Chapter Four

Michael’s POV

The engagement was a week away.

I sat in my office, staring at the sleek ring box on the desk in front of me. The diamond inside was flawless much like Cindy Berlick herself. A perfect match for the life my family had carefully planned for me.

I didn’t want it.

I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. My mother’s voice still rang in my ears from our conversation earlier that morning.

“Michael, this engagement is important for all of us,” she had said, her tone as crisp and calculated as ever. “The Berlick family’s influence will strengthen our position, and Cindy is exactly the kind of partner you need.”

Partner.

From the moment I was born, my marriage was destined to be a business. I never thought there was anything wrong with marrying a woman I didn't love to help the family business, as my father, my grandfather, they all did the same way.

This is the way our family continues, the reason that our family business can keep expanding.

“I understand,” I had replied, my tone flat.

My mother’s expression softened slightly, though her gaze remained sharp. “Good. I trust you’ll do what’s best for the family. You always have.”

This is my responsibility.

My marriage has been linked to Berlick's since my high school, when the family business was about to set up offices in their city. As the biggest enterprise there, Berlick’s can not be ignored.

I had known Cindy for a long time, and she had the familiar traces of well-educated elegance that I knew, the same as every rich girl I met. Without exception, they all graduated from the same school.

And when I thought about Sophia…

I pushed the thought aside, closing the ring box with a snap. There was no room for hesitation, no room for weakness. Not if I wanted to stay in control.

Cindy arrived at the office just before lunch. When she came in, an elegant smile was on her face as always.

I watched as she walked into the room, her blonde hair perfectly styled, her smile warm and practiced. She looked every bit the part of the ideal fiancée.

“Michael,” she said, her voice as melodic as ever. “I thought we could go over the guest list for the engagement party. There are a few names I’d like to add.”

"Just add it," I was not interested in what she said and even felt it was too early.

Her smile faltered slightly. “But…..”

“We both know what our marriage is, Cindy,” I said, cutting her off. My tone was calm, but firm. “You’ll have the title you want, but that’s all. ”

She blinked, the mask of politeness slipping for a brief moment before she regained her composure. “I understand,” she said quietly, “Is this about Sophia?”

“It's none of your business, Mrs Mahone.” I heard my voice sharp as a knife, “You are over the line.”

Cindy's face turned pale, “I just want to know more about you, Michael, you know I have liked you since our high school.”

I didn’t respond immediately. Instead, I met her gaze, letting the silence stretch.

Cindy sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she looked away. “I know I’m stupid,” she admitted, her tone softer now. “But I will prove to you that I will be the perfect wife and the person who loves you the most.”

“I don’t need love,” I said coldly. Love is the last thing I want in this world.

She smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

When she stood to leave, I didn’t stop her.

Later that afternoon, I called my assistant, Daniel, into my office.

“Is everything ready for the meeting tomorrow?” I asked, keeping my tone professional.

“Yes, sir,” he replied.

I handed him a slip of paper with a name and address written on it. “I have ordered a diamond necklace here. Pick it out and send it to this address.

Daniel glanced at the paper, his eyes widened slightly. What happened between Sophia and I was never a secret to him.

Daniel hesitated, clearly surprised by the request. “And how would you like it delivered?”

“It will be delivered by you,” I replied.

“No problem,” he said, nodding before leaving the room.

Once I was alone again, I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes briefly.

I didn’t usually indulge Sophia. Our arrangement was meant to be transactional, nothing more. But recently, it had become harder to maintain that distance.

She was different. Resilient in a way that Cindy could never be.

But our relationship will only end there.

Just before the workday ended, I made another call. Her tear-filled eyes appeared in my mind, which made it difficult for me to concentrate on my work.

“Tell Sophia to take a day off tomorrow,” I instructed Daniel.

“Okay, sir,” he replied without hesitation.

I hung up, my thoughts already drifting back to her.

Sophia didn’t know it yet, but she was the only part of my life that felt real. And while I couldn’t give her everything, I could at least give her this.

For now, it would have to be enough.