Marcus stayed silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed downward in deep thought. Then, after a heavy pause, he lifted his eyes and said firmly, "I'll marry you."
Sophia, lost in her own swirling thoughts, blinked in disbelief. "What...?"
"I said, I'll marry you," Marcus repeated, his tone steady and sure. "Since it's because of me that you may not be able to conceive naturally, it's my responsibility."
Sophia pushed herself up against the headboard, immediately shaking her head. "No... You don't have to do that. It was my fault—I was the one who ran into the road. You shouldn't have to carry this burden for the rest of your life."
Marcus stepped closer, his voice calm but unyielding. "Even if you say that, it doesn't change the fact that it was my car that hit you. If it weren't for me, this wouldn't have happened."
Sophia bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "But... marrying out of guilt isn't right either. You don't even know me."
Marcus gave a small shrug. "Then we'll get to know each other."
Seeing her about to argue again, he continued, "Do you think it'll be easy to find someone who'll accept you once they know about this? You might meet someone good, but what if they change after finding out? I already know everything, and I'm willing to accept it."
Sophia's chest tightened. She shook her head again, voice low and pleading. "You don't have to ruin your future because of one accident."
"My future isn't ruined," Marcus said simply. His voice was steady, almost reassuring. "I'm making a choice. And I won't regret it."
Sophia looked away, her heart pounding painfully in her chest.
Still, Marcus's voice reached her, firm and clear. "You don't have to answer me now. Take your time to think about it. But no matter how many reasons you give, I'm not going to change my mind."
After saying his piece, Marcus stepped back and said calmly, "I'll go handle the paperwork for your discharge. You take your time and think about it... then give me your answer."
Without waiting for her response, he turned and left the room, leaving Sophia sitting there, staring blankly at the door.
Marcus walked down the hallway, his expression firm. In his heart, he had already made his decision.
He was the one who caused this, and he would take full responsibility.
Yes, Sophia might not be able to conceive naturally, but there were other ways to have children — adoption, treatments — the world was different now.
Besides, he had made a promise to his grandfather: he would marry before the end of the week.
This was the right opportunity.
It wasn't about guilt. It was about responsibility, and about doing what he believed was right.
Marcus clenched his fists slightly and nodded to himself.
He was determined. He would marry Sophia.
Meanwhile, back in the room, Sophia sat on the bed, Marcus's words echoing in her mind.
Many men wouldn't want a woman who couldn't conceive...
But Marcus already knew, and he still accepted her.
He even insisted on marrying her.
Sophia couldn't help but think: Marcus seemed like a good person.
He didn't have the cold, calculating eyes she had grown used to seeing at home. His gaze was steady, his voice sincere.
If she married Marcus, she would finally be free from her family's control.
No more living under the same roof as her stepmother and half-sister.
No more walking on eggshells, always watching her back.
She could start over, live her own life, and maybe... even find some happiness.
Sophia lowered her eyes, her heart heavy but for the first time in years, a small, fragile hope sparked inside her.
-------
After leaving Sophia's room, Marcus made his way to the nurses' station to complete the discharge paperwork.
He patiently signed each document the nurse handed him, listening carefully as they explained the post-discharge instructions.
He nodded along, accepting the small paper bag of prescribed medicine they had prepared for Sophia.
It took some time, but Marcus didn't mind. He wanted to give Sophia the space she needed to think it through.
Once everything was settled, Marcus slipped the documents into a folder and thanked the nurse.
Instead of going back to the room immediately, he took the elevator up to the rooftop of the hospital.
The cool breeze brushed against his face as he stepped out into the open air.
The city stretched out below him, bathed in the soft light of the late morning sun.
Marcus pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant at the company.
The call connected quickly.
"Mr. Wexley, is everything alright?" his assistant asked immediately.
"I'm fine," Marcus said calmly. "Just some unexpected matters to handle. Keep things running at the office. I'll be back tomorrow or the day after. Tell the board I've handled the investor meeting remotely."
"Understood, sir."
Marcus ended the call, exhaling a slow breath as he slipped the phone back into his pocket.
He wasn't just buying time for the company — he was buying time for himself and for Sophia.
He knew this wasn't a decision she could make lightly.
Meanwhile, back in the hospital room, Sophia sat quietly, her fingers tracing the edge of the blanket.
Her mind replayed everything Marcus had said, his calm insistence, his steady eyes.
He didn't owe her anything.
Yet he insisted on staying.
He knew her situation, yet he still wanted her.
If I say no... she thought, someone like him could walk away easily and live a happy life without being burdened by me.
If I say yes... maybe... maybe it's a new beginning.
Sophia took a deep breath, her heart pounding harder with every second.
She made up her mind.
When Marcus returned, she would tell him her decision.
She would marry him.