Semua Bab Vows of fortune: Bab 1 - Bab 7

The OfferThe 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

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

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

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