Meanwhile, Sophia, a bit flushed from drinks, was dropped off at her place by Nicolas. The hint of red made her look even more captivating.
Nicolas kept glancing at her as if he wanted to say something the whole ride but stayed silent.
As they pulled up to Sophia’s upscale apartment building in the fancy car, Nicolas was about to open the door for Sophia when something outside caught his attention. He froze in place.
Sophia didn’t reach for the door handle either. Instead, she turned to see Nicolas staring intensely outside, a serious expression on his face.
“Nicolas, what’s wrong?” she asked, concerned.
Nodding towards the outside, Nicolas replied, “Michael’s here.”
Then he unlocked the car door.
Sophia gripped the handle tighter, her body tense in the seat.
Seeing her pale face, Nicolas’s stern expression hardened. “If you don’t want to face him, stay here. I can take you somewhere safe for a while.”
Sophia bit her lip, then managed a weak but composed smile at Nicolas. “Thanks, but you don’t need to worry about me. This is my issue. I’ll go inside. See you around.”
With that, she opened the door and got out of the car.
Nicolas didn’t drive off immediately. Instead, he peered through the dark window at the two figures outside.
“Why are you here?” Sophia approached Michael, her expression questioning.
Seeing the luxurious car at the curb, Michael grinned slickly. He grabbed Sophia’s wrist, pulled her close, and kissed her abruptly.
Nicolas squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head away.
His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white, his gaze stormy. He slammed his foot on the gas pedal, speeding away.
Sophia, pressed against Michael’s strong body, struggled to break free, but he held her firmly. Frustrated, she bit his tongue sharply.
Michael winced as blood trickled from his lip, but he didn’t relent, intensifying the kiss.
The taste of blood filled their mouths, and Sophia struggled for breath.
Finally, Michael released her, staring down at her.
“Are you out of your mind?” Sophia’s voice trembled with anger.
Michael, with blood on his lips, looked at her icily. “If I hadn’t come, would you have let that guy in? So, you’ve been avoiding me because you have someone else!”
Sophia slapped him hard in one swift movement, turning his head with force.
“I told you it’s over. My life and my decisions are not your concern! And don’t you dare judge me with your filthy thoughts? Your behavior is absolutely disgusting.”
Michael slowly turned to face Sophia, meeting her gaze. There was always a hint of anger in her eyes when she looked at him.
His heart felt heavy as if gripped tightly by an unseen force.
“Did I agree with what you said?” Michael asked. Suddenly, he tightened his grip on Sophia’s arm, his eyes filled with an unsettling possessiveness. “You don’t understand why I continue to treat you kindly?” he said. “I will get what I want by any means necessary. Remember, you were supposed to obey my wishes from the moment you came into my world. Don’t think that success in the entertainment industry makes you noble. Always remember who provided you with those opportunities.”
“Michael Hayes, you jerk!”
Enraged, Sophia tried to hit him, but Michael quickly caught her wrist.
“How dare you strike your master?” Michael scolded, forcefully leading her towards the car.
“Let me go! I’m not your servant anymore. I’ve cut all ties with your family!” Sophia protested, resisting Michael’s grip.
It was late at night, and the surroundings were quiet with little activity. Only the two of them were there.
“Where are we going? Let me go!”
Despite Sophia’s struggles, Michael guided her into the car and closed the door firmly.
He drove her to his apartment in Edenfield, leading her into the spacious living room before she could ask.
“Why did you bring me here again?” Sophia crossed her arms protectively, watching him with caution.
She had expected Michael to do something extreme, like their last encounter.
As he entered the room, Michael appeared unusually composed.
He fetched a pair of women’s slippers from the closet and looked at Sophia. “Come here, change your shoes.”
“I’m not wearing someone else’s shoes,” Sophia retorted firmly, standing her ground.
Seeing Sophia’s defiance, Michael sighed in frustration. He gently took her wrist and guided her to sit on a stool by the doorway.
“I despise it when you force me, Michael Hayes!” Sophia’s eyes flashed with anger as she glared at him.
Michael avoided eye contact, his narrowed gaze fixed on Sophia’s feet. Without looking at her, he squatted down and firmly grasped her ankles. Startled, Sophia tried to pull her feet away, but his grip was strong, keeping her in place.
“I remember you used to love these slippers. I got you a new pair. Please, just change into them,” he said, his tone insistent.
Sophia looked down at the fluffy slippers, feeling a pang in her heart.
With care, Michael took off her high heels and quietly slipped the slippers onto her feet.
“Your feet are red. Why won’t you listen to me?” Michael remarked softly.
After wearing high heels for a long time, Sophia finally felt relief once she slipped into the cozy slippers.
Michael stayed seated, gently placing her small hands on her soft, round knees.
“Don’t expect me to thank you for this,” Sophia nervously murmured, biting her red lips. Her face flushed slightly, and she lowered her fluttering eyelashes.
Michael frowned and then said, “I’m not asking you to forgive me. I want us to start fresh. Sophia… I got angry earlier and said things I shouldn’t have. Seeing you with another man really upset me. I… I just want another chance with you. Sophia, can we go back to how things used to be?”
Michael knelt in front of Sophia, speaking earnestly, his eyes full of hope.
Sophia smiled faintly. “Go back to how we were? When was that? When I was your servant, following your orders and enduring your insults?”
Michael looked puzzled. He always thought he treated Sophia like she was precious. He couldn’t recall ever humiliating her.
“Sophia, you used to like me, right?” Michael squeezed her arm. “I like you too. Let’s forget the last five years. I promise to treat you better. Trust me.”
“You like me?” Sophia looked like she’d just heard a confusing joke. “If those were your way of showing affection, I can’t accept it.”
In the past, when Michael was happy, he’d buy Sophia treats, lavish her with toys, and even give her fancy jewelry. But when he was in a bad mood, he’d ignore her and flirt with other girls right in front of her.