Chapter 20 Contract

As she was about to sign the marriage certificate, a hot liquid—coffee—was poured on the certificate, destroying it.

Sofia stood frozen, coffee cup in hand, a satisfied smirk on her face.

Emilia's eyes widened in shock and anger. "Sofia! How could you?"

Liam's expression turned cold, his eyes blazing with fury. "Sofia, you've crossed a line."

Sofia's smirk grew. "You think you can just replace me with her? Think again, Liam."

The Civil Affairs Burial Lady gasped. "The certificate is ruined. You'll need to obtain a new one."

Emilia's face fell, her dreams shattered.

Liam's voice turned icy. "Sofia, get out. Now."

Sofia refused to leave, her eyes flashing with defiance. "You can't just dismiss me like that, Liam. I have rights too."

Emilia's face set in determination. "I want a new certificate, now. This doesn't change anything."

Liam's gaze never left Sofia's face. "Security, please escort Miss Sofia out."

The Civil Affairs Burial Lady nodded. "I'll prepare a new certificate immediately."

"You'll never marry her," Sofia said, holding her already aching head.

As she spoke, the guard walked into the office. Sofia's mind went blank, and she fainted onto the ground.

Liam sprang from his chair, rushing toward Sofia. "Sofia, no!"

Emilia's eyes widened in shock. "Liam, what are you doing?"

Liam knelt beside Sofia, gently turning her onto her back. "Call the medic," he ordered the guard.

The guard quickly complied, calling for medical assistance.

Sofia's face was pale, her eyes closed. Liam's expression softened, concern etched on his face.

Emilia's voice trembled. "Liam, don't forget what she did."

Liam's gaze never left Sofia's face. "I won't," he said quietly.

He carried Sofia's limp body and rushed out of the office.

Emilia blocked his way, her eyes flashing with determination. "We're not done with the marriage certificate, Liam."

Liam's gaze turned chilling, his voice low and menacing. "Out of my way, Emilia."

Emilia felt goosebumps as she stepped aside, allowing Liam to pass. She watched, stunned, as he rushed out of the company.

In the elevator, Liam's expression softened as he gazed at Sofia's pale face.

Once outside, he swiftly settled Sofia into his car and sped away.

Emilia's anger boiled over, and she grabbed her phone, dialing a mysterious number.

"Liam just left with Sofia," Emilia said, her voice icy.

Meanwhile, Liam arrived at his mansion and rushed Sofia to the medical wing.

His personal doctor awaited, concern etched on his face. "What happened?"

Liam's expression remained grim. "She fainted. Take care of her."

The doctor nodded, quickly attending to Sofia.

Liam paced outside, his mind racing.

Why did he still care for Sofia?

Why did he feel this overwhelming need to protect her?

he pondered,

"Liam?" she whispered his name in her sleep.

The doctor's frown deepened. "What's wrong?" Liam asked, his voice laced with concern.

"She's fine. She's caught a cold," the doctor replied.

Liam's eyes narrowed. "A cold?

How did she catch a cold, in your hands?" the doctor asked Liam and want to tease him more but hesitated under Liam's cold glare.

Liam clenched his fist, regret washing over him. He now regretted sending her out and leaving her in the rain yesterday as a punishment.

"If I had known..." Liam muttered, guilt eating away at him.

The doctor cleared his throat. "She needs rest and medication. I'll prescribe something."

Liam nodded curtly. "Do whatever it takes. Make her better."

As the doctor left, Liam approached Sofia's bedside to touch her scutching hot body.

as his hand was about to touch her forehead, her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled weakly.

Liam's expression softened. "Sorry," he whispered.

Sofia suddenly hugged his waist, tears falling from her eyes.

Liam's expression melted, his arms wrapping around her. "Hey, don't cry," he whispered, holding her close.

Sofia's tears soaked into his shirt as she clung to him. "I thought I'd lost you," she whispered.

Sofia's body shook with sobs, Liam's words soothing her.

He gently stroked her hair, his touch calming.

As she cried, Liam felt his defenses crumbling. He realized how much Sofia meant to him.

She hugged him even tightly. "Have you really gotten married to Emilia?" she asked, tears streaming down her face.

Liam stared at her, losing her grip from his waist. Yes we have actually gotten married when you where unconscious. Liam replied calmly with amusement flashing on his face.

Sofia's tears fell like beads, remembering how she fainted during the argument. she feel like strangling herself for it. "So you're really married."

She looked down and climbed down from the bed, staring at Liam's handsomeness from hair to toe. Her heart felt like it was being pricked by a knife.

Liam stared at her, his face unreadable.

She tried to read his expression, but to no avail. She couldn't even guess what was on his mind.

She smiled heartbrokenly. "Congratulations," her voice cracked."don't wary about me leaving. I'll leave your estate first thing tomorrow morning."

Liam stared at this small, dull-brained woman in front of him, turned, and walked away.

Sofia collapsed to the ground, crying bitterly. Her heart bled and shattered.

"Now she understands what Liam went through in the past," Sofia thought.

"Finally, I lose you, Liam. You now have another girl in your heart. You really don't care about me anymore."

She cried hard, wondering who to blame.

"I caused all this mess for myself," she cried, grabbing her hair in frustration.

"You chose this fate for yourself, and you will regret it." Liam's heartbroken voice from the past echoed in her mind.

"How could you leave me, Sofia? How could you walk away?" why do you hate me somuch?"

Sofia's tears slowed, replaced by determination.

She stood up, wiping away tears.

"I have already regret it," she whispered.

"I'll try to move on."

But her heart screamed a different story.

Memories of the past flooded her mind as she sat lost in thought, her hair disheveled.

After many hours, a soft knock echoed, bringing her back to reality.

"Miss, the Young Master wants to see you in his study," the maid announced.

Sofia's heart skipped a beat. Why did Liam want to see her now?

She took a deep breath, smoothing her hair and composing herself.

"I'll be right there," Sofia replied, her voice steady.

As she walked to the study, her mind raced with possibilities.

Did Liam want to talk to her?

Was he going to give her something?

Or was this goodbye?

Sofia pushed open the study door, her eyes locking onto Liam's.

He sat behind his desk, his expression unreadable.

"Come in, Sofia," Liam said, his voice low and husky.

Sofia's heart fluttered as she approached. What did he want to say? Was this their final farewell?

Liam threw a contract in front of her.

"Let's sign a contract marriage," Liam said, his eyes piercing.

"Be my wife for 2 years," he stated.

Sofia's eyes widened.

"Why?" Sofia asked, confusion etched on her face.

Liam's jaw clenched.

"My family's been pressuring me to marry," Liam explained.

"I have three months to comply."

Sofia's heart skipped a beat. "And you chose me?" Sofia asked.

Liam nodded. "I have conditions go through it," Liam said seriously.

Sofia's eyes widened as she scanned the contract.

1, No emotional attachment."

2, No intimacy."

3, You'll attend all family gatherings and business events as my wife."

4, I will be with any women I want to be with," Liam stated. "You have no say in my personal affairs."

Sofia's eyes flashed with hurt, but she remained silent. she looks at the man sitting in front of her like a god and bite her lips.

5, No questioning my whereabouts or actions," Liam added.

6, You will maintain a dignified facade, always."

Sofia's heart ached, feeling like a mere trophy wife.

What about fidelity?" Sofia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's gaze met hers, unapologetic.

"I'm not promising exclusivity," Liam said.

Sofia's face stung, as if slapped.

"But I expect you to be faithful to me," Liam continued.

Sofia's eyes narrowed, sensing hypocrisy.

8, No meeting with your ex-fiancé," Liam stated.