A Marriage Of Convenience

Sophie stared at her reflection in the mirror, bearly recognizing the woman staring back at her. She wore a simple but elegant white dress, chosen not for romance but for efficiency, no frills, no lace, just a sleek, minimalist design that suited the occasion. She'd expected to feel some excitement, some sense of nervous anticipation, but all she felt was a numb resignation.

Today, she would marry Adrian Blackwood, a man she barely knew, a man whose heart she doubted would ever soften for her. It was a marriage on paper, a bargain that would save her father's company and keep her family from financial ruin. But as much as she tried to rationalize it, Sophie couldn't shake the sense of unease curling in her stomach.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts and her father entered, his expression warm but weary, pride and sadness mingling in his gaze.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," he said softly, his voice rough with emotions.

Sophie forced a smile, trying to ease his worries. "Thank you, Dad." She adjusted the delicate chain around her neck, a gift from her sister, who had passed away few years ago. It was the only piece of sentimentality she allowed herself on this day.

Her father stepped closer, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure about this, Sophie? I know we're in a difficult position, but if you have any doubts, if you want to walk away, I'll support you."

Sophie's heart clenched at his words. She knew the sacrifices he had made, the sleepless nights, the endless meetings, all in the name of keeping Caldwell Holdings in the black. He would never forgive himself if it all crumbled because of her refusal.

"I've made up my mind," she replied, her voice steady. "This is the only way to save everything you've built. I'll be fine, Dad. Really."

Her father's gaze softened, but she could see the guilt lurking behind his eyes. He reached for her hands, squeezing them tightly. "I'm so sorry, Sophie. I never wanted this for you. I wish there were another way."

"Don't worry about me," she said, giving his hands a reassuring squeeze. "This is my choice."

A wave of emotions passed through her father's eyes before he nodded, releasing her hands. "Then let's go," he said, offering her his arm.

With a deep breath, Sophie took her father's arm and followed him out of the dressing room. Together, they walked down the hallway to the private room where the ceremony would take place. It was a small gathering, attended only by close family and a handful of associates. The Blackwood family was notably absent, save for Adrian himself. Sophie couldn't help but wonder what kind of man would marry her without his family's presence, but then again, maybe that was the way Adrian wanted it. Simple. Unemotional.

As they entered the room, Sophie's gaze settled on Adrian, who stood at the front, waiting. He was impeccably dressed, his dark suit tailored to perfection, his expression as unreadable as ever. When their eyes met, he gave her a polite nod, but there was no warmth, no hint of the man behind the icy exterior.

Sophie swallowed, her nerves flaring to life as she took her place in front of him. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, sharp and assessing, as if he were assessing his latest possession. The officiant cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Sophie Caldwell and Adrian Blackwood…"

The words washed over her, blending together as she tried to steady her breathing. This wasn't the wedding she'd dreamed of as a little girl, but it was the reality she'd chosen. She forced herself to focus on the commitment she was making, reminding herself that this marriage was a means to an end.

When the officiant asked if anyone had objections, a silence settled over the room, thick and tense. Sophie almost wished someone would speak up, that a voice would echo out and stop the ceremony. But the room remained silent, the only sound was the faint hum of the air conditioning and the distant murmur of the city beyond the walls.

"Do you, Sophie Caldwell, take Adrian Blackwood to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse…?"

Her throat tightened, but she managed to respond. "I do."

"And do you, Adrian Blackwood, take Sophie Caldwell to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse…?"

Adrian's gaze didn't waver as he spoke, his tone cool and unyielding. "I do."

The officiant nodded, offering them a small, formal smile. "Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Sophie tensed, her heart hammering as Adrian leaned to her. She hadn't thought about the kiss, hadn't prepared herself for this moment of intimacy with a man she hardly knew. She expected a quick, perfunctory peck on the cheek, but Adrian surprised her. He leaned in, his hand resting gently on her cheek as he brushed his lips against hers. The kiss was brief, almost clinical, but there was a spark of something in his touch, a hint of control…of possession that sent a shivers down her spine.

As he pulled back, his gaze lingered on hers for a moment, and she found herself wondering what lay beneath that mask of indifference. But just as quickly, his expression returned to its usual unreadable state and he released her.

Applause filled the room, snapping her back to reality. They were married now, bound together in a contract that promised security but little else. Sophie glanced at Adrian, hoping for a sign, a hint of reassurance, but he had already turned his attention to the guests, his expression as controlled as ever.

After the ceremony, there was a brief reception, an arrangement as minimalist as the wedding itself. Sophie exchanged polite words with a few of Adrian's associates, their conversations focused on business rather than congratulations. Adrian, for his part, was charming yet distant, moving through the room with an ease that spoke to his comfort in these high powered circles. Sophie watched him, wondering if she'd ever truly understand the man she was now married to.

When the last guest departed, Adrian approached her, his gaze assessing. "Shall we?" he asked, gesturing toward the exit.

Sophie nodded, feeling a sense of finality settle over her. This was it, the start of her life as Mrs Adrian Blackwood. She followed him out of the reception hall and into a sleek black car waiting outside. The driver opened the door for them, and Sophie slid into the back seat, her pulse racing as Adrian joined her, his presence filling the small space.

They rode in silence, the city lights flashing by in a blur as she tried to process the events of the day, to wrap her mind around the reality of her new life.

When they finally arrived at Adrian's penthouse, he led her inside, his demeanor cool and businesslike.

"This is where you'll be staying," he said, gesturing toward a guest room. "We can discuss the other terms tomorrow."

Sophie nodded, feeling a strange mixture of relief and disappointment. She had expected distance, but the coldness of his words still stung. As she stepped into the room, she glanced back at him, searching for a sign of warmth, but he simply nodded and turned away.

As Sophie closed the door, she leaned against it, letting out a long, shaky breath. This was her new life, one of luxury, security, and solitude. She was now married to a man she barely knew, and despite the glittering surroundings, she had never felt more alone in her life.