The Offer
The hospital had an antiseptic and depressing smell. Sophia Bennett was seated rigidly in the private room's corner staring at the man who was unconscious in the bed.
Machines beeped in a steady rhythm, tubes snaked into his arms and the silence in between was deafening.
Richard Bennett her father was once a titan of industry but is now a mere shadow of his former glory. It had been an abrupt stroke. The even quicker fall from grace.
After an hour her phone vibrated for the fifth time. Board Update: Urgent action is necessary. She didn't open it.
She already knew what was happening, lawyers circling like vultures, assets frozen, and investors pulling out.
She lacked funds, power, and a plan. The door opened. “I apologize this floor is for… she began but stopped when the man entered the room as if he were the owner.
Adrian Drake.
He looked like a Vogue cover model, more than the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company because he was tall, dark and immaculately dressed in a charcoal suit.
Sophia however was furious.. A man with the ability to destroy what was left of her family was hiding behind those stormy grey eyes along with a cunning mind.
Slowly she stood. “You shouldn't be here.”
With his eyes darting momentarily to her father he said calmly. “ I go wherever I want to.”
Her eyes narrowed to a silt. “Say what you came to say, then leave.”
“I have a proposition,” he said. Ignoring the hatred in her glare, he took a folded piece of paper out of his coat pocket and placed it on the side table. “You need money and I need a wife.”
Sophia blinked severally times in surprise. “I don't understand. What are you talking about?”
“There is a contract,” he declared. “Short-term marriage. Legal.Public. You play the role of a devoted wife. In exchange, I will fund your father's treatment. And I will ensure Bennett Enterprises continues to operate.”
Her jaw dropped. “Is this a joke?”
“No. The solution is strategic.” He moved a step nearer. My grandfathers will contain a clause. I must get married by the time I turn thirty. Which is forty days from now. If not, my cousin Julian will get everything.”
“The same Julian who falsely accused my father of stealing from Drake Global?”
Adrian's face remained expressionless. “Yes. That's why I need someone who presents a clean image. Someone who in all likelihood wouldn't marry me for financial gain. That is who you are. “
Sophia's laughter was bitter. “You’re crazy.”
“Possible. But in all seriousness, we need to act fast.”
Her eyes were blazing as she took a step closer. “Why not a socialite or model who genuinely wants the position of a wife instead of me?”
“Because drama is not what I want. I want to keep it private. You need saving. The media respects my name. Both of us will gain from it.”
She felt her heart beating. “To preserve my father's legacy, do you think I would marry you?”
“I believe you already realize that you have no other choice.”
It struck like a slap. Worst of all it was the truth. Every bank investor and bit of pride she had, was gone. The air was choked with silence. The machines continued to beep despite the raging conflict between them.
She whispered, “I don't intend to commit myself to a man like you.”
Adrian's eyebrow went up. “ Fine. Do whatever you want. And watch your father's remaining assets dismantled by the board and angry investors.”
As he turned to go he stopped. “You have just twenty four hours to make up your mind. The contract will be sent over by my lawyer. Then the deal goes away.”
His scent, his threat, and the flicker of temptation that repulsed her were all gone when he walked out.
***
That afternoon Sophia stood with a storm in her chest in Bennett Enterprise's lobby.
The board meeting was a nightmare. The board of directors who were supposed to be her father's supporters quickly proposed restructuring, suggesting liquidation and even worse selling the company outright.
She had left the meeting with a pounding headache and trembling hands. They weren't going to wait for her dad to get better.
Her assistant came running up holding a folder. “He is back.”
Sophia's stomach fell out. “Who?”
“Adrian Drake. He is in your father's office.
With a muttered curse she walked with heels clicking like a gun as she strode to the door.
Adrian occupied Richard Bennetts desk as if it were his own. He had the assurance of someone who had already won as he flipped through a file.
“You’re not ashamed,” she yelled.
“Well, you're here,”
On the table she threw the folder. “My answer is no. I will not marry you.”
He chuckled. “Your response is causing a delay. You need this, Sophia.”
“You're so full of yourself, Adrian.”
He smirked. “Let’s then discuss logistics. “You marry me. You have full financial support. The greatest medical care in the world will be provided to your father. Your company will get a second chance. And my grandfather's empire becomes mine.”
“No intimacy,” she declared.
“Not a single one.”
“No drama with the press.”
“We will control the narrative,” he assured.
“And after it ends, we will both go our separate ways,” she said.
“Definitely,” he said smoothly. “No strings.”
Sophia gazed at him. It was insane. And yet, her father's face so still and so pale flashed before her eyes.
She imagined that the media would destroy him. There were traitors in the boardroom. Everything he built over the years was slowly deteriorating.
She hated Adrian but she hated seeing her father's company collapse even more.
Reaching into his briefcase he took out a heavy envelope. Sophia glanced over at the label.
Bennett-Drake marriage contract.
She felt a knot in her stomach.
“I will expect your answer by midnight,” he said as he dropped it on the desk.
As she reached for it, he lowered his voice to a whisper. “Welcome to the negotiation.”
