Chapter 2 Are You My Husband
Sophia quickly scanned the severance letter and signed her name without a second thought.
Behind her, Hayden's hysterical yelling and Olivia's scolding echoed through the room.
With a smirk, Sophia grabbed her suitcase and walked out without looking back.
The night was dark and the street was pitch black.
Dim streetlights cast long shadows.
The light fell on her, giving her a faint halo.
The red slap mark on Sophia’s face stood out, but she felt an odd sense of relief.
For the past month the Brown family had offered her nothing but disdain, mockery, and rejection.
A family like this wasn't worth keeping.
At that moment a black Maybach slowly pulled up in front of her.
An elderly man with white hair but a lively demeanor stepped out of the car. "Ms. Brown, what are you doing out here alone?"
Sophia blinked, trying to place him.
Seeing her confusion, the man smiled and introduced himself. "Ms. Brown, I'm Finn, the White family's butler."
Recently Preston had been searching for a suitable bride for Benjamin, reviewing the profiles of eligible women across Silverlight City.
Sophia had appeared on the list.
The Brown family and the White family had already reached a verbal agreement.
The Brown family would marry off their recently found daughter to the White family, and in return the White family would help the Browns through their financial crisis.
So the girl standing before him was Benjamin's future wife.
Thinking this, Finn looked at Sophia with a bit more affection.
He glanced at the suitcase beside her and asked softly, "Ms. Brown, where are you headed?"
Sophia's eyes were still slightly red; the clear slap mark on her face made her look even more pitiful.
She raised a trembling hand and pointed vaguely towards the Brown Villa not far behind her. "I... ran away from home."
Maybe it had never been her home.
It had been Isabella's home.
Not hers.
Finn followed her gesture and understood immediately.
Could Sophia have had a falling out with her family?
"Ms. Brown, it's the middle of the night, and you're alone..."
Before he could finish, the car window on the other side slowly rolled down, revealing a stunningly handsome face.
The man had delicate features and long, narrow eyes that looked misty and unfocused; his exquisite face was pale, adding a touch of frail beauty.
He looked like a character from a novel.
Sophia's heart pounded uncontrollably; she momentarily forgot the sting of being used by her family.
"Get in." The man's voice came from inside the car — low, magnetic, cold and slightly weak.
Sophia's eyes brightened.
Even his voice was pleasant!
She dropped her suitcase and ran to the car window, staring at the man without blinking. "Are you my husband?"
A White, frail yet incredibly handsome.
There couldn't be another man matching this description, right?
If her future husband looked like this, it wouldn't be so bad.
Sophia, who valued appearances, stared at Benjamin, almost drooling.
Finn was taken aback, and Benjamin started coughing violently.
His pale face flushed an unusual shade of red.
Benjamin frowned, annoyed, and shot a cold, warning glance at her. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
He hadn't agreed to marry her yet!
Sophia blinked in confusion; her hope dimmed instantly. "No?"
She had known the Brown family had ulterior motives.
If Benjamin were really this good-looking, Isabella would never willingly give him up!
Finn stifled a laugh and quickly explained, "Ms. Brown, you are correct. This is Mr. White, your future husband!"
Hearing this, light returned to Sophia's eyes.
Finn noted the change in her expression and nodded in satisfaction.
Benjamin's ears colored slightly; he shot Finn a sharp look. "Mind your own business."
His gaze swept over Sophia, pausing at the red, swollen mark on her face. "Had a fight with your family?"
Benjamin's fingers tapped the car window frame; his voice was casual and indifferent.
Sophia answered truthfully, "Severed ties!"
Benjamin was silent.
Finn was silent.
Why did Sophia make severing ties sound as casual as discussing the weather?
She seemed almost proud of it.
Sophia propped her chin on her hand, her eyes lively and devoid of sadness.
She reached out and poked Benjamin's arm. "Honey, I am about to be homeless."
She thought, So take me in quickly—then I could live with you every day!
Sophia's face pleaded for shelter.
She looked like a stray cat abandoned on the street, waiting for its owner to take her home.
Benjamin was not usually easily swayed, but at that moment, looking into Sophia's clear eyes, he felt a strange tug at his heart.
He instinctively opened the car door and let Sophia in.
Sophia sat happily beside Benjamin, her eyes curved in delight. "Honey, you're so kind!"
Sophia's eyes were clear, filled with undisguised joy and excitement.
Such sincere eyes—Benjamin hadn't seen them in a long time.
He seemed to remember a pair of similar eyes from his past.
Clean and clear, always brimming with tears and ready to fall at any moment.
Time had blurred those memories, and he could no longer recall the girl's face.
He only remembered her cute pigtails.
Benjamin lowered his eyes, lost in thought, when he felt a sudden weight on his arm.
He turned to see Sophia hugging his arm and snuggling up to him.
The gesture was full of dependence.
Finn, sitting in the front, saw this in the rearview mirror and felt worried.
Everyone in the White family knew Benjamin disliked being touched.
Especially by women.
He silently prayed that Benjamin would not impulsively strangle his future wife.
However, his fears were unfounded.
Benjamin merely glanced at Sophia and said coldly, "Let go."
"No, no!" Sophia's nose twitched; her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Benjamin, feeling wronged.
"Honey, do you not like me?"
Benjamin's temple throbbed; he fought the urge to throw her out.
At that moment he deeply regretted not checking his horoscope before leaving the house today.
