The Silent Vow

CHAPTER 5: A Silent Vow

Two weeks later, the city was filled with news. Oliver and Sophie’s engagement had taken rounds on the media. Wedding invitations were sent out, and everyone couldn’t seem to get enough of the mystery lady, Sophie Baker, who had surprisingly gotten the young billionaire under her control.

Little did anyone know that the truth was far from all the rumours that had made the rounds.

Sophie stared at herself in the mirror, her white wedding gown sitting perfectly on her plump figure. It was beautiful, but it felt more like a costume to her. This wasn’t a dream come true. She was about to tie the knot with a man she knew nothing about, and this thought made her heart feel heavy.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. “Come in,” she said loudly, expecting one of the stylists. Instead a tall, handsome man walked in. He had similar features with Oliver, but he seemed different in approach.

“You must be Sophie,” he said, with a very warm tone. “I’m Lucas. Oliver’s half-brother”

Sophie stared in surprise for a minute. Oliver had never mentioned a brother to her. “Um, yes, I’m Sophie. It’s nice to meet you, Lucas.”

Lucas gave off a very sly smile. “Nice to meet you too,” He said, paused for a while and then continued speaking, “Although I must say, I’m surprised Oliver didn’t introduce us sooner.” Looking to get an expression from Sophie.

“Well, it’s um… complicated.” She replied, looking away.

Lucas chuckled. “Ah, yes! Complicated is a norm in this family. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

Before Sophie could utter another word, the door opened again, and Emma walked in. Leaving Lucas no other choice but to leave.

“Who’s that?” Emma asked, concerned. As she could see worry in Sophie’s eyes.

Sophie sighs. “Well, that’s Lucas Ferdinand. Oliver’s half-brother.”

“Oliver has a brother?” Emma asked, surprised. “And what did he want?”

“I don’t know. To say hi maybe.” Sophie replied, still worried.

“You look absolutely gorgeous, Soph. I know they’ll never see this coming.” Emma said, with a tight and reassuring squeeze to her hands.

Sophie smiled slightly. “I really hope I can keep up with all of this.”

“You’re stronger than you think, Soph. Besides, if anyone tries to mess with you, I got you.” She said in a very reassuring tone. “Are you ready?” Emma looked her in the eyes and asked.

Sophie took a deep breath and forced a smile. “As ready as I can be.”

Downstairs by the hallway, Oliver paced back and forth with unease. He could not hide his nervousness this time. Caleb, his assistant approached him with a glass of champagne.

“It’s nothing more than a ceremony, Oliver. You’ve been in meetings and engagements tougher than this.” Caleb teased. Trying to put Oliver at ease.

Oliver immediately glanced at him, but took the glass. “It’s not really about the ceremony. It’s what happens after.” His gaze moving towards the crowd. “Everything depends on this.”

Now the ceremony began, and the air was filled with so much tension. It was a huge one, held in a fully furnished, grand church. The seats were filled with dignitaries, everyone staring in curiosity and anticipation.

Oliver stood tall and handsome in his neatly tailored black suit with an unreadable expression on his face. Lucas was by his side. As Sophie walked down the aisle, her heart was beating faster and harder with each step she took.

Lucas leaned over to Oliver and whispered. “Interesting choice, brother.”

When Sophie had reached the altar, Oliver held her hand in a firm grip. Their eyes met, and Sophie could sense a hint of discomfort with him.

The priest began the ceremony. And before long it was time to exchange vows. Oliver took her by surprise as he spoke up immediately.

“I, Oliver Ferdinand, take you, Sophie Baker, to be my wife. For better or worse, in wealth and in danger, I vow to protect you and stand by your side.”

He didn’t sound like the usual Oliver. This time, he had a tone that seemed genuine, which caught Sophie off guard. She began to wonder if behind all that cold mask, there was actually more to him.

Now it was Sophie’s turn, she hesitated at first but began to speak. “I, Sophie Baker, take you, Oliver Ferdinand, to be my husband. For better or worse, in trust and… partnership, I vow to stand with you.”

The rings were exchanged immediately after and before she knew it, they were pronounced husband and wife. Oliver leaned in for a kiss, brushing his lips against hers to seal the contract.

The wedding reception was grand, showing off wealth and elegance. Sophie clearly felt out of place among the wealthy looking ladies in their shiny jewelleries and designer gowns, but she smiled and played it cool. She was well aware that all eyes were on her.

Lucas approached Sophie with a charming smile. “Congratulations, Mrs Ferdinand. You look stunning.”

Sophie paused, wondering what his intentions might be, then smiled politely. “Thank you, Lucas.”

“Being married to my brother is not for the faint-hearted,” Lucas added, speaking in a tone that resembled mockery. “Well… you seem different.”

“Different?” Sophie asked, raising a brow.

“Let’s just say, not exactly his type.” Lucas smirked and raised his glass, then walked away, leaving Sophie unsettled.

While Oliver was having a conversation with Richard Fisher, his business associate, he spotted an unexpected guest.

It was Hailey Smith, Oliver’s ex-girlfriend. She had stood watching from the side lines with jealousy clearly all over her face. She caught a glimpse of Oliver and immediately knew that was the right moment to stir up trouble.

Oliver excused himself from the conversation with Richard and walked up to her. “What are you doing here, Hailey?”

“Is that any way to greet an old friend? I came to offer my congratulations.”

Oliver clenched his jaw. “Thank you, you’ve made your point. Now leave.”

“I would, but we would be seeing sooner than you expect.” She assured. “We have unfinished business.” She said. And walked away, leaving Oliver confused.