A wife in name only

Behind the Billonaire's Mask!

Chapter 5

Julian's POV

"Missing?" I repeated, my voice low and even. "What do you mean she's missing?"

Marcus swallowed hard. "I...I was watching her, sir. I went to the bathroom, before her mother was moved to the operating room and when i came back, she was gone."

My eyes narrowed. "What of her mother and her friend?"

"I haven't seen anyone with her today, and her mom is in the operating room." Marcus said.

I nodded and quickly pulled out my phone to dial her number, but she didn't pick up.

I turned and walked into the hospital, scanning the area. Where could she be? What's this girl trying to pull with me?

"Find her," I ordered, turning to Marcus.

"Yes, sir," Marcus replied, walking towards the exit.

I sat down outside the operating room.

As I scrolled through my phone, I heard sobs. I looked up to see Sophie emerging from the operating room, wearing a pair of green scrubs and a surgical mask hanging around her neck. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and tears streaked down her face.

She hadn't seen me yet, too caught up in her emotions.

I stood, my movements fluid. "Sophie," I called out softly.

She startled, eyes widening as she took in my presence. "Julian." Her voice trembled.

"What game are you playing, Sophie?" I asked, my tone revealing annoyance. "Why did you disappear without a word?"

Sophie's eyes dropped, and she hastily wiped away her tears. "I was in the operating room, i went in with my mom."

I raised an eyebrow. "You didn't think to tell my secretary?"

Sophie shook her head. "I couldn't find him when my mother was being moved to the operating room."

"Ok." I said, my voice calm now. "So, why is your mom still in the operating room? It's been two hours already."

"My mom...is...is...her vital signs suddenly became abnormal," Sophie stammered, her voice shaking. "The doctors asked me to leave the room because I was crying too much."

I frowned, my mind racing. Abnormal vital signs? That didn't sound good.

But Sophie's tears irritated me. Why was she crying like a baby? It's not like her mother was dead.

"Control yourself, Sophie," I said, my tone firm but measured. "Your mother will be fine."

Sophie's eyes flashed, but she nodded, sniffling. "I-I'm sorry. I just can't lose her, not now."

I studied her, searching for any sign of manipulation. But all I saw was genuine fear and worry. I texted Marcus that I had found Sophie.

Just then, three doctors emerged from the operating room.

"Sophie, your mother's surgery is complete," the head doctor, which i know, said. "But we need to monitor her closely. She's not out of the woods yet."

"What does that mean?" Sophie asked, her voice trembling.

"It means we need to wait and see how she responds to treatment. We'll keep her in ICU for now." The doctor said and left.

"Let's go," I said, after some minutes.

Sophie turned, her eyes narrowing. "Where?"

"My car," I replied. "We need to go home now."

"But...my mom." she said, pointing to the ICU.

"Have you forgotten the deal? You are mine now." I said, my eyes locked on hers.

Sophie's face paled, but she nodded, resignation etched on her features.

"I haven't forgotten," she whispered.

I offered my arm, and Sophie hesitated before taking it.

As we walked out of the hospital, Marcus fell into step beside us.

"Sophie's mother is in ICU," I informed him. "Arrange for the best doctors to attend to her."

Marcus nodded, his expression sympathetic.

We reached my car, and my driver was already there. He opened the door for Sophie while Marcus opened the door for me. As Sophie settled into the car, I followed, sitting beside her.

My driver closed the door and took his position behind the wheel. The drive was silent, tension hanging in the air.

As we arrived at my mansion, Sophie's eyes widened at the grandeur.

"Welcome to your new home," I said, smiling.

My driver opened the door, and Sophie stepped out, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

I followed, leading her to the entrance.

Inside, my butler, Jenkins, greeted us.

"Welcome, sir. Welcome, Miss"

"She's Mrs. Blackwood now," I corrected Jenkins, my eyes locked on Sophie's.

Sophie's gaze darted to Jenkins, then back to me, a flicker of surprise.

Jenkins's expression remained neutral. "Very well, sir. Welcome, Mrs. Blackwood."

Sophie's face paled, but she nodded.

"Take her to her room," I instructed Jenkins. "See that she's comfortable."

Jenkins nodded and escorted Sophie upstairs. I watched them go. Sophie was now Mrs. Blackwood, my wife in name only. But soon, she'd learn to play the role in every sense.

