Chapter 1

Sofia Moretti's sobs caught in her throat, and Theodore Aldridge's expression hardened. He yanked me aside and hissed under his breath, "Are you out of your mind, Dakota? Sofia just lost her baby! How dare you try to provoke her with money?"

Disappointment and reproach burned in his eyes. Brushing off his hand, I looked past him, my gaze falling on Sofia lying on the bed.

"Provoke her? Theodore, open your eyes. This is our home. That bed is meant for us.

"I honestly can't wrap my head around the fact that your ex is on our bed. Today is our wedding day, no less!

"How dare you put the blame on me now?" Theodore's voice exploded, veins bulging on his forehead. "I've told you a million times! Sofia's in shambles!"

"She's a young woman with no one to turn to. Am I supposed to just abandon her?

"Dakota, I thought you were educated and sensible. I never imagined you could be so cold-blooded!"

I held up our marriage certificate, a sly, mocking smile teasing my lips.

"Being educated and sensible doesn't mean I have to tolerate my husband bringing another woman into our bed. Theodore, how dare you call me cold-blooded? Isn't what you and Ms. Sofia did far worse?"

Sofia began sobbing uncontrollably on the bed. She tried to rise, but her body betrayed her. All she could do was clutch Theodore's sleeve.

"Theo, stop… It's all my fault. I'm the one causing trouble for you two. Ms. Wetherby, I-I'll leave right away. Please don't argue with Theo."

Her act of "compromise" couldn't have been more perfect. As expected, Theodore's face darkened with concern. He rushed to hold her up.

"With your body in such a frail state, where could you even go? Just rest. Don't concern yourself with her," he said softly.

He then turned to me, his voice firm and commanding. "Dakota, I suggest you leave for now. We'll talk after I've made sure Sofia is okay."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Theodore, you still seem unaware of what's really going on."

With a stoic expression, I reached for my phone and gave my father, Luke Wetherby, a call.

After only a few seconds, he picked up. "Hey, Dakota, are you finished at the courthouse? I was about to have your brother come get you both for dinner," his steady voice came through.

I took a deep breath and calmly recounted everything that had just happened. "Dad, I think we need to reconsider this marriage arrangement between our family and the Aldridges."

On the other end, my father's voice exploded with rage. "How dare Theodore do something like this! Stay put. I'm coming over immediately!"

As the call disconnected, the room was filled with a tense silence. Theodore's face went pale. He stared at me, disbelief written all over his features.

"Why the hell would you drag your father into this? I never realized you were this petty!"

Sofia stopped crying and shot me a smug look. I slid my phone back into my bag and settled onto the couch.

"Oh, really?" I asked. "Did you think I married you to be your housekeeper and care for your precious ex on the side?

"As a Wetherby, I will not endure such humiliation." With that said, I turned my gaze back to Sofia.

"Anyway, I've changed my mind. If you can't compensate me, let Theodore handle it instead. This arranged marriage between my family and the Aldridges hinges on Wetherby Group's massive investment in Aldridge Group's new project.

"My father has the right to terminate this agreement at any time. If my family pulls its funding, Aldridge Group won't make it past three months."