Hidden Love (Married First)

In the Levine Mansion

Around noon, the bright sunlight poured in through the windows, casting a warm glow on a young girl sitting at her desk, deep in concentration.

Sofia was in her room, immersed in reading reference books on archaeological artifacts. Just as she was getting lost in her studies, she heard the faint sound of servants walking back and forth outside the door.

She put down her book, curiosity piqued, and cracked the door open to peek outside.

Downstairs in the living room, her father, Mr Robert Levine, stood impeccably dressed in formal attire, as if preparing to welcome an important guest. Turning his head to the left, he spoke in a voice that was both authoritative and slightly impatient, "Hurry up, the old man from the Beckett family will be here soon."

The sound of approaching high heels grew louder. "On such an important day, of course I had to make sure Ruby looks beautiful. Just look at her." The voice, unmistakably, belonged to Sofia's stepmother, Anna. Standing beside her was a young girl, slightly younger than Sofia-her half-sister, Ruby.

Mr Levine glanced at his daughter's outfit, approving of her appropriate appearance.

Today, Ruby was wearing a cream-colored satin mid-length dress, paired with a black tweed jacket lined with gold threads. Her shoulder-length wavy hair added to the mature look, though she complained, "Mom, this dress isn't my style at all. It's so old-fashioned."

Anna patted her shoulder gently, soothing her with a soft voice, "Just bear with it. We're meeting elders today. Trust me, dressing conservatively is the right choice."

Ruby pouted but had no choice but to comply.

A handsome, striking face flashed through her mind. It had been six months since she last saw him. How was he doing now? Her earlier displeasure quickly disappeared at the thought.

Mr Levine nervously inspected the house, making sure everything was in order. He caught sight of Sofia looking around and cleared his throat. "Sofia, remember what I told you-don't come out of your room today."

Sofia nodded silently and withdrew her head back into the room. Before she could close the door, she heard Ruby let out a mocking snicker.

Her father had reminded her multiple times not to leave her room today, no matter what she heard. Lunch would be brought to her by the servants.

Sofia sat quietly in her room, gazing out the window. This house had ceased to be her home ever since she was five.

That year, her mother had fallen gravely ill and passed away. In the midst of her grief, her once-responsible father brought Anna into the house, along with a two-year-old child.

In other words, even before her mother passed away, her father already had another family. While her mother lay on her deathbed, her father embraced another woman.

Because of this, Sofia had never believed in love or marriage. She intended to devote the rest of her life to artifact restoration.

Through her window, she saw a Rolls-Royce and a business car drive into the courtyard. After a quick glance, she returned to her reading.

Mr Levine and his family grew restless as soon as they saw the cars enter through the gate. They hurriedly went to the front door to greet their guest.

An elderly man with white hair stepped out of the car. His posture was straight, his weathered face showing signs of age, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp light, and his presence radiated authority.

Mr Levine strode forward with a flattering smile, extending his hand toward the old man. "Mr Beckett, welcome to our humble home. We should have been the ones to visit you, after all."

Mr Beckett extended his hand as well, but after a brief handshake, he quickly let go. "No need. I wanted to see where my future granddaughter-in-law has been living."

His gaze swept to the side, and Mr Levine quickly spoke up, taking the lead in introducing them. "This is my wife and daughter."

Anna gently pushed Ruby forward, and she gave Mr Beckett a polite bow.

Mr Beckett glanced at them briefly, his emotions unreadable-neither approving nor disapproving.

Sensing a subtle tension, Mr Levine forced a smile and quickly invited him into the living room. "Please, come this way."

They entered the mansion in a line, followed by Mr Beckett's bodyguards and assistants.

Only then did Ruby raise her head, her brow furrowed as she looked toward the parked cars, muttering to herself, "Rome didn't come?" Her tone was filled with disappointment.

Leaning over, Anna whispered a reminder to her daughter, "Watch what you say. Mr Beckett is still the head of their family. As long as he agrees, no one will oppose him. Do you understand?"

Since receiving the news a week ago that Mr Beckett would be visiting, Anna had repeatedly reminded her daughter hundreds of times how to behave gracefully, ensuring that she would appear as a worthy daughter-in-law.

Though the two families had a marriage agreement, how they presented themselves in public was of utmost importance.

It was also Anna's first time being so close to Mr Beckett. His sharp, eagle-like eyes sent chills down her spine.

