Chapter Seven : An Unthinkable Idea
435 Words
Determined to prove her father wrong, Sophia threw herself into the job market.
She sent out application after application, confident that her outstanding academic record and master’s degree from a prestigious Canadian university would open doors for her.
Instead, she was met with disappointment.
One rejection followed another.
She couldn’t understand it.
“With my qualifications, why won’t anyone give me a chance?” she often wondered.
Still, she refused to give up.
Sophia had made a promise to herself—she would build her own future without depending on her father’s wealth or surrendering to his condition.
Weeks later, her persistence finally paid off.
She received a job offer.
The salary was far below what she had hoped for, but she accepted it without hesitation.
It wasn’t about the money.
It was about proving that she could stand on her own.
When her father learned that she had taken a job elsewhere instead of joining the family business, he was furious.
“If you’re determined to live life your own way,” he said firmly, “then leave this house. Don’t come back until you’re ready to do what I’ve asked.”
Sophia didn’t argue.
She didn’t beg.
She simply packed her belongings and walked away.
At the time, her younger brother, Steven, was studying in the United Kingdom, leaving only their father, their mother, and the household staff at home.
With nowhere else to go, Sophia moved in with her close friends, Bella and Cynthia.
Life was far from easy.
Her salary barely covered transportation and meals after taxes. Saving enough money to rent her own apartment seemed impossible.
Watching her struggle, Bella couldn’t hide her frustration.
“I don’t understand you,” she said one evening. “Your father is one of the wealthiest businessmen around, yet you’re living like this.”
Sophia sighed.
“I’d rather struggle than let anyone force me into a marriage I don’t want.”
Bella and Cynthia exchanged knowing glances.
They had been discussing something for days.
Finally, Cynthia spoke.
“What if…” she began carefully, “…you don’t actually have to marry for love?”
Sophia frowned.
“What do you mean?”
Bella leaned forward.
“What if we find a man who’s willing to sign a marriage contract with you? A temporary arrangement. No love. No strings attached. Just long enough for your father to hand over the business.”
The room fell silent.
Sophia stared at her friends, unsure whether they had just come up with the most ridiculous idea she had ever heard…
…or the only solution she had left.
- Writer
