CHAPTER THREE

Sophia stared at herself in the mirror. The dress was breathtaking, if only this what she wanted if only she was actually marrying the love or her life in this dress.

Her brown eyes were dull and lifeless lacking the spark that should be present on such a momentous day. She didn't bother to put on any makeup, not even a hint of lipstick to brighten her face. Her long hair was tied back in a simple bun, nothing fancy or elaborate like she had seen in the bridal magazines. She just didn't have the energy or the desire to make an effort.

The dress was a masterpiece, crafted with intricate details that made it stand out from any other dress Sophia had ever seen. The lace was carefully embroidered in a delicate pattern, creating a subtle but stunning design that covered the entire dress.

The bodice was fitted, accentuating her curves perfectly, while the flowing skirt was made of layers upon layers of soft tulle that swirled around her feet as she moved. The train was long and elegant, extending several feet behind her, giving the impression of floating on air.

The back of the dress was just as breathtaking as the front. The lace was intricately woven into an open back design, which gave Sophia an air of elegance and sophistication. The dress also had a sweetheart neckline, which showcased her neck and collarbones

Sophia walks into a wedding with just a few people. This is the smallest crowd she has ever seen at a wedding. She couldn’t believe that she doesn’t recognize anyone at her own wedding aside from Alexander and his two bodyguards, she bet they were because of her, Alexander wouldn’t let his $1million dollar prize try to run away right?. Not even Uncle Matt who coerced her to marry Alexander was present.

Despite the stunning appearance of the dress, Sophia couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from the entire situation. She had always imagined her wedding day to be filled with joy and excitement, surrounded by loved ones and cherished memories. But here she was, in a beautiful dress she didn't even pick out, standing in a room full of strangers.

Sophia didn't bother to try and force a smile or pretend to be happy. Instead, she just stood there, feeling numb and lost.

She still couldn’t believe her uncle Matt could be this heartless. She knows he has been irresponsible but she never thought he could sign her off to settle the $1 million he owed Alexander. How could he be so heartless?

Her mind wandered to the day Uncle Matt signed the deal and informed her. “Hey kiddo” uncle Matt said when she walked in that evening from work.

“Come seat, I have something to tell you.” This was very unusual for uncle Matt. The only thing surprising about today was uncle Matt's unusual behavior; and didn’t expect him to be back home by this time.

They hardly talk, not even about what they will be eating for dinner. He never asked her how her day was. She was practically the breadwinner for the both of them. She worked hard to put food on the table and all he does is still from her and whenever she complains. He never failed to throw it to her face of how ungrateful she was.

He always stressed the fact that she could have been jumping from one foster home to the other if not for his kindness. After her parents were buried, he didn’t hesitate to move into their house taking charge and being in full control.

She hated that she couldn’t do anything. She intended to leave him just one day when she had saved enough. Uncle Matt was avoiding eye contact when he burst the news to her. He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes. She couldn’t stand this. She wanted him to be done with whatever he had to say to her. So, she can go up to her room when she is tired. 

"Umm," he began, “your uncle Matt is in a bit of trouble.” She chuckled as if he's always in trouble, which wasn't surprising. Perhaps he was asking for money, although it was unexpected given that he never asked before and only ever took and stole from her. 

“I owe some very rich and bad people money” and before he could continue she interrupted him, “uncle Matt can we make this fast I need to freshen up I’m tired.”

“Well you see I owe about a million dollars,” Sophia couldn’t believe her ears a million dollars? 

What he was talking about is a lot of money and that kind of money will take them a lifetime to pay back. 

“I will need your help to pay it back,” he said. “How do you want me to get that kind of money uncle Matt? I don’t even have up to five thousand dollars in my savings. Where do you expect me to get that kind of money from?”

“Well, he said, avoiding her eyes, there is a way out.”

Sophia was already vibrating with anger, if only she had left him when she turned 18 officially. if only. “okay what is the way out of this?” 

“well,” he stalled, "you will need to marry this man...”

Sophia laughed, she laughed so hard, holding her stomach, “you can’t be serious!” “I guess you are drunk, we Will continue this conversation tomorrow.” Sophia has had enough. He must have hit it hard for him to be spitting such nonsense by this time of the day. She can’t take him seriously.

 ”Good night uncle Matt. I have had enough of your nonsense.” He jumped right in from of her “where do you think you are going kid? it’s already a done deal I signed the papers this afternoon and he will be here tomorrow,” his voice become soft. “look this man has money. He has a lot of money. He has a lot of it and this can be good for you and your uncle Matt.”

“It’s just you and me, kid. Remember I’m your only family and you wouldn’t want something bad to happen to your uncle Matt.” She looked right into his eyes, oh my God he is serious, a sight she had never seen before. Tears welled up in her eyes, "This must be a joke, right?" She couldn't fathom the idea that someone would offer their niece's hand in marriage as payment for a debt.

She pushed past him running upstairs to her room. Maybe he is just drunk. She thought to herself, he will come to his senses tomorrow. She heard her phone vibrating in her purse and she cleaned her eyes and clear her throat and tried to smile when she saw the caller was Liam. He was calling to know if she got home safely.