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CHAPTER 20: “Don’t break Mrs. Graham's heart.”
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2024-11-22 18:59:18Related chapters
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 1: Nightstand
SOPHIA'S POV“Come on, Sophia,” Samantha gently touched my arm. “Drink up. It’s your birthday, babe. You need to celebrate.”“I don’t want to, Sam. I’ve never drunk before, and you know that, no?” I frowned at her.Sitting at the bar, I stared at the glass in front of me. It’s my birthday, but it doesn’t feel like it. My heart felt too heavy to care.“Exactly! There’s a first time for everything.” She grinned and slid the glass closer. “Just one sip. It’ll help you forget about that jerk, Fred.”Fred. His name hit me like a punch to the gut. I bit my lips and tried to hold back the tears that had been threatening to fall all night. I don’t want to think about him. About how I caught him making out with another woman.“Sam, I don’t know if this is a good idea, but I don’t think drinking is going to help.” I slightly pushed the glass away.“Trust me, it will,” she insisted. “Just let loose for once, Sophy. You deserve it after everything that happened.”I glanced at my other friends, Ke
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 2: Pregnancy
SOPHIA'S POV The buzzing of my phone woke me up. My head ached so much that I felt like it was splitting in two. I blinked, trying to make sense of my surroundings. My eyes suddenly dilated when I realized that I wasn't in my bedroom.‘Oh my God!’“Where am I? This isn’t my bed!” I began to panic as I reached for my phone which was lying on the floor. It stopped ringing as I made to pick the call.“15 missed calls?”“Holy Molly!”I looked at my side, only to see the sleeping figure of a man, half-covered by the sheets, his back to me. He had a beautiful tattoo on the upper part of his left arm. I couldn't see his face. I tried to recollect what transpired between us, and the memories of last night came rushing back. The club, my friends, the drinks, the bar, the kiss, the hotel. Then the….“Oh, shit!” I freaked out as I realized what I had done. I slept with a stranger, thinking it was Fred? ‘Oh jeez! Sophia, what have you done?’I felt a sharp pain in between my thighs as I dresse
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 3: New Secretary
THE GRAHAM GROUP PLC.DAMON'S POVOne of the best black shiny limousines I own, stopped in front of my company's headquarters. The chauffeur came out and opened the back seat door for me. My foot, on a pair of black shiny shoes, first stepped out of the car before the whole me came out.I was impeccably dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, with my black hair neatly combed to the back. Immediately my guards and my Personal Assistant, Mr. Leo, set their eyes on me, they all bowed their heads.“Morning Sir” They chorused.I nodded to their greetings and entered into the company, with them following suit.The lobby was bustling with activities. Some employees scurry by with papers, while the lazy ones busied themselves with gossip. They all stopped their activities and bowed when they noticed my presence.“Good morning, sir”“Good morning, boss”With my eyes focused ahead, I ignored their greetings as though they didn't exist. My expression remained stern and unbothered, all business.
