THE CONTRACT BRIDE

HOME ALONE

CHAPTER 7: HOME ALONE

SOPHIE ANDERSON:

Damien's phone rang and after he answered the call, he murmured something to his father and left without saying a word to me.

Or even glancing my way.

I wasn't surprised at all. He obviously didn't wish to get married. Also, it's possible he had someone he had in mind to marry.

Richard didn't seem bothered at all.

“Get in the car, Sophie, let's take you home.”

I nodded but before I could take a step, Beth walked up to me.

“Sophie, are you really sure about this?”

“This is a marriage of convenience, Beth,” I whispered quietly. “I don't expect any form of commitment from him.”

She nodded but she looked worried. I urged her to take a cab since we were going in different directions. I gave Emily a tight hug and perked her forehead.

“Take care, Emily, and make sure to keep in touch.”

Emily nodded but her eyes were glossy, as if she wanted to cry.

After they took a cab and left, I entered Damien's car and the driver took us to his penthouse.

Richard and I sat at the backseat and chatted casually. He encouraged me to do my best to win Damien's heart. But most importantly, he wanted me to give him a grandchild within a year.

I bit on my lower lip and didn't respond to that. When the car came to a halt, Richard quickly came down and came around to open the car door for me but I already had one foot on the ground.

So he just took my hand and led me in.

This was a beautiful house, tastefully furnished and made to provide comfort in every possible way.

I should have been happy.

I had a roof over my head. A safe, luxurious place to call home for the next year.

But my heart was in turmoil. I wasn't sure of this path I've taken. I looked up to heaven and whispered a call for help.

I know Damien wasn't a willing participant in this marriage deal but neither am I. Even though I didn't have a boyfriend, I have always dreamt of marrying out of love.

Not out of convenience.

But what else could I have done when I was in such dire financial need?

Sigh.

My so-called husband had signed the marriage license, shoved the pen aside, and walked out without so much as a backward glance. No explanation. No instructions. Nothing.

Just gone.

And now I was alone in his house, feeling more like an intruder than a wife.

Richard had been kind enough to bring me here, giving me a warm fatherly smile as he gestured toward the massive living room.

“This is your home now, Sophie. Make yourself comfortable,” he had said before leaving.

Comfortable? How was I supposed to make myself comfortable knowing that I have been married off like a business transaction to a man who didn't give a damn about me?

I looked around the breathtaking view of the penthouse again.

It was located somewhere in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The environment screamed wealth and power.

I moved closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows and peered outside. I was impressed with the stunning view of the city skyline, with golden lights twinkling like stars in the night.

I stood there for a while before I turned around.

A massive crystal chandelier hung above the living room, so it wasn't difficult for me to locate the staircase.

It was a grand spiral staircase that led to the second floor, where I assumed the bedrooms were.

This house was beautiful.

But cold.

And empty.

Just like the man who owned it.

“Ma’am?”

I was startled as I turned to face the only other person in the house—Amelia, the domestic staff Richard had hired for me in a haste..

She was a woman in her mid-fifties, and had her dark hair neatly tied into a bun. Her warm brown eyes seemed to be filled with kindness. She wore a simple gray uniform, but her demeanor was anything but formal.

“Hi,” I said as I smiled at her. “You can call me Sophie,” I said gently.

She smiled back. “Alright, Sophie. I'm Amelia. You must be exhausted. Would you like something to eat?”

I sighed. “I don’t want to trouble you—”

“It’s no trouble at all.” She waved me off. “Come, let’s get you settled. I’ll prepare something light for you while you freshen up.”

Her kindness made me feel at ease.

I didn't bother to argue. I simply nodded and followed her as she led me to a bedroom.

If the rest of the penthouse was extravagant, this room was fit for royalty.

The bed was huge—a king-sized masterpiece and I couldn't wait to jump on it and feel the softness of the sheet on my body.

But I needed a bath first. I was thoroughly exhausted and my body felt sticky.

I looked around and located the bathroom door. I moved in that direction and opened the bathroom door. I smiled when I saw a deep soaking tub, a rain shower, and golden accents that screamed wealth.

It was the kind of home people dreamed of.

But for me, it was just another reminder that I didn’t belong here.

I sighed, dropping my bag onto a nearby chair.

Amelia gave me a smile. “Your husband has a good taste.”

I forced a small smile. “I know.”

She nodded and started to move away. “I’ll have dinner ready in half an hour. Take your time.”

She left, and I heaved a sigh. I moved to the massive mirror above the dresser and stared at my reflection.

I looked… tired.

Totally drained.

I looked like someone who had just signed away her freedom in exchange for survival.

Sigh.

I took off my clothes and headed toward the bathroom, desperate for a hot bath to clear my mind.

As I stepped into the tub, the warm water enveloped me and the lavender-scented bubbles swirled around me.

I forced my body to relax.

And the tension in my shoulders eased as the steam wrapped around me, cocooning me in warmth.

I closed my eyes.

And that’s when the memories came.