Chapter 7

Sebastian rocked in his wheelchair, clapping with childlike glee.

His eyes sparkled with strange excitement. He made soft, incoherent sounds. His fingers curled and uncurled restlessly.

I stood completely frozen. How was I supposed to react to this?

“This is Isabella, your future wife,” Grandfather announced.

Sebastian showed no reaction.

His expression stayed utterly blank. His lips parted slightly before a small giggle escaped.

I blinked. Was this real?

Grandmother offered a tight smile. “Isabella, why don’t you spend some time with Sebastian? Get to know him.”

I wanted to refuse immediately. But arguing was pointless. “Fine,” I muttered.

“Good.” Grandfather patted my shoulder. “We’ll give you privacy.”

The nanny hesitated, then nodded. She had been gently rubbing Sebastian’s shoulders.

“Call if you need anything.” Then she left, closing the door.

Now we were alone.

I slowly sat across from him.

Sebastian kept staring at the floor. He giggled softly under his breath.

The room was too quiet. Only his strange little noises filled the space.

I cleared my throat. “Sebastian… do you understand what’s happening?”

No response.

I sighed. “I’m supposed to marry you. Did you know that?”

His gaze flickered toward me for just a second. Then he went back to staring at the wall.

I frowned. “Nothing? No thoughts? No opinions?”

Silence.

This was utterly ridiculous.

I leaned back and crossed my arms. “Well, at least one good thing is coming from this marriage.”

His fingers stopped moving.

“At least you can’t hurt me like Alexander did.”

I could have sworn his eyes twitched at Alexander’s name.

My brows furrowed. “Wait… do you actually understand me?”

Again, his expression remained completely neutral.

I narrowed my eyes. “Sebastian.”

Nothing.

I leaned forward. “Alexander,” I said again, watching his face carefully.

No reaction.

I exhaled and shook my head. “Great. Now I’m imagining things.”

I rose from my seat, brushing invisible dust from my clothes. “Well, this has been… something. But I think I’ve seen enough.”

Still, no response.

Annoyed, I turned and walked out.

The driver waited outside. He said nothing as he opened the car door.

I climbed in, my mind racing over what just happened.

The Sebastian Sterling I had heard about was a ruthless businessman. One of the best of his generation. Now he was just a broken shell of that man.

Why did it have to be him?

Back at the mansion, my grandparents waited in the study.

I didn’t hesitate. “Why him?” I demanded.

Grandfather sighed. “Sit down, Isabella.”

I shook my head. “No. I want an answer. Why must I marry an invalid?”

Grandmother’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s tradition.”

I scoffed. “Tradition?”

Grandfather leaned forward, clasping his hands. “Your mother was supposed to marry Alexander’s father. But she ran away. She eloped with your father instead.”

I stiffened.

Grandmother nodded. “Your mother broke a crucial alliance, Isabella. Now you’re fixing it.”

I clenched my fists. “By marrying Sebastian?”

“Yes.”

Grandfather sighed and rubbed his temple. “Even now, Sebastian’s name still holds power. The Sterlings may have abandoned him, but his bloodline remains influential.”

“And he was once great,” Grandmother added softly. “Before the accident, he achieved things most men only dream of. A business genius. A true leader.”

“Now he’s just… broken,” I said.

Grandfather exhaled. “That may be true. But he is still Sebastian Sterling. And you, Isabella, are a Blake. This is bigger than personal feelings. This is about legacy.”

I swallowed hard.

Legacy.

Days ago, I was just a woman scorned. Now I must carry my family’s name.

I straightened my posture. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Relief washed over their faces.

“The wedding is tomorrow,” Grandfather said.

My breath hitched. “Tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Grandmother confirmed. “Best to make it official quickly.”

My heart pounded, but I forced a smile.

Tomorrow, I marry a man who doesn’t understand marriage. Tomorrow, I become Isabella Blake Sterling.

There was no turning back.