08

Sophia's POV

“I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything to help you, my baby.”

My mum’s hands cup my head, warm and trembling, like she’s afraid I might disappear if she lets go.

Her voice is soft, guilty, tired. Too tired.

I lean into her touch.

She’s finally okay,finally home. Alive and strong.

“It’s fine, Mum,” I say, forcing my lips to curve inti a smile. “I’m just glad you’re well and back with us.”

The smile stays on my face, but my mind is a jungle—thick, loud, impossible to clear.

It’s been a week.

One week since my dad submitted the betrothal agreement papers to the Blackwoods.

One week since my freedom was quietly folded, signed, and handed over.

The Blackwoods kept their promise.

Of course they did...People like them always do—when it benefits them.

They paid for my mum’s treatment. Not just treatment, VIP treatment,private room,best doctors,nurses that smiled too much and machines that beeped like hope.

My dad got early retirement.

Every bill disappeared.

Our fridge stayed full.

Our cupboards stopped echoing.

The Carters were suddenly eating meals and wearing clothes generations before us could never even imagine.

And yet—

No one was happy.

Not truly.

Money filled the house, but joy never followed it inside.

I don’t even need to look at my dad to know that he hated himself for this.

He sits in the hallway chair, stiff and quiet, like he’s waiting for judgment.

If anyone sees him they will think he's just a hebti6e man observing the world.

But he's not.

He’s screaming inside.

I know because I feel it too.

Lisa and I walk out of Mum’s room together.

Lisa walks ahead with her shoulders tight.

She doesn't look at him.

My dad watches her like someone just ripped something out of his chest.

Lisa—his strong girl—won’t even acknowledge him anymore.

And me?

I don’t speak either.

When my eyes accidentally meet his, the emptiness there makes his face crumble just a little.

He looks like a man drowning, reaching for air that won’t come.

If guilt had weight, it would’ve crushed him by now.

I know he regrets it.

I know he wishes he’d done things differently—sat me down, explained, begged.

But Mum was dying.

The ulcer was eating her alive. The doctors wouldn’t touch her without money.

And Dad—Dad couldn’t lose her. He couldn’t let us lose our mother.

He chose between two disasters.

And I was the price.

Lisa and I enter our room.

She drops onto the bed with a groan. I slide down to the floor, my back against the wall, knees pulled to my chest.

“I still can’t believe you fucking signed that thing,” Lisa mutters, staring at the ceiling.

I shrug.

It’s all I could do.

“No need to be sad anymore,” she continues, tone suddenly teasing. “It’s happening today—you’re meeting your husband’s family.”

I turn sharply. “You never know when not to joke. This isn’t funny.”

“You sound like a Grandma,” she laughs. “Okay, okay. I know it’s not funny.” Her voice softens. “But we can’t mourn forever.”

“I’ll mourn dance forever,” I whisper, staring into nothing.

She turns to me. “And why are you quitting dance?”

“I… I’m getting married.”

“And so?”

“What if he doesn’t want me to dance?”

She blinks. Stands up. Walks closer. “Wait. Please don’t tell me you’re turning into one of those ‘Yes, sir. Right away, sir. Should I breathe now, sir?’ wives.”

I don’t answer.

Her face hardens. “Sophia… seriously?”

“I don’t know,” I whisper. “Everything’s confusing. I don’t even understand what’s happening anymore.”

My face collapses into my hands.

Lisa sits beside me, gentler now. “I get it. I do. But don’t let this break you. We’re all sad—even Dad. But it’s done. And you know the Blackwoods aren’t people you cross.”

She squeezes my hand.

“But listen to me. Just because it’s arranged doesn’t mean you lose yourself. Stand up for yourself. Don’t wait for his approval. This isn’t love. This is business. So don’t act like you’re his property.”

I nod slowly, letting it sink in.

She makes me promise to give a strong first impression tonight.

Just thinking about the dinner makes my heart race.

Tonight, I meet my husband.

Tonight, I meet Ethan Blackwood.

The billionaire heir.

The reckless playboy.

***

Lisa stuffs me into a pink gown that hugs my body like it was stitched directly onto my skin.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask for the second time.

“Oh, maybe we should dig out Grandma’s pregnancy photoshoot gown,” she scoffs. “Sophia, listen to me. You are not walking in there looking like a victim. You walk in like a queen.”

She chews pawpaw dramatically.

“Chin up. Cold eyes. Slay.”

I turn to the mirror.

And damn.

The dress sparkles. My makeup is light, clean, flawless.

I look strong.

“I’ve got this,” I whisper. “I’m going to be that strong girl.”

****

Mum steps in wearing gold.

“Is that what you’re wearing, Lisa?”

“Yes. Problem?” Lisa replies, unfazed.

Mum’s eyes drop to the crop top with the inscription’ Go’an fuck urself’ and the ripped jeans.

“This doesn’t—”

“Let her be,” Dad cuts in softly.

Lisa scoffs and struts out.

I follow, composed, careful.

Mum cups my face. “My baby is so beautiful.”

I smile.

My eyes accidentally meet Dad’s.

I look away immediately and get into the car.

The drive is silent.

***

The car stops in front of a white skyscraper.

“Wow,” Lisa mutters.

Inside, everything is marble, glass, silence.

My confidence slips the second my heels hit the floor.

The maids.

The space.

The quiet power.

Is this where I’ll live?

Lisa nudges me and I straighten my back.

We reach the dining area. It looks unreal.

Then the Blackwoods walk in.

My throat dries instantly.

Ethan.

White designer shirt which was half tucked, his ripped jeans was hanging dangerously low. His Gold chain looked like a leash.

His brown hair looked so messy.

And God,he was chewing on a gum, loudky!

This is the man I’m marrying?

I so feel small.

“So… that must be the beautiful bride in pink,” his father says.

“Obviously,” Lisa says. “Even a blind man could tell.”

Daf coughed and apologize while mum pinched Lisa.

The dinner went on slowly and soon ,we were left alone.

Just I and Ethan.

“So… are we just gonna sit here?” he asks.

My mouth opens. Nothing comes out, I don't even know what to say.

“Out of all the girls on earth,” he mutters, “Dad picked a dumb bunny.”

“I don’t want you,” he continues coldly. “You’re just a business deal.”

“I don’t want your ugly face either!” I snap.

“Better.” He said before leaving.

After spending minutes playing with the hem of my dress the large dinning hall suddenly feels haunted.

How do I find my way out of here?

I don't know.

There's no one round and my phone…I forgot it t home.

Stupid Sophia, stupid.

I get lost while trying to find my way out and luckily, a maid helps me.

To my shock, I wss told my family was gone.

Seriously?

The freaking left me here?

I hopinto the car that was prepared for me.

But soon I realize the road is unfamiliar.

“Where are we going?” I ask the driver but I got no answer.

The doors are locked.

What the heck is going on?

I was about breaking the window when the car stops.

I look up and my jaw dropped at what I see

TBC

The story gets better from now on.