Meeting the groom's family
**STEVEN WOLKER'S POV
*On the following day …
I am ready to go to my family's house. This requires a lot of skill, as it's only sometimes that someone arrives unexpectedly announcing that they are getting married, especially when there is no. Everyone would find this behavior strange. I didn't even have a girlfriend at the moment. I needed to convey legitimacy to my marriage to achieve what I desired the most.
I drive for about an hour to reach the condominium in a remote location near London. I arrive at the family house where I also live; I have an apartment that I use when I want to be alone, and I spend the night there. The large gates are opened for me to enter the mansion. I'm not usually apprehensive, and I'm very confident in my decisions and choices, but now, I realize that I'm feeling nervous.
The right thing would be to arrive with a real bride, hand in hand, with mutual feelings, and announce that we are in love and wish to get married. But that's not true.
Luckily, I arrived at the best time to do that. Everyone was gathered at the breakfast table as usual, and when they noticed me coming, they became excited. My grandmother, Marie, who is already quite elderly but still very healthy, is the cornerstone of our family. I am immensely grateful and have great affection for her. My brother and some cousins are on vacation at our house, and they are also at the table.
My grandmother opens her arms for me to reciprocate her affection with a hug. I go around the table as she requests, hugging her and feeling her caring hand gently patting my back.
"Good morning, my dear," she smiles lovingly.
"Good morning, Grandma," I return the hug, and when I step back, I look at everyone at the table. "I want to take advantage of everyone being together to announce that I am getting married."
I say it all at once to avoid backing out of this madness. I observe the surprised expressions on their faces, shocked by the news. I'm sure they never would have imagined hearing this news, since I hadn't introduced any girlfriend, let alone a fiancée. But as I have always been reserved and managed my personal life very well, I believe they believed it.
"Is this true, Steven?" my grandmother shows a broad smile.
"Yes, it's true. As soon as possible," I reply.
"I'm thrilled, dear. I want to meet her," she affirms.
"Soon!"
"What is she like, cousin?" my cousin asks with curiosity.
"She is... beautiful!"
I reply, remembering the beautiful blonde with clear eyes, a perfect smile, and a sculpted body. At least at this moment, I didn't have to tell any lies because Sophie is indeed beautiful.
"Can we organize a dinner?" my grandmother suggests.
"Oh, yes, that would be great!" I get nervous.
It's a strange feeling to have to lie to her and pretend to be happy. What comforts me is knowing that I am doing what is necessary to maintain our empire as my father left it before he died. But it doesn't remove the weight of being dishonest with everyone, especially those who loved me and wanted the best for me.
"Have you chosen a date, dear?" she wants to know more.
"We are deciding on a specific date, but we want it as soon as possible," I force a smile.
With a sly smile, I check my wristwatch, remembering that I have something important to deal with at the company. In addition to contracts, the divorce, and informing myself more about the problem Sophie's mother was going through to help in the best way.
"Shall we have breakfast?" they invite me, but I quickly turn away.
"I have a busy day today. I'll have breakfast at the company," I reply as I leave.
It's better to avoid staying there for too long and being bombarded with questions; they might eventually notice the charade. Caution is essential; I am calculated and do not like to lose control of situations.
I go to my room to prepare and dress appropriately for the company. Soon, I will become the lifelong president and take full command, as I have always wished. While getting ready, I recall the incredible night we spent together, and it's inevitable not to remember such a delightful moment. But it was just one night because that doesn't change the real purpose of this marriage. I sincerely hope that Sophie can play the role of a fake wife excellently.
I decided to put these thoughts aside and focus on what I had to do. It will be a long day.
**SOPHE MADSON'S POV
*Two days later...
Steven managed to expedite the signing of my divorce. I am properly prepared to go to the appointed place for this moment to be finalized. I feel nervous as I am putting an end to so many dreams.
What comforts me is knowing that it's not my fault but Hector's, who betrayed me in the cruelest way a man could. I had to buy a new bed because I couldn't sleep without feeling disgusted by that mattress.
As I leave the apartment, I notice Steven's car parked, waiting for me. I take a deep breath and walk to the door that the driver has just opened. When I sit down, I notice Steven sitting in the passenger seat.
"I don't see the need for you to come with me there," I complain about his presence.
"We're engaged, and that shouldn't be a problem," he smiles ironically.
"But this isn't real!"
I roll my eyes and look away, watching the car start and follow the expected path.
"My family is eager to meet you. I scheduled a dinner for tonight!" Steven informs me, leaving me surprised.
"What? Tonight? But..."
"We'll get married in a few days; I can't postpone this moment. It's part of the plan, Sophie."
I roll my eyes and avoid looking at him. The only thing that keeps me going in this great madness is knowing that my mother is being well-treated in the hospital, and the surgery is scheduled to happen soon. The doctor warned me that if it wasn't treated urgently, the situation could worsen, so... I made the right choice.
We arrive at the place where I will formalize the divorce. I leave the car and see a man in a dark suit in front of me. He extends his hand, and Steven shakes it; I do the same, greeting him.
"This is one of my lawyers. He will also be responsible for your... problem," Steven informs, and I just nod. This situation is somewhat embarrassing. I can't deny that I feel relieved to be able to divorce quickly, but everything has become a great confusion.
I enter a room, and only the lawyer accompanies me. Sitting at a wooden table, I see Hector appear and sit in front of me. He glared at me angrily, and I avoided eye contact, turning my gaze to the authorities who had begun the procedure.
Even though he contests, claiming he doesn't want the divorce, the evidence of infidelity helps me, and it doesn't give him that choice. After signing all the papers, I am officially divorced. But for a short time, as in a few days, I will be married again, which is tremendously wild.
We leave the room, and Steven waits for me, sitting in an armchair and standing up as soon as he sees me approaching.
"Sophie!" Hector's voice catches my attention.
I look back, and he comes towards me. I pay no attention and continue walking towards Steven, who waits for me and analyzes my ex-husband's approach.
"Sophie, I want to talk to you." I feel being pulled forcefully by the arm.
I almost fall, but I manage to balance on my heels. I feel Hector's hand squeezing my arm, and Steven approaches, pushing Hector to let go while I massage my sore arm.
"Who are you to meddle in our affairs?" Hector yells, upset.
"I am..." Steven is about to speak, and I put my hand over his mouth.
"That's none of your business!" I reply, annoyed. "We are divorced, and you'd better find girls to fool around with."
"Are you cheating on me too?" Hector widens his eyes.
"What?" I shout.
"You say I'm wrong, but you're just a slut, and..."
Steven advances towards Hector, and for a moment, nothing worse happens. Steven's security manages to intervene, standing between them and separating them to avoid a brawl.
"That's enough, let's go!" I push Steven's shoulders for him to accompany me.
"Mind your language, please." Steven threatens Hector.
We head towards the car, and I cover my face as I enter. I feel terrible about everything that's happening, but simultaneously, I feel vindicated for what Hector did to me. Steven is handsome, wealthy, and ultimately the opposite of my ex. At least he was bothered by what he saw.
"Is that your ex-husband? " Steven is irritated.
"It doesn't matter!" I reply, also irritated.
"He still likes you. Why didn't you say we are engaged?" he looks at me.
"Because all of this is a big lie. Is there a bigger reason than that? Or are you forgetting?"
I scream very irritated, attracting the driver's attention. I feel embarrassed and choose to sit on the seat, taking deep breaths to keep calm. My words affected Steven, and he remained silent.
I am beginning to fear this marriage. Living with someone, especially someone I don't know, scares me. But it's too late to back out.