GETTING THE MARRIAGE LICENCE
652 Words
CHAPTER 6: GETTING THE LICENCE
SOPHIE ANDERSON:
The next day, at 6:30, I was ready, waiting anxiously. Richard invited me to his mansion in the Upper East Side. The estate was massive, a gated fortress with an elegant modern design.
I felt completely out of place as the butler led me inside.
Richard was waiting for me in his grand study, a smug smile on his face.
"Glad you made it," he said.
I smiled and said nothing.
"Have a seat, Sophie," he said. "Let me get you a drink."
I nodded, bracing myself.
Then the study doors opened.
And in walked Damien Sinclair.
I froze. "What the—"
Damien froze for a split second, then looked unfazed. "You?"
I looked between him and his father, my heart pounding. "No. No way."
Richard leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed. "I take it you two have met?"
"She crashed into my car," Damien said, nonchalantly.
I bit my lower lip and said nothing.
Richard chuckled. "Well, this just got interesting. I have to introduce you two afresh. Sophie, meet Damien, my son. Damien, meet Sophie, the girl who saved my life and your future wife.”
Damien turned to his father. "Is this some kind of joke?"
"Not at all," Richard said smoothly.
Damien scoffed. "You expect me to marry her?"
I crossed my arms. "Trust me, I’m just as horrified as you are."
Richard stood, and faced his son. "Damien, I've made myself clear. You know what's at stake if you disobey me.”
Silence.
Damien’s jaw tightened, and his fists clenched.
And then his icy blue eyes locked onto mine.
"I don’t think you understand, Father. I am not marrying a broke, reckless—"
"Careful," I cut him off, my voice sharp. "I’d hate for you to finish that sentence and make me slap you in front of your dad."
Richard smirked, clearly entertained. “I knew she's exactly what Damien needs,” he muttered under his breath.
"This is a nightmare." Damien grumbled.
I ignored him and twisted my fingers nervously.
Richard ordered us to stop arguing.
We had a few drinks while I texted Becky and told her what was going on.
Becky: Are you for real?
Sophie: I'm out of options, Becky.
An hour later, Damien drove us in a Limo to the New York City Marriage Bureau.
I was about to sign my fate away.
Present in the room were Damien’s father, his younger brother, Lucas Sinclair, his friend Ethan, my best friend Becky, and my sister, Emily.
Becky leaned over and whispered, "Are you sure about this, Soph?"
"No," I whispered back.
Emily stared at me like I’d lost my mind. "Sophie, I swear to God, if you end up in trouble because of this—"
"Shh," I muttered. “This is survival.”
Damien's face was cold and stoic as he stood beside me. "Can we get this over with?"
A government clerk called our names, and my stomach knotted itself as we stepped forward.
"Names?" the clerk asked, flipping through some forms.
"Damien Sinclair." His voice was smooth, and confident.
"Sophie Anderson," I said, my voice only slightly shaky.
The clerk typed something into the system. "Marriage license requires a 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony. You’ll need two witnesses."
"We have them," Damien said, nodding at Ethan and Becky.
The clerk barely looked up. "Sign here."
I swallowed hard and took the pen. With one stroke, I sealed my fate.
Damien signed after me, and just like that, lt was official.
I was Sophie Sinclair.
Damien turned to me, his expression unreadable.
"Congratulations, wife," he said dryly.
I smirked. "Likewise, husband."
“Congratulations, guys,” Richard said as he shook our hands. “We will plan for a proper wedding as soon as possible.”
Damien didn't seem pleased as he hailed down a cab and left us behind.
- Writer
