Chapter 1: Silent Battle

“What the hell? Sixty years?”

Laura and Anna spoke at the same time, their voices rising above the soft music of the club. A few people turned to stare.

"This is crazy, Sophie. There must be a way out of this," Anna uttered lowering her voice but not her panic, her eyes already welling with tears. I chuckle softly. I am the one getting married, but she is the one who is scared.

I reached for my glass of vodka and took a slow sip, then turned to them. "No, there isn't." I whispered casually.

Anna's hand slammed against the table , and she stood up. My eyes snapped at her. "Sophie, what the hell? You're way too calm for someone who's about to marry a man thirty-five years her senior!" She yelled.

"I don't have a choice," I said quietly, expressing no regret about my decision.

"You definitely have a choice!" Anna shot back, her voice rising in frustration. She grabbed her glass and drank it in one gulp.

Yes, everyone believes I have a choice, but honestly I have my own reason: my parents left this company in my name after their deaths. It's everything they've worked for. And I am willing to go to any length to keep it alive.

Signing that contract with Miller's company is the only way to keep it from going bankrupt, and that old pervert made it very clear that I should get married to him if I need the deal.

After searching for a reliable client for a damn full month, I couldn't even come up with any with good intention. It's frustrating to encounter those seeking a one-night stand and others saying a young and beautiful woman like me should get a sugar daddy and sell off my company.

That old pervert's company is the leading company here in Venice, and because he proposed marriage rather than a one-night stand, I had to agree, and the wedding is tomorrow.

"Let's try another way," Laura suggested as she held my hands, attempting to persuade me.

I forced a small smile and shook my head in disagreement because I have my own plan, which I spent a full month developing, and I need to stick to it.

I got to my feet, picked up my handbag from the chair and straightened my suit jacket.

"What now?" Laura asked, and I turned to face them. Their expressions were still filled with shock.

"I am going home," I said softly, tilting my head playfully. "I have to pack my belongings. I'll be moving into my husband's home tomorrow."

Anna let out a loud groan. "You are taking this too seriously."

Laura tilted her head. "Or Maybe she has always had a thing for old men?" She said flatly, picking up her own glass of wine and slowly sipping it, without even looking at me.

I nearly laughed, but kept my expression composed. "Maybe you are right," I whispered, and she stared at me in disbelief before rolling her eyes.

"What about the next week's plans?" Anna asked softly, tears slipping down her eyes.

Gosh, she isn't getting it; I have a duty to fulfil.

"Let's cancel it," I replied, and she buried her face in her palms, sobbing.

I had called them out for a drink only to give them shocking news. We all decided to spend my twenty-sixth birthday next week in Laura's new beach house, but with my sudden wedding with that old fox, I don't think that's possible.

"I hate you, Sophie," Laura whispered, pouring herself another drink. I chuckled and snatched the glass from her hand and drank it.

The bitterness twisted my face, but I winked at them and walked away without saying anything.

My heart bleeds. I wish someone could help me in this fight. Is it that difficult for a young lady to run a company alone? I sniffed and wiped my eyes. I can't be weak now.

I pushed the door open, only to be startled by a man stepping into the club. A sharp fear rushed through me as I struggled to steady myself. He caught my hands and pulled me against him, and my head landed on his hard chest. His clean, intoxicating scent wrapped around me, making my breath hitch. I pulled away slowly, then lifted my hands to straighten my hair, trying to regain my composure..

I slowly raised my head to look at him, my breath caught in my throat....His dark hair flawlessly frames his face, and his eyes are smoking hot. Even in the shadows, you could tell he was very charming. Every inch of his body screamed danger and temptation.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a smooth, low voice that made me shudder.

I swallowed hard and nodded, my heart racing wildly.

"Uh...thanks," I said softly, as I slowly tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

He gave a gentle smile and walked past me.

I stood there staring at his back until he disappeared into another room.

He looks so charming, and his body is so built; just from the black polo shirt and black sweatpants, you could tell he lives in the gym, and I'm certain he's wealthy, because that wrist watch is the most recent edition.

I shook my head quickly. Damn it, I need to snap out of this. "You have a lot ahead of you, Sophie," I whispered, but my heart kept racing—I'm sure this is alcohol working. I took a deep breath and quickly made my way out of the club.

**********

The car rolled and came to a stop in front of the church. My chest tightened as soon as I noticed the reporter standing outside.

My fist tightened on the wedding gown as anger and frustration burns into me.

Damn this old Fox. For heaven's sake, why is he exaggerating this wedding? This is so damn annoying.

"Ma'am, what should we do?" 'Mia, my assistant,' asked from the driver's seat.

I took a deep breath and got out of the car, with Mia right behind me.

The reporter's eyes immediately fell on me, and they came running towards me. I close my eyes for a moment, breathing slowly to steady myself. Then I forced a polite smile to my lips.

At once their mic pointed right up to my face with the camera flashing all around.

One of them called out, "Miss Sophie Smith, is this marriage for love or for business?"

I scoffed. "Love?"

"Is there actually such a thing?"

They looked at each other awkwardly, not sure how to respond.

"So, the marriage is a contract?" Another reporter asked. I looked into her eyes; she nervously blinked.

"Are you satisfied with that answer?" I asked calmly, and everyone went still. I forced a smile and walked past them without looking back. Felix Miller. Old rascal. He could've kept the wedding simple, but he had to put on a show.

A man his age should be counting his days rather than marrying someone who is young enough to be his daughter.

I stepped into the hall, and everything fell silent for a moment. Everyone's eyes were on me. Some people whispering. Some just staring. I proceed directly to the altar. Felix stood there, wearing that irritating smile that always makes my skin crawl.

I was told this was his second marriage. Laura had mentioned something about his family, but I didn't care; this wasn't about me; it was about my father's last wish, which was to keep his company running, and I would fulfil it.

I kept walking, my body trembling despite my attempts to act boldly. Even with my well-thought-out plan, there was a part of me that kept screaming, 'What if I get stuck in my own plan? What if Felix Miller wins this game of mine instead?

I got to the altar. And with that, the ceremony started.

"Felix Miller, do you consider Sophie Smith to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest asked.

With that repulsive smile on his face and an excessive amount of confidence, Felix replied quickly, "Yes, I do."

"Sophie Smith, do you accept Felix Miller as your lawfully married husband?"

My hands went cold and my pulse raced; everything went silent. The only sound I could hear was the crowd whisper. Felix leaned in, his voice low. “Don't be foolish, Miss Smith. Think carefully."

My chest tightened as I stared deeply into his grey eyes. This isn't just a word; it's a warning.