One of the reasons Mr. Daniel Beckett commanded such respect was his rise from humble beginnings. He started a small import-export company with just a thousand dollars, and it had since grown into a vast business empire spanning oil, electricity, finance, and international trade. Even the relatively influential Levine family couldn't compete with his achievements.

Mr. Beckett sat down in the guest chair, yet his presence dominated the room, as though he were the true master of the mansion. Once the maid served tea, they tactfully retreated to stand by the door.

Leaning back calmly in his chair, Mr. Beckett gazed at the girl across from him, her hands tightly clasped together, unable to meet his eyes.

"Just now, I didn't introduce her properly. This is my daughter, Ruby, twenty-two years old and about to graduate from college," Mr. Levine said, breaking the silence.

Mr. Beckett furrowed his brow. "I recall your daughter should be twenty-five this year, shouldn't she?"

Mr. Levine and his wife instantly felt a wave of panic. They hadn't expected Mr. Beckett to directly bring up this issue. Mr. Levine began to sweat. "That would be my eldest daughter. This is my younger daughter, from my-"

Mr. Beckett cut him off. "So, this lady is from your second marriage?"

"Yes," Mr. Levine answered, visibly uneasy.

Mr. Beckett's face turned cold. "I'm sorry, but I think you've misunderstood, Mr. Levine. My original agreement was with Mr. Keller-your first wife's father."

"What?" Ruby, who had been nervously silent, blurted out in shock. It felt as though her blood had frozen.

Her parents had always told her there was an agreement between the two families' ancestors, but they never clarified. She had naturally assumed it was on her father's side of the family.

When she learned that her secret crush was to be her fiancé, she had been so excited she couldn't sleep for days.

The more elated she had been then, the more devastated she felt now.

Mr. Levine shot Ruby a disapproving glance for her outburst, and Ana quickly calmed herself, gently patting Ruby's hand to signal her to stay quiet.

Forcing a smile, Mr. Levine tried to explain, "That's correct, but my eldest daughter is plain and ordinary, while my younger daughter is intelligent and talented. She and Rome would make a perfect couple."

Mr. Beckett's lips curved into a slight smile, leading Mr. Levine to believe his excuse had passed. But before he could relax, Mr. Beckett asked,

"Why don't you bring your eldest daughter here so I can meet her?"

Ana cursed inwardly.

Mr. Beckett saw Mr. Levine hesitate and pressed, "Is there a reason?"

"N-no... not at all." Mr. Levine took a deep breath and called for a maid. "Bring Sofia here."

There was a knock at the door. Sofia, checking the time, was surprised; it wasn't yet lunchtime. When she opened the door, she found the maid empty-handed.

"Miss, the master has asked for you to come to the living room," the maid said respectfully.

Sofia was taken aback, wanting to ask if there had been a mistake, but the maid had already gestured for her to follow.

She was being so cautious, likely afraid that any error would bring down Mr. Levine's wrath.

When Sofia entered the living room, she immediately noticed the tense expressions of her family.

Her father, in an unusually calm tone, beckoned to her, "Sofia, come over here. This is Mr. Beckett."

As she stepped forward, Ruby's eyes fixed on her with resentment.

Finally able to see the elderly man's face clearly, Sofia noted his authoritative presence. But as their eyes met, his stern gaze softened. "Your eyes are just like your grandfather's."

"You knew my grandfather?" Sofia's eyes lit up. Ever since her mother passed, no one had spoken of him.

Though he had only spent a few years with her, she vividly remembered the moment that he sits in a rocking chair and holding her when she was fourth, while playing with antique trinkets.

Mr. Levine attempted to signal Sofia to stop talking, but she didn't notice.

Ruby glared at Sofia, bitterly watching her effortlessly engage Mr. Beckett in conversation. How dare she compare herself to me with her plain and simple dress.

Mr. Beckett chuckled. "Yes, child. Your grandfather and I were dear friends. Come closer and let me take a look at you."

Though it was Sofia's first time meeting this man, she could tell from her father's behavior that he must be a major figure in the business world. Yet she felt a surprising warmth toward him.

Mr. Beckett, with a tone of subtle reproach, asked, "Is this the daughter you claim to be plain and ordinary?"

Mr. Levine's face burned with embarrassment at being exposed in front of his daughter.

Mr. Beckett gestured for Sofia to sit beside him. "Back then, your grandfather and I agreed to a union between our families' children. But unfortunately, your mother was already engaged, so we agreed to wait for our grandchildren."