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 4: Marriage Proposal
GOD'S WILL ORPHANAGEDEBRA'S POV“Ma'am Debra's here! Ma'am Debra's here!” The cute little angels excitedly rushed forward immediately I stepped out of my car. They formed a small, energetic crowd around me.I knelt down, smiling warmly at them. “Hello, my darlings! I’ve brought something for each of you.”“Yeeehhhhh” They jumped up happily, and I found my lips smiling at their innocence.My driver and two bodyguards brought out the large bags filled with food and toys I brought. My guards took the bags of raw food to the storeroom while I began handing out the toys to the kids.“Look! I got a football!”“I got a new doll!”“Mine is a drawing board!”“I love puzzles!”They all gasped enthusiastically and their faces lit up in pure joy.“Thank you, Ma'am Debra! We love you!” They bowed gratefully.‘Awwwn! Such cutie pies!’“Every time you come, you bring more smiles than I can count.” Mrs. Rose Beckley, the head matron, approached from behind as she watched the scene with fondness.“It
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 5: Save Hayden
DAMON'S POV“Marry me, Miss Sophia Clark.”“W-what?” She stammered.“You heard me. Marry me.”“Mr. Graham… you can’t be serious.” She tried to find her voice, though it came out barely a whisper. “Why... why me?” Her voice trembled.“I need you to marry me.” I cleared my throat. “A marriage in name only, of course. A contract. It wouldn’t be real.”She shook her head, still stunned. “Mr. Graham, I… I don’t understand. Why…why would you ask me to do something like that?”“I’ll pay you £10 million if you agree to marry me, for a year. All you have to do is sign the contract, and pretend to be my wife, only in the presence of my family.”Her eyes widened, but she didn’t speak.“£10 million will change your life. I know it will. And for me… well, let’s just say I need to show my family that I’ve settled down. That I’m capable of ‘commitment’. I practically spat the word. “But it’s all for show. You won’t be involved in anything beyond the paperwork.”I studied her closely, noticing the w
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 6: Our Contract
SOPHIA'S POV“I’ll marry you. Just… Please save my Hayden.” My words barely escaped my lips, and I couldn't bring myself to look Mr. Graham in the eyes. My hands trembled as they clutched at my clothes.“I'll talk to you later, buddy” I heard him hang up his call. “Stand up, Miss Clark” he said, his voice deep but surprisingly soft, as though he pitied me. My legs wobbled as I struggled to get back to my feet. “Thanks sir. I…I'm ready to marry you. Please, I urgently need the money you offered.” Not even the full amount.“I heard you the first time, Miss Clark. I knew you would come running back to me for help after you ran out yesterday.” He smirked.His words disgusted me.I thought he pitied me some minutes ago? Was it just an act?“By the way, who is this Hayden?”I was about to reply when he quickly cut me off.“Your boyfriend? Ohh! He's so unlucky you're sacrificing your love to save his life” He laughed.“He's not my boyfriend. Hayden is the name of my…” He cut me off again.
A Night with Mr. Stranger Chapter 7: Wedding Day
SOPHIA'S POVI stepped out of the cab, feeling the morning breeze against my skin. It was my wedding day. I chose to wear a simple, cream-colored dress I could afford for my fake marriage. As I made my way to the entrance of the marriage registry, I saw Mr. Graham standing by his car. He was dressed in a black suit. He looked every bit the powerful and handsome businessman he was. As usual, he wore a stern expression, “You’re late, Miss Clark” he said as he pocketed his phone.‘Aren’t I just five minutes late?’ I hissed inwardly.Without a word, he turned to one of his bodyguards who gave him a curt nod. The guard stepped forward, opening the trunk of the car. He pulled out a large white bag and gave it to Mr. Graham.“What’s that?” I asked, confused.“A dress. Put it on.” He handed it to me.“What?” I blinked.“You can’t wear that,” he said, motioning to my simple dress. “It’s not fitting for the occasion.”“This is a fake wedding, Sir. It doesn’t matter what I wear.”“It does,” he
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 8: Strange Painting
DAMON'S POVI clenched my fists as I watched Miss Clark run off after her conversation with whoever it was on the phone. My family was confused by her sudden exit, which left them in shock. My mother’s voice cut through the awkward silence.“Who was on the phone? Why would she leave like that without saying anything?”I could feel their eyes on me, expecting answers. But I had none.“I don’t know,” I muttered through clenched teeth, frustrated. “Damon, you have to call her!” Linda, one of my cousin sisters, insisted. “Something might be wrong with her.”“She’ll be fine,” I replied, my voice was colder than I intended. How was I supposed to do that when I didn't even have her number. “You all should get going, it's getting late. I’ll let you know when she’s back.” I needed them out of my house. I couldn’t deal with their worries and questions.“Are you sure, Damon? This is your wife we're talking about here. Shouldn't you be concerned?” My mom asked, worrisome written all over her
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A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 20: “Don’t break Mrs. Graham's heart.”
