Chapter 4

Sophia was still thinking when she suddenly heard Lancelot ask, "Did something happen between us?"

His tone wasn't harsh—it could even be called gentle—but Sophia still detected a chill beneath it.

She froze, instinctively starting to speak. "That day at the bar, I..."

Halfway through, she stopped abruptly. She caught the usual detachment in Lancelot's expression, and it hit her like a bucket of cold water, snapping her back to reality.

Clearly, that wasn't what Lancelot was asking about.

Sophia closed her mouth awkwardly. "No... nothing."

Lancelot's thin lips pressed together slightly, his jawline forming a cold, hard line.

He said nothing more and turned to leave.

Sophia patted her forehead and hurried after him.

Since it was the weekly family dinner, quite a few people had gathered at the FitzRoy Manor.

As soon as Sophia entered the living room, she saw Owen FitzRoy, seated at the head of the table, beckoning to her.

"Soph, come here."

Owen was the person in the FitzRoy family who treated her best. He doted on her like a granddaughter, always insisted she attend family dinners, and had been a strong advocate for her marriage to Edward.

Also looking at her was Edward, standing behind Owen.

Edward's expression was dark, his gaze carrying a note of warning. He glanced at Owen, as if wanting to say something.

Sophia didn't know what had happened earlier and couldn't read his look.

When she approached and sat beside Owen, she heard him say, "Soph, I heard that yesterday you waited at city hall all day."

At those words, both Sophia's and Edward's expressions changed.

"Grandfather..." Edward tried to explain, but Owen cut him off.

"I want to hear it from Soph!" Owen gave him a cold glance before turning kindly to Sophia. "Soph, did this brat mistreat you?"

Sophia saw the sharp gleam in Owen's eyes and understood. Owen knew everything.

This questioning was meant to back her up. But thinking of her mother lying in the hospital, she fell silent again.

Seeing her reluctance to speak, Owen continued. "Your father did me a great favor. Before he passed, I promised him I'd take care of you and never let you be wronged."

At those words, Sophia's lashes lowered, hiding the bitterness in her heart.

Right. A favor.

One reason Owen liked her was because her father had done the FitzRoy family a great service. Shortly after her father's death, worried she'd be alone and helpless, he'd urged her and Edward to get their marriage license quickly so she'd have someone to rely on.

Part of the reason Edward insisted on marrying her was also because of that debt.

Owen's gaze sharpened. He turned to the person behind him. "Edward, don't forget what I told you! If the bride ever changes, I'll take back every share you hold!"

Edward's heart jumped. "Grandfather!"

Realizing his tone had been too urgent, he quickly added, "Grandfather... I promise, from beginning to end, Soph is the only person I've ever wanted to marry."

Sophia's mood didn't lighten.

She wasn't the type to exploit a favor. She'd been with Edward only because she loved him.

But that was before. Now she just wanted to leave Edward.

Seeing neither of them speak, Owen made his decision. "Since neither of you objects, why not go get your marriage license today!"

Sophia's eyes went wide. "Grandfather..."

"Grandfather, city hall is already closed," Edward said, his brow furrowed tightly, clearly unsettled.

Owen waved dismissively. "I've already had people from city hall come here. You two just need to show up."

Both were caught completely off guard.

Edward's entire body tensed—whether from the sudden marriage license arrangement or from Owen's words, it was hard to say.

Sophia stood abruptly. "Grandfather... Father just passed away. I... I don't want to get married right now."

As she spoke, she saw Edward visibly relax.

But Owen waved his hand, frowning. "You and Edward are getting married eventually anyway. Why not get the license today and handle the rest later?"

In an instant, the color drained from Sophia's face. "Grandfather, I don't want to marry Edward..."

Before she could finish, a large hand grabbed her.

Edward stepped in front of her, soothing Owen. "Grandfather, don't rush. Mr. Forbes just passed away. Soph is already hurting enough. We should be considerate. Besides, the wedding date is already set. It's just a matter of getting the license a bit later. Everything's already arranged. Are you really worried your grandson's bride will run away?"

Owen's gaze fell on Sophia's face, questioning.

Someone squeezed her arm hard. Sophia could only nod. "Right!"

Owen sighed. "Soph's devotion to her father is admirable. Of course we'll be considerate. Don't worry—even though your father's gone, we'll still give you a grand, spectacular wedding!"

Sophia nodded.

Edward immediately changed the subject. "Grandfather, weren't you going to introduce someone to my brother?"

Only then did Owen remember his other purpose for the day.

He slapped a stack of photos on the table and looked at Lancelot, who'd been silent the entire time.

"Edward's situation is settled. Now we need to move forward with yours."

"These are all young ladies around your age. They're all beautiful and well-bred. Pick one and go on a date. It would be even better if you two could get married together."

The photos were spread across the table. Sophia glanced at them—all showed refined, beautiful young women from prominent backgrounds.

But Lancelot didn't even lift an eyelid.

His expression remained utterly indifferent.

Edward scoffed from the side. "Don't tell me Lancelot doesn't like any of them?"

Owen slapped the table. "Not a single one? I personally selected these women! They're not only beautiful but also of excellent character! If you don't like any of them, what do you want—a goddess from heaven?"

Edward leaned in. "Lancelot, you won't even look. Do you already have someone in mind?"

That question instantly electrified the entire room. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Lancelot's answer.

Even Owen set down his teacup, his gaze piercing as he stared at him.

Lancelot remained silent, as if confirming it by default.

Edward's eyes lit up. He asked eagerly, "Lancelot! Which family's daughter is she? Let's set up a meeting sometime?"

Lancelot slowly raised his head, his gaze locking with Sophia's, deeply meaningful.

"You'll all know soon enough. Don't rush."