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 way her shoulders had relaxed so slightly. Maybe my words were sinking in. Maybe she was starting to realize what an opportunity this was.
“I’m a billionaire, Miss Clark,” I bragged. “£10 million is nothing to me. But to you? It’s everything. You could live comfortably.” My hand brushed against her neck, sliding down to her waist.
There was a long silence in the room. Her breathing had slowed, and her face softened.
For a moment, I allowed myself to think that she was coming around, that she was seeing the logic in what I was offering. After all, who would turn down such a huge amount just for a few months of pretending?
But then, something shifted in her eyes. Her brows furrowed, and she suddenly stiffened, as if she had come to some internal decision. Without warning, she pushed me slightly with her notepad.
“No! No, I won’t marry you! Not for money. Not for anything.”
She turned and fled toward the door, leaving me standing there, bewildered. I stared after her, my fists clenching.
What the hell just happened?
I paced back toward my desk, hands running through my hair, frustratedly. I gripped the edge of my desk, as memories of my phone call with my mother resurfaced.
“No, I told you, I already have someone in mind. So you can't blackmail me into marriage.,” I lied to her confidently when she concluded she had found a suitable bride for me.
But I had no one in mind. Until Miss Clark had walked into my office, and some twisted part of me thought, ‘Why not her?’
“I’m giving you two months, Damon,” her voice was icy, filled with disappointment. “You need to get married, or I’ll sever all ties with you. I’m serious. I will take back everything your father left behind.”
‘But I worked hard to expand my dad's empire, didn't I?’
Out of frustration, I swept the papers off my desk, sending them flying across the room. I felt a surge of anger at myself, at this whole situation. Why did I ever think this would work?
SOPHIA’S POV
“Thanks for working hard today” Mr. Leo smiled.
“Bye, sir. See you tomorrow” I pulled my bag tighter around myself, ready to leave for home.
The street was almost empty as my feet carried me home after the bus dropped me off at my stop.
My boss's words replayed in my mind. “Marry me, Miss Clark. One year, £10 million.”
‘On my first day at work? Why me?’
As I stepped inside the orphanage, Kayden and Hayden rushed toward me, their faces lighting up like the sun.
“Mommy!” I pulled them to a tight hug.
“Look what ma'am Debra gave us!” They released themselves from the hug and thrusted two brightly wrapped toys toward me. “She gave presents to all the kids!”
I smiled, though it didn't quite reach my eyes. “That’s wonderful, darlings.” I ruffled their hair.
Mother Rose approached us. “How was your first day at work, dear?”
“It was… fine.” I sighed, forcing a tight smile as I dragged my legs to the room.
After putting my kids to sleep, I sat down to eat with Mother Rose who was gisting me about the gifts the children received from a kind philanthropist. She applied ointment on my sprained ankle.
Suddenly, a frantic voice pierced the air. “Mom!” Kayden yelled, his voice trembling with panic. “Hayden…he’s having one of his attacks!”
My heart stopped. My spoon clattered to the table as I leapt to my feet. “Hayden!” I rushed to him, where he was clutching his chest, gasping for air, his face twisted in pain. “No, no, no…”
Mother Rose and some other staff who were asleep woke from their sleep and were quick to help. We carried him out, my heart pounding in terror.
I kept crying as I listened to the sound of Hayden’s labored breathing. He laid on my lap, and I held his hand the entire time, whispering soft words of comfort. Though inside, I was crumbling.
We reached the hospital, and the doctors took him immediately. I paced the waiting room, biting my nails, feeling utterly helpless.
Finally, Dr. Matthews came out, he wore a stern look on his face.
“I warned you not to let him play rough, Sophia,” he scolded, with a cold voice. “His heart can’t take it.
I’ve given him medication for now, but he needs that surgery within two days. Otherwise…” the weight of his unfinished sentence hung in the air.
“It’s £8 million, Sophia. You don’t have much time.” He trailed off.
Eight million? My knees nearly buckled beneath me. Tears blurred my vision. How am I going to find that kind of money?
Mother Rose wrapped a comforting arm around my shoulders. “Everything will be alright, dear.” she whispered, but her words felt hollow.
I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. The room felt like it was closing in on me. Everything was too much. Too heavy.
‘I can’t lose him. I won’t.’ I told myself as I clutched my hands to my chest, trying to breathe, trying to think of something, anything.
Then it hit me like a sledgehammer.
Mr. Graham's offer.
‘£10 million. Enough to save my Hayden. If I do this, I can keep him alive.’
My hands shook as I wiped my tears.
‘I know what I have to do.’
**********””””
The next morning, I arrived at the office late, my heart thudding in my chest as I forced myself toward his office. Without thinking, without knocking, I pushed the door open. He was on the phone, his back to me.
For a moment, I hesitated. The words stuck in my throat. But then I thought of Hayden in that hospital bed, and suddenly, I didn't care about my pride or dignity.
“Mr. Graham,” I called, my voice trembling. He surprisingly turned. His brow furrowed, but I didn't give him a chance to speak.
I fell to my knees, tears streaming down my face. “I’m ready… I’ll marry you, sir.”
“I’ll marry you. Just… Please save my Hayden.”
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.
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
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
SOPHIA'S POVI woke up on a plush bed beneath me. I had never slept on such a large and comfortable bed before. It was different from the bed I used to share with my kids at the orphanage. I felt like I was floating on this new bed of mine.My first morning in this mansion was as if I woke up in someone else’s life. Mr. Graham’s life, I suppose. The happenings of the day before rushed through my mind, but before I could think too much, a gentle knock interrupted my thoughts.“Come in,” I called out, then sat up.The door opened and three maids entered. They bowed as they greeted me. One of them carried a tray of food. “Good morning, Mrs. Graham. We’ve brought your breakfast,” one of the maids said softly, placing the tray on the table beside the bed.‘Mrs. Graham?’ I almost scoffed aloud.I raised my head and looked at the clock. It was barely 7 AM. ‘Isn’t it too early for breakfast?’ I thought. But I quickly waved the idea away, forcing a small smile.“Thank you” I murmured, feeling
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
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
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.
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