BOUND BY LEGACY

Chapter 1

SOPHIE'S POV

I was seated at our usual spot, the corner table of Aurora, the cozy Swiss restaurant that had become me and Nate's little haven over the past year we've been dating. The interior focuses on dark wood elements illuminated by a wide window facade. This was the same place where we had celebrated our little wins at work, shared stolen kisses after long days and fantasised about a future that seemed more beautiful as he looked into my eyes.

I looked at the time on my phone, Nate was running a little late, but that happens at times. And we're celebrating our one year anniversary tonight, maybe he had something special planned. My lips curved into a smile, thinking of the charming and perfect looking man who captured my heart and made me fall completely in love.

I began to imagine my future with Nate as I used my fingers to trace the rim of my wine glass, a small wedding, our beautiful home, and our liittle kids. The thought gave me butterflies.

But then, a murmur swept across the restaurant cutting through my thoughts. The talked shifted and I glanced at the large TV screen mounted on the wall. My heart skipped a beat.

There it was, written in bold letters:

''Two Conglomerates to Unite through Matrimony: Leon Stadler and Mia Blotcher's Engagement party.''

Everything went fuzzy for a second as my mind tried to process them. Underneath the headline was a picture of him-my Nate. But the name under the image says Leon Stadler.

I felt a knot in my stomach. ''No. This had to be a mistake.''

But the more I stared, the more reality began to sink in, drowning me in a wave of disbelief.

My fingers trembled around my glass. The man I've loved for the past year, the man I had been waiting for, was engaged to someone else? Not just to anyone, but to the daughter of one of the most powerful business moguls in the country?

'Could this be true?'

LEON'S POV

I was trying to wrap things up in the office as soon as I can, I don't want to be late and keep Sophie waiting on a day like this.

I suddenly heard my assistants giggling about something, I ignore them as it's their usual thing but they come running into my office smiling sheepishly and say "Congratulations!"

I was staring at them confused, and then asked. "And what would you be congratulating for..?"

"Your engagement, it's all over the news." They said.

I frowned. "What do you mean my engagement?" "Is this some sort of joke?"

They stared at themselves, looking more confused than I was earlier.

I picked up my phone and started scrolling. And I was frozen reading the news article about my engagement to Mia Blotcher, the daughter of my father's friend and business associate. My jaw clenched, fury burning inside me.

This wasn't my engagement. I never agreed to this.

Slamming my phone on the table, I stood up abruptly and stormed out of the office, ignoring the stunned faces of my assistants as I made my way to my father's office.

I burst the door open, startling my father Matteo Stadler the CEO of Stadler holdings.

"What the hell is this?" I demanded dropping the phone in front of my father.

My father barely flinched. "Your future," He simply said, leaning back in his seat.

"My future?" I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief. "You planned my engagement to Mia Blotcher without even discussing it with me?" "I had to find out about my own engagement on the news."

His expression remained unreadable. "This is business, Leon." "You and Mia getting married is a tactical partnership. "The Stadler and Blotcher families merging will strengthen -"

"I don't care about that." I cut him off. "I have a girlfriend." A woman I love. And I was planning to introduce her to you soon."

"Oh, is that so? And is she the daughter of an elite?" He asked, folding his hands on his desk.

"No. but she's--"

"Then she's clearly not an option." He said leaning back in his seat. "You're the heir to this company and it's only ideal you marry from a family like the Blotcher's."

I sighed. "You've always made every decision regarding my life Dad, and I've respected every single one of them. But this is about who I get to spend the rest of my life with. I should get to decide this.'' I said, in a low but firm tone.

''This isn't just about you, Leon. It's about the the company's lasting influence and what's best for our family. You need to understand that."

I angrily walked out of my father's office before he could finish his sentence. I needed to see Sophie. I needed to explain to her.

When I got to the restaurant, I calm myself down before stepping in. Sophie was already seated at our favourite table when I walked in. She was wearing a red dress, her hair falling perfectly on her shoulders. She looked more beautiful tonight.

I could see the sad look on her face, as I moved closer to her. She must've seen the news. She forced a smile soon as she saw me coming.

"Are you okay?" I asked studying her face as I took my seat across from her.

She was quiet for a moment before she responded.

"I saw the news....and I'm kinda confused...it was your picture there...but with a different name." She trailed, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"Sophie, I know what you're probably thinking but I promise its not really what you think. I just found out about this as well and I'm-"

"Leon?" An undeniably familiar voice cut me off.

I stiffened before turning to look where the voice came from. And then I saw Mia Blotcher and her father, about to take their seats few tables away from our table.

Sophie followed my gaze when she noticed the sudden stiffness in my expression.

"You know them?" She asked looking at me like she was searching for answers but I was too dumbfounded to respond.

I could see curiosity and discomfort written all over Mia's face as she walked down to our table.

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Fate really Isn't on my side tonight." I muttered to myself.

''Sophie,'' I said, turning to face her, my heart racing. "There's something I need to explain you."