Sophia’s POV
The limousine pulled up in front of a mansion. Mere moments after I had spoken to Reid, he sent a chauffeur to pick me up and like the terrible friend that I was, I didn’t call Tina to tell her.
I knew Tina would talk sense into me. Try to stop me from making what might be the biggest mistake in my life. Getting into another fake marriage.
Fifty million dollar I reminded myself as I stepped out of the car. Fifty million dollars.
Unlike the Baxter’s home that was located amongst the elite rich like themselves, Reid’s was more isolated with a more distinguished air about it.
It wasn’t just the fact that his mansion was the only one located in the estate but it seemed more… homely yet regal than the Baxter’s residence with its carefully manicured gardens, imposing fountains and insane landscape.
Within the house was even more breathtaking with a soft yet evocative aesthetic and I could barely stop staring as another chauffeur showed me into the house to the mini bar where Reid Prescott was pouring himself a drink.
He didn’t look up as I entered the room. “Welcome, Miss Evergreen.”
He pulled out another glass and poured me a drink, pushing it across the bar and over to me once he was done. Then he lifted those gray eyes to meet my gaze.
“I admit, I didn’t expect you to change your mind this soon.” Reid Prescott said, an unspoken question in his voice.
I didn’t take his offered drink despite the fact that I needed a shot or ten to process what had happened between yesterday and today. I was pregnant so no alcohol no matter how much I wanted it.
“I would like to talk about the terms of this contract.” I said instead and Reid Prescott’s eyebrows flew up.
“Terms?” He asked.
I shrugged before settling into the chair opposite his at the minibar.
“I got into a contract marriage once, Mr Prescott, I refuse to be blindsided into this,”
I hesitated for a moment before finishing my request that I had spent a while thinking about. Worrying about.
“And I need an upfront payment.” I said finally.
The deadline for Mom’s payment was tomorrow. I couldn’t wait for whatever revenge plan he had to come to fruition before saving my mother’s life so I needed an advance.
The tips of Reid Prescott’s lips twitched slightly and I couldn’t tell if he was angry or amused.
“For someone who was reluctant to partner with me, you sure aren’t shy about making demands.” He commented snidely.
I sat upright ignoring the building feeling of embarrassment inside me.
He could call me a gold digger if he wanted to. It didn’t matter to me, not when I could save Mom.
I shrugged once more like his words had not affected me.
“You proposed to me the first day we met. I’m just catching up to you, Mr Prescott.”
The sides of his lips twitched again and this time I could see the shadow of a smile in his gaze.
“If you want an upfront, Miss Evergreen, we get married today.”
“What?” I blurted out without thinking, my anxiety building to a blinding intensity.
I knew I came here to agree to his wedding proposal but a wedding, now? No, I wasn’t ready. I thought I would have more time. I needed more time.
“We have to get a license and-” I tried to protest but Reid Prescott cut me short before I could finish.
“Do you think normal rules apply to me?” He asked.
Normal rules? Oh. He was talking about getting a wedding license.
I took one look at the man in front of me wearing a suit that looked like it cost a year of salary for an average person.
In conjunction with his near angelic looks, I knew normal rules didn’t apply to Reid Prescott the same way they rarely ever applied to the rich and good looking.
Why are you hesitating, Sophia? I reminded myself.
This was for Mom. The woman who had protected me the best she could from the wicked blows of my father, this was the least I could do for her now that she needed me.
“I have no problem with getting married today,” I said evenly to Reid Prescott. “As long as we sign the contract beforehand.”
Reid Prescott didn’t give me another almost smile but he nodded once.
It didn’t take long to draft the contract. Correction amend the contract seeing as Reid Prescott already had one drawn up prior to my arrival.
Arrogant prick.
Reid Prescott altered the payment clause to allow for an advance payment and the rest of the payments to come after the contract was fulfilled.
Apart from the nondisclosure agreement where we were both forbidden to mention the contract or its terms to a third party, the terms of the contract were simple.
One. Help each other fulfill all our goals and the contract ending after the terms had been deemed fulfilled by Party A aka Reid Prescott.
Two. Take down the Baxters through any legal means possible.
Three. Our personal lives remain private and seperate. With no prying.
The fourth and last rule was… weird.
I looked at Reid Prescott with barely restrained puzzlement.
“Is the last rule really necessary?”
Reid Prescott folded his arms unaffected by my scrutiny. “I’ve found women get a little too attached for my tastes.”
The fourth rule was: No falling in love.
Funny. Like I could ever love anyone as obnoxious as Reid Prescott.
I scoffed, picking up the fountain pen to sign.
“Don’t worry, Mr Prescott. I have no intention of falling in love with you.”
“Good.” Reid Prescott said as he watched me sign on the dotted line.
The actual marriage ceremony was held at a court with two witnesses who I didn’t even know.
“Do you Sophia Everdeen take Reid Prescott to be your husband?” The officiant asked and I took a deep breath standing next to a stranger who I barely knew apart from his name.
This marriage would be different from my last. I would take revenge on the Baxters but more importantly I would secure my unborn child’s future and take care of Mom.
“I do.” I said.
Just like that I was married again.