Chapter 22: Sealed Fate

The hum of the engine filled the silence between them. Julian’s hands were firm on the steering wheel, his jaw set as he navigated through the early morning traffic. Sophia sat beside him, staring out the window, her fingers clasped tightly in her lap.

After a while, Julian spoke. "You didn’t even hesitate this time."

Sophia turned her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "Neither did you."

Julian let out a quiet chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "I didn’t expect you to call me back last night."

"Neither did I," she admitted.

He glanced at her for a moment before returning his focus to the road. "So, what changed?"

Sophia inhaled deeply. "I realized I can’t do this alone."

Julian's grip on the wheel tightened slightly. "And what exactly is 'this'?"

She hesitated, then looked at him. "Surviving."

The word hung between them.

For the first time since she got into the car, Julian turned his full attention to her. His gaze was sharp, searching. "And you think marrying me will help with that?"

Sophia didn’t flinch. "And you think marrying me will save your company?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of Julian’s lips. "How do you know I need a wife to save my company”

“Considering the fact the you proposed a contract marriage to your PA, I mean…..I'm smart and I know how this works” Sophia said boldly.

The car fell silent again, the tension thick but unspoken.

Finally, Julian spoke, his voice quieter this time. "You know there’s no turning back once we do this, right?"

Sophia looked out the window again, her reflection staring back at her. "I know."

This time, Julian didn’t reply.

Because, deep down, he wasn’t sure if either of them truly knew what they were getting into.

……

As soon as they arrived at the office, Julian led Sophia to his private lounge. The room was sleek, modern, and dimly lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. A single document sat neatly on the glass table, waiting for her.

Julian picked it up, flipping through the pages before handing it to her. “Read it.”

Sophia took the contract, her fingers tightening around the crisp paper. She sank onto the leather chair and started reading.

The terms were straightforward: one year of marriage, a huge sum of money as compensation, and if the baby turned out to be his, they would co-parent.

Her eyes moved over the words slowly, absorbing every detail. One year. Just one year of playing the role of his wife.

“This is a business agreement,” Julian said, watching her. “Nothing more, nothing less.”

Sophia let out a quiet breath, her expression unreadable. “So, after a year, we go our separate ways?”

“That’s the plan,” he confirmed.

She flipped to the last page where the signature line awaited. Her mind raced. This wasn’t just about the money. It wasn’t just about survival. This was about control. A chance to stand on equal ground with the people who had destroyed her life.

Sophia looked up at Julian. His face was calm, but his fingers tapped lightly against the table—a small sign of impatience.

She lowered her gaze back to the paper. One year. Could she do this? Could she pretend to be his wife while hiding the real reason she agreed?

She reached for the pen.