Chapter 6

Rachel’s Pov

The moment I entered the magnificent Sterling mansion, the air filled with the rich aroma of fresh roses and polished mahogany.

My grandparents, Benjamin and Charlotte Sterling, guided me into the lavish living room. Their expressions were warm, yet shadowed with unease.

“Rachel, sweetheart, are you absolutely certain about this decision?” My grandmother’s tone was soft but carried weight.

“My mind is made up,” I stated without flinching. “I intend to claim what is rightfully mine. If marrying this man is the requirement, then I accept.”

Grandfather rubbed his temples, releasing a weary sigh. “We only want you to understand what you're stepping into. Sebastian… he wasn’t always this way.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What way?”

“He used to be a formidable force,” Grandfather explained. “Wealth, influence, respect—he commanded it all. But three years ago, his mother died in a tragic accident. After that, he…” He hesitated, searching for words.

Grandmother finished for him. “He lost the use of his legs… and his mental state deteriorated. He behaves like a child now, Rachel. He hardly speaks or engages. Many believe he’s shattered beyond repair.”

I leaned back, processing their words. A disabled man. A shell of his former self. A fallen titan.

“Are you implying he’s… psychologically compromised?” I asked cautiously.

“He hasn’t spoken a coherent word in years. He makes noises—shrieks and babbles like an infant,” Grandmother confessed, sharing a troubled glance with Grandfather. “This isn’t the future we envisioned for you.”

Silence hung between us. A weaker woman might have retreated. But I was not weak.

“It doesn’t matter,” I declared firmly. “If this marriage grants me control of the company, I will proceed.”

Relief washed over their faces, though concern still lingered in their eyes.

“Upon marriage, you will become the official owner of Sterling Enterprises,” Grandfather confirmed. “But we won’t rush you. You’ll meet him tomorrow.”

I gave a sharp nod. “Very well.”

That evening, I dined like royalty.

Maids served dishes with names I couldn’t pronounce. The wine flowed smoother than any I’d ever tasted.

After a long soak in the jacuzzi, I slipped into a silk nightgown and sank into the plush bed. The luxury was unfamiliar, intoxicating.

For the first time in years, I felt powerful. Invincible. Free.

A smirk touched my lips as I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture of my wine glass against the glittering city skyline.

I posted it online with the caption: Living my best life.

In less than five minutes, a notification flashed.

Alexander: Where are you?

My smirk vanished.

Pathetic. The same man who discarded me like garbage now wanted to know my whereabouts?

I deleted his comment and restricted his profile. Moments later, my screen lit up with an incoming call—Alexander, trying to reach me through social media.

I blocked him without hesitation.

That night, I slept like a queen.

The next morning, a soft knock woke me.

“Good morning, Miss Sterling,” a maid said with a slight bow. “Your breakfast is ready.”

I stretched lazily, savoring the feel of silk sheets against my skin. Overnight, my life had transformed.

“Bring it in,” I commanded.

The tray was laden with fresh fruit, fluffy pancakes, and imported tea. Each bite tasted like victory.

After breakfast, I bathed in scented oils that left my skin silken and smooth.

I dressed in a white silk blouse and high-waisted trousers—simple, yet elegant.

Downstairs, my grandparents were already waiting.

“Good morning, dear,” Grandmother greeted.

“Morning,” I replied.

Grandfather signaled the driver. “Shall we go?”

The car ride was smooth, but a knot of tension tightened in my stomach.

“Who exactly is Sebastian Crawford?” I asked.

My grandparents exchanged another hesitant glance.

“He’s Alexander’s half-brother,” Grandfather finally revealed.

My breath hitched. “Alexander’s what?”

“His mother was the mistress of Alexander’s father,” Grandmother clarified. “Sebastian was never fully accepted by the Crawfords, but he was their most gifted son… until the accident.”

I clenched my jaw. Ironic. The man I was to marry was tied to Alexander in ways I never anticipated.

The car arrived at a sprawling estate, every bit as opulent as the Sterling mansion.

A butler greeted us at the door and escorted us into an elegant sitting room.

“We’re here to see Sebastian,” Grandfather announced.

Soon, the sound of wheels rolling across marble echoed through the room.

I turned to see a man being pushed in a wheelchair by a caretaker.

Sebastian Crawford.

His dark hair was slightly unkempt, his sharp jawline dusted with stubble. He was strikingly handsome, but his eyes… they were empty, gazing vacantly into nothing.

Then, without warning, he let out a piercing shriek.

I froze.

He curled his fingers childishly, rocking gently in his wheelchair.

This… was the man I was supposed to marry?

I swallowed hard, uncertainty creeping into my resolve for the first time.

Perhaps I had been too bold.

Perhaps I had just made the worst decision of my life.