Chapter 12

❤️Sophie❤️

Silence stretches between us. For the first time since I walked into this ridiculous hotel, I have absolutely nothing to say.

Because he’s right. I hate that he’s right. And I hate him too.

I snatch my phone from his hand a little harder than necessary, “No.”

Turning sharply on my heels, I announce, “ I'm leaving.”

Nobody stops me, not even bodyguards, not the waiters, not him. Good. At least one person in this room has common sense.

I march toward the door with every ounce of dignity I have left, which, considering I'm covered in red wine, is not much.

Just as my hand reaches the door handle….

“You will be back.”

I stop, my fingers tighten around the handle, slowly, very slowly, I turn around, “Sorry?”

He hasn't moved from the sofa, one ankle rests against the other, one hand lies casually on the armrest. He looks completely relaxed.

“You heard me.”

A laugh escapes me, not because it’s funny, but because this man is unbelievable.” No.”

I point at him, “ I will not.”

“You have twenty-four hours.”

“ I know how many hours I have!”

“Then you also know you have no one else.”

I blink, my mouth opens, but nothing comes out.

He continues in that infuriatingly calm tone, “You have searched for this child’s father, you couldn't find him.”

How much does this man know about me when I barely know a thing about him?

He continues anyway, “You advertised online, no one replied, one person replied. Me.”

I fold my arms, “You conveniently skipped the part where you are ten years older than the requirement.”

“It wasn't relevant.”

I groan loudly, “What is wrong with you? Listen carefully, I'm not marrying you.”

“You don't have to.”

“Oh?”

“You only have to decide whether you want your father to throw you out.”

The words hit harder than I expect, for a brief second, I see Dad’s face, his anger, his disappointment, his ultimatum. Bring the man home or leave.

I swallow, no, I won't let him see that it affected me. I straighten my shoulders, “ I will find someone else.”

“You don't have enough time.”

Why does every sentence that leaves the man's mouth sound so annoying?

I stare at him, “You know, I officially don't like you.”

“It doesn't matter.”

“I've known you for less than an hour and you are already the most annoying person I’ve ever met.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“ I sincerely hope I never see you again.”

His expression remains unreadable, “ I will see you again.”

The confidence in his voice makes my eyes twitch.

I throw both hands up, “You know what? Fine.” I yank the door open, “ I hope you enjoy sitting here alone with your terrifying bodyguards, I hope nobody talks to you.”

“They won't.”

“ I hope your coffee gets cold.”

“It already has.”

I blink, why does he have the answer to everything? Anyway, I don't care. Without another word, I storm out of the lounge, the door slams shut behind me.

The moment I reach the lobby, I release the breath I have been holding. “What just happened?” I whisper to myself.

Outside the hotel, Sandy jumps to her feet upon seeing me. Her eyes dart behind me.

“Well?” she grins excitedly. “Where is he?”

She follows behind me, “Where is the twenty-three-year-old?”

I stop and turn toward her, then say with a completely straight face, “He apparently evolved into a billionaire.”

She stares for a while before bursting into laughter. Her laughter dies when I don't laugh with her, “Wait, are you being serious?”

I nod once, “Yes, the fake husband is Adrian Blackwood.”

For the first time since I've known Sandy, she appears completely speechless.

She blinks several times, then grabs my shoulders and shakes me so hard I nearly lose my balance, “You are joking.”

“ I wish I was.”

“The Adrian Blackwood?”

“ I don't know how many Adrian Blackwood owns half the city but yes, that one.”

She stares at me for another five minutes before grabbing my wrist, “We are going back.”

I yank my hand away, “No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“ I mean absolutely not.”

“ Sophie, do you realize who that man is?”

“Unfortunately.”

“He could have solved every problem in your life!”

“He’s the problem of my life!”

“He agreed to marry you.”

“He terrified me.”

“How?”

“He ordered me to sit down.”

Sandy blinks, “That’s what upset you?” She pinches the bridge of her nose, “ I cannot believe this.”

“ I can.”

“No, you don't understand,” she starts pacing in front of me, “ do you know how many women would kill just to stand in the same room with Adrian Blackwood?”

“Would happily donate my position.”

She glares at me, “Why?”

“He didn't smile.” God, the excuse sounds ridiculous even to me.

“Maybe he doesn't know how.”

Sandy sighs dramatically, “You are impossible, did he ask for the two million dollars?”

I shake my head, “No.”

“That’s it. You are marrying him.”

“ I'm not!”

Before she can answer, my phone begins ringing. Dad. My stomach drops. Sandy notices my expression immediately.

“What?”

“It’s my father.”

She goes pale, “Answer it.”

I don't want to, if I ignore him, maybe… the phone rings again. And again. Fine, I swipe the screen.

“Dad?”

His voice is calm, “ Sophie, have you gotten in touch with your boyfriend?”

I glance at Sandy, she silently mouths, ‘lie’

“Yes, Dad.” The lie comes out before I can stop it, “We are talking.”

“Good. Bring him to breakfast tomorrow.”

My smile disappears, “What?”

“You heard me, I want to meet the man who got my daughter pregnant.”

I grip the phone tighter, “Dad, I don't think…..”

“You have until eight o'clock”

My pulse begins pounding.

“If your boyfriend is not sitting at my dining table by then, don't bother calling this house your home anymore.”

The line disconnects.

I lower the phone, I don't realize I've stopped breathing until Sandy shakes my arm.

“What did he say?”

I look up at her, my lips part, “He said he’s inviting Adrian Blackwood to breakfast tomorrow morning.”

Sandy’s eyes widen, before either of us can say another word, my phone vibrates again.

A new message.

Shadow_23. Only five words.

*I’m waiting upstairs Sophie*