Chapter 2 Do I look that old

Sophie’s pov ;

"I'm Dominic William," he said calmly, keeping his eyes on me. "My grandmother told me about you. I wanted to thank you for saving her."

I blinked in surprise and my expression immediately changed to one of relaxation, it was safe to assume that I was now safe, but my face immediately lowered in shame as I thought about the fact that my parents had already taken 100,000 pounds from his grandmother.

"You don't have to thank me. I just did what anyone would do. And, you've already paid me..." With that, I tried to leave.

But Dominic immediately pulled me back, his strong power imprisoning me. "Where are you going alone at this late hour?"

My face paled as I remembered I didn't have a penny on me. I said in despair, "I don't know ...... I have nowhere to go."

I bowed my head, my fingers tightening around my cane. The truth was agonizing. I no longer had family who cared about me. My grandparents, who once loved me, have died. All that remains is the dilapidated house they left behind, now abandoned and crumbling.

Dominic's hand lurched as he said softly, "Your leg isn't healed yet, let me take you back to the hospital."

"No, really ...... there's no need," I stammered, "your grandmother has already spent too much money on me, and my leg - it's not going to get any better ."

"Who told you that?!" His tone became serious.

My heart was pounding. The change in his demeanor scared me and I felt pale. I couldn't find the words to reply and clutched the straps of my backpack.

Perhaps realizing that his outburst had scared me, he quickly adjusted his tone.

"Don't worry," he said, his voice much gentler now. "I'll find the best doctor for your leg. You'll walk normally again."

My eyes lit up, could I really still walk normally? "Is it true what you say? Uncle?" I glanced at his hard facial lines, he looked mature, I'm only 20 this year and he looks 30, I wouldn't be out of line to call him uncle ......

"Uncle? Do I look that old?" The corner of his mouth twitched.

I lowered my head, my fingers fidgeting nervously with the hem of my jacket. "No! Not! Because ...... well, you look important and you're so tall ......"

He sighed politely and immediately picked me up, I jumped in shock and tried to jump off. But his commanding tone kept me from acting.

"Don't move unless you want to be crippled for the rest of your life."

I immediately obeyed and grabbed his arm, if my leg was cured I could get a job to support myself!

I was taken to the car by Dominic. As soon as I sat in the car, I was immediately struck by how comfortable it was. The soft leather of the seats wrapped around me and the faint scent of incense. I sat stiffly, barely moving, not even daring to take a deep breath lest I accidentally damage something.

Dominic noticed my unease. "What's wrong?" He asked as he sat down next to me.

I hesitated. "Is this car ...... expensive?" I asked timidly. "I don't want to break anything. I can't afford it."

A look of surprise crossed his face. "It wasn't expensive," he replied calmly, but in reality, I was riding in a car that cost more than most people make in a lifetime. "Don't worry. It'll be fine."

I relaxed a little, but still sat up straight. Exhaustion soon caught up with me, though. I'd been on my feet all day, carrying a heavy backpack, and my injured leg only added to my fatigue.

I tried to stay awake as the car started, but the comfort of the ride was too much for my tired body to resist. Slowly, I leaned back in my seat and fell asleep. My head ended up resting on something warm and solid.

----

A couple hours ago;

Dominic's point of view;

"How did she just disappear?" Grandma muttered in a worried voice, "Did she secretly leave the hospital because she couldn't afford the medical bills? But I clearly told them that the cost is fully covered by us, so how could she leave without leaving her contact information?"

I kept a calm expression. The girl who saved my grandmother's life had disappeared, and it made me feel bad. People don't just disappear for no reason.

"Don't worry, Grandma," I said, trying to stay calm for her sake, "I've sent for her."

She shook her head, obviously still upset. "If it wasn't for that little girl, I'd be dead right now. She saved my life. And she was such a sweet girl - she had an oval face, big, kind eyes, and the palest skin I've ever seen. Like a delicate rose. If she were older, she would make a perfect wife for you. Dominic, once you settle down and find a good wife, I'll be able to rest easy."

