Bound by a promise

Chapter 13

Two weeks passed after the charity gala.

Sophia buried herself in work, hoping it would distract her from the arranged marriage.

It didn't.

Every other day, either her mother or father would bring it up.

"Sophia, have you thought about it?"

"No."

"You should."

"I said no."

The answer never changed.

---

At Lockwood Technologies, Ethan wasn't having it any easier.

Richard invited him into his office almost every evening.

"You and Sophia need to talk."

"We've talked."

"You argued."

"Exactly."

Richard sighed.

"You can't keep avoiding this."

"I can."

Richard looked at his son for a long moment.

"We'll see."

---

One Friday evening, Daniel Clark called Sophia into his study.

She walked in with a tired expression.

"Dad."

"Sit down."

Sophia remained standing.

"I'd rather stand."

Daniel smiled helplessly.

"You're as stubborn as your mother."

Grace laughed quietly from the sofa.

Sophia folded her arms.

"What did you want to discuss?"

Daniel became serious.

"Richard and I have decided something."

Sophia suddenly had a bad feeling.

"What?"

"Next weekend, both families will spend the day together at the Lockwood country estate."

Sophia blinked.

"No."

"It isn't a request."

"Dad..."

"We've already informed them."

Sophia rubbed her forehead.

"What exactly are you trying to achieve?"

"We want you and Ethan to know each other outside school."

"I already know him."

"No."

Daniel shook his head.

"You only know the version you saw at university."

"And that's enough."

Grace stood up.

"Sophia, please."

Her mother's gentle voice made Sophia pause.

"We're not asking you to fall in love with him."

"We're simply asking you to spend one day together."

Sophia remained silent.

After a long moment, she sighed.

"Fine."

Daniel smiled.

"Thank you."

"But don't expect miracles."

---

The following Saturday...

The Clark family arrived at the Lockwood country estate, located just outside London.

The estate was breathtaking.

Wide green fields surrounded the mansion, with beautiful gardens stretching as far as the eye could see.

Sophia looked around.

"I'll admit it..."

Grace smiled.

"What?"

"This place is beautiful."

Richard welcomed them warmly.

"I'm glad you like it."

Sophia smiled politely.

"Thank you."

Then she looked around.

"Where's Ethan?"

"Outside," Eleanor replied.

"He came early this morning."

Sophia nodded.

"I'll stay inside."

Unfortunately...

Richard had other plans.

"Sophia."

"Yes?"

"Ethan is showing everyone around the estate."

Sophia already knew what was coming.

"I think you should join him."

She forced a smile.

"I think I'll pass."

Richard chuckled.

"I wasn't asking."

---

Outside...

Ethan was standing near the horse stable when he heard footsteps.

He turned around.

Sophia.

He sighed quietly.

"So..."

She folded her arms.

"So."

An awkward silence followed.

Neither of them wanted to be there.

Finally, Ethan spoke.

"My father forced you too?"

Sophia nodded.

"My father."

They looked at each other.

Then, unexpectedly...

They both laughed.

It was only for a second.

But it happened.

Sophia quickly stopped.

"Don't misunderstand."

"I'm not."

"I still don't like you."

"The feeling is mutual."

"Good."

They started walking through the gardens in silence.

After several minutes, Sophia spoke again.

"Your parents are really determined."

"So are yours."

"I've never seen my father this stubborn."

"My father is worse."

Sophia couldn't help smiling.

"I believe that."

As they continued walking, they reached a small lake behind the estate.

The view was peaceful.

Neither of them said anything for a while.

Then Ethan broke the silence.

"Can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"If our parents hadn't made this promise..."

She looked at him.

"...do you think we'd ever become friends?"

Sophia answered almost immediately.

"No."

Ethan nodded.

"I thought so."

"What about you?"

He looked ahead.

"No."

Sophia smiled slightly.

"At least we're honest."

"I prefer honesty."

"So do I."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Not friendship.

Not affection.

Just two people admitting the truth.

As they turned to walk back toward the mansion, they heard someone calling Ethan's name.

"Ethan!"

Victoria Harrington stepped out of a black luxury car that had just arrived.

She hurried toward him with a bright smile before wrapping her arms around him.

"I missed you."

Sophia looked away immediately.

She had no interest in watching the scene.

Victoria finally noticed her.

"Oh..."

Her smile faded ever so slightly.

"I didn't know you were here."

Sophia smiled politely.

"I was just leaving."

Without waiting for another word, she walked back toward the mansion.

Victoria watched her leave.

Then she turned to Ethan.

"What was she doing with you?"

Ethan calmly removed her hand from his arm.

"We were talking."

Victoria forced another smile.

"I hope she wasn't bothering you."

Ethan looked toward the mansion where Sophia had disappeared.

Then he answered quietly,

"No."

Victoria's smile disappeared.

For the first time...

She realized something she didn't like.

Even though Ethan and Sophia disliked each other...

Sophia wasn't afraid of him.

And Ethan...

Didn't seem eager to push her away anymore.

Victoria clenched her handbag tightly.

She wasn't about to let anyone take the man she had wanted for years.

Not even Sophia Clark.

To be continued…