Fool By My Ruthless Billionaire

e to haunt me, I wish to trust in the opportunity I have been given. I look at the staff members surrounding us; every one of them is walking purposefully but lacking the friendliness one would

else. A familiar pain pulls at my heart. The remarks pierced more than I had anticipated. What now then? Should I simply fall in line and believe you once more? He approaches us more closely. Sofia, no. I anticipate nothing. I just need you to understand that this is greater than either of us. I cannot correct the past, though. My sole concern is the future. Swallowing, I battle the internal turmoil. Though something in me, the same part that has always been pulled to him, fights it, I'm so close to pushing him away. Kendrick, I'm not a pawn in your game. "You never were," he answers gently, nearly whispering. "But I need you in ways you don't yet grasp." Later that night, I find myself in the corner of my flat, gazing over the document Kendrick had given me earlier. It's no longer only about business. I don't know when it ceased to be only that. Running my fingertips across the paper, I can feel the weight of every word, every circumstance. Everything he mentioned seems like a tempting proposition. Still, something feels off. I wince at the phone ringing. Before I even glance at the screen, I know who it is. Kendrick Silent, I respond; the tension between us grows unspoken. "What do you want?" At last, I enquire. His voice is almost regretful and clipped. I just wanted to see. I realise this is a lot, but I need you to see how crucial this is. Sofia, you are not alone in this. I sneer, attempting to conceal the quaver in my voice. I am not alone. Kendrick, I want to believe you but I have doubts. He lets out a sigh. Trust has never been simple for us, has it? For a long time, I remain silent as the gravity of his remarks sinks in. What now then? I softly question, my voice revealing my doubt. He does not respond right away. You will have to believe me more than ever before. Otherwise, all will collapse. The air seems heavy the instant I enter the softly illuminated space. Kendrick, standing near the window, the sun throwing shadows across his face, makes it difficult for me to read him. Mason is already there, arms folded across his chest, face inscrutable. Though my heart is racing, I attempt to calm my breathing. I was unprepared for this meeting, not mentally, not emotionally. Kendrick's mere presence is enough to make me feel tense all over. Mason first glances at me, then at Kendrick, and finally back to me. "We all know why we're here," he continues, his voice calm, as if he has already triumphed. I don't like that tone. It seems... like a warning. I sit down, hoping to gather myself. Let's finish this. My voice does not give away the anxiousness coursing through me. Kendrick spins around, eyes piercing. Though it d