The Promise
1451 Words
Three days later, Sophia Carter stood in the penthouse office of Sterling Corporation.
Floor-to-ceiling windows framed City A's skyline, sunlight streaming through the glass. But instead of warmth, she felt a chill. This office occupied the building's highest floor—supposedly offering panoramic city views. But Sophia couldn't appreciate any of it. Her attention locked on the document before her.
"Sit."
Lucas Sterling's voice came from behind his desk. Today he wore a deep charcoal suit, making him look even colder. Sunlight caught his profile, jawline sharp as a blade.
Sophia didn't sit. She still gripped the contract copy she'd signed three days ago, the paper worn from countless rereadings.
"Young Master Sterling." Her voice came out steadier than expected. "I need an explanation."
"What kind?"
"Why me?" She met his eyes directly. "City A has countless eligible women. Any would be worth more than a jilted bride. Aren't you afraid of becoming a joke, choosing me as your contract wife?"
This question had haunted her for days.
Lucas Sterling was City A's most eligible bachelor. Countless noble daughters competed for his attention. And she? Just discarded by the Harrington Family, branded with labels: adopted daughter, barren woman, discarded waste. Each one enough to send any man running.
Yet Lucas Sterling chose her.
It made no sense.
Lucas set down his papers and rose, walking toward her.
He was tall—nearly six-two—and she had to tilt her head back to see his expression. This distance was too close. Close enough to catch his scent—clean, woodsy, cold. Like him.
"Miss Carter." He stopped a step away. "I chose you because you're clever."
"Clever?"
"Your fiancé dumped you publicly. Your fake sister trampled you. Yet within ten minutes, you made the choice that best served you." A slight smile touched Lucas's lips. "That kind of person impresses me."
Something tightened in Sophia's chest.
Was he praising her?
She remembered that café scene. When Lucas appeared, she'd made her decision quickly. Not because she wasn't scared, but because she knew what refusal meant.
If she'd refused, Helena would become "Blake Family's eldest daughter" and marry into the Sterling Family. And Sophia would be crushed into dust.
But accepting? That at least offered a sliver of hope.
"Clever?" She repeated the word. "Aren't you calling me thick-skinned?"
"The two aren't mutually exclusive." Lucas's gaze lingered on her face. "Someone who can find a way out of despair quickly is either shameless or mentally strong. Either way, I need that."
Sophia was silent for a moment.
"Then what do you need me to do?"
"Play the role of Mrs. Sterling well." Lucas turned, walking back to his desk. "Externally, you're my wife. Internally—"
He paused, seeming to weigh his words.
"Internally?"
"Internally, you just need to do your part." Lucas's tone brooked no argument. "Don't ask too many questions. Don't meddle too much. Don't cause me trouble."
Sophia's brow furrowed.
These conditions sounded like she was being used as a tool.
"Young Master Sterling," she couldn't help asking, "are you using me as a shield?"
Lucas's movements paused. He turned his head, glancing at her.
That gaze was very deep, deep enough to hide the bottom.
"Shield?" He repeated the word. "That's not quite accurate."
"Then what should it be called?"
"Business partner." Lucas said. "You help me block unnecessary troubles, and I help you stand on your own feet again. A fair trade. That's all."
Sophia watched him, suddenly finding this man terrifying.
He spoke without any emotional fluctuation, cold as a robot. But every word he said precisely struck the point.
"I understand." She said. "Then we each take what we need."
"Very good." Lucas nodded. "If that's the case, sign this supplementary clause."
He handed over another document.
Sophia took it, scanning quickly.
**Article 1: The marriage shall remain secret externally.**
**Article 2: Neither party shall interfere in the other's private life.**
**Article 3: When necessary, must accompany the other at public events.**
**Article 4: Upon the one-year term's completion, terminate peacefully.**
"Any questions?" Lucas asked.
"One." Sophia raised her head. "Where do I need to live?"
"Sterling Family Manor." Lucas's tone brooked no argument. "My grandmother will live there with you."
Sophia's brow furrowed even tighter.