Sofia was taken aback, shocked by this revelation.

Tears welled in Ruby's eyes. The fiancé she thought she was destined to marry was slipping away.

Mr. Beckett, observing Sofia's reaction, realized no one had ever mentioned this to her. "I hear you're interested in artifact restoration. If you marry into our family, you'll still have your personal freedom, and I have an old friend in need of a Western art restoration expert."

Sofia, initially disinterested in the marriage talk, was suddenly reengaged at the mention of artifact restoration.

Sensing the situation turning against her, Ana exchanged a worried glance with Mr. Levine. If they didn't intervene soon, her daughter would lose any chance. She glanced at Ruby, whose face had turned hollow with despair.

As Sofia was about to ask more, her father coughed behind her-a clear warning. She quickly fell silent.

"Mr. Beckett," Mr. Levine interjected with a forced smile, "Sofia is still young. I'll need to discuss this marriage with her first."

Unfortunately for him, Mr. Beckett was unimpressed. The mood had been favorable, and Sofia had almost agreed when Mr. Levine interrupted. Now Mr. Beckett was visibly irritated. "Lets discuss everything openly now.?"

Mr. Beckett had little fondness for Mr. Levine, whose quick remarriage after his first wife's death had soured him. It was also clear that Sofia's half-sister was born before the first wife had passed, and Mr. Levine had treated his eldest daughter coldly. If it weren't for Sofia, Mr. Beckett wouldn't have set foot in this house.

Mr. Levine stammered, hoping Sofia wouldn't be foolish enough to agree to the marriage.

Sofia remained silent.

Mr. Beckett, his demeanor shifting again, turned warmly to Sofia. "Your grandfather was a dear friend of mine, so consider me half a grandfather to you. Today, I'll at your back-you can decide for yourself."

He gestured to his assistant, who handed him a photograph. "Look, this is my grandson Rome."

The young man in the photo had deep, chiseled features, clearly inheriting his grandfather's sharp looks, though his expression was stern and cold.

Sofia's focus wasn't on how handsome the man was or how enticing Mr. Beckett's offer seemed. What struck her was the hostile, almost resentful looks from Ana and Ruby. This was the way she had been treated her entire life.

Rather than continue to tread carefully in a house where she was never welcome, Sofia felt a surge of determination.

With Mr. Beckett supporting her, she sensed an opportunity for a new life-one that couldn't possibly be worse than her current situation. Wherever she went, things had to be better.

Though she was of age, her father still kept her bound to the house, intending to use her for another business marriage to maximize her "value." Even if she tried to escape, her father would always find her.

Now, marriage was inevitable either way, so she summoned the courage to tell Mr. Beckett, "I think it sounds good."

Ana almost fainted from anger on the spot, while Mr. Beckett beamed with delight.

Mr. Levine opened his mouth to object, but Mr. Beckett's voice boomed, "This marriage will involve Sofia, and no one else. If you object, then we can also end all talks of business collaboration."

Mr. Levine's face turned pale. His family's import business was already in a tight spot, with only a 2% price margin preventing a deal with another company. If they lost the Beckett family's support now...

He immediately fell silent.

Ana, standing beside him, was distraught but had no voice in the matter. She was neither Sofia's biological mother nor involved in the family business.

Ana could only watch in frustration as the marriage was settled right before her eyes.

Mr. Beckett, pleased that things were resolved smoothly, said, "Sofia, I suggest you come with me today and meet my wayward grandson to finalize things. What do you think?"

The assistant wiped the sweat from his forehead, silently praying for young Master Rome.

Sofia nodded. Since agreeing to this, there was no turning back. Staying at home wouldn't earn her any favor from her father anyway.

Mr. Beckett had the same thought-given Sofia's position in this household, who knew what schemes her stepmother might pull.

Ruby bit her lip, her nails digging into her palm as she clenched her fists. She watched in bitterness as Mr. Beckett's car drove away. The moment Ana stepped back inside, she launched into an argument with her husband, "Why didn't you stop Sofia earlier? That little wench dared to steal what belongs to my daughter!"

Mr. Levine, his mind still preoccupied with business, could only hope Mr. Beckett, out of consideration for Sofia, wouldn't cause him trouble. "Stop arguing. We had no choice. If we lose Beckett's support, that deal is doomed."

"You're sacrificing your daughter's happiness for some deal!"

"You... are so short-sighted! Even if Rome is out of the picture, I can find Ruby someone better. If we anger Beckett, we lose far more than just a business deal."

