Divorce To Marry a CEO

Chapter 4: The Villa Of Secrets

They signed the necessary paperwork, and within minutes, Sophia found herself married again. This time, not out of love, but out of desperation.

As they left the office, Alexander turned to her. “I’ll have the funds transferred to your account by tomorrow. You’ll get what you need for your mother’s surgery. After that, we’ll discuss the terms of our arrangement.”

Sophia nodded, her heart still racing. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Alexander didn’t respond. He merely gave her a brief nod before walking away, his assistant trailing behind him.

Sophia stood there for a moment, watching him disappear into the night. She had no idea what she had just gotten herself into, but one thing was clear—her life was about to change in ways she couldn’t even begin to imagine.

The civil affairs office felt like a distant memory by the time Sophia stood outside, alone and uncertain. The events of the past few hours weighed heavily on her mind. Alexander Evans, now her husband in name only, had left her with little more than a cold handshake and a vague promise of further arrangements.

"Wait for my assistant. He’ll sort out your living arrangements," were his parting words before disappearing into his sleek black car, leaving her standing there, clutching the divorce papers from her failed marriage to Marcus.

Sophia's heart sank as she watched him drive away, but she reminded herself why she’d agreed to this arrangement in the first place. Her mother's life depended on it. The surgery was expensive, and Marcus’s family had made it clear they would not help. Despite the facade of wealth, Sophia’s pleas for her mother’s surgery had been met with silence or thinly veiled contempt. Her only lifeline had been Alexander's offer.

After what seemed like an eternity, a tall man in a dark suit approached her. “Ms. Blackwell?” he asked, his voice professional and measured.

She nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. “Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m Mark, Mr. Evans’ assistant. I’m here to take you home. Mr. Evans has made all the necessary arrangements for your mother’s surgery. He’s also transferred the funds you’ll need to cover her medical bills.” His tone was impersonal, but there was a glimmer of sympathy in his eyes as he gestured toward the waiting car.

Sophia followed him without a word, still processing everything. By the time she arrived home, her thoughts were a whirlwind. Mark handed her an envelope before leaving, explaining that the money for her mother’s surgery had already been sent to the hospital, and the rest was for her immediate needs.

The following morning, after another sleepless night filled with worry and uncertainty, Sophia went to the hospital. True to his word, Alexander had ensured everything was paid for. The hospital staff reassured her that her mother’s surgery was scheduled for later that day. For the first time in days, a sense of relief swept over her. She wouldn’t have to watch her mother suffer anymore, and that, at least, was something.

Her brother, Ethan, arrived at the hospital soon after. He was a hardworking student, juggling his studies with a part-time job to help support their family. His tired eyes lit up when he saw their mother resting peacefully in her hospital bed.

“Where did you get the money, Soph?” Ethan asked, concern etched into his face.

Sophia hesitated, glancing at their mother before pulling Ethan aside. “I... I made a deal with someone. It’s complicated, but the important thing is Mom’s surgery is covered.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t push her for more details. “As long as Mom’s okay,” he sighed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “I’ll stay with her today. You should go home and rest. You look exhausted.”