*******

"I will be coming over to your room tonight." I said while having breakfast.

She didn't say anything and just nodded. She left after eating what seemed like three spoons. But I didn't care.

As I turned to head to my room after breakfast, my phone buzzed.

"Brother, I'm in town," my sister's voice dripped with sweetness through the phone.

I frowned, not in the mood for her games.

"Evelyn, I'm busy," I said, my tone curt.

"Too busy for your own sister?" she pouted.

"Don't bother coming to my house, Evelyn," I warned.

"Too late for that, brother dear," she said, her voice dripping with mischief. "I'm already standing in front of your mansion."

Ahh! this girl is here to frustrate my life again, I have to look for something to keep her away.

"Evelyn, I'm married, and I think I need time to be with my wife." I stated, hoping this would work. I don't know why she always comes here whenever she's in town, can't she go to her grandfather's house?

"What! When? How? Why?...Married just like that? When was the ceremony? And why are you just telling me?" Evelyn's voice rose in indignation.

"I didn't think it was necessary to inform you, Moreover, i brought her home last night." I replied dryly. "And the ceremony is going to be later." I lied.

"Necessary?" Evelyn's laughter was laced with venom."Fine... But I want to meet her. Now."

"Evelyn, no!" I growled.

"Brother nah...I just want to meet my new sister-in-law." she cooed.

"Evelyn, stay out of this," I warned.

"We'll see about that," she said, hanging up.

I sighed, knowing Evelyn wouldn't back down.

As I turned to head downstairs, Jenkins approached.

"Sir, your sister has..." Jenkins didn't get to finish his statement as he was interrupted by Evelyn.

"Brother... I am here,"

She moved closer to hug me, a sly smile spreading across her face. I tolerated the hug, my eyes locked on hers.

"Evelyn, why are you here with suitcases?" I asked, looking down at the suitcase she brought.

"I didn't bring a lot of clothes this time. There are more of jewelleries and makeup kits, and I'm not staying too long this time, only three weeks." Evelyn said, her smile innocent.

"Three weeks? Don't worry, I will throw you out after a..." I stopped when I noticed that her gaze drifted upstairs. I turned and saw Sophie coming downstairs.

"Brother...is that your wife?" Evelyn asked, her gaze not leaving Sophie. "She's so beautiful!" With that, she pushed past me.

Beautiful? Is she blind? How can she say Sophie is beautiful? I definitely need to get her glasses.

Evelyn hugged Sophie, a bright smile on her face.

"Welcome to the family, dear sister-in-law!" Evelyn exclaimed.

Sophie looked startled, unsure how to react.

"Hi," Sophie said, her voice soft.

Evelyn pulled back, studying Sophie's face.

"I'm Evelyn, Julian's sister," she said.

Sophie's eyes darted to me, then back to Evelyn.

"Nice to meet you," Sophie replied, with a smile.

Evelyn's gaze lingered on Sophie's face. I was surprised at how easy Evelyn bonded with Sophie. I thought she would have rejected her like she did with Victoria the first time I introduced Victoria to her.

"I must say, you're stunning," Evelyn said. "Well, brother dear, you've certainly chosen a beauty."

I cleared my throat and was about to reply when Marcus walked in, his expression serious.

"Sir, I apologize for the interruption," Marcus said.

"What is it, Marcus?" I asked. 

"Your grandfather wishes to see you, sir."

I raised an eyebrow and looked at Marcus suspiciously. "Did you tell him anything?"

He kept quiet, and I know he already informed him about my so-called marriage.

I moved closer to him and whispered, "Do you tell him it's a contract marriage?"

"No, sir." He said.

"Good. I understand he put you to work with me, but you shouldn't give him information about me without telling me, you are my secretary now, not his." I said, in a low tone.

"Yes, sir."

"Grandpa wants to see you? What's going on?"

I ignored Evelyn's question and glanced at Sophie.

"Jenkins will see to your needs."

As I turned to leave, Evelyn fell into step beside me.

"I'm coming with you, Julian." She said, pouting.

"No, Evelyn. Stay with Sophie." I said.

"Okay then. I'll keep her company then." She said, turning to Sophie.

With Marcus leading the way, I exited the mansion, wondering what the old man would say this time.