Chapter Two: The Proposal

Sophia’s footsteps echoed through the marbled halls of Blackwood Manor as she followed a somber butler toward the drawing room. The sheer size and grandeur of the mansion were overwhelming, with its towering ceilings, gilded chandeliers, and walls adorned with priceless artwork. Everything about this place screamed wealth and power, a sharp contrast to the simplicity of her life at home.

Her hands trembled as she clutched her purse tightly. She’d agreed to this meeting out of duty, but she couldn’t shake the unease that settled in her chest. Who was Adrian Blackwood, really? And why would a man like him—a billionaire—want a stranger like her as his wife?

“This way, Miss Bennett,” the butler said, his voice polite but distant.

Sophia nodded, forcing herself to take a steadying breath. The door to the drawing room creaked open, revealing a spacious room bathed in soft, golden light. A grand piano sat in one corner, its polished surface gleaming. The air was thick with the faint scent of sandalwood and something else she couldn’t quite place—something that felt... mysterious.

At the center of the room sat Adrian Blackwood.

Her first impression of him was striking. Dressed in a tailored suit, he exuded an air of quiet authority. His jet-black hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp features were accentuated by a strong jawline and piercing gray eyes that seemed to see straight through her. The wheelchair he occupied was sleek and modern, almost blending into his commanding presence.

“Miss Bennett,” Adrian said, his voice low and smooth. “Thank you for coming.”

Sophia’s throat went dry. She had rehearsed this moment countless times in her head, but now that she was here, she found herself at a loss for words.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she managed, offering a polite nod. “Thank you for inviting me.”

Adrian’s lips curved into a faint smile, but his gaze remained unreadable. “Please, have a seat.”

She hesitated for a moment before crossing the room and sinking into a chair across from him. The silence between them was heavy, charged with unspoken questions.

“You must be wondering why you’re here,” Adrian began, his tone calm and measured.

Sophia nodded, her hands gripping the edge of her chair. “I admit, I am curious. My father explained the basics, but I’d like to hear it from you.”

Adrian leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. “Very well. I’ll be honest with you, Miss Bennett. I’m a man who values clarity and purpose. My life has been... complicated, to say the least. Over the years, I’ve learned that most people who approach me are more interested in my wealth than in me as a person.”

Sophia’s brow furrowed. “And you think an arranged marriage is the solution to that?”

“In part,” Adrian replied. “I’ve come to believe that traditional dating isn’t an option for someone like me. Too many ulterior motives, too much pretense. What I need is a partnership—someone who can stand by my side without expecting more than I can give.”

Sophia couldn’t help but feel a pang of indignation. “So, you’re saying you want a wife, but not love? Is that it?”

Adrian’s expression softened, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. “Love is a luxury I can’t afford, Miss Bennett. My life is complicated, and my condition only adds to that complexity. What I’m offering you is stability, security—for both you and your family. In return, I ask for loyalty and discretion.”

Sophia’s heart sank. She had hoped there might be some hidden warmth behind his stoic demeanor, but his words felt cold, calculated. Still, she couldn’t deny the gravity of his offer.

“And what happens if I say no?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian studied her for a moment, his gaze unyielding. “You’re free to walk away, of course. But I believe your father made it clear what’s at stake. If you refuse, your family’s financial situation will worsen. The company will collapse, and the house will be lost.”

Sophia clenched her fists, anger and frustration boiling beneath the surface. How had her life come to this? Forced into a corner, her choices stripped away?

Adrian must have sensed her turmoil, for his tone softened. “I know this isn’t what you envisioned for your life, Miss Bennett. And I won’t pretend that my proposal is fair. But I can promise you this: I will treat you with respect. You’ll want for nothing. And your family will be taken care of.”

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The rain continued to tap against the windows, a rhythmic reminder of the storm raging outside—and within her.

Finally, Sophia lifted her chin, meeting Adrian’s gaze head-on. “If I agree to this... arrangement, I want something in return.”

Adrian’s eyebrows lifted slightly, intrigued. “And what is that?”

“I want honesty,” she said firmly. “No secrets, no lies. If I’m going to marry you, I deserve to know exactly who you are—your past, your present, and your intentions. I won’t be a pawn in a game I don’t understand.”

Adrian’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “Fair enough. Honesty, then. Do we have a deal?”

Sophia hesitated, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. She thought of her father’s pleading eyes, her mother’s fragile health, and Liam’s bright future.

Finally, she extended her hand. “We have a deal.”

Adrian reached out, his grip firm yet surprisingly warm. “Welcome to Blackwood Manor, Mrs. Blackwood.”

The words sent a shiver down her spine. There was no turning back now.

As the butler reappeared to escort her out, Sophia cast one last glance at Adrian. His expression was calm, unreadable, but something in his eyes hinted at secrets yet to be uncovered.

And as the door closed behind her, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just stepped into a gilded cage—one she might never escape.

---