Sofia’s POV

As the figure drew closer, I realized it wasn’t Josh but a male doctor. My heart couldn’t tell the difference between Josh and the male doctor. They had the same body frame and walked the same way.

Surprisingly, I was relieved but it was short lived. I was glad it wasn’t Josh, he might’ve made a scene but sad, he didn’t come to support me.

I took a deep breath, my sacrifice wasn’t just for Leo but for Josh, too. I’d plans to save up, to give us a fresh start once the contract ended.

Matt’s voice cut into my thoughts. “We’re heading to ICE Suites for our honeymoon,” he said quietly.

I was startled. “ICE Suites?”

He nodded.

“I thought… I mean, why?” I stammered.

ICE Suites was the most expensive five-star hotel in the city. I’d only ever admired it from Classic magazine pages.

“Why ICE Suites?” I asked. “This marriage is… pretend. It feels unnecessary.”

He didn’t respond. We slipped into a waiting black car, and I took the silence as my answer.

The fifteen-minute ride was quiet before Matt finally spoke, eyes fixed on his Samsung Galaxy Z.

“I owe no explanation to you. But anyways, the honeymoon doesn’t change the agreement.” His voice firm.

He continued, “The hotel stay was a gift from my father, I couldn’t reject it. He suggested Paris but I chose to stay in the city because of his health.” He added.

I offered a weak smile and murmured, “understood,” my voice barely above a whisper.

I couldn’t stop imagining what life inside ICE Suites would be like as a fake wife. My heart raced each minute I thought of that.

Our car rolled to a stop in front of the hotel. The staff were dressed in uniform as if they were in a movie set, glass walls, polished marble all glowed in warm lights.

“Let’s go,” Matt uttered, poised and unreadable. As I walked with him side by side the reality of my decision hit me.

My heels clicked loudly announcing a presence, I wished I could stay invisible. I worried someone might see me and tell Josh.

The Crystal chandeliers in the ICE Suites hung high above us.The air smelled of roses and something expensive I couldn’t place.

People smiled and nodded at us thinking we were in love unfortunately, we were strangers.

The ride in the elevator was silent too. Just our reflections stared back at us in the mirrored walls.

Matt, was the polished businessman and I was the local bride. I’m not of the same class. His skin, charisma, and clothes are no match at all.

At our room, I paused at the doorway to admire the luxurious suite, the walls were painted white, the velvet armchairs were stunning, floor-to-ceiling windows, chilled air humming from the vents.

A massive bed dressed in white and gold sheets that probably cost more than my one month’s rent back home.

“There’s only one bed,” I said before I could stop myself.

Matt placed his key card on the side table. “You can have it,” he said, already loosening the top button of his shirt. “I’ll take the couch.”

“I’m sorry, but you don’t have to do that…” I began.

“It’s not a big deal, Sofia.” Matt cut the drama off, he knew it was not coming from my heart.

I moved towards the bed and behold it. “You know this is the strangest thing I’ve ever done?”

He said nothing, his eyes were on his Samsung Galaxy Z. He just kept flipping through something.

The growling noise from my stomach startled him, he glanced up.

"Sorry we couldn’t stay for the light refreshments at the hospital.”

“Hmm, don’t worry about me.” I mumbled even though I was starving.

Matt continued, “I have ordered food.”

I blushed. “That’s thoughtful of you, Matt."

There was a soft knock at the door, Matt got the door. A uniformed server wheeled in a silver shining cart, filled with a variety of food.

The room service gave Matt a slip to sign and in no time, I was alone with Matt.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I asked for a range.”

I took a deep breath, and glanced at the cart."Thanks but this is huge.”

“No, you don't look good. You have to eat well,” Matt lifted each lid in turn.

I saw lobster bisque, peppered snail, vegetable salad, dessert, smoked beef chops, asparagus risotto, orange and fresh pineapple juice.”

The smell alone filled the room and it made me salivate. Though, I felt guilty at the bottom of my chest.

I sat up and tasted the lobster and vegetable salads. The food was delicious. I must confess I haven’t had this flavor in years.

Each bite felt better than the last. And it reminded me I hadn’t eaten well since Josh disagreed on the contract marriage.

Not even the delicious meal could keep the thoughts of Josh away from my mind. His face floated behind my eyes.

Josh made it clear he hates the contract marriage deal. He was totally against my decision.

I thought of calling him, but wondered if he would even take my call. And if he does what would I tell him? That I’d married a stranger for money?

I took a sip of the pineapple juice but it burned its way down my throat like a coal.

Matt paid no attention to me, his eyes were fixed on his glowing screen. I ate in silence but was consumed with thoughts of Josh spiraling fast and loud in my head.

“Oh my gosh,”

Matt looked up. “Did you say something?”

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

He rolled his hands over his hair and returned to his phone.

I continued with my food, munching every mouthful with joy and satisfaction. Till I filled my stomach.

Before I could finish eating Matt yawned. “You can join me,” I said, mouthful. “Never mind, I’m not hungry, I just need rest.” He said coldly. Matt pulled a pillow and blanket from the closet. “Try to get some sleep,” He said.

I grinned. “Goodnight, Matt.”

“Night.”

I lay on the bed not even the smooth sheets and the chilled air humming from the air conditioner vent could make me sleep.

I rolled restlessly from one end to another on the massive bed. My finger traced the edge of a lie I wore as a ring on my left side. Unfortunately, the more I feel the ring, the more I get overshadowed by guilt.

My head aches and my eyes are heavy and drifted shut. My breath deepened as the event of the last few days rested on me.

I heard a soft but measured knock sounded on the door.

I sat up, my pulse kicked up. Another knock but this time firmer.

I tiptoed to the door trying not to wake Matt. I looked through the peephole. ‘Josh!’ I gasped.