Chapter 30

Sophia Laurent pulled up a chair and sat beside Alexander Valdemar's bed.

She rested her chin in her palm, studying the sleeping man with undisguised curiosity.

Alexander's sharp features looked softer in repose. His thick lashes cast delicate shadows that softened his usual intimidating aura.

"With looks like these, he could've been a top-tier celebrity..."

Alexander had woken the moment Sophia entered.

This arranged marriage filled him with resentment.

A childhood betrothal? A therapeutic marriage? Absurd.

He'd already promised the title of Mrs. Valdemar to someone else.

But his injuries kept him immobilized for now. There would be time to end this farce later.

He hadn't expected this woman to be so bold.

First giving him nicknames, now staring at him so brazenly.

He could feel the heat of her gaze burning into him.

Was she planning something inappropriate?

Sophia suddenly felt the room temperature drop.

Though Alexander hadn't moved, the atmosphere grew strangely oppressive.

"A sleeping prince is much more approachable than an awake devil..."

She recalled how society women had only dared steal glances at him from afar during the last gala.

When conscious, Alexander's presence was too overwhelming for casual proximity.

After a while, Sophia remembered Patriarch Valdemar's demeanor at dinner.

The old man truly seemed to consider her his granddaughter-in-law.

This was problematic.

"Alexander, you need to wake up soon."

Once he regained consciousness, she could reasonably request a divorce.

The Valdemars had saved Margaret. She couldn't be the one to initiate separation.

But if Alexander demanded it, no one could object.

Sophia stood to leave.

The chauffeur waited in the hallway.

"Shall we return to Westmount Villa now, Mrs. Valdemar?"

Westmount Villa?

Where exactly was home?