Episode 3: Dinner with the Devil

Sophia stood in front of the grand dining table, eyeing the extravagant spread of gourmet dishes. The Blackwood estate’s dining hall was larger than most restaurants, with a long mahogany table that could seat twenty. Yet tonight, it seated only two—her and Sebastian.

Sebastian sat at the head of the table, effortlessly elegant in his black dress shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal strong forearms. He sipped his wine, watching her with an unreadable expression.

"Sit," he said simply.

Sophia held his gaze for a moment before pulling out the chair beside him. A butler poured her a glass of red wine, and she took a small sip, letting the silence between them stretch.

"Are all our dinners going to be this formal?" she asked, setting down her glass.

Sebastian smirked slightly. "Would you prefer candlelight and sweet nothings?"

Sophia huffed. "No, but a little normal conversation wouldn’t hurt."

He leaned back in his chair. "Alright. Let’s talk. What do you expect from this marriage?"

Sophia hesitated. "Freedom, once the contract ends."

"Good. That makes two of us."

The coldness in his voice made something tighten in her chest. Did he truly feel nothing?

She picked up her fork, stabbing a piece of steak. "What about you? Do you even want to be married?"

Sebastian’s blue eyes darkened. "Marriage is a means to an end."

Sophia arched a brow. "And what end is that?"

He swirled his wine lazily. "Stability. The board trusts a married man more than a bachelor with a ruthless reputation."

She frowned. "So I’m just… convenient?"

He didn’t deny it.

Sophia let out a dry laugh. "Well, congratulations. You found yourself the perfect trophy wife."

Sebastian placed his glass down with a soft clink, his gaze sharp. "You’re not a trophy, Sophia. You’re an asset."

Her stomach twisted. An asset.

She had expected an arranged marriage to be devoid of love, but she hadn’t realized how transactional it would feel.

Sebastian Blackwood didn’t just avoid love. He didn’t believe in it.

And for the first time since signing that contract, Sophia wondered—

What happens when I start wanting more?

Later That Night

Sophia lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The penthouse was silent, the only sound the occasional honk of London traffic far below.

She turned to look at the empty space beside her. Not that she expected Sebastian to be here—they had separate rooms. Separate lives.

And yet, something about him unsettled her.

There was more to Sebastian Blackwood than he let on.

And Sophia Lancaster had just become his wife.

For better or for worse.

......................

your author :😇 👋🏻

Hope you're enjoying the chapters. Motivate me by liking the chapters so that I can write more in the future.. 💕 😘

I'd love to know which countries my readers are from. Leave a comment!

Don't forget to Subscribe and send me gifts 😌

i really like gifts 🎁 😄 you know

..have a good day guys👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

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