CHAPTER 4
1263 Words
“I will marry him and bear him a child in order for my mother’s medical bills to be sorted” Sophie replied, her voice exonerating confidence.
“Have you thought this through?” Cora asked, feeling concerned.
“I am left with no choice” Sophie responded, her face sinking downwards and her voice slightly above a whisper.
“Well, what about Tristan?” Cora asked.
“Hmmm... I really don’t know.” I can sense he loves me, so, I’m going to conceal my marriage from him for now, so I don’t hurt his feelings. With time, the truth will reveal itself.” Sophie replied with a shaky voice, revealing her inner turmoil.
Cora leaned in and gave Sophie a warm embrace, and she said, “Okay, I trust you to be just fine.”
***
The elegant boardroom portrayed a seemingly warm, cool air, soothing smoothly into Sophie’s skin. It had features of large, polished tables, surrounded by chairs together with beautiful paintings and drawings by the entrance of the hall way.
Sophie made her way into the boardroom, with her presence capturing the attention of everyone present. She looked simple, yet stunning with her head held high.
As Sophie approached the table, her feet seemed shaky, and her body exonerated a language of uncertainty. Was she moved further, thousands and one thoughts glanced through her mind. She had never been in a situation like this before.
Nicholas Powell sat at the head of the table with his full attention gazing at the documents spread out before him. He almost didn’t notice anyone else had walked in.
Sophie cleared her throat, in anticipation of capturing everyone’s attention. Nicholas paused, adjusted his tie, and rendered a sharp and precise gesture, a reflection of his true identity—being controlling and in command.
“Ms. Thompson, please have a seat,” Nicholas said, as he gently pulled out a seat in the opposite direction of his.
“Thank you very much,” Sophie responded, with her eyes locked on his before she looked away, unable to hold a lengthy gaze.
Nicholas slid the contract across the table towards her and said in a calm, yet firm voice, “I believe you’re familiar with the terms.”
Sophie nodded in regard to giving a positive response to being aware of the agreement. Her fingers, trembling slightly and shaky as she makes an attempt to hold the pen.
Her heartbeat became faster, she made an attempt to carefully read through the documents once more. She knew that signing this contract meant sacrificing her happiness for the sake of her mother, whose medical bill needed to be paid off.
Eventually, she signed the documents with her name written at the bottom, together with her signature as a sign of commitment to the agreement. She looked up, meeting Nicholas’s gaze once more.
Nicholas stretched out his hands, in attempt to give a handshake, his hands covering hers briefly as he withdrew almost immediately, and thereafter he proclaimed, “Congratulations, Ms. Thompson,” his voice emotionless, “You are now Mrs. Powell.”
As they drove away from the building, Sophie was caught in troubling thoughts that had an impact on her emotions. She knew that the only motive in which she agreed to this marriage was to gain an edge on how to clear off her mother’s medical bills.
Nicholas, on the other hand, had a different intention. To him, this marriage was a means of him becoming the next CEO of Powell Enterprise. This was the only solution to the requirement, so, his marriage to Sophie was not based on love or affection but was solely a strategic move.
The requirement of him being married, and producing an heir in order to obtain his rightful position at the Powell Enterprise was the sole reason for this decision.
Nicholas, now married and feeling confident that one of the requirements for inheriting the family business was met, drove off in excitement, heading towards his father's office, eager to persuade him to hand over the company to him.
“Father, I've done as you asked. I'm married now. Surely, it's time for me to take over the family business”, Nicholas spoke, his voice brimming with confidence.
Mr. Powell responded, “Nicholas, you know the rules. You must produce an heir before I can consider handing over the company to you.”
Nicholas pleaded, his tone tingled with persuasive urgency, “But Father, I've married Sophie. We can start a family soon enough.”
Mr. Powell replied, “Soon enough is not good enough, Nicholas. I need to see results before I can make any decisions.”
Furious at his father's refusal, Nicholas stormed out of Mr. Powell's office, his mind racing with thoughts of how to fulfill this new demand.
As he left, Mr. Powell called after him, reminding him of his upcoming 70th birthday happening the next day, extending his invitation to Sophie.
“Okay, dad, I have heard!” Nicholas responded. He left his father's office, steaming in anger and frustration, knowing that he now faced a new challenge in his quest to take over the family business.
Nicholas, feeling the weight of his father's demands, decided to take Sophie out for a romantic evening, trying to lift his spirit.
He planned a surprise dinner at a charming, well-decorated restaurant and they both shared a remarkable time together afterward.
As they drove home, both of them felt a shared sense of excitement, knowing they were equally committed to fulfilling the terms of their contract and this led to a pleasurable night with moans resonating over the entire room.
The next day, the anticipation for Mr. Powell's birthday celebration was palpable. Sophie looked radiant, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she and Nicholas approached the center where everyone was gathered.
Her dress flowed elegantly around her, and her smile lit up the room, drawing admiring glances from those around her.
As they made their way through the crowd, Nicholas couldn't help but notice Natalie watching him from afar.
She looked intensely, filled with longing and desire. She had always harbored feelings for him, but seeing him with Sophie, looking so happy and content, only fueled her desire to have him all to herself.
Natalie's heart raced as she imagined being in Sophie's place, by Nicholas's side. She knew it was just a fantasy. At that moment, she couldn't help but wish that she could make it a reality.
Following the ceremony, Natalie approached Nicholas, suggesting that they take a walk outside to get some fresh air and escape the noise of the party for a moment.
Nicholas agreed, and they slipped away from the crowd, finding a serene spot in the garden.
“You look absolutely stunning in what you are putting on.” Natalie said, as she reached out to his palm while caressing hers over Nicholas’
Nicholas responded, “Thank you. You look pretty amazing yourself.”
“Is that all you have to say?” Natalie responded, anticipating to hear other remarkable compliments from Nicholas.
“I am married now, Natalie, we really need to put an end to this.” Nicholas said, forgoing his palms from hers while adjusting his suit.
“So, tell me, what am I supposed to do with these feelings I have for you?” Natalie asked, reaching out slowly to kiss him.
Caught at the moment, Nicholas and Natalie shared a kiss, their passion and desire for each other overwhelming any sense of reason or responsibility.
- Writer
