Chapter 1

“Is this what my life has been reduced to?” Sophia asked, pensively.

Sophia’s eyes moved slowly to the cracked ceiling, where cobwebs leaned in the faint draft. Her hands trembled as they rested against her sides, fingers curling into her worn dress. Across the room, Alexander Blackwood relaxed in the only undamaged chair in the house, the pale upholstery looking amusingly out of place below him.

He sat like a king, staring at the shattered kingdom, his long legs drawn out, hands resting informally on the armrests. His tailored suit was clean, a stunning view against the dilapidated living room around him. His expression was one of disappointing expectations, though a feeling of disdain as he glanced at the stripping wallpaper.

“Attractive place you have here,” he muttered, breaking the silence. His sharp blue eyes tossed to hers, sparkling with mockery. “I see why you’re so attached to it.”

Sophia enraged, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. “If you’re just here to insult my home, you can leave.”

Alexander’s smile deepened as he leaned back, the chair clattering below his weight. “I’m not insulting it. I’m merely pointing out the obvious. This... house”—he gestured lazily—“is falling apart. Just like everything else in your life, Sophia.” He mocked her, beamily 

Her throat tightened, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her weakened. “Why are you even here, Alexander? To mock? To make me feel small?” She raised her voice.

He stood instantly, his tall frame commanding the space. “I’m here because you need me. Whether you like it or not.”

Sophia looked away,the self-elevation amazed him, her heart pounding in her chest. She detest the way his presence filled the room, how his words covered around her like chains.

He took a step closer, his voice softening but losing none of its arrogance. “You’re struggling, Sophia. This house, your mother’s illness, your brother’s future... it’s all slipping through your fingers. And you know it.”

She swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on the floor. “I didn’t ask for your help.”

“No,” he agreed, stepping even closer, “but you need it.” 

His hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The unexpected touch made her flinch, but she stood her ground, her breath hitching. Then, he started to caress his hand on her hair romantically.

“Look at me,” he commanded, his voice low and firm.

Sophia hesitated before lifting her eyes to meet him. The intensity in his gaze was unsettling, as if he could see every fear and doubt she tried to hide.

“You’re too proud,” he said firmly, his hand sliding down to lightly graze her shoulder. “But pride won’t save this house. It won’t pay for your mother’s hospital bills or your brother’s academics. Pride won’t keep the roof from tearing down.”

Her jaw fastened. “And marrying you will?”

“Yes,” he said simply, his confidence unwavering.

She shook her head, stepping away from him. “You don’t understand. This isn’t just about financial gain or fixing a dilapidated house. You’re asking me to abandon everything—to sell myself for a year of your games. Am I so cheap?” 

She asked laced with disdain.

Alexander giggled, a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “Sell yourself? Don’t be so dramatic, Sophia. I’m offering you a lifeline.” Alexander stated, a bit furious.

“And what do you get in return?” she demanded, her voice rising.

He stepped closer again, his hand resting lightly on her waist this time. The touch was both possessive and unsettlingly gentle. “What I need,” he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper, “Is someone who knows how to keep quiet. Someone who will play the role without complicating my life.”

“What gives you the assurance that I'm the perfect wife for it?” She asked with disapproval. “It sound as forced and command marriage”

“A compulsory union,for the benefit of my craving.” He affirmed.

Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. “So, I’m just a tool to you.”

“A valuable one,” he corrected, his fingers tracing a slow lineup of her arm. “And in return, you’ll get everything you need. Financial stability, security, a chance to rebuild life purposefully.”

Her mind raced, his words crafting a harmful web around her. Every thought screamed at her to push him away, to say no. But the image of her mother, frail and coughing in the next room, appears in her mind. The unpaid hospital bills. Ethan’s school fees. The roof leaks anytime it rains.

“You dislike this place,” she said suddenly, her voice trembling. “I'm very sure you will, but my predicament gave you an opportunity to mock me.”

Alexander’s brow lifted in mild surprise. “What gave it away?”

“You think it’s below you,” she continued, her eyes flaming with a mix of anger and desperation. “You think I’m below you.”

He regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to her shock, he smiled. It wasn’t mocking this time, but something softer, almost genuine.

“You’re wrong,” he said quietly, his hand brushing against her hair again. “I don’t think you are below me, Sophia. I think you’re... necessary.” 

The word hung in the air between them, bundled with meaning.

She shook her head, stepping out of his reach by staggering back. “I don’t trust you, Alexander.”

“You don’t have to,” he snapped, his confidence unshaken. “But you do need me.”

Sophia turned away, eyes widened, wrapping her arms around herself. The weight of his offer pressed down on her like a choking blanket.

“I need time,” she whispered.

Alexander nodded, though his sneer hinted that he already knew her answer. “Take all the time you need, Sophia. But remember, time isn’t something you can afford to waste.”

He brushed past her, his hand hanging around briefly on her waist as he walked past her, eventually heading toward the door. “I’ll be waiting, Sophia.”

The sound of the door closing echoed through the empty house, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Her knees gave in, and she sank onto the worn couch, her head in her hands. The smell of damp wood filled her nostrils, a bitter reminder of everything she stood to lose.

Can I do this? she wondered, tears streaming down her face. Can I really sell myself to save my family?

In the middle of the thought, her phone buzzed, which snapped her attention from the thought. She quickly held her phone, and stared at the screen. Her face became more darkened as she screamed. “What?”  

Her voice echoes, slicing through the corner of the room.