Chapter 3 - Getting married

Ana could only watch in frustration as the marriage was settled right before her eyes.

Mr. Beckett, pleased that things were resolved smoothly, said, "Sofia, I suggest you come with me today and meet my wayward grandson to finalize things. What do you think?"

The assistant wiped the sweat from his forehead, silently praying for young Master Rome.

Sofia nodded. Since agreeing to this, there was no turning back. Staying at home wouldn't earn her any favor from her father anyway.

Mr. Beckett had the same thought—given Sofia's position in this household, who knew what schemes her stepmother might pull.

Ruby bit her lip, her nails digging into her palm as she clenched her fists. She watched in bitterness as Mr. Beckett's car drove away. The moment Ana stepped back inside, she launched into an argument with her husband, "Why didn't you stop Sofia earlier? That little wench dared to steal what belongs to my daughter!"

Mr. Levine, his mind still preoccupied with business, could only hope Mr. Beckett, out of consideration for Sofia, wouldn't cause him trouble. "Stop arguing. We had no choice. If we lose Beckett's support, that deal is doomed."

"You're sacrificing your daughter's happiness for some deal!"

"You... are so short-sighted! Even if Rome is out of the picture, I can find Ruby someone better. If we anger Beckett, we lose far more than just a business deal."

Ruby burst into tears, "I don't care! Rome is the best! You're all terrible, I hate you!"

Mr. Levine let out a heavy sigh as Ruby ran crying to her room.

She had already boasted to her friends about marrying Rome. How could she save face now?

---

Sofia leaned against the car window, watching her family home grow distant, feeling as if she were in a dream.

Snapping back to reality, she suddenly remembered a question, "Mr. Beckett..."

Mr. Beckett smiled, "You can call me Grandpa."

"Okay." She paused, "Grandpa, does Rome agree to this marriage?"

"Don't worry, he will." Mr. Beckett then turned to his assistant, "Drive to the company and tell that boy to come down."

"Yes, sir." The assistant immediately called the company's internal line.

---

Mr. Beckett struck his cane against the floor in irritation, "That boy hasn't come down yet—does he think I'm dead?"

Furious, he led Sofia straight to the CEO's office.

The secretary outside jumped up in alarm, ready to notify the office.

"No need to announce." Mr. Beckett marched right in.

Rome, knowing who it was, continued signing documents without looking up. "Grandpa, I said no."

Sofia noticed Mr. Beckett's expression sour and held her breath.

Seeing the tension, she decided to speak up, "Grandpa..."

Rome's attention was drawn by the unfamiliar female voice. He looked up, stunned for a moment. Before him stood a girl with delicate features and clear, almond-shaped eyes.

Sofia followed his gaze. In person, Rome seemed even more composed and restrained than in his photo.

Their eyes met for only a second before both looked away, though a strange spark seemed to pass between them.

For the first time, Mr. Beckett saw his grandson react to a woman this way. His anger dissipated as he cleared his throat, "Sofia, don't be afraid."

Then, turning to Rome, "You better come down with me right now, unless you've forgotten I'm still your grandfather."

Though Mr. Beckett often claimed his health was poor, always saying his greatest wish was to see Rome settled down, Rome privately thought his grandfather had at least another two decades left. 

But for some reason, he didn't argue this time. After all, marriage was just another task to check off the list, better to get it over with than to endure his grandfather's endless nagging.

After tidying his documents and giving a few instructions to his secretary, Rome stood and followed them downstairs.

Walking beside Rome, Sofia realized she was shorter than she thought, especially next to his tall, upright figure.

And just like that, under Mr. Beckett's arrangement, they got married.

---

As Sofia gazed at the diamond ring on her finger, reality finally began to sink in.

"I picked this wedding ring myself but this one is just for temporary. Your husband will buy a new and finer one for you." Mr. Beckett initiated the conversation at dinner.

At the mention of "husband," her face flushed.

"N-no... this is perfect." She admired the classic design, simple yet elegant.

"Don't worry, he will get you another." Mr. Beckett gave Rome a nudge with his cane.

Mr. Beckett believes Rome's silence implied he wasn't opposed to the marriage, at least.

Rome responded briefly, "Mm."

"You two will stay in the this Villa for now. Once the apartment in the city central is ready in these days, you can move there. It's closer to your work."

Sofia smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Grandpa."

But when she got to the bedroom, the smile faded. She had forgotten one thing—living under Grandpa's roof meant she and Rome would have to share a room.

Annoyed with herself, she tapped her forehead. Rome, arms crossed, leaned against the doorway, amused. No wonder she had agreed so quickly.

Without a word, he walked past her and headed straight to the bathroom.

When Sofia emerged from her own shower, the lights in the room had been dimmed. Wearing only a bathrobe, she returned to the walk-in closet, but couldn't find the clothes she'd brought from home.

Instead, the closet was full of new outfits. She picked up a satin nightgown, the least revealing one.

When Rome came back from a phone call on the balcony, he was greeted by the sight of Sofia in a deep burgundy nightdress that hugged her curves, the hem only reaching halfway down her thighs. Her swan-like neck and delicate collarbones were left bare, her unadorned beauty captivating.

But her clear, moonlit eyes held no awareness of her own allure.

Sofia was about to walk over to him to make conversation—it felt odd to stay strangers after getting married, after all.

Rome, suppressing the stirrings within, spoke first in a hoarse voice, "No need to come closer. It's windy by the window."

With that, he turned and quietly shut the balcony door.

"Okay." Sofia didn't think much of it and climbed into bed.

She had mentally prepared herself while showering. "The bed is big enough. We can both sleep here for a few days."