Chapter 3 The Wedding Contract

Sophia sat in her small bedroom, staring at the elegant document spread out on the desk before her. The thick ivory paper and gold-embossed lettering made the contract feel more like a royal decree than a legal agreement. Yet, the words on the page were anything but romantic. This was no fairytale wedding—it was a transaction, plain and simple. She rubbed her temples, her thoughts a chaotic storm. It had been three days since her meeting with Adrian Blackwood. Three days to wrestle with the weight of her decision. Her father had been uncharacteristically silent since she agreed, retreating to his study as though ashamed to face her. Her mother, still recovering in bed, had smiled weakly when Sophia assured her everything would be fine. Only Liam, her younger brother, had the audacity to ask, “Are you sure about this?” Was she sure? Sophia wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Her eyes drifted back to the contract. It was meticulously detailed, outlining everything from her responsibilities as Adrian’s wife to the financial terms of their agreement. One clause in particular caught her eye: This marriage will be in name only. Both parties agree to maintain separate living arrangements unless circumstances require otherwise. She let out a bitter laugh. Even in marriage, Adrian wanted distance. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She quickly folded the contract and slid it into its envelope. “Come in,” she called. The door creaked open, and her father stepped inside, looking hesitant. “Sophia, may I?” She nodded, gesturing to the chair across from her. Richard sat down, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his jacket. For a long moment, he said nothing, his eyes darting around the room as though searching for the right words. “I know you’re angry with me,” he said finally. Sophia folded her arms. “Angry doesn’t even begin to cover it.” Richard winced. “I deserve that. But you have to understand, I didn’t want this for you. I never wanted you to be in this position.” “Then why put me in it?” she snapped, her voice rising. “Why make me sacrifice my future for mistakes I didn’t even make?” Her father’s shoulders slumped. “Because I failed you, Sophia. I failed this family. Adrian’s offer... it was the only way to fix what I’ve broken. But that doesn’t mean I don’t regret what it’s costing you.” Sophia’s anger softened, replaced by a deep, aching sadness. She had always looked up to her father, admired his strength and determination. Seeing him like this—broken and defeated—was almost harder than the situation itself. “I’m signing the contract,” she said quietly. “But I need to know... do you really think I can trust him?” Richard hesitated, then nodded. “I believe Adrian is a man of his word. He’s ruthless in business, yes, but he’s not cruel. He’ll honor the terms of the agreement.” Sophia let out a slow breath, trying to steady herself. “I hope you’re right.” The next morning, she found herself standing in the grand dining hall of Blackwood Manor, the signed contract in her trembling hands. The butler led her to Adrian, who was seated at the far end of the long table, a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. “Miss Bennett,” he greeted, his voice as calm and composed as ever. “Mr. Blackwood,” she replied, forcing herself to meet his piercing gray eyes. Adrian gestured to the chair across from him. “Please, sit.” She did as he asked, her fingers tightening around the envelope containing the contract. “Do you have any questions before we proceed?” Adrian asked, his tone almost polite. Sophia shook her head. “No. I’ve read everything. It’s all... clear.” “Good.” Adrian leaned forward, his gaze intent. “This arrangement may not be traditional, but I want to ensure that it is mutually beneficial. If there’s anything you need—anything at all—you’ll inform me immediately.” Sophia hesitated, then nodded. “I will.” Adrian’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. “Then welcome to my world, Miss Bennett.” She slid the envelope across the table, her heart pounding as he opened it and examined the document inside. When he finally looked up, there was a flicker of something in his eyes—satisfaction, perhaps, or relief. “Consider this the start of a new chapter,” Adrian said, extending his hand. Sophia stared at his outstretched hand for a moment before taking it. His grip was firm, his touch warm, yet there was an undeniable distance between them, an invisible wall neither seemed willing to breach. “I hope it’s a good one,” she said, though she wasn’t sure she believed it. Adrian released her hand and stood. “The wedding is scheduled for the end of the week. My staff will assist you with preparations.” Her heart skipped a beat. The end of the week? That left no time to process, no time to adjust. It felt like she was being swept into a whirlwind, barely able to catch her breath. “I’ll be ready,” she said, her voice steady despite the chaos inside her. As she left the manor that day, Sophia couldn’t shake the feeling that she was stepping onto a stage, her every move scripted and controlled. The weight of the contract felt heavy in her hands, a symbol of the life she was leaving behind and the unknown future ahead. And yet, somewhere deep in her heart, a tiny spark of defiance burned. If this was to be her life, she would find a way to shape it on her own terms. Little did she know, Adrian Blackwood was already playing a far more intricate game than she realized.