Chapter 19
787 Words
Sophia stared at her father's message for a long time.
Family dinner tomorrow night. Don't be late. Richard and his family will be joining us.
She already knew what it was about.
The engagement.
She sighed and dropped her phone onto the bed.
"I really don't want to go."
---
The next evening, the Clark mansion was unusually lively.
The dining table had been decorated beautifully, and the staff moved around making sure everything was perfect.
Grace smiled as she adjusted the flowers.
"I hope tonight goes well."
Daniel wasn't as confident.
"I hope so too."
---
A few minutes later, a black Rolls-Royce pulled into the driveway.
The Lockwood family had arrived.
Richard, Eleanor, Ethan, and Alexander stepped out.
Sophia greeted them politely.
"Good evening."
"Good evening, Sophia," Eleanor replied warmly.
Alexander smiled charmingly.
"It's nice to see you again."
"You too."
Then Sophia's eyes met Ethan's.
He gave a small nod.
She nodded back.
That was all.
---
Everyone settled in the living room before dinner.
Alexander walked over to Sophia with two glasses of juice.
"Here."
"Thank you."
He sat opposite her.
"I've heard a lot about your work at Clark Designs."
Sophia smiled.
"I only started recently."
"Richard says you're talented."
"I'm still learning."
Alexander chuckled.
"You're humble."
Before Sophia could reply, Ethan walked into the room.
His eyes landed on Alexander and Sophia talking comfortably.
For some reason...
He frowned.
Alexander noticed.
"Ethan."
"What?"
"Come and join us."
"I'm fine."
Without another word, Ethan walked toward the bookshelf instead.
Sophia looked after him.
"What was that about?"
Alexander laughed softly.
"My brother has always been difficult."
---
Dinner was served shortly afterward.
The atmosphere was calm at first.
People talked about business, work, and recent events.
Then Richard gently tapped his glass.
"I'd like everyone's attention."
The room fell silent.
Sophia's heart started beating faster.
She already knew.
Richard smiled.
"Our families have shared friendship, trust, and loyalty for many years."
Daniel nodded.
"And today..."
Richard continued.
"...we've decided it's time to make that promise official."
Sophia slowly put down her fork.
Ethan did the same.
Richard looked at them both.
"One month from today..."
"...your engagement ceremony will take place."
The room became completely silent.
Sophia looked at her father.
"Dad..."
Daniel couldn't even meet her eyes.
Ethan stood up immediately.
"No."
Richard remained calm.
"The invitations have already been prepared."
Sophia's eyes widened.
"You've already invited people?"
Eleanor spoke gently.
"Only close family and friends."
Sophia couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"You planned everything without asking us?"
Richard answered quietly.
"Yes."
Ethan looked at his father.
"I told you I wouldn't agree."
"And I told you to give it time."
"I don't need time."
Richard's expression hardened slightly.
"You gave me your word that you'd respect this family."
"I do respect this family."
Ethan replied firmly.
"But I won't sacrifice my future because of a promise I never made."
Sophia stood up too.
"I agree."
She looked at both families.
"I'm sorry..."
"But I can't do this."
Without waiting for another word, she walked out of the dining room.
Ethan followed a few seconds later.
---
Outside...
Sophia stood in the garden, trying to calm herself.
She heard footsteps behind her.
"You okay?"
She turned.
"Ethan."
He stood beside her.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Sophia laughed bitterly.
"Our parents are unbelievable."
"They're determined."
"I've never seen my father like this."
"Neither have I."
Sophia looked up at the night sky.
"What are we going to do now?"
Ethan stayed quiet for a while.
Then he spoke.
"If talking isn't working..."
"...maybe we need to prove this marriage won't work."
Sophia looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
He turned to face her.
"If our parents believe we can never get along..."
"...they might finally cancel everything."
Sophia thought about it.
"So..."
"You want us to pretend we hate each other even more?"
Ethan nodded once.
"It might be our only chance."
A slow smile appeared on Sophia's face.
"For once..."
"...that's actually a good idea."
They shook hands again.
This time...
Not as enemies.
Not as friends.
But as unwilling partners with the same goal.
Neither of them noticed the upstairs bedroom curtain move slightly.
Victoria had arrived earlier with her father for a brief visit.
From the window...
She watched them standing together in the garden.
She couldn't hear what they were saying.
All she saw...
Was Ethan and Sophia smiling at each other under the moonlight.
Her face darkened.
"No..."
She whispered.
"I won't let this happen."
She quietly stepped away from the window, her mind already planning her next move.
The game had just become far more dangerous.
To be continued…
- Writer
