Chapter 1

Sophia sat in the stark white hospital room, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her stepmother, Maria, stood before her, a look of desperation etched on her face.

The only solution her stepmother could think of was to marry Sophia off to William Roberts, a wealthy businessman who had been pursuing her for months.

"Sophia, I know this is difficult, but we have to do something," Maria said, her voice trembling. "Your stepsister needs immediate surgery, and we don't have the money to pay for it. Marrying William Roberts is the only solution."

Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "Marrying William?" she gasped. "How could you even think of such a thing? That's insane!"

Maria's eyes narrowed as she glared at Sophia. "Don't you understand?" she snapped. "We have no other choice. If we don't come up with the money for your stepsister's surgery, she will die. 

"Or Is that what you want? She continued. Do you want to lose her the same way you lost your father? He's willing to pay for the surgery, but in exchange, you have to marry him."

Sophia recoiled as the words hit her like a physical blow. Her father had died in a car accident several years ago, and the wounds were still fresh. 

She knew her stepmother was trying to manipulate her, but the threat of losing her step sister was too much to bear. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Natalie too.

She flinched at Maria's words, the memories of her father's tragic death flooding back. She shook her head, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. 

"No, of course not," she whispered. "But how can you expect me to marry someone I don't even love? I don't even know him."

Maria sighed heavily, her expression softening slightly. "I know this is a lot to ask of you, Sophia," she said. "But sometimes in life, we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love. 

"Your step sister needs this surgery, and if marrying William is what it takes to save her, then that's what we have to do."

Sophia hung her head low, feeling defeated. She knew her stepmother was right - they had no other options. But the thought of marrying a man she barely knew, just to save her stepsister's life, made her feel sick to her stomach.

Her stepmother let out a heavy sigh. "Even if we work for ten years, we won't be able to pay William back. He's made it clear that the only thing he wants is you. And I've agreed to his terms."

Sophia's eyes widened in disbelief. "You agreed before even telling me? How could you agree to this without seeking my opinion first? 

"I'm sorry, Sophia," her stepmother said, looking pained. "I had no choice. This is the only way to save Natalie's life."

Sophia felt tears welling up in her eyes. She wiped her tears as she heard footsteps approaching. She quickly composed herself, not wanting to appear weak in front of William.

As William walked in, his eyes fell upon Sophia, and he couldn't help but admire her beauty. Her long hair and light skin made her stand out, and he felt a rush of desire. It took everything in him to calm himself down at that moment. 

"Good evening, Sophia," William greeted with a smile, as he approached her.

Sophia gave him a weak smile in return, not sure how to feel about this man who was going to be her husband in less than 24 hours.

"I will send for the driver to pick you up tomorrow for our wedding," William said, turning to Sophia's stepmother. "I want everything to be perfect for my bride."

Sophia's eyes widened in shock. Everything was happening so fast, and she wasn't ready for it.

"Why so quick?" Sophia asked, her voice shaking with emotion.

But before she could finish her question, her stepmother interrupted her. "There's no problem." she said, her voice cold and final.

Sophia's heart sank as she realized that there was no turning back.

William continued to study Sophia intently, taking in every detail of her appearance. Then, out of nowhere, he turned to her and asked, "Are you a virgin?" He asked Sophia with hunger in his eyes that made her uncomfortable.

Sophia felt a sudden surge of disgust and shock at the question. She looked down and stammered incoherently, trying to process the situation. Her stepmother's eyes widened in disbelief, but she remained silent.

William, however, was not content with her silence. He reached out and lifted Sophia's chin, forcing her to look him directly in the eyes. "Look at me when I ask you a question," he said firmly.

"Answer me, Sophia." He asked again. "Are you a virgin?"

Sophia's discomfort and confusion grew, but she took a deep breath. "Is… is that question necessary?" She stammered.

William nodded firmly. "Yes, it is necessary," he said without any hint of apology. 

Sophia felt a surge of discomfort, but she complied with his request. She took a deep breath and responded.

"Yes, I am a virgin." Her voice barely above a whisper.

William's expression remained neutral, but Sophia could sense a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. She felt violated and exposed by his question.

He was pleased with Sophia's answer. He smiled at her, his eyes still burning with desire.

"Good," he said. "I like my women pure."

Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine. She couldn't believe she was going to be married to a man like this. She didn't know what her future held, but she was certain that she didn't want it to be with him.

William let go of Sophia's chin, finally breaking eye contact with her. He took a step back and admired her once again.

"You look beautiful," he said with a smile. "I didn't know I could get you. Truly, money answers all things."

Sophia felt uncomfortable. She didn't know what to say to that. She felt like a trophy that was being sold to the highest bidder.

She mustered up the courage to thank him for paying for Natalie's surgery, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything else. She didn't want to encourage him or give him the wrong idea.

But William didn't seem to be deterred. He turned to her again, his eyes burning with desire.

"I'll do anything to have you in my palms," he said, taking a step closer to her.

She couldn't believe she was ending up with this Casanova.