Chapter 6: Why Am I Still Here?
Sophie's POV
"You know what?" I shook my head, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. "I don't even know why I bother. You're like talking to a block of ice."
He didn't even flinch at my words.
"Have it your way then," I said quietly, turning to leave. William is the only thing that matters now. If Adam wouldn't help maintain appearances, I'd handle it myself.
The drive to the local market was mercifully short. As I selected fresh herbs and vegetables, I focused on planning the perfect lunch.
Eleven o'clock.
William had arrived.
"William!" I hurried to greet him as soon as I saw his car pull up. "You're here! Why did you bring so many things?"
Behind him, his driver was even more loaded down, struggling with what looked like more than a dozen bags of various sizes.
The driver stared at me with shocked recognition. "Last week when you asked me to drive that young lady... I... I didn't know she was..."
William stepped out of the car. "Yes?"
"Oh God, I just dropped her at the gate and drove away!" The driver's face had gone red with mortification. "If I had known she was your granddaughter-in-law..."
"What happened?"
"She was just wearing simple clothes. I thought she was... you know..." the driver glanced at me apologetically. "And I didn't even help with her bags! I'm so sorry, Mr. Foster."
William's laugh was rich and warm. "Don't worry, Tom. That's exactly what I love about her – no airs, just genuine."
The gifts William had brought were extravagant, as always. I watched him direct the driver to carefully arrange everything in the living room – bottles of rare wine, antique jewelry boxes, delicate handcrafted items from around the world, and imported supplements.
"William, this is too much, and—" I protested.
I nearly stumbled over my words as Adam appeared beside me, smoothly sliding an arm around my waist. "And I make sure she wants for nothing," he finished.
I froze, my heart racing. This morning he'd refused to play along, and now...
"I'm glad to hear it," William beamed.
Lunch was served in the formal dining room.
"This is absolutely remarkable, Sophie!" William exclaimed.
I felt my cheeks warm at his praise. "It's just something simple from back home, but I added a few touches."
"Simple?" William chuckled. "My dear, I've dined at Michelin-starred restaurants that couldn't match this level of care and attention."
Adam, who had been silently eating his meal, surprised us both by speaking up. "She's right about the touches," he said, breaking off a piece of bread. "The thyme in the beef. It's... unexpected. But it works."
I nearly dropped my spoon. It was the first time he'd offered anything close to a compliment since our arranged marriage three days ago.
"You see, Adam?" William beamed. "Heaven truly blessed you with this marriage."
I tensed, waiting for Adam's usual cold dismissal. Instead, he glanced at me briefly and said, "Indeed it did."
What game are you playing? I wondered, studying his profile as he returned to his meal.
In the afternoon, I sat rigidly beside Adam on the leather sofa. William's keen eyes moved between us, and I noticed a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth.
William stood up suddenly. "The black roses in the garden should be blooming beautifully now." We both knew I had accidentally uprooted those roses last week, thinking they were dead, and replanted them. They wouldn't bloom for months.
"I think I'll go check on them," he continued, heading toward the door with suspiciously light footsteps for a man his age.
The moment William's footsteps faded, I shifted, preparing to stand. "I should probably—"
"Don't move," he growled.
"Adam, what are you doing? Let go of me!" I struggled harder, but the more I fought, the more forceful he became, seeming determined to keep me trapped.
To my shock, even using all my strength, I couldn't break free. During our struggle, my blouse tore, and suddenly my hands were pinned above my head, his leg pressing between mine to hold me in place.
Our bodies were pressed together, and something dangerous seemed to spark in Adam's eyes. His gaze darkened as it dropped to my lips, and I felt his burning hand slide to my waist. Before I could process what was happening, his mouth crashed down on mine in a brutal kiss.
I stared up at him in wide-eyed shock. How dare he kiss me like this? I'd already agreed to move out, already given up so much – what more did he want?
Fury surged through me, and I bit down hard on his lip. The metallic taste of blood spread between us.
Adam jerked back, finally seeming to realize what he'd done. His expression turned thunderous as I took advantage of his momentary distraction to wrench free, backing away as far as I could.
He fixed me with a piercing glare. "Don't get any ideas about what just happened."
I stared at him in disbelief, then let out a bitter laugh. He's worried I might get attached? After everything?
In that moment, something clicked into place. William was William, and Adam was Adam. I was moving out anyway – why should I keep holding back?
Puffing up my cheeks, I glared at him fiercely. "Listen here, mister," I snapped, letting my true personality shine through. "Don't flatter yourself. You're not my type at all."
Ignoring his darkening expression, I pressed on. "I'll be out of your hair soon. And just so we're clear – I only agreed to marry you for William's sake. Don't be so full of yourself."
"What exactly are you after, sucking up to the old man like this? You won't be able to take anything from the Foster family with you when you leave."
"My god, what is wrong with you?" My voice came out clear despite my exasperation. "Do you walk around every day thinking 'surely someone's plotting against me'? I care about William because he's family to me. I just want him to be happy. And don't worry – I won't take a single thing from your precious house."
I stared at him. "You're right," I whispered. "Why am I still here?"