Ryder walked into the living room, where Sophia was waiting for him. She looked beautiful, as always, but Ryder's heart wasn't in it. He knew what he had to do, and he was determined to see it through.
"Sophia, we need to talk," Ryder said, his voice firm but calm.
Sophia looked up at him, a smile on her face. "What's up, baby?" she asked, her voice dripping with sweetness.
Ryder took a deep breath. "I know you're expecting me to marry you tomorrow," he said, his voice steady. "But I'm here to tell you that I'm not going to do it."
Sophia's smile faltered, and she looked at him like he had lost his mind. "What are you talking about, Ryder?" she asked, her voice rising. "We're getting married tomorrow. It's all arranged."
Ryder shook his head. "I'm not going to do it, Sophia," he said, his voice firm. "I know I agreed to this arrangement, but my heart belongs to someone else. I'm in love with Emma, and I'm going to fight for her."
Sophia's face turned red with anger, and she stood up, her eyes blazing. "You're going to regret this, Ryder," she spat. "You'll regret the day you ever crossed me."
Ryder stood his ground, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew this wasn't going to be easy, but he was determined to see it through. He was going to fight for Emma, no matter what it took.
"I mean it, Sophia," Ryder said, his voice calm and steady. "I'm not going to marry you. I'm going to be with Emma, and I'm going to make it work."
Sophia's face twisted in anger, and for a moment, Ryder thought she was going to lash out at him. But then, she seemed to regain control of herself, and a cold smile spread across her face.
"We'll see about that," she said, her voice dripping with venom.
Ryder felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew he had just made a powerful enemy, but he was willing to take that risk. He was willing to do whatever it took to be with Emma.