Locked doors The lilac dress, still damp from the coffee, clung on comfortably to Sophia's skin. The burning sensation on her chest had subsided to a dull ache, but the Sting of Miss Florence's content lingered. Theory bubbled inside her, a potent antidote to the fear she had felt. She wasn't a pawn, not anymore. She was Adrian Drake's wife, a title she despised but would leverage. In rage, she stormed off in search of Adrian. She saw a huge door and flung it open.Adrian sat behind a huge desk. The table was filled with papers and an open laptop."Adrian there is something you must know," she said in a shaky breathless tone.Adrian looked up, his gays sweeping over her coffee-stained dress before settling on her face. “Is there a problem, Mrs Drake?” His stone was even, betraying no hint of concern. "Yes. I have been disrespected by your housekeeper. She spilled hot coffee on my dress. And she acted like it was okay."Adrian raised an eyebrow and then his eyes travelled the len
The spill She stirred gently in her sleep, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays as they streamed into the room. The golden light filtered through the curtains, casting soft patterns on the walls and illuminating the space with a warm glow. The quiet morning air wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, coaxing her toward consciousness. As she shifted slightly, the sunlight kissed her skin, teasing her awake with its gentle touch, inviting her to embrace the day that lay ahead.As she flicked her eyes open, the rays flashed in them. Her hand flew to her face, protecting her eyes.She turned around, facing the white painted wall.After a few minutes, she dragged herself up and yawned, stretching sleepily.Her thoughts gradually woke up along with the rest of the world. Sharp undesired and enduring memories of the previous night also came with them. She hid quietly, listening to Adrian speak to someone over the phone. They talked about secrets.What could that be?A
A house of secrets Sitting rigidly in the backseat of the vehicle, Sophia scanned the enormous building that would now be known as home.The house which was all cold glass and polished steel, stood over her like a fortress. As if he weren't introducing a stranger into his life, Adrian sat next to her silently browsing through his phone. Adrian remained silent as the car came to a stop. He just adjusted the cuffs on his dark suit, opened his door, and went outside. Sophia followed after hesitating. As soon as they entered the cold went beyond a metaphor.A woman in her late forties stepped out from the mansion. “Welcome, Mr. Drake.” Her silver hair was pulled back into a painfully tight bun and she wore a clean grey uniform. Adrian gave a nod. “Miss Florence. Meet my wife, Sophia. This will be her permanent residence.”Sophia smiled courteously.“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Like an X-ray, Miss Florence's eyes darted across her. There was no warmth in her tone. “We have the eas
Public appearance Sophia was standing behind the velvet curtains in the grand ballroom of The Watercrest Hotel. Her hand trembled a little as she held the fragile flute of sparkling water. Through the partition, the muted roar of the press could be heard, voices rising heels clicking, and flashes popping. She had the impression of a lamb who was ready to be fed to wolves. Outside, the media circled like sharks sniffing blood and the elite buzzed with curiosity. This gala wasn't your typical one. She made her debut as Mrs. Sophia Drake in public. Adrian looking dapper in a fitted black tuxedo stood close to her. “Ready?” he asked.His face was unreadable giving off an air of authority. In an attempt to calm herself, she honestly replied, “ No.”“Let's finish this up now.” His voice was low but firm as he leaned in. “Smile as we enter, calm and self-assured. And unless I specifically ask, don't respond to any direct questions.”Sophia raised an eyebrow. “ Whoa. You have a real tale
Terms and conditions Sharp and emotionless the contract on the table was immaculately written in black ink on white paper. The difference between Sophia and being saved or disaster was a few signatures. Just as he did in every boardroom, Adrian kept a close eye on her. As composed as ever he stated It's all standard. “We tie the knot. We pretend to be married. And we leave without any problems after a year. “When Sophia saw the contract her eyes remained fixed. “And what happens if one of us violates the rules?”Adrian laughed dryly and said, “ You mean if we both fall in love with each other? That's not going to happen. However, there is a non-contest clause in that scenario. You'll forfeit all of your rights to the assistance I offer. The Bennett partnership will no longer be under my control.”“Convenient.” She reclined in the leather seat. “No intimacy. No affection.”“Exactly. This is a strategic alliance, not a romance,” he stated.Lifting the first page, Sophia scanned it
The choiceThe cold hospital room reverberated with the steady beep of machines. Sophia was sitting by her father's bedside holding his frail hand as the fluorescent lights above her buzzed softly.From his arms, tubes were connected.Her fingers shook.“I'm in pain. Don't leave me to bear this burden alone.”All she got was silence.His once powerful hand which had helped her navigate both life and business now felt like glass because it was too still and too delicate.A sharp knock on the door shattered the silence. And quickly, Sophia wiped her face dry.She wouldn't want them to see her cryingA nurse peered in. “It's time for his medication, Miss Bennett.”With a nod, Sophia got up. “Give me a call if anything changes.”Her heels echoed like a countdown through the hallway outside the room.24 hours. Adrian Drake gave her that. She had twenty-four hours to make the decision to sell herself, her future and her name in order to preserve her fathers legacy. Or watch as everything bu