Love Under Agreement

CHAPTER 5

“UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL”

“Who is that?” Soren asked sharply when someone knocked on the door.

“It’s me, sir,” a servant answered quietly.

“You will not speak about this all week,” Soren told Josie firmly. “If you’re done, please leave my study now,” he added, stressing his point.

Josie understood that Soren meant what he said. There would be no changing his mind this time. With a heavy heart, she left the study, feeling sad that her request was denied.

“You may come in,” Soren said to the servant after Josie had gone.

“Sir, your mother sent you a letter,” the servant said calmly, handing Soren an envelope. Just as the servant turned to leave, Soren stopped him with a question.

“Did you overhear anything?” he asked seriously.

“No, sir, I promise I didn’t hear anything,” the servant replied, genuinely unaware of the earlier conversation.

“You may go,” Soren said, watching the servant walk out.

Soren opened the letter and read it. He disliked the idea of his mother visiting him. She only came when something serious was happening, and he didn’t like it.

The next morning, Josie sat on the couch in the living room, waiting for breakfast, when the door suddenly swung open and a man entered.

Her heart raced as she wondered who he was. "Soren didn’t mention any visitors today," she thought, unsure how to react.

“You must be Josie! It’s so good to see you!” Liam exclaimed, smiling widely as he walked into the room. His cheerful tone made Josie uneasy.

“Good day, sir,” she replied, standing up and feeling unsure. “I’m sorry, but I don't know who you are,” she added, hoping he would introduce himself. Josie noticed a strong similarity to Soren and figured he must be Soren's twin brother. Since Soren had never mentioned him—likely due to their relationship—she waited for an introduction.

“I guess my brother didn't tell you much about me,” Scott said as he settled into one of the couches. “You can sit down,” he added, motioning for Josie to join him.

“I’m Scott Ashford, Soren's twin brother,” he introduced himself simply, sinking back into the cushions. “Soren came first, so he’s the older one and has always been my role model,” Scott said with a hint of admiration.

At that moment, Soren walked into the living room and glanced at Scott.

“Twin brother,” Scott said, smiling and standing to hug Soren. “It's been so long,” he exclaimed, embracing him joyfully.

Soren shrugged away the hug, his feelings showing. He was happy to see Scott but didn’t show it. There was also a flicker of anger because Scott had missed their father's funeral three months earlier and had not bothered calling him or coming back the years he had been overseas.

“Why did you come here, Scott?” Soren asked, his voice tense.

Scott shrugged, still smiling. “I just wanted to catch up. We have a lot to discuss—mostly me—so let’s find a time to talk this weekend,” he suggested casually.

Josie's heart raced as she sensed tension between the brothers. It was clear Scott's visit meant more than a casual chat—it was a sore point for Soren. Not wanting to get involved, she quietly excused herself, heading to her bedroom and forgetting about breakfast.

“Hold on, Josie. Where are you going?” Scott asked, stopping her. “We’re just having a casual talk, nothing to worry about,” he added, looking at Soren.

“Let’s have breakfast; I’m starving,” Scott said, as Josie turned to look at him.

Josie glanced at Soren, hoping for his approval before heading to the table.

“No need to get my brother’s approval; come eat with us,” Scott said, signaling Josie to the breakfast table.

Josie hesitated but eventually joined them. Soren stayed silent.

“Come sit here, Miss,” Scott invited, pulling out a chair for her and gently taking her hand. Josie felt more insecure at this gesture.

“Stay away from her, Scott,” Soren warned, his voice low and tense.

Scott raised his hands in mock surrender, but his smile was far from reassuring. “Relax, brother. I’m just here to help. After all, family is everything, right?”

“I must admit, you are a truly beautiful lady, Miss,” Scott said as they started eating. “If I may ask, how did you and Soren meet? And why did you get married in secret? I'm curious to know,” he added, hinting at something behind his question.

“You don’t need to know that,” Soren replied sharply, his tone strict. Josie could feel the tension building again.

“Why are you so upset with me, brother? I just asked out of curiosity,” Scott said, pretending to be sad.

“How about your wife then?” Soren countered.“I heard you got married last year. How is she doing, and why didn’t you bring her with you?”

Scott felt uneasy at the question, but he didn’t show it. “It’s kind of a long story, so I’ll tell you another time,” he replied.

“I’m leaving for the office,” Soren said after finishing his meal. “Take care of yourself,” he added, trying to reassure his brother that his relationship with Josie was fine.

“Sure, I will,” Josie replied, trying to avoid eye contact with either brother. Scott sensed that both of them were hiding something, but he decided to clear up any doubts his brother might have about him before finding out the truth.

“Can I join you, brother? It’s been a long time since I visited our father's office,” Scott asked, hoping for Soren’s approval.

“I don’t care,” Soren replied flatly.

“You’re the best,” Scott said with a grin as he got up from his seat, wiping his mouth. “See you later, my lovely sister-in-law,” he added, waving at Josie.

“Brother, I’ll ride with you since I didn’t bring my car, and we’re headed to the same place,” Scott said quickly, trying to catch up with Soren while acting innocent.

Later that evening, a servant called Josie to Soren's room. “Who’s there?” Soren asked when he heard a soft knock on the door.

“It’s me,” Josie responded confidently. “You may come in,” Soren said, waiting for her to enter.

“Come closer,” he said. “I cannot risk anyone overhearing us.” He saw Josie enter and stand at a distance. Sensing the seriousness of the moment, she moved closer.

“From now on, we will act as if we have a perfect relationship,” Soren stated. “Do not say anything out of line in front of my brother until I tell you it’s okay.” His voice was firm and serious.

Just as he finished speaking, a loud noise came from outside his room. “Who could that be?” Josie asked, startled.