chapter two

Sophia's Struggles

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Wilson estate. Sophia Wilson sat at the far end of the long dining table, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her coffee cup as her parents glared at her from across the room.

“You’re an embarrassment, Sophia,” her mother hissed, slamming her knife onto her plate with a sharp clink. “While your sisters are making connections and building respectable lives, you’re... what? Wasting your time painting?”

Sophia flinched but didn’t respond. Her passion for art had always been a sore point in her family. To the Wilsons, status and reputation were everything, and Sophia’s refusal to conform had made her the black sheep.

Her father, a towering man with a perpetual scowl, leaned forward. “Your mother is right. Do you know how humiliating it is to have people ask what my youngest daughter is doing with her life? You’ve brought nothing but shame to this family.”

Sophia’s cheeks burned, but she kept her gaze fixed on the table. She had heard these words countless times before, yet they still stung.

Her mother’s tone softened, though it carried a sharp edge. “Fortunately, we’ve found a solution. Something that will finally make you useful.”

Sophia immediately raised her head up. “What are you talking about?”

Her father exchanged a glance with her mother before saying, “You’re going to get married.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and final.

Sophia blinked, unable to hide her shock. “Married? To whom?”

“Jack Sinclair,” her mother said, as though the name should excite her.

Sophia’s confusion deepened. Everyone knew who Jack Sinclair was—or rather, who he had been. The charming playboy turned tragic figure after his recent accident. “The man who was just in the news? The one who—”

“Yes, the one who’s now paralyzed,” her father interrupted impatiently. “His family approached us. They want to secure a respectable match for him to maintain their public image.”

Sophia’s stomach churned. “So, they want a wife to distract everyone from his condition.”

Her mother shrugged. “Exactly. And for us, it’s an opportunity to restore our reputation. The Sinclairs are still one of the most powerful families in the city. This marriage will tie us to their wealth and influence.”

Sophia’s voice trembled with disbelief. “And what about me? Do I get a say in this?”

Her father’s gaze hardened. “You’ve had your chance to make something of yourself. This is the only way you can be of any value to this family now.”

Sophia’s fists clenched under the table. She wanted to argue, to fight back, but what could she say? Her family had always treated her as a disappointment, and now they were using her as a pawn in their power game.

“I’m not some commodity you can trade,” she said quietly, her voice thick with anger.

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Don’t be dramatic, Sophia. This marriage benefits everyone. Besides, Jack is still wealthy, and you’ll live a comfortable life.”

Sophia bit her lip to stop herself from screaming. A comfortable life? As a wife in a marriage built on convenience and lies? She looked around the grand dining room, at the opulence she had always been surrounded by, and felt suffocated.

But then, a small voice inside her whispered: Maybe this is your chance.

Sophia straightened in her seat, her heart pounding. This could be her way out. Away from her parents’ constant criticism, away from the suffocating expectations. If she married Jack Sinclair, she wouldn’t belong to her family anymore. She would have a new life, one where she could finally prove them wrong.

“When do I meet him?” she asked, her voice steady.

Her parents exchanged a satisfied look. Her father leaned back in his chair. “Tonight. The Sinclairs are hosting a dinner to finalize the arrangements.”

Sophia nodded, her mind racing. This wasn’t how she had imagined her life, but maybe she could turn it into something more.

That evening, Sophia stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the simple navy dress she had chosen. Her reflection stared back at her, a mixture of determination and fear in her eyes.

“You can do this,” she whispered to herself.

The drive to the Sinclair estate was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine. Her parents sat in the front, discussing details of the arrangement, but Sophia tuned them out, focusing instead on the growing knot in her stomach.

When they arrived, the grandeur of the Sinclair mansion took her breath away. It was even more magnificent than she had imagined, with towering columns and sprawling gardens that spoke of old money and power.

A butler greeted them at the door and led them into a lavish dining room, where Jack’s parents were waiting.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wilson,” Mrs. Sinclair said warmly, standing to greet them. She was a poised woman, her every movement exuding elegance.

Sophia stayed quiet, her eyes darting around the room. And then she saw him.

Jack sat at the head of the table, his wheelchair partially hidden behind the ornate design of the table. His once-charismatic face was drawn and pale, his jaw set in a hard line. His piercing blue eyes met hers, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.

“This must be Sophia,” Jack’s mother said, breaking the silence. “It’s lovely to meet you, dear.”

Sophia forced a polite smile. “Thank you. It’s an honor to be here.”

Jack’s gaze didn’t waver as she approached. When she reached his side, he tilted his head, his lips curving into a bitter smile. “So, you’re the one they’ve picked to be my caretaker.”

His words stung, but Sophia refused to let it show. She met his gaze steadily. “And you’re the one they think I can handle.”

His eyes narrowed, but a flicker of something—amusement, maybe—crossed his face.

“Why don’t we all sit down?” Mrs. Sinclair suggested, sensing the tension.

As the dinner progressed, the parents discussed the terms of the marriage contract, their voices blending into the background as Jack and Sophia silently sized each other up.

Finally, Jack leaned toward her, his voice low enough that only she could hear. “You don’t have to do this, you know. I’m sure you have better options than marrying a cripple.”

Sophia’s eyes hardened. “I don’t need your pity, Jack. And I’m not here to save you. I’m here to save myself.”

His expression shifted, and for the first time, she saw a flicker of vulnerability beneath the bitterness. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by the same guarded look.

As the evening drew to a close, the deal was finalized. Sophia was officially engaged to Jack Sinclair.