She'd heard of Grandmother Victoria's reputation—the most formidable old lady in City A, with extremely high demands for daughters-in-law. Several noble daughters had tried to get close to Lucas Sterling, only to be blocked by the old lady.
"Does your grandmother know?"
"It's her wish." Lucas's gaze flickered. "She wants to see personally what kind of woman I've chosen."
"What if she doesn't like me?"
"Then find a way to make her like you." Lucas's voice had no warmth. "I need a granddaughter-in-law who can satisfy her, not a troublesome headache."
Sophia gripped the document tightly.
She knew she had no retreat. From the moment she'd signed that contract, she'd been tied to this ship.
"Alright." She took a deep breath. "When should I move in?"
"Today." Lucas turned toward the window. "The driver is already waiting downstairs."
"That fast?"
"Not at all." His silhouette against the backlight was especially upright. "Tonight there's a business gala, and you attend as my date."
Sophia froze. "I don't have an evening gown."
"It's already prepared." Lucas pointed to a clothing rack in the corner. "Jewelry, shoes, handbag—all selected in your size."
Sophia looked at that rack.
A champagne-colored evening gown hung there, shimmering with understated elegance under the lights. Beside it in a jewelry box was a set of diamond earrings—simple yet invaluable.
She suddenly felt completely exposed.
"Young Master Sterling," she couldn't help asking, "how much did you investigate me?"
Lucas didn't answer. He just turned to glance at her.
That gaze was very deep, deep enough to be unreadable.
"Seven PM, downstairs. Don't make me wait."
---
Sophia ultimately changed into that gown.
The woman in the mirror looked unfamiliar—the champagne silk made her skin snow-white, simple updo revealing a slender neck, paired with that custom diamond earring set, the whole person seemed transformed.
She looked at herself in the mirror, suddenly feeling ironic.
Three days ago she was a laughingstock. Now she had to dress up like this to face City A's elite.
This was life.
Ups and downs. No one knows what happens in the next second.
"Miss, the car is ready." A voice came from outside the door.
Sophia took a deep breath and walked out.
Lucas was standing by the car waiting for her. He'd changed into a black suit, a sapphire brooch pinned at his collar, the whole person looking distinguished yet cold.
When he saw her emerge, his gaze slightly shifted, but quickly returned to calm.
That gaze seemed to flash with... admiration?
Sophia couldn't be sure.
"Let's go." He opened the car door for her.
Sophia bent into the car, catching a faint woodsy scent. Very clean, very cold, just like him.
The car smoothly drove toward the gala venue. Sophia watched the scenery blur past the window, suddenly feeling unreal.
"Nervous?" Lucas spoke suddenly.
"A little." She didn't deny.
"No need to be." His voice was faint. "Tonight your identity is Mrs. Sterling. Just remember that."
"But—"
"No buts." Lucas cut her off. "After tonight, everyone will know you're part of the Sterling Family. Before that, just keep smiling."
Sophia turned to look at him. His profile in the car's dim light looked especially deep.
"Young Master Sterling," she suddenly asked, "why are you helping me?"
"Helping you?" Lucas gave a light laugh. "Miss Carter, I'm not helping you. I'm using you."
Sophia froze.
"You're a very good bargaining chip." Lucas's gaze fell on her face. "The Blake Family's real daughter, replaced by a fake sister, abandoned by your fiancé—this identity has its own topicality. As long as you stand by my side, people will want to watch our story."
"So I'm just a tool?"
"Tool?" Lucas shook his head. "No, you're a business partner. You help me block unnecessary troubles, I help you stand on your own feet again. A fair trade. That's all."
Sophia was silent.
She'd always known there was no such thing as unconditional kindness in this world. Lucas choosing her must have his reasons. She just hadn't expected those reasons to be so... practical.
"I understand." She withdrew her gaze, looking out the window again. "Then we each take what we need."
The car stopped at the hotel entrance.
The doorman came forward to open the door. Sophia took a deep breath, putting on a fitting smile.
From this moment, she was Mrs. Sterling.
- Writer
