The Billionaire's Contracted Bride

CHAPTER 3

“I am Nicholas Powell and I have something really important to discuss with you. How about we meet at my office tomorrow?” Nicholas asked, his voice sounding as though it were a matter of urgency, and thereafter, he stretched forth his hand and handed over the address of his office to Sophie.

“I’m afraid I can’t meet up with an appointment for tomorrow. How about we discuss it now?” Sophie responded, anticipating what was about to be said to her.

Nicholas ordered his driver to give them some privacy as he explained in detail all that he needed Sophie to be informed about.

Following the driver’s departure, Nicholas said, “I will need us to get married and produce a baby, after which we can get a divorce.”

Sophie’s eyes widened in shock, she said, with her voice louder than her usual tone, “What?!” She asked, “So, what do I get in return?”

“Anything you want,” Nicholas responded.

***

With a deep breath and a quirky smile, Sophie reached out to her elegant-looking dress, the type that beautified her body in a way no other dress did. She slipped into the gown, with the fabric in correspondence with her skin, giving it a glowing, irresistible sensation.

Sophie could tell that this dress would leave a positive demeanor in the hearts of Tristan’s household. The gown had sat pretty well, revealing her curves and gracefully cascading to the floor. She felt like a queen, elegant and radiant with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

She reached for a pair of earrings, the type being golden that glowed softly in her room. They were the earrings Tristan had given her on her last birthday. As she fastened it in, it sat pretty well on her ears, giving her rounded face a glowing beauty that could be evidently captured.

Sophie couldn’t help but smile, with a blushing cheek and her perfectly applied makeover, together with her hair neatly flowing over her neck and shoulders. Her heart was full of peace, soothing calmness.

She took a lengthy gaze at herself as she stood still in the mirror in self-admiration. She could see a strong and resilient woman in whom she was proud of. Upon staring at how adorable she looked, she heard a knock on the door.

Knowing who the person was, she hurriedly reached for her favorite perfume. She closed her eyes and sprayed lightly on her skin, the scent radiating all over the room, after which she reached out to the door.

Tristan had come to pick up Sophie for the family dinner he had invited her to some time ago. Upon seeing Sophie, his heartbeat grew faster, his breath was caught in his throat. He couldn’t resist such beauty that captivated him completely.

Without holding back how he felt, Tristan said, “Sophie, you look gorgeous and stunning in your dress.” He approached her and planted a kiss on her cheek while gently caressing it afterward.

They both shared an embrace, the type that exonerated a feeling of joy and peace. Sophie could tell that having an assurance of someone being there for you was evident with Tristan.

Sophie gave a wide smile as she responded, “Thank you, Tristan.” Those words echoed in her mind like a melody, playing on repeat.

As they drove through the journey, Sophie’s thoughts had wandered through the conversation she had with Nicholas Powell. She was amazed at how Nicholas Powell, an heir to a billionaire enterprise, could find such a person as herself.

Sophie couldn’t come to terms with how she was about to make a profound decision with regard to what Nicholas had earlier discussed with her that was about to change her life, the kind that might hurt the feelings of Tristan.

***

The aroma of savory dishes crammed the air as the family accrued across the table, their faces illuminated through the tender glow of the chandelier above.

At the family dinner, the atmosphere was lively with everyone glittering, conversing and laughing. It was a beautiful moment to behold.

Sophie was the topic of many discussions, with Tristan's family members asking about her and expressing their interest in getting to know her better.

Despite the initial tension, the evening seemed to be going well, and Sophie felt a sense of warmth and acceptance from Tristan's family.

However, Tristan's mother seemed repulsed towards her, casting subtle glances in Sophie's direction throughout the evening.

Her demeanor suggested she was not entirely pleased with Sophie, citing her average family background as unsuitable for their family's status, which added a layer of tension to an otherwise pleasant gathering.

Mrs. Walker expressed her desire for Tristan to be with someone more influential, someone who could enrich their family's status due to the challenges they had been through.

Sophie felt a sense of sadness, prompting her to seek an area to isolate herself for a moment.

Tristan, ignorant of her internal turmoil, called out her name, his voice echoing through the building as he searched for her.

Sophie had retreated to a quiet corner, hoping to accumulate her mind and discover solace amidst the chaos of her emotions.

As Tristan approached Sophie, they both persisted on foot, walking hand in hand through the building to the place where everybody was at. Sophie couldn't shake the sensation of unease that had settled over her.

“You seem distracted, Sophie,” Tristan said, squeezing her hand gently. “Is everything okay?”

Sophie forced a smile, trying to push her worries aside. "I'm fine, Tristan. Just thinking about work, that's all." She lied.

“I... I'm struggling at work. My job is all I have got for now, however, it still doesn't pay enough to make ends meet” she falsely admitted, her voice slightly above a whisper.

Tristan's expression softened, and he pulled Sophie into a comforting embrace. "I understand matters are difficult right now, however, we will figure it out together. I'm here for you, regardless of what."

With a sense of complete assurance of Tristan being there for her, Sophie experienced a sudden and intense feeling of comfort and ease. She knew that with him, she could face any challenge that came her way.

After they both parted ways, Sophie's thoughts descended back to the conversation she had earlier with Mrs. Walker, in which she had to conceal from Tristan.

When Sophie arrived home, she found Cora waiting on her doorstep. Spotting her friend, she increased her pace in excitement, grateful for the chance to share the challenges she was currently facing.

“Cora! I didn’t know you were coming”, Sophie said, as she leaned in to give her a warm hug.

“Well, I wanted to surprise you” Cora said, as they both got into Sophie’s apartment to spend some time together. What’s been going on with you? Cora asked further.

“Well, aside from my mother’s pending medical bills, I met with Nicholas Powell. He gave me an offer and said he was going to pay off my mother’s medical bills if I agreed to the offer”, Sophie responded.

“Nicholas Powell! The Powell’s Enterprise heir?” Cora responded in shock, her eyes wide open.

“Yes, that’s him. I do not know him, but I have no other option, Cora. My mom means everything to me, and you know it”, Sophie replied.

“I understand. So, what does he want in return?” Cora responded.

Sophie said, “He needs me to marry him and bear him a child.”

Cora’s eyes widened in shock. “What? So, what are you going to do?”