Chapter 4

Dominic’s pov ; Although I wasn’t entirely sure about Sophie’s true motives yet—whether she was truly innocent or had some hidden agenda—she had saved my grandmother’s life. For now, that was all that mattered. No one else had the right to lay a finger on her, even if she eventually gets exposed. Punishing her, if necessary, would be my business alone, and no one was allowed to interfere. After leaving the ward, I immediately made a call. Later that night, Chase showed up at my villa, practically on his knees. "Dominic, I know I messed up. I shouldn’t have let your secret slip. Please, don’t let my dad send me away!" Pathetic. He knew that if I decided to send him off to some remote place, it could be years before he’d ever return. And someone like Chase? He wouldn’t survive without the comforts of city life, without women hanging off his arm. He always thought too highly of himself. Only a virgin like me, apparently, could be so "chaste" and "restrained," according to him. He didn’t know a thing about what restraint really meant. Once I’d crossed that line, I wouldn’t need anyone telling me what to do. I stood on the open-air balcony, watching the city lights in the distance. My tone was calm, as always. "If you can’t keep your mouth shut, maybe a little time away will teach you some discipline." Chase was desperate now. "I was wrong, Dominic, I swear! I’ll fix this, just don’t let my father punish me." "Make amends for your mistakes." My voice was colder than before, signaling that the conversation was over. I turned away, walking back inside. Moments later, my housekeeper came out and firmly escorted Chase off the premises. I didn’t need to look back to know that he was left to contemplate just how stupid he’d been. The eldest son of the Carter family, someone who carried weight in most circles, but not here—not with the William family. Even my housekeeper could treat him with indifference, and Chase wouldn’t dare complain. His father admired me more than anyone, and with just one word from me, Chase could be sent anywhere in the world, forced into grueling hardship and training that would break him. Meanwhile, I sat with my grandmother. "I heard from your assistant that after you brought Sophie to the hospital, someone came to stir up trouble for her?" "Yes," I replied. "But I kicked them out." My grandmother’s expression softened, a tender look on her face. "That girl saved my life, Dominic. She even sacrificed her leg for me. She’s such a good-hearted child. You mustn’t let anyone hurt her." I nodded in agreement. "I won’t." Just then, a nurse rushed over, interrupting us. "Mr. William, Miss Sophie tried to leave the hospital earlier today, but we managed to stop her." My grandmother’s face turned anxious as she slapped the table. "What did I say? That girl is so kind-hearted! She doesn’t want to impose on us because she feels we owe her nothing. But you know what I think, Dominic?" She looked at me, her eyes gleaming with a twinkle that immediately put me on edge. "You’re a grown man, and you still don’t have a wife. Why not marry Sophie?" I frowned, startled by the suggestion. "What did you just say?" "There are so many wealthy ladies out there, all scheming and ambitious. I don’t like any of them. But Sophie? She’s beautiful, thoughtful, and good-natured. Didn’t you tell me that her family mistreated her and tried to force her into marrying some old man? By marrying her, you'd not only be protecting her, but it would also be a blessing for the William family." Tears filled her eyes. "If you don’t marry her, Dominic," she said with finality, "I don’t want to see you anymore." I was driven out by Grandma, leaving me with little choice but to heed her demands. Despite being a powerful figure in London with significant influence, in the face of her insistence, I had no choice but to consider her wishes. My assistant asked, “Sir, are you really going to marry Miss Sophie?" I rubbed my brow tiredly and replied, "Grandma's health isn't great. If getting a marriage certificate can give her peace of mind, then I’ll do it." I added with a hint of detachment. "But getting the certificate doesn’t mean I’m accepting her as my wife. If she doesn’t follow the rules, I have ways to make her leave.” •••• In the hospital, Sophie lay in bed as the doctor explained her condition. I was about to enter the ward but stopped. “Your leg can potentially be repaired through surgery, but it requires senior experts from overseas. The cost will be extremely high, at least eight figures.” I watched her face carefully as the doctor delivered the news. But still, she forced herself to smile and replied, "Thank you, doctor. I understand." Eight figures, she probably couldn’t even fathom that. For her, it was an astronomical amount, something she could never hope to earn in her lifetime. I knew that looked all too well—people with no resources or connections crumble when faced with figures like that. The doctor left, and not long after, I entered the room. "Who told you to leave the hospital?" I demanded coldly, seeing her preparing to go somewhere. She lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact. "I’m sorry. I don’t want to be a…burden anymore." "Why?" I asked. I hated when people thought they could make decisions without consulting me first. "The doctor said the surgery would cost eight figures, and I don’t have the money," she explained quietly. I felt my expression harden. How little did she think of me? "Didn’t I tell you I would cover all your medical expenses?" Money was never an issue for me. Eight figures? That was nothing. She didn’t understand my world, not in the slightest. Sophie nervously grabbed the quilt, her fingers trembling. "But it’s so much money. Even if you sell me, I can’t pay it back." A laugh escaped me before I could stop it. "That depends on who you sell yourself to." She raised her head, her face filled with confusion. "I don’t understand what you mean." "Sell yourself to me," I said, letting a mocking smile play on my lips. "As long as you become my wife, I will pay for my wife’s surgery. It’s only natural. Don't you want to walk again?” Her reaction was immediate. I could see the internal struggle, the fear in her eyes. But the temptation of being able to walk again was too strong for her to refuse. She took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, I’ll marry you." Good. I didn’t need to waste more time convincing her. "I happen to be free this afternoon. We’ll go to the local registration office to get the registration." "So soon?!" She bit her lower lip nervously, clearly unsettled by the suddenness of it all. Her hesitation amused me. In my world, people clawed at each other for a chance to marry into the Williams family, yet here she was, more worried than excited. She reminded me of a frightened deer—vulnerable and unsure. I wasn’t sure if it was real innocence or just a well-played act, but it was refreshing. I hope she’s not pretending. At the very least, I’d end up with a silly wife. Before we left for the registration office, I had a nanny help her change into a clean white dress. Her movements were slow, awkward because of her limp. Yet, despite her condition, the white dress made her look fragile, almost pure. Like a delicate flower—a white jasmine. I found myself staring at her for longer than I intended. Irritated, I turned away. "Let’s go," I said coldly. The driver pulled up to the Registeration office, and I stepped out first. Sophie followed, careful not to trip due to her limp. As we entered, the staff couldn't help but gush over us. "You two are a match made in heaven. From a distance, I thought you were gods. Bride, please stand close to your groom. You're standing too far." She hesitated but eventually moved closer to me. The whole process was quick—no point in dragging it out. Soon, we both held the marriage certificate in our hands. I glanced at the photo of her inside. For the first time, I noticed her eyes up close. They were dull, lifeless—gray gems that had lost their sparkle. I couldn't help but think, If she wasn’t in this situation, she could be stunning. She’d have every man’s attention if life had been kinder to her. I was certain she knew nothing about my family background, but she trusted that since my grandmother was kind, I couldn’t be too bad either. Foolish thinking, but I didn’t care. As long as she remained this compliant, it wouldn’t be an issue. "I have something else to do at the company," I said curtly. "My assistant will take you back to the hospital." "Yeah, okay," she replied softly. I was pleased with her response. I had no interest in a woman who would cling to me or interfere with my work. Sophie seemed sensible enough for now. And in my life, that was all I needed from her.