Episode 2: Signed and Sealed

Sophia sat across from Sebastian Blackwood in his dimly lit study, the silence between them thick with tension. In front of them lay a pristine white document—their marriage contract.

Sebastian picked up a sleek fountain pen and spun it between his fingers. "The terms are simple," he said smoothly. "One year. Public appearances as a married couple. No interference in each other’s personal lives."

Sophia folded her arms. "And what happens at the end of the year?"

"You walk away. No strings attached."

Her heart clenched. No mention of love, trust, or companionship. Just a cold, calculated arrangement.

She let out a soft scoff. "Sounds like a business merger rather than a marriage."

Sebastian’s lips curved into a smirk. "Because that’s exactly what it is."

Sophia’s fingers tightened around the edge of her chair. She had always imagined marriage to be a union of hearts, built on passion and devotion. But this? This was a contract—an obligation.

Still, she had no choice.

Taking a deep breath, she picked up the pen. "Fine," she said, signing her name with swift determination.

Sebastian followed suit, his signature bold and confident.

And just like that, she became Mrs. Blackwood.

The Wedding That Wasn’t

The next morning, London’s high society woke up to the shocking headlines:

**"Heiress Sophia Lancaster Marries Business Mogul Sebastian Blackwood in Private Ceremony!"**

But there was no grand wedding. No flowers, no vows, no romantic first dance. Only a quiet legal ceremony in the Blackwood estate, attended by a handful of witnesses.

As Sophia stood beside Sebastian, facing the officiant, she felt oddly detached. The words “I do” left her lips, but they felt foreign.

Sebastian slipped a ring onto her finger—an expensive yet impersonal band, its diamond glittering under the chandelier.

When the officiant finally declared them husband and wife, Sophia braced herself, expecting at least a formal kiss. Instead, Sebastian simply nodded.

"It’s done," he murmured, turning away as if he had just closed another business deal.

Sophia clenched her jaw. *Heartless bastard.*

Moving In With the Devil

By evening, Sophia found herself in the master bedroom of Sebastian’s penthouse—a cold, luxurious space that screamed power and control.

Sebastian loosened his tie and glanced at her. "Your room is next door. I assume you prefer your own space?"

Sophia lifted her chin. "I do."

"Good. I don’t like unnecessary attachments."

She smirked. "You mean emotions?"

Sebastian didn’t reply. Instead, he stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

"Let’s make one thing clear, Sophia," he said in a low, deliberate voice. "I don’t care what you do, as long as you don’t cause trouble for me."

Sophia refused to look away. "Right back at you, Mr. Blackwood."

A flicker of amusement passed through his eyes before he turned away. "Dinner is at eight. Don’t be late."

As the door closed behind him, Sophia exhaled sharply.

She had just married a man who didn’t believe in love.

And somehow, she was going to survive it.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***