Chapter 4 From Forced Union To True Love

As Edward walked down the aisle with Sophia and they exchanged vows, Edward knew Sophia wasn't the one for him as there was no spark between them. He didn't feel anything for her and was only getting wedded to her just to earn his father's recognition. Although Sophia was young beautiful woman who was elegant and classy and also every man's dream, Edward just couldn't feel any kind of attachment between them.

Edward and his stepmother, Allison, the woman his father had gotten married to, never got along as Edward kept on blaming his father for the death of his mother and wouldn't accept any woman his father was in a relationship with. Allison truly loved and cared for both Edward and her daughter Khloe, but Edward never gave her the chance to prove her sincere love for him, as the thought it was all a façade.

Living with Sophia was just as Edward had foreseen. Although Sophia seemed to love and care for him, he just couldn't see himself loving her. Edward had never been in a relationship before and had never fallen in love with anyone before, but he still felt like his relationship with Sophia wasn't what he wanted. Sophia kept on trying her possible best to make Edward fall in love with her but no matter what she did, Edward didn't seem to notice her. Edward on the other hand, kept on trying to get his father's favor and which Sophia seemed to have noticed. She noticed the unpleasing relationship between Edward and Daniel and so, decided to help Edward take his place, which to her, would make her gain a place in Edward's heart. With the help of Sophia's father, Edward found his way into his father's company as the Vice-President. Edward was glad and appreciative towards Sophia, but still couldn't fall in love with her.

'Thank you for your help. I got to know you spoke with your dad to convince my dad to give me the position of the vice-president at his company. I really appreciate your kind gesture', Edward said, thanking Sophia with him not looking at her straight in the face.

'You do not have to thank me for doing my husband a favor. Me as your wife, should be able to do anything to make you happy and I expect the same from you', Sophia said, looking straight into Edwards eyes, expecting him to say something but he never did.

'Since I have done you a favor, I feel the need for you to do the same', Sophia said.

'What do you want?', Edward asked.

'I want you to love me and treat me as your wife', Sophia said in a cracking and pleading voice, waiting for Edward's response.

'I am sorry, but I don't think I can fall in love with you. If there is any other thing you need from me, please do let me know', Edward said, still avoiding Sophia's face and walking away.

'Can't you just love me? Am I that bad to fall in love with? I am trying my possible best to make you love and trust me. I know you are surrounded by people you do not trust but can't you just try your best to trust me? I know your childhood experience isn't a pleasant one but give me a chance to mend your broken heart. Do you have an idea of how much I cry myself to sleep every night because you keep on building a bridge between us? You have made me a shadow of myself, and I do not even know who I am anymore. Day by day, my heart keeps on breaking into pieces due to the way you ignore me, but I can't leave you because I truly love you. I can't imagine my life without you, and which is why I have decided to keep being with you, as you treating me this way, is better than being apart from you' Sophia said, with her eyes clouded with tears, and on the verge of breaking down.

'Four months ago, when I heard from my father I would be getting married to you in a month time, I felt just like you felt when you heard the news too, but the first time we met, I was glad my father chose you for me, because I knew immediately that you are my dream man. I never knew I will be so head in love with you. You don't have to rush things. You can take it slowly; I will wait. Just give it a trial', Sophia said, with a hurt and pleading voice.

'I am sorry. I can't give you what you want', Edward said, walking away.

'I love you, Edward. Can't you see I am hurting? Do you want history to repeat itself?', Sophia asked, in a low and tired voice.

On hearing this, Edward halted in his steps and turned around. He knew exactly what Sophia meant by history repeating itself. He looked straight into Sophia's eyes, and the pains he saw there seemed quite familiar to him. It was the same pain he had seen in his mother's eyes the night of his 7th birthday anniversary. His mother's eyes were filled with pains, hurt and betrayal that night, and the emotions on her face that night, were that of a woman yearning for love and pleading to be loved. These same emotions were on Sophia's face.

Without saying a word, Edward walked away, leaving Sophia standing there helpless. After this incident, Edward's attitude changed towards Sophia. He had a rethink after what had happened that night and he didn't want to end up like his father. He didn't want another woman to end up like his mother because of his attitude and so, he decided to give love a chance with Sophia. He decided to take it slow with Sophia and in no time, he found out how amazing Sophia was and fell in love with her.

He spent more time with her and with them both getting to know each other better, their love bloomed. As each day passed by, Edward fell more and more in love with Sophia, but there he was in his car, driving to a place of comfort after catching the woman he had begun to fall crazily in love with, cheating on him with his best friend. As he drove, his heart was breaking into pieces as he couldn't process the scene of betrayal he had just witnessed. His heart was hurting and breaking at the same time. How could Sophia, whom he had found solace in and trusted betrayed him just like that?

Seeking for solace and distractions, he drove to Cheetahs where he met the lady who mended his heart and gave him the true peace, attention and solace he had always needed. Although, it didn't last long.