Chapter 8 Realisation Hit Me

BACK TO PRESENT

Sia's POV:

I had just finished treating my sprain and found myself chuckling softly. It wasn't until I got home that faint memories from nine years ago started to surface.

No wonder I didn't recognize him. Nine years ago, he had short hair, and we always met at night, in the dark. I never got a good look at his features back then.

"He said I was a star, but look at me now," I muttered bitterly, freshening up before heading to bed.

Tomorrow, I had lectures at the university. I had no time to dwell on anything related to the Wood family. I needed to focus on my life and my mission: making my mom regret everything.

My alarm rang at 7 a.m., pulling me out of sleep. My leg felt much better than the day before. After freshening up, I slipped into a blue dress, grabbed my bag and phone, and exited the hotel.

I stood outside waiting for the cab I had called earlier when, to my surprise, a sleek black car pulled up in front of me. The driver stepped out, and I recognized him-it was the man who had been with Ethan last night.

"Good morning, Miss Sia," he greeted politely.

I leaned slightly, peeking into the car, trying to see if Ethan was inside.

"Mr. Brooks has some work to attend to but asked me to pick you up. He will meet us at the Civil Affairs Bureau," the man explained.

I rolled my eyes. Did Ethan really think I was going to marry him? He must be joking.

"Go-"

"Before you say anything," the man interrupted, holding out an envelope. "This is from Mr. Brooks."

Who even writes letters anymore? I snorted, snatching the envelope from him. I tore it open, unfolding the neatly written letter inside.

It read:

"You were supposed to become a star in ten years. But nine years later, you still haven't made a name for yourself. Marry me, and I will make your name a household name around the world. Remember, you made me promise to help you whenever our paths crossed again."

I froze as the memory came flooding back. Nine years ago, on the last day of his internship in Germany, I had asked him for help. I made him promise that if we ever met again, he would help me achieve my dream.

Is this why he wants to marry me? No other reason?

"Shall we?" the driver asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. He had already opened the car door and was waiting.

I hesitated, confused. Ethan had money, power, and influence-exactly what I needed to make my mom notice me.

But was there more to this? Did Ethan want nothing in return? Was he simply fulfilling an old promise?

"I will come with you," I said, stepping into the car.

As the driver pulled away from the hotel, my mind raced.

Maybe I could have a proper conversation with Ethan before making any decisions.

Was he truly my knight in shining armor?

Or was he someone far worse?

**

The car came to a stop in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau. I had the urge to stop it midway and step out, but my smart voice told me otherwise.

And I knew better than to ignore my smart voice.

The assistant opened the car door for me, and I stepped down, scanning the area. "Where is he?" I asked.

"He's inside," the assistant replied, pointing at the building.

I nodded and hurried in, anxiety bubbling inside me. Following the assistant, we finally arrived at one of the offices. Inside, Ethan was seated with an older woman who was probably the officiant.

"She's here," Ethan said, still not casting a glance in my direction.

"Good. Please have a seat, Miss. I'll get the documents," the older woman said before walking out of the office, leaving us alone.

"What game are you playing, Mr. Brooks?" I asked immediately. Sure, he was kind to me nine years ago, and we had gotten close. There had even been sparks between us, even though I was just fourteen and he was twenty.

Of course, he had promised to help me if we ever met again in the future, but this? Marry me? That was insane.

"I'll let you know the game strategy, little one," Ethan said, standing up and walking toward me. My gaze didn't leave him. He looked more handsome and mature now.

Maybe I hadn't recognized him at first because of his long hair.

"I've been thinking about you for years. I searched for you," he admitted, and my brows furrowed. He searched for me?

"I couldn't find you... probably because you changed your identity," he added.

"You've been on my mind for years, and yet I realized you didn't even remember me," he chuckled bitterly. Honestly, I hadn't thought much about him. He was just someone I met during the toughest moment of my life at age fourteen.

"I still don't get the game strategy," I said, unwilling to let him ramble further.

"I want to marry you because I want you to be my woman. And you will marry me because I'll protect you and help you fulfill your greatest desires."

My chest twitched at his words. Did he love me?

"That night... did you know who I was?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. Did he already know I was Sia before he slept with me?

"I did. So, will you sign the papers?" he asked, and I shook my head in denial.

"I don't need your protection," I snorted, turning on my heel to leave.

"Your mom still hasn't come back. You still haven't made her regret leaving. You left your dad to achieve something great. So, will you let all your efforts go to waste, little one?" he reminded me of why I had come to America.

To become the strongest version of myself. And yet, here I was-a girl who only attended lectures, while my mother was probably living her best life with her Asian husband.

"Is this your way of manipulating me into marriage?" I asked.

Before he could answer, the door opened, and the older woman returned with the documents in hand.

"I don't know about you, Sia, but I'll do everything to make you mine. Whether you sign the marriage documents or not is entirely your decision," Ethan said, walking back to his seat and picking up a pen.

"General Brooks, you can sign here," the woman instructed, and Ethan signed the document before sliding it to the other side of the table.

I stared at the marriage documents, then at Ethan, who was now focused on his phone.

Should I sign? Would being married to Ethan Brooks help me?

I sighed heavily. Now, I also wanted to make Ashton regret treating me the way he did-chasing me out like I was nothing. Perhaps becoming his aunt would be the best revenge.

And I knew Ethan. He would never hurt me. He was my friend, and he had promised to protect me.

"Where should I sign?" I asked, noticing the slight smile on Ethan's lips. I rolled my eyes and signed where I was told to.

Minutes later, we both stepped out of the office. Ethan's assistant hurried toward us.

"Sir, the board meeting has started," he explained. I then noticed a group of police officers surrounding the area. Were they here to protect him?

"Do you want to come with me?" Ethan asked, and I shook my head.

"I have lectures," I replied. I had already missed too many classes and couldn't risk missing another.

"Hmm. So, journalism, huh?" he asked, and I nodded. I'd chosen journalism because I believed my voice would be heard more that way.

"I'll drop you off," Ethan offered, but I shook my head again.

"I just need some time to think about my decisions. Please, let me be alone for now," I said in a pleading tone. Ethan nodded in understanding and extended his hand toward me.

"Let me have your hotel key. I'll have your belongings moved," he added.

I frowned. Where was he planning to move my things?

"Well, no need for the key. I'll pick you up after school," he said before turning to his assistant.

"Let's go, Mark," he commanded, and they headed for the car. It drove off, leaving me standing there, confused.

I was married. I was married to Ethan Brooks.

I took a cab to the university and rushed to class, but unfortunately for me, the lecture had already started.

"Miss Jones, please come in. Apparently, you're the owner of the school, seeing that you come whenever you wish," the lecturer said sarcastically, prompting the class to burst into laughter.

I bowed my head in embarrassment and walked to my friend Jarvis, who had saved me a seat.

"You promised not to be late today," Jarvis whispered, snorting softly.

I smiled sheepishly. "Thanks for the seat," I mouthed before taking out my notebook and pretending to focus on the lecture, even though my mind was elsewhere.

It was occupied by thoughts of Ethan. Funny, because I hadn't thought of him in years. So why now? Oh, wait-maybe because he was now my husband.

"Oh Lord, I'm married to Ethan Brooks," I muttered under my breath, finally coming to terms with the situation. My fists clenched as a new thought crossed my mind.

"Mira won't know what hit her," I whispered to myself with determination.

I would make my mom search for me. I would make her pay for all the pain she caused me-for ruining my dad's life when she chose to leave him.