Chapter 2

Sophia dragged her feet through the streets of New York, her head spinning from the alcohol she had forced into her system. Tears blurred her vision, the city lights twinkling and smearing together like a watercolor painting in the rain.

She had deliberately chosen not to take a cab home. Even in her intoxicated state, it felt like a subconscious death wish—like she wanted a car to end it all for her right there.

The cool night breeze wrapped around her, goosebumps prickling across her arms. Her legs finally gave out—they couldn’t carry her any longer.

But somehow, she pulled herself together. Moments later, she arrived at her destination: the house of chaos—her so-called family home.

With shuffling strides, Sophia moved toward the front door, half-expecting her uncle to burst out and devour her whole.

No sooner had she pressed the doorbell twice than the door flung open, her uncle yanking it as if he'd been standing there all along.

She froze, startled by his speed. Her heart raced. Had he been watching her through the peephole the entire time?

The first thing she noticed was the deep scowl carved into his face—clear evidence of the wrath brewing inside him.

But Sophia no longer cared. After everything—after being forced into a marriage with Edward, after being betrayed by both her uncle and cousin—there was nothing left in her to fear.

His voice slashed through the air like a whip.

“Where the hell do you think you're coming from at this time of night?”

Without thinking, Sophia rolled her eyes, disgust curling her lips.

“Gray, are you going to let me in or not?” she spat, an icy glint flashing in her hazel eyes.

He was stunned by her sharp tone—but even more offended when she brushed past him into the house without so much as a flinch of apology.

She made her way toward the stairs, heading for her room. One foot had barely touched the first step when his roar came from behind:

“Not so fast, Sophia Reyes!”

She turned instinctively, her tough facade beginning to crack.

Gray stormed toward her, his gaze sharp enough to cut. Without warning, he grabbed her arm and yanked her close.

“Listen to me, young lady,” he growled, shoving her roughly, “you don’t get to be disrespectful in my house.”

Sophia stumbled back, nearly losing her balance. She caught the stair railing just in time, steadying herself. From behind the strands of hair falling over her face, she shot him a look of pure disgust and let out an angry snort.

That’s when he smelled it—the strong and sour stench of alcohol.

He wrinkled his nose in revulsion. “You slut,” he bellowed. “So instead of preparing for your wedding tomorrow, you're out getting wasted in some bar? Shameless.”

Sophia shot him an accusing glance. For someone who usually spent his time drinking and getting wasted, he sure loved to judge others.

She opened her mouth to fire back, but another voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"She's disgusting, Dad," her cousin sneered, appearing suddenly. Her eyes gleamed with malice. “Who knows what she was doing at a club this late?”

Sophia turned on her sharply, scorn carved into her features.

“Anna, do us all a favor and shut your filthy mouth. No one’s talking to you.”

Then she shifted her gaze back to Gray, her body taut with defiance. “Gray”—she spat his name like poison—“let me make something perfectly clear: I am not marrying that cheating bastard Edward. I don’t give a damn what you think.”

“Over my dead body!” he snapped, his temper blazing. “How dare you say that to my face?”

“I don’t care what—”

“Enough!” Gray barked, taking an intimidating step forward.

Sophia flinched, her gaze dropping, heart thudding against her ribs. It had taken every ounce of courage to defy this man, to finally stand up to him.

Gray stared her down, his fists clenched tight. “Ever since your mother died, I’ve taken care of you—fed you, clothed you, given you shelter. If it weren’t for me, you’d be on the street. And this is how you repay me? By turning down the one chance this family has to survive?”

Sophia stood frozen, stunned by his audacity. Was he really using his so-called kindness as leverage now?

“You only care about yourself, Gray,” she whispered, shaking her head. “Did you even once ask me what I wanted?”

“If I only cared about myself, you'd be homeless by now,” he shot back coldly. “This family has done everything for you. Now it’s time to return the favor.”

Sophia stared hard at him, her lips twitching in disbelief.

“My business is sinking. Edward is our lifeline. You'll marry him, and you'll save us.”

Gray leaned toward her, his eyes narrowing. “You should be grateful, Sophia. Who would've thought that old boyfriend of yours would turn rich? Edward's a blessing for all of us. And it's thanks to you.”

A deep, shuddering breath left her lips. She felt her walls crumble inside.

It hit her all over again—no one was on her side. Not one person. And now, she was expected to throw away her life to prove her ‘gratitude.’

Her throat tightened. She clenched her jaw to hold back the tears threatening to spill.

She managed to find her voice, but her words sounded feeble, even to her. “I can’t do this. How is this sham marriage supposed to be an act of gratitude?” Her voice was quiet, raw.

Gray’s face hardened. “Stop this nonsense. This isn’t a big deal. Wasn’t Edward your boyfriend? What do you mean by ‘sham’? You should be thankful his parents approve. They also want a wife for him, and they chose you. That’s a great opportunity.”

Sophia shook her head, her eyes brimming. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not okay with it. This isn’t right.”

Gray rolled his eyes, unmoved. “Listen, Sophia. I’m not a good man, and I’m not pretending to be one. Tomorrow morning, you’re walking down that aisle. That wedding will happen. If you pull anything stupid, I’ll strip away everything you have left.”

He snorted and added with more venom, “Marry Edward, or lose everything. You know what I’m capable of.”

Then he turned to his daughter, who had remained silent, stunned by Sophia’s defiance.

“Anna, it’s late. Let’s go get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

Anna shifted her gaze from her father to Sophia, her eyes burning with hatred.

“Yes, Dad,” she said quietly, still glaring at her cousin.

The two of them ascended the stairs without another word, leaving Sophia in the dark.

She stood frozen at the bottom of the stairs, her chest rising and falling in uneven bursts. She watched them till they were out of sight.

For a fleeting second, she tried to hold herself together, but the silence of the house pressed down on her like a heavy weight. Then the bitter tears she had fought so hard to suppress spilled from her eyes.

Finally, her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor. Her sobs tore through the silence, grief pouring out of her like a flood breaking loose.