Ruby burst into tears, "I don't care! Rome is the best! You're all terrible, I hate you!"

Mr. Levine let out a heavy sigh as Ruby ran crying to her room.

She had already boasted to her friends about marrying Rome. How could she save face now?

---

Sofia leaned against the car window, watching her family home grow distant, feeling as if she were in a dream.

Snapping back to reality, she suddenly remembered a question, "Mr. Beckett..."

Mr. Beckett smiled, "You can call me Grandpa."

"Okay." She paused, "Grandpa, does Rome agree to this marriage?"

"Don't worry, he will." Mr. Beckett then turned to his assistant, "Drive to the company and tell that boy to come down."

"Yes, sir." The assistant immediately called the company's internal line.

---

Mr. Beckett struck his cane against the floor in irritation, "That boy hasn't come down yet-does he think I'm dead?"

Furious, he led Sofia straight to the CEO's office.

The secretary outside jumped up in alarm, ready to notify the office.

"No need to announce." Mr. Beckett marched right in.

Rome, knowing who it was, continued signing documents without looking up. "Grandpa, I said no."

Sofia noticed Mr. Beckett's expression sour and held her breath.

Seeing the tension, she decided to speak up, "Grandpa..."

Rome's attention was drawn by the unfamiliar female voice. He looked up, stunned for a moment. Before him stood a girl with delicate features and clear, almond-shaped eyes.

Sofia followed his gaze. In person, Rome seemed even more composed and restrained than in his photo.

Their eyes met for only a second before both looked away, though a strange spark seemed to pass between them.

For the first time, Mr. Beckett saw his grandson react to a woman this way. His anger dissipated as he cleared his throat, "Sofia, don't be afraid."

Then, turning to Rome, "You better come down with me right now, unless you've forgotten I'm still your grandfather."

Though Mr. Beckett often claimed his health was poor, always saying his greatest wish was to see Rome settled down, Rome privately thought his grandfather had at least another two decades left.

But for some reason, he didn't argue this time. After all, marriage was just another task to check off the list, better to get it over with than to endure his grandfather's endless nagging.

After tidying his documents and giving a few instructions to his secretary, Rome stood and followed them downstairs.

Walking beside Rome, Sofia realized she was shorter than she thought, especially next to his tall, upright figure.

And just like that, under Mr. Beckett's arrangement, they got married.

---

As Sofia gazed at the diamond ring on her finger, reality finally began to sink in.

"I picked this wedding ring myself but this one is just for temporary. Your husband will buy a new and finer one for you." Mr. Beckett initiated the conversation at dinner.

At the mention of "husband," her face flushed.

"N-no... this is perfect." She admired the classic design, simple yet elegant.

"Don't worry, he will get you another." Mr. Beckett gave Rome a nudge with his cane.

Mr. Beckett believes Rome's silence implied he wasn't opposed to the marriage, at least.

Rome responded briefly, "Mm."

"You two will stay in the this Villa for now. Once the apartment in the city central is ready in these days, you can move there. It's closer to your work."

Sofia smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Grandpa."

But when she got to the bedroom, the smile faded. She had forgotten one thing-living under Grandpa's roof meant she and Rome would have to share a room.

Annoyed with herself, she tapped her forehead. Rome, arms crossed, leaned against the doorway, amused. No wonder she had agreed so quickly.

Without a word, he walked past her and headed straight to the bathroom.

When Sofia emerged from her own shower, the lights in the room had been dimmed. Wearing only a bathrobe, she returned to the walk-in closet, but couldn't find the clothes she'd brought from home.

Instead, the closet was full of new outfits. She picked up a satin nightgown, the least revealing one.

When Rome came back from a phone call on the balcony, he was greeted by the sight of Sofia in a deep burgundy nightdress that hugged her curves, the hem only reaching halfway down her thighs. Her swan-like neck and delicate collarbones were left bare, her unadorned beauty captivating.

But her clear, moonlit eyes held no awareness of her own allure.

Sofia was about to walk over to him to make conversation-it felt odd to stay strangers after getting married, after all.

Rome, suppressing the stirrings within, spoke first in a hoarse voice, "No need to come closer. It's windy by the window."

With that, he turned and quietly shut the balcony door.

"Okay." Sofia didn't think much of it and climbed into bed.

She had mentally prepared herself while showering. "The bed is big enough. We can both sleep here for a few days."