the cost of survival

"I know about the pregnancy," Mr. Greyson began, his tone calm yet deliberate as he stepped closer to Sophia. "I can take care of the child as if he were my grandson. All you need to do is marry my son, Alex. A guaranteed future for you and the Caldwell family is assured. Name it—anything you want, and it's yours."

Sophia's face twisted in anger, her hands trembling as she gripped the edges of the hospital bed. "Leave me alone," she spat, her voice laced with fury. "That's what I want. I don't need your pity, and I don't want your money. Just leave me in peace. I can't marry an incomplete man like Alex."

Mr. Greyson's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "You should watch your mouth," he said coldly. "But I'll give you time to think this through. Don't be rash, Sophia. This is the only way to save your family." With that, he turned and left the room, his footsteps echoing ominously in the hallway.

Sophia's phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, her heart sinking as she read the message from the family lawyer:

"You need to raise the money by next week, or they'll seize your Bright Estate property."

Sophia's hands shook as she reread the message. Panic began to settle in, and she bit her lip, willing herself not to cry. She needed a solution—but not the one Mr. Greyson offered.

Outside the room, Olivia intercepted Mr. Greyson, her voice almost a whisper. "Sir, is everything alright?" she asked, feigning concern.

Mr. Greyson straightened his tie, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Mrs. Caldwell, everything is fine. Sophia just needs more time to realize what's best for her and this family. I'm offering her a lifeline—one she'll regret refusing. The Caldwell Horizon is sinking faster than you think." Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode toward his car, leaving Olivia alone in the hallway.

As she stood there, Olivia's thoughts raced. This isn't wrong. There's nothing wrong with marrying Alex. Once the Caldwell Horizon is stable again, Sophia can divorce him if she wants. Survival comes first. Convincing herself, she forced a smile and walked back into Sophia's room.

Sophia glared at her mother as she entered. "I can't believe you, Mom. Of all people, you want me to marry that imbecile? That incomplete Alex who can't even—"

"Enough!" Olivia interrupted sharply, her voice rising. "You'll listen to me, Sophia. This is the only way to save our legacy. Your father is in the hospital, and the doctors are already demanding more money for his treatment. Do you care about this family at all? If you do, you'll understand that sacrifices must be made. Alex is a man just like any other. He's better than that rag Ethan you brought home as a fiancé. At least Alex can provide for you!"

Sophia's face burned with anger. "Ethan is far better than Alex in every way! I don't care if he's poor. I'll marry for love, not for money. And as for Alex? I can't stand him. I won't marry him."

Olivia's eyes narrowed. "Who asked you to love him? You're only asked to marry him, not to fall in love. And what makes you think Ethan would still want you now? Do you think he'll come back for you after finding out you're pregnant? For a rapist's child?" Her tone was mocking, cutting deep.

Sophia's voice cracked. "I'll figure it out. I won't let you force me into this."

Olivia crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "Think it over, Sophia. Don't waste time." She turned and left the room.

Later that evening, Sophia gathered her strength and went to see her father in his hospital room. As she approached the door, she overheard hushed voices. Pressing herself against the wall, she strained to listen.

"Dad, Mom is trying to force Sophia to marry Alex," David said, his tone filled with frustration.

Sophia's heart sank. She pushed the door open, startling them both. "Dad, you're awake!" she said, quickly masking her emotions. "How are you feeling?"

Mr. Caldwell's eyes, weary yet sharp, met hers. "Sophia," he rasped, his voice weak but firm, "is it true? Your mother wants to force you into marriage?"

Sophia hesitated, her mind racing. "Dad, it's not like that. You need to rest and focus on getting better. Let me get you something to eat." She avoided his gaze and dragged David into the hallway.

"Why did you have to tell him that?" she hissed, her voice low but fierce. "He's not fully recovered! He'll start overthinking and blame himself for everything."

David crossed his arms. "He's the head of this family, Sophia. He has a right to know what's happening. Or are you saying you support Mom's plans?"

Sophia sighed, her expression softening. "Of course not. But I can handle Mom. You don't need to fight her for me. She's just desperate. I'll figure out a way to deal with her without dragging Dad into it."

The next morning, Sophia woke to the sound of the news playing on the TV in her hospital room.

"Breaking news," the anchor announced. "James, a former Caldwell employee, is calling for a public vote to take over Caldwell Horizon. He claims the current leadership is incapable of resolving the company's crisis and promises to repay all debts if given control."

Sophia's chest tightened as she watched James address the press. His confident smirk and smooth words made her blood boil. How dare he? After everything we did for him, this is how he repays us?

Her phone buzzed again, pulling her attention away.

"Salaries have been cleared. Workers will resume on Monday, as Mrs. Olivia Caldwell ordered."

Sophia's eyes widened in shock. She immediately called her mother.

"Mom, where did you get the money to pay the workers?" she demanded.

"Come home now, Sophia. We need to talk," Olivia replied curtly before hanging up.

Sophia stared at her phone, dread pooling in her stomach. What has she done now?