Chapter 6

Sophia moving into Alexander’s Mansion 

Sophia's heels clicked softly against the polished marble floor as she stepped through the grand entrance of Alexander’s mansion. The sheer size of the place was overwhelming, but it was the interior that left her speechless. 

The sprawling staircase with its wrought-iron railings seemed to spiral toward infinity, the crystal chandelier overhead sparkled like a cascade of diamonds, and the walls were adorned with priceless art she couldn’t begin to name.

 The air smelled faintly of fresh flowers and expensive wood polish. It was a world she had only seen in movies—unreal, unattainable, and now, oddly, hers.

Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag as she took hesitant steps further inside, her wide eyes darted to the luxurious furniture and beautiful interior. She could hear the faint hum of a distance and the soft padding of footsteps approaching.

“Miss Sophia!” A cheerful voice broke her thoughts. A woman in a maid uniform appeared, her face bright and welcoming. “Welcome to the Blackwood residence. We're glad to have you among us.”

Before Sophia could respond, another Staff member appeared—a man wearing a chief's uniform. “Would you like something to eat? Or perhaps a drink?

You must be tired after the journey, aren't you?”

Sophia nodded in agreement to him, very amazed.

Thirdly, a housekeeper with a generous smile appeared, walked toward her and took Sophia’s bag from her. “Please, make yourself feel at home. We’ll take care of everything for you.”

Sophia formed a polite smile, feeling both pleased and disoriented by the warm reception. “Thank you, but I’m okay for now,” she murmured, her voice almost overwhelmed out by the activity around her.

Just as she thought she could catch her breath, Alexander appeared, dressed informally yet giving off the same effortless authority he always maintained. He headed toward her, a glass of amber liquid in his hand. “A drink to celebrate your arrival?” he asked, holding it out toward her with a sly smile.

Sophia gave the glass a brief look, the sharp scent of alcohol hitting her nose. She shook her head quickly. “No, thank you. I don’t drink.”

“Suit yourself,” Alexander said, his tone entertained as he set the glass down on a nearby table. “You’ll begin to feel at home soon enough.”

Despite the warm welcome of the staff and Alexander’s hospitality, Sophia still felt a strange tension in the air. She wasn’t used to this kind of life—luxurious and this kind of excess. It was overwhelming, and the house, as beautiful as it was, felt foreign to her.

As they sat into the large sitting room, Alexander leaned back in his chair, pressing something on his phone. Moments later, her own phone rang. Sophia reached into her purse to check it. When she opened her banking application, her eyes widened.

“One million dollars?” she whispered,very amazed, her voice loud enough to be heard.

Alexander smirked, vividly enjoying her reaction. “Consider it the first benefit for your cooperation.” 

“But how—” She paused, starting to wonder how he got her bank details, her mind racing before the realization hit her. The contract. She had provided her bank details in the contract.

“You’re quick to reason,” he said, as though reading her thoughts. “Everything’s in the contract document, Sophia. I don’t do anything without gathering every necessary detail.”

Before she could respond, Alexander threw a brown envelope onto the coffee table in front of her. It landed with a dull slam, the weight of its contents identifiable.

“What’s this?” she asked cautiously.

“A welcome gift,” he said nonchalantly.

Sophia opened the envelope and was astonished when she saw the neat bundles of hundred-dollar bills. “This is…” She counted quickly in her mind. “A hundred thousand dollars?”

He nodded, leaning forward slightly. “I thought you might appreciate something a little more…immediate. Consider it a token of goodwill.”

Her hands trembled exceedingly as she held the envelope. A surge of relief, excitement, and disbelief overwhelmed her. This money could change so much for her mother, for their lives in particular. She hasn't handled such a huge amount of cash ever in her life.

“Thank you,” she managed, her voice thick with emotion and amazement.

Alexander waved a hand impolitely. “Don’t thank me yet. We just barely started.”

Moments later, one of the maids returned, her posture respectful yet warm. “Miss Sophia, I’ll show you to your room.”

Sophia followed the maid through the spacious halls, the opulence of the house continuing to surprise her. Every corner of the mansion seemed to hold another dazzling piece of art, another sign of wealth she could hardly understand.

When they reached the bedroom, the maid opened the door with an attractive smile. “This is your room, Miss Sophia. If there’s anything you need, please don’t be reluctant to ask.”

Sophia stepped inside, her breath catching as she took in the sight. The room was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a beautifully landscaped garden. The bed was large enough to contain her as a whole, draped in silk sheets that shimmered in the soft light. There was a sitting area, a walk-in closet, and even an adjoining bathroom that looked more like a private spa.

“Thank you,” Sophia said softly, her voice raised above a whisper.

As the maid left, closing the door gently behind her, Sophia sank onto the edge of the bed, the envelope still clutched tightly in her hands. She looked around the room, trying to survey the surreal luxury with the life she’d just left behind.

This was her new reality—a gilded cage with promises of liberation for her family. And as much as she wanted to feel joy, all she could feel was the weight of what she’d signed herself into.

Her phone rang immediately and it was her brother, Ethan. She pressed her phone to her ear as Ethan's voice occupied the silence of her new room. His tone was steady but carried a hint of worry.

“How's that place?” Ethan asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Sophia let her eyes wander around the extravagant space– the golden accents on the furniture, the shining bed sheets and other stunning artwork. It was beyond what she had ever imagined, yet she didn't feel at home.

“It's….. nice,” she said after a brief pause. “spacious and beautiful.” 

“Ethan sighed on the other hand. “I figured. Just don't let all that wealth blind you. You know why you're there, don't let him exploit you, Sophia.”

His words sent a sharp pang on her chest. She knew Ethan was only looking out for her, but deep down, she has already been feeling the gravity of her decision overwhelming her.

“I won't,” she assured him, holding the phone tighter. “I know the reason why I agreed to this, and I will stick to the mission.”

A moment of silence stretched between them before she finally asked, “How's mum?” 

Ethan exhaled slowly. “She is stable for now. The doctor has saved the situation. She asked you though.”

Sophia swallowed the lump in her throat. “What did you tell her?” 

“That you have agreed to the contract marriage and you have moved in with him,” he said. “In order to secure funds for her medical treatment.”

Sophia closes her eyes, relief and guilt battling inside her. The soft life and financial breakthrough brought the feeling of relief but the guilt of it emanated from agreement to submit her life for financial benefits—-having to put away her dream.

“And what did she say?” She asked, laying on the bed facing the roof, grabbing the phone in her ear. 

“She was happy,Sophia,” Ethan snapped. “She said it is her wish for you to go for something that will make us live a better life. I told her that her treatment is one of the reasons you agreed to this.”

 Sophia remained silent, pondering on how helpless they were to agree to sacrifice herself as a point of contract. 

“It's well.” She noted.

“You did the right thing, Sophia,” Ethan added softly. “Just… don’t lose yourself in that place.”

She nodded, even though he couldn't see her. “I won't,” she whispered.

She stared at the surroundings of the room, oozing opulent and wealthy. It is completely a metaphor of heaven on earth. 

Her mind shifted briefly to the organized bundles of dollars she received. She stood up and approached her bag to check the money.

“Where on earth can I touch this kind of money?” She asked, bringing out one bundle and staring at it, evaluating the benefits that come with the contract marriage.

Shortly after, the door creaked open and she saw a strange appearance….

.