Chapter 5

Mr. Roscente Sr. slammed his teacup onto the table, his face dark with anger.

"You may not carry the Roscente blood, but you're still family." His sharp gaze swept over Sophia. "Getting married without consulting me? Did you forget who runs this household?"

The grand hall fell deathly silent.

Sophia clenched the fabric of her dress. She knew the old man didn't actually care about her marriage—he was furious his authority had been challenged.

"My apologies, Grandfather." She lowered her eyes in submission.

The stares around her felt like knives. Ethan Roscente sat at the head of the table, making her humiliation even more unbearable.

"No dinner tonight. Reflect on your actions in your room." The old man's voice was icy. "If we didn't have guests arriving, your punishment would be far worse."

Sophia bit her lip, her eyes burning.

Ethan suddenly chuckled, dipping his brush into ink.

"No need for such anger." His brush moved fluidly across the paper. "I'll draft the Marriage Pledge myself."

The characters "Heaven-Made Union" appeared in bold strokes.

The old man's expression softened slightly. "Aren't you going to thank your uncle?"

"Thank you, Uncle Ethan." As Sophia took the document, her fingertips brushed against his. A chill shot down her spine.

Ethan's voice held mocking amusement. "May my dear niece enjoy eternal happiness with her beloved."

......

Back in her quarters, Sophia still felt suffocated.

Ethan's words coiled around her like a venomous snake. During their brief eye contact, she'd seen dangerous flames flickering in his gaze.

She had to leave. Now.

She grabbed her handbag in haste, but it slipped from her grasp. A pregnancy test rolled out, stopping at the polished toe of a leather shoe.

"What is this?"

Ethan's voice turned her body to stone.

She scrambled to retrieve it, but he was faster. The test twirled between his long fingers, two clear pink lines visible.

The air froze.

"Explain." His voice could have iced over hell.

Sophia's fingers trembled. "It's not—"

"Lying again?" Ethan gripped her chin. "Have I not warned you about acting in front of me?"

Forced to meet his gaze, she saw fury swirling in those dark depths.

"It's mine," she finally admitted.

Ethan abruptly released her, tossing the test back at her.

"Pity." His smile was cruel. "I don't tolerate loose ends."

Sophia looked down. The second line had vanished—she'd imagined it.

"Relax." He turned to leave. "You'll never carry my child."

The door slammed. Sophia collapsed to the floor, unsure whether to feel relief or despair.