Chapter 2 2

Sophia stood at the window, lost in thought, her parents continued their discussion in the living room. They were still trying to convince themselves that this marriage was the best thing for the family.

"I just don't know, James," her mother said, her voice laced with worry. "Is this really the only way to save Frostbite Industries?"

"It's the only way to ensure our legacy continues," her father replied, his voice firm. "We can't let the company fail, Elizabeth. We have to think about the future."

"But at what cost?" her mother asked, her eyes welling up with tears. "Sophia's happiness, her future...is it really worth sacrificing all of that for the company?"

Her father sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know it's not ideal, but we have to think about the bigger picture. This marriage will secure our family's future for generations to come."

Sophia's mother nodded, though she still looked uncertain. "I just wish there was another way."

As they continued to discuss the marriage, Sophia couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment towards her parents. They were so focused on the family business, on their own legacy, that they were willing to sacrifice her happiness.

She thought about her own dreams, her own aspirations. She wanted to be an interior designer, to create beautiful spaces that brought joy to people's lives. But now, it seemed like those dreams were being ripped away from her.

Sophia felt a sense of determination rising up inside of her. She was not going to give up on her dreams, no matter what. She was going to find a way to escape this marriage, to forge her own path in life.

As the evening wore on, Sophia's parents finally came to a decision. They would accept the proposal, and Sophia would marry the stranger.

Sophia felt a sense of despair wash over her. She knew she had to act fast, to find a way out of this marriage before it was too late.

She spent the rest of the evening in her room, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to take control of her own life.

As she lay in bed, Sophia felt a sense of resolve. She would not go down without a fight. She would find a way to escape this marriage, no matter what it took.

Sophia lay in bed, her ears ringing with the sound of her parents' voices. They were still discussing the marriage, still talking about the agreement that would seal her fate.

"I'll call Jenkins and Associates," her father said. "They're the best lawyers in town. They'll draw up the agreement and make sure everything is in order."

"And I'll call Mr. Smith," her mother added. "He's the potential investor. We need to let him know our decision."

Sophia felt a sense of dread wash over her. They were really going through with this. They were really going to force her into this marriage.

She heard her father pick up the phone and dial a number. "Hello, Jenkins and Associates? Yes, this is James Frost. I need to speak to one of your lawyers about drawing up an agreement...Yes, it's a marriage agreement. We need it done ASAP."

Sophia felt a tear roll down her cheek. This was really happening. Her parents were actually going to force her into this marriage.

She heard her mother pick up the phone and dial another number. "Hello, Mr. Smith? Yes, this is Elizabeth Frost. We've made our decision. We accept your proposal...Yes, Sophia will marry your son...We'll send over the agreement as soon as it's drawn up."

Sophia felt like she was going to throw up. She couldn't believe her parents were doing this to her. She couldn't believe they were actually going to force her into this marriage.

She lay in bed, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. She had to get out of this. She had to find a way to stop this marriage before it was too late.

As she lay there, Sophia heard her parents continue to discuss the details of the agreement. They were talking about the terms of the marriage, about the money that would be exchanged.

Sophia felt a sense of disgust wash over her. This was all about money. This was all about the family business.

She knew she had to act fast. She had to find a way to stop this marriage before it was too late.

As Sophia lay in bed, she continued to listen to her parents' conversation. They were now discussing the details of the meeting with Mr. Smith and his son.

"Let's schedule the meeting for next week," her father said. "We can have it at our estate. It will be a good opportunity for Sophia to meet her future husband."

"Yes, that sounds perfect," her mother replied. "I'll make sure to have the staff prepare the guest room for Mr. Smith and his son. We want to make a good impression."

Sophia felt a sense of dread wash over her. She didn't want to meet this man. She didn't want to be forced into this marriage.

"I'll make sure to have Sophia ready," her mother continued. "We'll need to make sure she looks her best for the meeting."

Sophia felt a surge of anger. She didn't want to be paraded around like a prize horse. She didn't want to be forced into this marriage.

"Let's schedule the meeting for Wednesday at 2 pm," her father said. "That will give us enough time to prepare everything."

"Sounds good to me," her mother replied. "I'll make sure to have everything ready."

Sophia felt like she was going to scream. She couldn't believe her parents were doing this to her. She couldn't believe they were actually going to force her into this marriage.

As she lay in bed, Sophia knew she had to think fast. She had to come up with a plan to stop this marriage before it was too late. She couldn't let her parents control her life like this.

With a newfound determination, Sophia threw off the covers and got out of bed. She was going to take matters into her own hands. She was going to find a way to stop this marriage, no matter what it took.