I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 43

**Through Silent Meadows We Trace Stories Left Behind Yesterday by Asa Rowan Flint**
**Chapter 43**

The slip of paper she clutched in her hand was more than just an invitation; it was a ticket to her dreams, a sign that she had successfully navigated the preliminary round and secured her place in the finals just two days away. The anticipation bubbled within her like a fizzy drink waiting to be uncapped.

The finals would take place right here in South City—the very heart of her aspirations.

With a flutter of excitement and nerves, Sophie picked up her phone and dialed her mother’s number. The sound of ringing filled the quiet room, and she felt a mix of eagerness and apprehension as she waited for her mother to answer.

“Mom. I’m spending a few days in South City. Don’t worry about me,” she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

“South City? Why the sudden trip? Are you with Liam?” her mother’s voice came back, tinged with surprise and concern.

“No, I came on my own,” Sophie replied, a hint of determination in her voice. She wanted to keep the details of her championship a secret, a surprise for when she emerged victorious.

“Okay. Just stay safe,” her mother cautioned, her voice softening with maternal worry.

After hanging up, Sophie felt a wave of fatigue wash over her. She decided to turn in early, hoping to gather her strength for the challenges ahead.

Suddenly, a loud bang reverberated through the room, startling her so much that she nearly dropped the glass of water she was holding.

“Who’s out there? I’m calling security if you don’t leave!” she shouted, her heart racing as fear gripped her.

She quickly snatched a fruit knife from the table, her hands trembling slightly as she approached the door with caution.

“It’s me…” came a hoarse voice from the other side, sending a shiver down her spine.

The moment she recognized Marcus’s voice, a mix of relief and confusion washed over her. She hesitated only a moment before putting the knife down and opening the door, her heart pounding in her chest.

“What are you—” she began, but before she could finish her thought, he seized her wrist and pulled her into the adjoining room with a force that took her breath away.

“Marcus! Calm down!” she cried out, alarmed by the intensity of the situation.

The shadows of the dimly lit room enveloped her, and she felt trapped as his tall figure loomed over her. She instinctively tried to retreat, but the cold wall met her back, and his arms effectively blocked any escape.

Without warning, Marcus pressed his lips against hers, his breath heavy and frantic, as if he were fighting against some unseen tempest within him.

Sophie stiffened, pushing against him with every ounce of strength she could muster, but it felt futile. His presence consumed her, overwhelming her senses and leaving her dizzy with confusion.

Gradually, her resistance began to wane. A flush crept onto her cheeks, and her eyes grew misty, clouded by a rush of emotions she couldn’t fully comprehend.

Marcus’s eyes darkened, a fierce intensity igniting something primal within him.

“Damn it!” he growled, slamming a fist into the wall, desperately seeking to ground himself amidst the chaos of his emotions.

The pain from the impact was a mere whisper compared to the raging fire that consumed him from within.

His hands roamed, igniting sparks wherever they made contact with her skin, sending shivers coursing through her body.

Rip!

Sophie felt the fabric of her blouse tear, the cool air rushing in to greet her exposed skin.

Marcus leaned closer, his gaze filled with an insatiable hunger, an expression that sent a jolt of fear and exhilaration through her.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

“Mr. Morgan, I’ve got Liora’s entry draft with me. Is now a good time to go over it?” Liam’s voice sliced through the tension like a bucket of ice water.

Sophie snapped back to reality, her heart racing as she shoved Marcus away with all her might.

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