Unexpectedly Pregnant with the Billionaire's Child

Chapter 2: Marriage

In the afternoon, Sophie followed behind Alexander as they exited the civil affairs bureau. The afternoon sun shone down on her face, making it hard to keep her eyes open. As she gazed at the tall figure in front of her, she felt as if she were in a dream.

They reached the car and got in, one after the other. Alexander settled into the back seat and casually handed the marriage certificate to his mother. Mrs.Steele looked at the official stamp on the certificate, her face lighting up with joy.

The secretaries who worked alongside her son were all carefully selected, having undergone extensive background checks before being hired. Sophie had done her research; the young woman was serious and upright, clean-cut in appearance, diligent in her work, and resilient in her personal life. She felt reassured knowing that someone like Sophie would be with Alexander.

And there was one more important thing: her sentimental son had always had that other person in his heart. For their sake, he hadn’t dated anyone for years, just focused on work. She was more anxious than anyone, genuinely afraid he would continue down this path.

So when she saw that report, she realized the opportunity had come. She couldn’t let her son drift anymore; they needed to get married first. That way, no matter who he held in his heart later, his life would be complete.

Alexander shot his mother a silent glance. Was getting married really such a cause for celebration?

His mother had a weak heart and had just come back from major surgery, pulling herself back from the brink of death. For matters that didn’t involve strong principles, he, as a dutiful son, usually went along with her wishes. Moreover, his mother came from a respectable family and was well-educated. Aside from this matter, she had never forced him to do anything.

Mrs.Steele carefully examined the marriage certificate, then closed it and said, “Sophie, you’re not going to the office this afternoon. Let Alexander take you home to pack your things and move in with him. With a baby on the way, I can’t let you stay alone.”

Hearing her call her "Sophie" brought tears to her eyes—it was how her own mother used to call her.

Sophie had enough self-awareness not to agree immediately. She hesitated, “I’ll see what Alexander thinks.”

Alexander’s handsome face darkened slightly as he replied to his mother, “Mom, there’s still a lot to do at the company. Packing up isn’t urgent; Ms.Lang and I can go back to the office and return later.”

“Still calling her ‘Ms. Lang’?” Mrs.Steele teased with a laugh. “You two are registered now; you should change how you address each other. You young folks must have plenty of cute nicknames.”

Sophie, sitting in the passenger seat, felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of calling Alexander by any affectionate name.

Mrs.Steele didn’t press further; now that they had the marriage certificate, she felt satisfied.

After dropping them off at the company, the driver took Mrs.Steele home.

As they entered the executive elevator, Sophie stood slightly behind Alexander, taking in his tall figure. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and his tailored suit accentuated his fit physique, making him look dashing and confident.

Her heart raced—such an impressive man would soon be her husband, the father of her child? She could hardly believe it, yet it was reality.

“Are you done Sophieing?” Alexander’s voice came lightly from the front, his gaze reflected in the mirrored walls of the elevator, locking eyes with hers.

Caught in the act, Sophie hurriedly looked down, sheepishly admitting, “Uh, yeah, I’m done.”

“Ha,” he chuckled softly. The elevator doors opened, and he stepped out first.

Sophie sighed in frustration, mentally scolding herself. Why did she even respond?

The afternoon at work was busy, and time flew by until it was time to clock out.

She sent Alexander a message on WathsApp: “ Alexander, should I move in with you tonight?”

A few seconds later, he replied, “Since we’re officially registered, then yes, move in.”

“Okay, got it,” she typed back. Glancing one last time at the executive office, she hurried out.

Her home was in an old part of the city, with peeling paint and crumbling buildings close together. The roads were uneven, and when drains got clogged, dirty water spilled out. The noise from neighbors, barking dogs, electric scooters, and children running around was all too familiar.

She was used to it, navigating her way through the chaos and greeting familiar neighbors politely.

Once she was far enough away, they began to chat: “What a nice girl. She’s pretty, graduated from a prestigious university, and got a job as a secretary at a big company. It’s a shame she has such a heartless father. She and her mom have been through so much together.”

“Yeah, I heard her mom is sick and has been in the hospital for a while. That place really is a bottomless pit… Poor girl…”

Sophie didn’t hear their comments as she entered her building and quickly made her way upstairs.

Her tiny studio, just over forty square meters, was her cozy haven. But now, it was a place she and her mom wouldn’t be staying in anymore.

With a sigh, she pushed aside her sadness and went to her room to pack.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. At this hour, it was probably someone checking the gas meter. Sophie asked, “Who is it?” as she opened the door.

Her expression shifted when she saw who was standing there. She furrowed her brow and blocked the doorway, coldly asking, “What do you want? Here to ask for money again?”

The visitor was none other than her father—John Lang.

Since he had abandoned them, he’d enjoyed a few days of stability with his new partner, only to shamelessly come back to bother Sophie and her mother.

Sophie'father had no real hobbies, just a love for gambling. When he lost money, he didn’t dare ask his new partner for help, so he always ended up here, throwing a fit to get cash from his ex-wife. His ex was weak, and after a little noise, she would hand over money. Over time, he treated this place like a charity.

Today, Sophie assumed he was here for money again. She didn’t let him inside and shot back, “My mom is still in a coma at the hospital. Have some decency and don’t come looking for us!”

“Sophie, I’m not here to ask for money this time,” Sophie'father said, sounding less authoritative than usual, almost sheepish. “I need to ask you for a favor.”

“Have I not helped you enough already? What else do you want besides money?” Sophie said, exasperated, as she tried to close the door.

Sophie'father reached out an arm to block her and stepped inside.

Sophie felt her frustration boil over as he invaded her space. “What do you want? You and my mom have suffered enough because of you. Are you ever going to stop?”

Her anger was understandable; Sophie'father’s frequent visits in her childhood had left her traumatized, making it impossible for her to calmly talk to him.

“Sophie, I know I’ve made mistakes in the past, but don’t hold that against me,” he said, trying to sound remorseful.

He was aware that his daughter had always been kind-hearted and understanding. As long as he played the victim, she would likely give in, just like her mother did.

He put on a pitiful expression, awkwardly rubbing his hands together. “Sophie, you know a lot of people at Alexander's company. My other daughter wants to apply to an acting school, and it's really competitive. Could you help her find someone to pull some strings? I don’t mind paying a little.”