Hearing her words made me a little nervous, though I tried to hide it. My grandmother always brought up marriage at the most inconvenient times.

At 29, I know what people think - I'm one of London's most attractive bachelors, but aloof, cold and unapproachable. I wasn't interested in romantic entanglements, especially when countless women tried to use the name William to their advantage.

"I think there's something fishy here, Grandmother," I said gravely, "you rarely leave the manor, but once you had an accident and were saved by a strange girl?"

Grandma smiled at me, her pale eyes filled with her usual calm wisdom. "You can investigate whatever you want, Dom. But I don't believe the girl meant any harm. This lovely girl seems so innocent. Her eyes ...... are so clear and full of goodness. You can't pretend."

I nodded, but my concern didn't dissipate. I trusted my grandmother's intuition, but my instincts told me that there were more secrets behind this matter. I didn't build the William family empire through carelessness.

As I walked out of the hospital room, I turned to the assistant waiting outside the door.

"I want a full report," I ordered coldly. "Find out everything you can about that car and the missing girl. I want to know who she is and where she went."

He nodded, "Yes, Mr. Williams. I'll take care of it right away."

The whole thing was a bit unconscionable. The girl who saved my grandmother's life disappeared, but her family apparently took advantage of the situation and extorted £100,000 from her for her treatment.

I gave a cold smile. They had no idea who they were dealing with. To them, 100,000 pounds must be a lot of money, but to me and my family, it's nothing. An insignificant amount of money.

But when I saw the eyes of this limp girl, who really was, as Grandma said, like a pure gem, I immediately realized I couldn't let her go.

A wife? Maybe she's a good fit, she doesn't look much different than a sheep, and I'm sure I'll be able to keep things well under control despite her other plans.

(Now)

I noticed her struggling to stay awake as her eyes kept opening and closing. She looked very tired as her body slowly adjusted to the comforts of the journey. It wasn't long before she leaned back in her seat and fell asleep. I felt her head resting on my shoulder and my whole body tensed at the unexpected contact. No one had ever dared to come this close to me before.

I turned my head slightly and watched her sleep so peacefully against me. She looked so fragile, so petite. For a moment, I let her rest there, feeling the warmth of her head against my shoulder.

But then reality hit her. She was just a stranger. Nothing more. I gently pushed her toward the window. There was no need to be so close.

She barely moved, just leaned her head against the car window.

I leaned back in my seat.

From what I've gathered, she just turned 20, but looks much younger. There is no doubt that life has been cruel to her. The report paints a sad picture - growing up forced to do heavy work and being constantly abused verbally and physically.

On top of that, she doesn't get enough to eat most of the time. No wonder she looked so weak, almost emaciated.

I found myself beginning to wonder about her intentions. Was it really a coincidence that she saved my grandmother? Would someone be so selfless as to risk their life without expecting anything in return? Or had someone bribed her, knowing that she would be desperate for any help she could get?

----

When we arrived at the private hospital, I watched as they carefully moved her in.

This place is run by my old friend Chase, and it's one of the best hospitals in the country. Only the wealthiest can afford treatment here, and places like this spare no expense.

I want her to be taken care of and I know Chase won't disappoint.

I took out my cell phone and dialed Chase's number directly. Once the call was answered, I didn't waste any more time with pleasantries.

"Chase, send someone to keep an eye on her for me. If she escapes again, I'll make the project you're working on disappear."

He laughed, that familiar, laid-back laugh of his. "Relax, man. Even if I lose myself, I won't lose track of your little sweetheart."

I clenched my teeth. "Watch what you say."

"Okay, okay," he said, pleasure evident in his voice. I could almost hear the smile on his face. "I'll keep it a secret, don't worry."

But the asshole didn't. An hour later my secretary came running.

"Sir, Miss Amanda is making a scene in Miss Sophie's hospital room! Miss Sophie ...... she's bleeding!"