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Wife Wanted

SOPHIE MADSON’S POV

I can't believe he's standing right in front of me. My heart races, and I feel baffled.

"Can we talk?" He smiles at me and points to a door.

"How did you find me? What are you doing here? Are you following me?" I ask several questions at once, irritated by his sudden appearance.

"I found out where you were; I came here to help you and be helped. About the following, you… let's just say yes, for a good reason." He smiles ironically, which frustrates me even more.

"You're audacious!" I exclaim and roll my eyes.

I can't process so much information simultaneously with so many events happening. I walk towards the door he indicated, and upon entering, I notice it's a waiting room.

I cross my arms and look at Steven. I'm very annoyed that he's meddling in my life without my permission. It was just one night, nothing more.

"I did this to help you, and you'll help me too," he affirms, uprightly putting his hands in his pockets.

"How will I help you?" I ask, rolling my eyes.

"By marrying me!"

I close my eyes and take a deep breath upon hearing this story again. I've just filed for divorce from my ex-husband, and he keeps making this crazy proposal. There's no way I'm getting into this mess.

"I've just filed for divorce from my ex-husband. Do you think you could marry me without getting arrested for bigamy?" I use this as an excuse.

"I have contacts and can expedite the process," he irritatingly smiles.

I run my hands through my hair, completely exhausted. I sit in a chair and rub my face with my hands. I close my eyes and try to keep my sanity amidst many tribulations.

"Why are you doing this?" I look at him, feeling weak.

"Sophie, I need a wife. Even if it's not real, what's at stake is my entire inheritance, and I won't lose it over a simple marriage. I see you as the ideal woman." Steven squats in front of me, locking eyes with mine. "Your mother requires urgent treatment; I found out everything you're going through. Don't you think starting this treatment right now would benefit her? I can provide all of this and more. There will be a set time, and I'll help you with everything you need."

I stare fixedly at him, who is squatting at my height. His incredibly blue eyes hypnotize me. I see that he's serious. I start to think about my mother, about immediate treatment, and all the money he has that could save the life of the person I love the most.

"Even though this is absurd, I'll hear you out. Tell me about this so-called help!" I take a deep breath in an attempt to control my emotions.


STEVEN WOLKER'S POV

Since Sophie left the hotel, I dedicated myself to uncovering her life. A quick and precise private detective provided me with all the necessary information. She was filing for divorce and had been married for a year, and then came the news of her mother being rushed to the hospital.

Without hesitation, I went to the hospital to try to get what I wanted and also to help. "Think about it. You can count on me unconditionally to resolve this situation. But I also need your help," I said, strengthening the proposal.

Even though I proposed at that moment in the bar, I was serious. When I saw her in that bar, I noticed that besides being an attractive woman, I liked how she communicated and how kind she was. Our conversation flowed involuntarily, and it was an enjoyable afternoon. I'm not interested in love or a real relationship, but rather in pleasant company, as we would share the same roof daily.

I required a wife. I did not wish ill on anyone, but destiny helped me by bringing up that unfortunate problem related to her mother, as this would make Sophie accept my proposal. Fate had been collaborating ever since I saw her by my side in that bar.

But I also know that even going through that, she would still have the free will not to accept. I hoped that wouldn't happen because, inexplicably, I saw in her the person I needed to fulfill what I was planning. Besides being attracted to her, she seemed like a woman of action and responsibility, especially for caring about her mother. I wouldn't choose just anyone; it was about a contract, a marriage, and inexplicably, she was the one I felt confident about to carry out this crazy demand.

That damn proposal was disturbing my days and nights. I had prepared enough to be the company's CEO, becoming thoroughly disappointed and upset by this unreasonable demand. But I wouldn't give up; I wouldn't be weak in this situation.

Sophie is sitting in one of the chairs in the waiting room, and I stand up. I walk around the room, letting her ponder my proposal. She's silent, looking at the floor.

"How would this work?" she asks, catching me off guard.

"Like a job, you'll be performing. It will benefit both me and you. Don't worry; I won't cross your limits," I explain cautiously.

"Why do you need a wife so badly?" she looks directly at me.

"Because a clause was imposed on me to become the president of my family's company, I need to have a stable union, actually, a consolidated marriage. By the time I find someone to marry for real, I would have lost my position in the company," I try to clarify.

Just remembering this part made me feel irritated. I take a deep breath to convey calmness to her about this delicate matter.

"How long would this agreement last?" she wants to clear all her doubts.

"I want to get married for real, to meet someone and have a normal life, but I require time. But right now, I'm in a hurry. I need to take over the company. After that, when I meet the right person, we can dissolve the contract," I explain patiently the doubt she seems to have.

I wouldn't want to be married to someone without love for a lifetime, and it wasn't necessary. When I meet someone I love, Sophie will be free, and I'll live in a new relationship. A peaceful separation for everyone, perhaps claiming the same excuse as always: our plans were opposed, and we decided to separate amicably.

She was nervous, and I understood perfectly why. I wouldn't pressure her to answer, even though I wanted a "yes."

I prefer to leave her alone to reflect on my proposal. I look at the door and then walk towards the exit of the waiting room when she affirms:

"I accept!"

"Are you sure?" I stop immediately, looking at Sophie.

"I don't have choices," she replies sadly.

I stood still, looking straight into her eyes, and a victorious smile appeared on my lips. I like getting what I want and feel incredibly confident when it happens. I was required to take a deep breath, thinking about what I should do now that I had found my ideal wife.

"How long until the wedding, Steven?" she stands up, apparently nervous.

"A week, maybe. I'll expedite your divorce. As soon as it's signed, I'll prepare everything.

I'll first break the news to my family so I can deal with all the details and activate some contacts so she can be a free woman as soon as possible. The sooner this wedding happens, the better I'll become the company's president.

"I'll take you home, and we'll sort out all the details in the next few days. I'll take care of everything so that your mother gets the best treatment and recovers. I won't spare any effort," I affirm to convey confidence.

After I gave her my information, she seemed to sigh, walked to the room door, and walked through the corridors to the hospital exit. Sophie gave me her address, and I followed it correctly.

We maintained silence during the journey to her house. I noticed Sophie looking in the opposite direction, lost in thought. I prefer to leave her lost in her thoughts.

We arrived in front of the building where she lives, exchanged one last look, and she forced a smile at me, getting out of the car.

"I'll keep you informed; I'm in a hurry," I bid farewell.

"See you soon, Steven!"

I watch her walk away and head towards the entrance of the building. She looks sad and pensive, and I imagine she's upset about recent events.

I instruct the driver to go to my apartment, where I stay, when I take a woman to bed. I'll spend the night there, and the next day, I'll return to the house where I live with my family. I'll break the news of the engagement to them, and I feel nervous about doing this unexpectedly.

Much later, arriving at my apartment, I observe the empty and silent place. I go to the cabinet where some drinks are and pour myself a whiskey. I go to the balcony, looking at the city lights spreading on the horizon, take a sip of the drink, and feel the liquid burn my throat.

"I'll be the company's new president, even if it means putting up with a stranger by my side!" I think aloud, outlining my goals.

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: *Hello, my dear readers! I hope you're enjoying Sophie and Steven's story. I want to let you know that you'll become increasingly involved with this couple as they face many challenges ahead. I always say that readers are my source of inspiration, so please leave comments, suggestions, and guesses. I love reading your feedback.)

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