Chapter 17
627 Words
Sophia didn't sleep well that night.
Lily's words kept replaying in her mind.
"They're planning an engagement party."
"No..."
She shook her head.
"They wouldn't do that."
Even as she said it, she wasn't convinced.
---
The next morning, she went downstairs for breakfast.
Daniel was already reading the newspaper while Grace arranged plates on the table.
"Morning, sweetheart," Grace said with a smile.
"Morning."
Sophia sat down but didn't touch her food.
She looked at her parents.
"I want to ask you something."
Daniel looked up.
"What is it?"
Sophia took a deep breath.
"Are you planning an engagement party?"
The room fell silent.
Daniel and Grace exchanged a quick glance.
That was all the answer Sophia needed.
She slowly stood up.
"So it's true."
"Sophia, listen…"
"No, Dad."
"You promised you wouldn't force me."
"We're not forcing you."
She laughed bitterly.
"Really? Then what do you call announcing my engagement without my permission?"
Grace quickly stood.
"It isn't official yet."
"But you're planning it."
Neither of them answered.
Sophia grabbed her handbag.
"I'm going out."
"Sophia!"
She didn't stop.
The front door slammed shut behind her.
---
Meanwhile, Ethan was arriving at Lockwood Technologies when Richard called him.
"My office. Now."
Five minutes later, Ethan walked into the office.
"You wanted to see me?"
Richard nodded.
"I've set a date."
Ethan frowned.
"For what?"
"Our families will officially announce your engagement in two weeks."
Ethan stared at his father.
Then he let out a short laugh.
"You've already decided?"
"Yes."
"You didn't even ask me."
"I know your answer."
"So my opinion doesn't matter?"
"It does."
"It clearly doesn't."
Richard remained calm.
"You'll thank me one day."
Ethan's expression hardened.
"I doubt that."
Without another word, he walked out of the office.
---
An hour later...
Sophia was driving aimlessly through London, trying to clear her head.
Without thinking, she stopped at a quiet park.
She sat on a bench, staring at the lake.
"This is unbelievable."
Just then, she heard footsteps.
"You too?"
She looked up.
Her eyes widened.
"Ethan?"
He looked just as surprised.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
Sophia sighed.
"I needed fresh air."
"So did I."
There was a moment of silence before Ethan spoke.
"They're planning the engagement."
Sophia looked at him.
"So it's true."
He nodded.
"They told you too?"
"This morning."
Sophia buried her face in her hands.
"I can't believe this."
Neither of them spoke for a while.
Finally, Ethan broke the silence.
"We need to stop this."
Sophia looked up.
"I've been trying."
"So have I."
He looked at the lake before saying,
"Let's work together."
Sophia blinked.
"Together?"
"If we're both against this marriage, it makes sense."
She thought about it for a few seconds.
Then slowly nodded.
"Fine."
Ethan stretched out his hand.
"Temporary alliance."
Sophia looked at his hand.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Don't get used to it."
She shook his hand.
"Only until this engagement is cancelled."
"Agreed."
They let go almost immediately.
Neither noticed a woman standing several metres away.
Victoria.
She had come to the park for a meeting.
Instead...
She saw Ethan and Sophia shaking hands.
Her face darkened.
"So..."
She whispered.
"They're working together now."
She quickly took out her phone.
From a distance...
She snapped a photo.
Looking at the picture, it seemed as though Ethan and Sophia were smiling warmly at each other.
Victoria smiled coldly.
"Perfect."
She slipped her phone back into her handbag.
"If you want to play this game, Sophia..."
"...I'll make sure you lose."
She turned and walked away without either of them noticing.
Neither Ethan nor Sophia realized...
That one simple handshake...
Had just given Victoria the opportunity she had been waiting for.
To be continued…
- Writer
