Without waiting for his response, she turned back to the photographer. “We’re ready, sir. Please take the photo.”
The photographer nodded. “Smile.”
The shutter clicked loudly, echoing through the room.
“All done,” the photographer said, lowering the camera. He gestured toward a nearby table where an officer waited. “Please head over there and sign the papers to register your marriage.”
Sophia stood up immediately and hurried toward the table.
Magnus rose more slowly but followed, his long strides unhurried.
Sophia picked up the pen the moment she reached the table. Without even glancing at the documents, she was about to sign—
When suddenly, Magnus grabbed her wrist.
She froze.
Her eyes lifted from the paper to his face in question.
His voice was cold and sharp. “Remember our deal. Don’t forget your place. If anyone finds out this marriage is only for three months—if the contract is exposed—you’ll pay one hundred million dollars.”
“I know,” she replied calmly. “Don’t worry, Mr. Graves. A deal is a deal.”
He released her wrist.
“Let’s get this done quickly,” she added. “I don’t have much time.”
She turned back to the papers and signed her name quickly. Then she slid the documents toward him, looking at him expectantly.
Magnus let out a faint breath—almost a sigh of satisfaction—before picking up the pen. He signed his name with steady strokes.
The moment he finished, Sophia snatched the papers from his hand and handed them to the officer with a bright smile.
The officer reviewed the documents, typed in the details, then looked up at them warmly.
“Congratulations,” she said. “You are now officially married.”
She handed each of them a copy of the marriage certificate.
“Thank you,” Sophia said.
Without waiting even a second, she turned around and rushed out of the office. The door swung shut behind her before Magnus could even take a breath.
He remained standing there, stunned, watching the place where she had just disappeared—shock and confusion written all over his face.
***
An hour later, Sophia pushed open the door to her house.
The place was eerily quiet.
She didn’t pause. Her feet carried her straight to the one room she had been desperate to reach.
She rushed inside.
Her grandmother lay on the bed, eyes closed, her body still.
“Grandma,” Sophia called softly as she hurried to her side. She shook her arm gently. “Grandma, look—I got it. I got the marriage certificate.”