SOPHIA'S POV“Really?” I repeated, still surprised. Kayden’s words kept echoing in my mind. The orphanage kids had always gone to the local government school, just like I had. A private school? Who would pay for that?“Yes, Mommy! It’s Debra ma’am!” Hayden grinned, with his face glowing with excitement. “She’s so nice! I love her, Mom!”I swallowed, taken aback. ‘Mother-in-law?’ I thought, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and unease. My gaze drifted to Mother Rose, who gave me a reassuring nod.“Yes, Sophia,” Mother Rose confirmed. “Mrs. Graham offered to send the children of age to a private school.”Before I could fully react, she motioned for Hayden and Kayden to go outside. “Go on now, boys, enjoy your snacks,” she urged gently, her eyes flicking back to me.“No… no no. I don't want to leave mommy. I want to stay with her for now, because she might leave without bidding us farewell” Hayden shrugged, pouting those little lips of his.“Mommy won't sneak out of here, Hayden. She'll
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 19: “Aunt Sophia is here!”
SOPHIA'S POVI scratched the back of my neck, my voice catching as I tried to make sense of Mr. Graham's words. “Sir… what’s happening tonight? I don’t understand.”He raised his eyebrow to look at me, and I could feel my cheeks heating up. My mind went into overdrive, imagining the worst, wondering if he was talking about our… our nuptial night. Was that why he was being so calm today?I swallowed, looking down as I stammered, “But, sir… that… that wasn’t part of our contract—”He frowned, clearly baffled. “What are you talking about, Ms. Clark?”“Tonight,” I repeated, still looking down, nervously playing with my fingers. “Are we… are we going to be… together tonight?”Mr. Graham's face shifted, and for a moment, he almost looked amused. “Don’t get any ideas, Ms. Clark. What exactly did you think I meant when I said ‘tonight’?” His voice was laced with annoyance. “You’re acting strange.”I could feel my face turning red as I stammered, “I… I’m sorry. I misunderstood.”His expressio
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 18: Prepare for tonight
SOPHIA'S POV“Who prepared my breakfast?”I froze at Mr. Graham's question, every inch of me tensing up as his gaze scanned the room. The question seemed simple enough, but we all knew Damon Graham well enough to realize that behind his calm tone, there was always a hint of something. My mind raced, wondering if I’d done something wrong, if maybe the food wasn’t as good as I thought. ‘I’m not bad at cooking. But, why does he always find faults in my meals?” I thought.“Didn’t you all hear me?” he repeated, this time with a slight edge. “I asked who cooked my food.”Silence filled the room, and I felt the maids' eyes turn to me. My hands shook as I entwined my fingers under the table, trying to summon the courage to speak.“I… I did, sir,” I finally managed, shutting my eyes as if that could shield me from his reaction. My pulse hammered in my chest. I waited for the inevitable disappointment, for some cold remark about my cooking.“You did?” His tone was surprisingly soft, almost c
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 17: “Who prepared my breakfast?”
SOPHIA'S POVThe sunlight filtered gently through the windows as I moved around the kitchen with the maids, laughing and chatting as we worked together today being Saturday.It’d been three weeks since I came into this mansion as a fake bride, and I hadn’t been able to see my boys in weeks. I only speak with them on the phone, through Mother Rose.While the weight of that was always with me, today felt lighter. Maybe it was because I was doing something I enjoyed doing. Cooking, cleaning and helping out others. Even when I knew it wasn't included in my contract, and that I wasn't a real wife to the owner of this mansion, I wasn’t the kind to just sit idle and watch others work, because It seemed unnatural to me. I’d become used to doing household chores having grown up at the orphanage, where we all pitched in, and where everyone looked after each other. As we set to work making breakfast, the chatter among the maids kept the mood lively.“You know,” I said with a grin, kneading so
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 16: Sleeping during work hours
SOPHIA'S POV“Hello! Excuse me!” I heard a faint distant voice followed by a tap on my desk.The tap was soft, but also startling enough that it jolted me awake. I snapped my head up, blinking hard to clear the fog from my eyes. I had only rested my head on my desk not quite long, I never knew I dozed off in the process. It took me a second to notice a man standing in front of me. I quickly straightened up in my chair, ashamed of myself. “Oh! I’m so sorry, sir. How may I help you?”The man standing before me looked amused, as her wore a small smile on his face. He was dressed in a dark suit that fit him perfectly, and he was probably in his early thirties. There was something warm about him. Maybe his relaxed smile or the way he looked directly at me, like he was not judging me for dozing off.“Are you the new secretary?” he asked.“Yes… sir,” I stammered, looking down at my desk in embarrassment. “I am.”I probably looked like a complete mess, and my mind was racing with ways to s
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 15: “Get out of my car!”
