that values perfection above all else. Elliot didn't marry Sophia for love-he needed her to save his reputation. But the more he learns about her resilience and vulnerability, the more she stirs something within him he's spent years burying. Torn between the icy control of his empire and the fiery emotions Sophia awakens, he's forced to confront the cracks in his carefully curated life. When secrets from Elliot's past resurface-including a scandalous connection with a man who still haunts his thoughts-and an old rival threatens to destroy their fragile bond, Sophia must decide if fighting for Elliot's love is worth risking her heart.
Chapter 1 1
Sophia Bennett's hands trembled as she adjusted the velvet fabric of her gown. The deep emerald color, chosen by Elliot's stylist, brought out the intensity of her hazel eyes, but all she could see when she looked in the mirror was a woman desperately trying to fit into a world that didn't want her.
The elevator dinged softly, and the expansive penthouse foyer stretched before her. Floor-to-ceiling windows displayed Manhattan's glittering skyline, a view she used to marvel at but now barely noticed. Sophia's wheelchair moved soundlessly over the polished marble floor as her heart pounded louder than the faint hum of the city below.
"You're late."
Elliot's voice cut through the silence, low and laced with impatience. He stood by the bar, his figure silhouetted against the skyline. His black tuxedo was tailored to perfection, his presence commanding as always. He held a crystal glass of bourbon in one hand, the other tucked casually into his pocket, as if nothing could ever rattle him.
"I had trouble with the zipper," Sophia said, her tone cool.
He turned, his sharp blue eyes sweeping over her. For a moment, his expression softened, but it vanished just as quickly. "You look... acceptable."
Sophia let out a bitter laugh. "Well, I wouldn't want to embarrass you."
He didn't respond, instead setting his glass down with a deliberate clink. "The car's waiting. We're already behind schedule."
"And whose fault is that?" she shot back, wheeling past him.
He ignored the jab, walking ahead to hold the elevator door. It was these small, calculated gestures that confused her the most. He could be so cold, yet moments like this-small flickers of care-made her question everything.
They rode down in silence, the tension between them almost suffocating. When they reached the lobby, the driver was already waiting by the sleek black car. Elliot stepped aside, watching as the driver helped Sophia into the vehicle. She could feel his eyes on her, studying, judging, but she refused to look at him.
The gala was everything Sophia had expected: grand chandeliers, glittering dresses, and a crowd of Manhattan's elite sipping champagne as if it were water. Elliot's arm rested lightly on her chair as they entered, a gesture meant more for optics than for support. She hated how practiced it felt, as though she were just another accessory in his meticulously curated life.
"Elliot!"
Victoria Lane's voice was unmistakable, dripping with charm and just enough venom to make Sophia's stomach churn. The stunning brunette approached them, her lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Victoria," Elliot greeted, his tone polite but distant.
Sophia felt invisible as Victoria's gaze barely flickered toward her. "You've outdone yourself again," Victoria said, gesturing to the grandeur of the event. "But then, you always do."
Elliot's grip on Sophia's chair tightened slightly. "It's a team effort."
Sophia cleared her throat, determined not to fade into the background. "It's a beautiful venue," she said, meeting Victoria's eyes.
Victoria's smile widened, predatory. "How sweet of you to say. Elliot's always had impeccable taste."
The subtext wasn't lost on Sophia, and she refused to shrink beneath it. "Yes, he does."
Elliot's expression didn't change, but Sophia felt his hand relax on her chair. "If you'll excuse us, Victoria," he said smoothly, guiding Sophia away before another barb could be thrown.
When they were out of earshot, Sophia turned to him. "You don't have to rescue me, you know."
"That wasn't for you," he said, his voice low.
Her chest tightened. Of course it wasn't. Nothing he did was ever for her.
As the evening dragged on, Sophia found herself retreating to a quieter corner. Elliot mingled effortlessly, his charisma lighting up the room. She envied his ease, his ability to glide through this world without a single crack in his armor.
"Mind if I join you?"
Sophia looked up to see a man with sandy hair and a kind smile. He was holding a glass of red wine, his eyes warm and curious.
"Please," she said, gesturing to the empty seat beside her.
"I'm Ethan," he said, sitting down. "And you're Sophia Thorne, the most fascinating person in this room."
She blinked, caught off guard. "I think you have the wrong impression."
He grinned. "I doubt that."
Ethan was easy to talk to, his humor and genuine interest putting her at ease. For the first time that evening, she felt like herself again. They laughed about the absurdity of high-society galas, shared thoughts on art, and even debated the merits of jazz versus classical music.
But her reprieve was short-lived. Elliot's tall frame appeared out of nowhere, his jaw tight as he looked between the two of them.
"Ethan," Elliot said, his tone clipped.
Ethan's smile didn't falter. "Elliot. Still brooding, I see."
Sophia looked between them, sensing a history she didn't understand. "You two know each other?"
"Ethan and I went to college together," Elliot said curtly. "Excuse us, Sophia. We need to talk."
Before she could protest, Elliot wheeled her chair away, his grip firm and unyielding.
"What the hell was that?" she demanded when they were out of earshot.
"I could ask you the same thing," he snapped, his eyes blazing.
"He was just being friendly!"
"Ethan doesn't do 'friendly,'" Elliot said, his voice cold.
Sophia narrowed her eyes. "What are you not telling me?"
His silence was deafening. She had always known Elliot had secrets, but this felt different-dangerous, even.
For the rest of the night, the distance between them grew, an unspoken storm brewing that neither dared to name.
Chapter 1 1
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Chapter 2 2
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Chapter 3 3
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Chapter 4 4
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Chapter 5 5
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Chapter 6 6
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Chapter 7 7
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Chapter 8 8
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Chapter 9 9
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Chapter 10 10
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Chapter 11 11
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Chapter 12 12
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Chapter 13 13
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Chapter 14 13
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Chapter 15 14
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Chapter 16 16
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Chapter 17 17
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