Chapter 2

I always thought that when my dad died I would fall apart, that I would feel lost, but now here, in front of his grave, I can only feel peace. My dad was my best friend for a long time; he was my rock, and even though I can't see him again, I know he left me with the best memories any father could give his daughter. He gave me all his love, he gave me the foundation for my business, and he gave me everything that no one else could have.

When they finished burying his body, I noticed that there were many of my father's coworkers and business associates I'd never met. Although they had all offered their condolences earlier, now I truly had the clarity to see who was there.

How curious that Uncle Clark isn't here... Knowing how self-interested that man is...

When everyone had left, and only a few people remained, just those closest to the family, I noticed a man in the distance who appeared to be in his thirties.

The man had a presence that disarmed you effortlessly. Tall, with broad shoulders and an elegant posture that seemed effortless, as if he were born to occupy any room. His slightly disheveled brown hair gave him a carefree air that contrasted with the intensity of his blue-gray eyes, capable of piercing you as if they could read your innermost thoughts. He wasn't just attractive; there was a mixture of mystery and vulnerability about him that made him impossible to ignore, as if behind that reserved facade lay a whole world of secrets and emotions.

I shook my head and looked away. I couldn't recall ever seeing such an attractive man around my father. Once the effect wore off, I turned back to face him; now he was looking at me.

I started walking toward him, and he did the same. When we were close, I extended my hand.

"Nice to meet you. Did you know my father?"

He smiled. "My mother knew him, but she wasn't feeling well, so she couldn't come," he said, shaking my hand. "Sebastian."

I smiled back.

"Nice to meet you, Sebastian. I'm Sofia Reign."

I stayed and spoke with Sebastian for a while, and he finally gave me his card before leaving. "Sebastian Beck." Somehow, the last name sounded familiar and reminded me of my mother, but I ignored it and put the card away.

The next few days passed normally. The funeral was on a Tuesday; I took three days off to grieve in peace. The afternoons in my apartment were spent eating ice cream and watching the movies I used to watch with my dad when we were together. I watched bad movies from my childhood until I finally finished my weekend with the Twilight saga, which, for some reason, my dad loved.

Finally, I returned to my company the following Monday. When I walked in, I felt a strange vibe. My employees greeted me normally, like the approachable boss I'd always been. As I filled my mug with water, my art director and best friend, Kathe, approached me.

"Sofia, we thought you were going to take more time... Your dad..." she began, but I interrupted her.

"I know, but I'm not sad about his death. He'd been battling his illness for so long that at least he's at peace now," I said, pausing briefly. "Besides, I couldn't leave my company alone for long. You know I love Olympus Comp."

Kathe smiled slightly, but eventually, she walked me to the office. We quickly passed the design team as we continued on until we finally reached my main office on the second floor. Kathe entered the office and closed the door behind her, sitting down in the chair across from me.

"Are you really okay?" she asked, taking my hand.

"I am," I said. "I have so many good memories with him, and even though it hurts, we're in the process of expanding. Finally, we'll be able to move to a bigger building and expand the animation team."

Kathe smiled from ear to ear.

"God, don't remind me; I'm so nervous about it."

I chuckled softly and turned on my computer. I started opening pending emails from the company while catching up with Kathe. Then, I got distracted for a moment.

"You know what? Something interesting happened to me?" I said, rubbing my cheek.

"Oh yeah? At the funeral?" Kathe asked curiously.

"Well... sort of... I saw a man, his mom knew my dad."

"Uh-huh..." Kathe said. "Go on."

"Imagine the most handsome actor you can think of. He was even more handsome." I let out, remembering Sebastian.

"Hmm... I don't think anyone could be that handsome," Kathe countered.

"I promise you, he was," I said, smiling. "Anyway, back to work. Remember that Australian company that was trying to make a deal with Olympus?"

"Yeah... The professional services one, right?"

"Yes, they changed their offer to a collaboration, but I realized they're having some problems. If we manage to close the other deal with Antuna, we can acquire them completely."

"You're talking about buying that company?" Kathe said, incredulous but with excitement in her voice.

I nodded. We were discussing the details of that deal when I opened my email and saw a notification from Uncle Clark, copied to my dad's lawyer.

As soon as I saw the email, Kathe's voice began to sound in the distance. My breath caught in my throat as I continued reading and opened the attached document. Kathe noticed my reaction and came closer, looking at the document in front of me.

"What the hell...?" she said.

We stood there for a moment, reflecting and rereading everything written in front of me, until I turned to her, my mouth slightly open.

"Marriage?" I finally said.

What I had read was an email explaining that my father's will stipulated that I had to get married before my 28th birthday, or else my father's shares wouldn't pass to me, but to my cousin Lucas. And not only that, but my father's investment in my company would also be completely forfeited.

I pulled out my phone and quickly opened the calendar, counting down the days.

"This can't be happening," Kathe said. "Mr. Reign would never do that," she added, rereading the will.

"62 days..." I sighed.

"What did you say?" Kathe asked.

"I'll be 28 in exactly 62 days. I'm single. I have 62 days to get married."

"But... with whom?!" Kathe said, as she slumped back into her chair.

I was speechless. My mind is racing.

"Where am I going to find a man to marry in 62 days?"