DAMON'S POVEven when I worked all night, my energy didn't dull one bit. Perhaps because I enjoyed seeing Sophia run helter skelter trying to make me food I kept rejecting. The last time I saw her was two hours ago when she finally shuffled off to bed after I let her. I rejected her attempts to make me a meal four times just to please myself. “You lack at cooking meals.” I yelled at her. But she was too exhausted to even glare at me. “Just clean up the mess I made on the floor and go to sleep before office hours.”The memory made me smirk as I pictured her tired, defiant expression as she cleaned up the broken plates and food wastes from the floor. Her eyes were wide and red with exhaustion.As I dressed up and ready to leave for the office, I headed down to the dining room for breakfast. My cold attitude didn't allow me to take Sophia’s food even when I was badly hungry at that time.I caught myself snapping orders to the maids with more precision than usual. That is getting into w
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 14: “A glass of water at 2AM?”
DAMON'S POVWe got to the mansion around past 11PM. As the car pulled up in the garage, Sophia and I had nothing to talk about as we headed to our respective bedrooms. Not minding that I felt weak, I took a quick shower and decided to work on my computer.**********I was buried in work, with my fingers flying over the keyboard.I barely noticed the time, but the dryness in my throat finally pulled my attention. I punched the intercom, calling the maids’ quarter.After a few moments, one of them knocked on my door.“Come in.” I said, and she gently walked into my room, bowing her head. Her hair was ruffled and her eyes were heavy with sleep. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here.I kept my voice cold as I watched her carefully. “Get me a glass of chilled water.”She hesitated, and her eyes flickered from me to the door as if she wanted to ask why I couldn’t have told her from downstairs instead. “Should I get it myself?” I challenged.She stammered, snapping back to att
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 13: “I’ll make sure this hospital is burnt down to ashes!”
SOPHIA'S POV“They look so much like Damon did when he was their age.”Mother-in-law's words hit me like a shock, and I felt like my heart had just skipped a beat.‘Like Sir?’ My inner mind was also confused. I nodded, as if her comment hadn’t left me utterly speechless. Had Mom really said my sons looked like Mr. Graham? I tried to laugh it off, but her expression was so serious.“Hayden and Kayden?” I asked, hoping she was joking. “Like, they resemble Damon?” My confused state, for the first time, called my boss by name.She nodded, studying my face as if trying to make me understand. “Yes, Sophia. I can show you some of Damon's childhood photos I have in my house if you want. The resemblance is uncanny. Even now that he's in his thirties, that striking resemblance with them is still there. Does it never occur to you?”Of course, it never occured to me that my sons looked like my contract husband. The only time I felt it was when I saw Damon's blue eyes and thought they were identi
A Night with Mr. Stranger CHAPTER 12: Something About Hayden and Kayden
SOPHIA'S POV I was flustered, and I pulled back immediately. “I’m.. so sorry, sir” I stammered, taking a step back.His tone dripped with irritation as he scoffed. “I’ll let it go this time,” he said with a dismissive wave, and turned his head away from me.I bit my lower lip, forcing myself to hold back a retort. ‘Just one year with him. I will endure it.’ I was about to sit down back on the chair beside his bed when my phone began ringing. I glanced down to see “Mother Rose” flashing on the screen. I was filled with relief, I hadn’t heard from her since last night. But before I could answer, I got frightened by Mr. Graham’s voice.“Who’s calling you?” His tone was accusatory as he narrowed his eyes.“It’s just… it’s…” I hesitated.“Your boyfriend?” He sneered, crossing his arms. “He doesn’t know you’re with your ‘contract husband’? That you’re too busy for calls right now?”“No, it’s not…” I tried to explain, but he interrupted me again.“Pick it up, and our deal is over.” He
