Sold To The Billionaire Who Faked His Coma

Once again, my dissertation defense was vetoed by my professor fianc, and the muffled snickers from my classmates confirmed what they all thought: I was useless.
I had spent seven years orbiting Rhys Garrison, devoting my life to his world. I had worked myself to the bone, earning a spot in his coveted PhD program. But all my diligence and academic rigor meant nothing compared to a few words of shallow flattery from my stepsister, Sienna, who walked away with the single, coveted post-doc fellowship.
I was shaking with indignation, tears streaming down my face. I wanted to storm into his office and demand an explanation, a shred of decency. Instead, I overheard him chatting with a colleague in the hallway.
So you gave the Clarendon fellowship to Sienna Hale. Arent you worried your little girlfriend will make a scene?
A scene? Shes been glued to my side for seven years. She has a touch of arrogance, and it needs to be curbed. She needs to be disciplined before she can be a proper mistress of the Garrison house.
Besides, he added, his voice dripping with casual dismissal, its just a fellowship. Shes the older sister; why would she compete with Sienna?
Shell get over it in a few days. She always manages to soothe her own hurt.
He knew how much that fellowship meant to me. It wasn't just a career path; it was my one chance at independence. And yet, he had carelessly obliterated my hope as easily as erasing a mistake on a whiteboard.
My aspirations, it seemed, were always secondary to Siennas desires. If she wanted something, I was expected to surrender it.
Rhys Garrison assumed I would follow the script I always had: cry, rage, and eventually return, licking my wounds.
But this time, I ripped my student IDmy last remaining tether to him and Clarendonfrom my neck and hurled it at the wall. The plastic badge hit with a hollow, ugly sound.
Fine...
If Professor Garrison holds me in such low regard, then I, Eliza Hale, will no longer be an offense to your sight!
Rhys didnt know that my father had already prepared a different path for me. If I couldn't secure the fellowship, I would be used to serve my stepsisters interests: a strategic marriage to the powerful Vaughn family, a "healing match" to their comatose heir
1
I dragged my numb body out of the Humanities building.
My familys black sedan was parked outside.
Sienna was leaning against the passenger door, a subtle smirk playing on her lips as she took in my wrecked appearance.
My, my, sister. Seven years trailing after the Professor, and you dont even get a consolation prize.
It seems I hold a special place in his heart, after all. A few soft words, and he couldnt bear to have me as a competitor.
I tried to pull my lips into a smile, but no sound came out.
My father, Arthur, waited in the car, his expression dark with irritation. He glanced at my stepmother and sneered. Rhys Garrisons devotion to Eliza amounts to nothing. A pity the Hale family wasted so much money on her education.
The remaining students and faculty who hadn't scattered began to stare, whispering. I felt like a damaged artifact on public display, judged and dissected.
My father, embarrassed, quickly rolled up his window.
Rhys walked out of the building just then, catching the tail end of their remarks. He didnt look at me, only offered a slight, curt nod in my fathers direction, and walked away as if nothing was happening.
Siennas laugh was high-pitched and sharp, driving a shard of ice into my heart.
It was in that moment I finally understood. Rhys wasnt blind; he simply didnt care.
2
Its settled then. Since Eliza has no future at Clarendon, she will prepare to marry into the Vaughn family.
My fathers voice was unnervingly placid as we sat in the living room.
The rule had been established months ago, a cold business transaction: whichever daughter failed to secure the Clarendon fellowship would fulfill the betrothal contract with the Vaughns.
The guests had left, leaving just our fractured family.
My Grams rushed to me, sobbing.
I wont allow my granddaughter to be sent to that house! Everyone knows the Vaughn boy, Silas, has been a vegetable for two years! Eliza will be ruining her life, burying herself alive!
My fathers face turned crimson. He pointed a shaking finger at me. Whose fault is that? She has no backbone! She can write a flawless research proposal, but when it counts, she cant even outmaneuver Sienna!
Grams cried harder. That Sienna girl is conniving! Who knows what tricks she used? No, Ill go see Professor Garrison myself. Ill make him re-examine the papers!
I pulled Grams closer, managing a smile that felt more like a grimace.
Grams, dont go. Rhys said I was too proud and undisciplined. He vetoed my thesis over a single methodological flaw.
My voice finally broke, a choked sob escaping me.
He did it on purpose. He wanted me to lose to Sienna
Rhys came from a good family, he was impossibly clean-cut, and his intellect was legendary. At twenty-six, he was the youngest Associate Professor at Clarendon. The first time he taught a public lecture, the hall was packedhalf the audience just there to admire him.
Who wouldn't be drawn to that kind of brilliance?
I was no exception. I wanted to be worthy of him. I wanted to stand beside him. That desire had made me shed my old, spirited self, burying my head in books, pursuing academic perfection. I nearly killed myself studying for the PhD entrance exam.
I thought we had a future.
Grams continued to weep, and I stroked her back, trying to comfort her while my own world dissolved.
I walked heavily back to my room.
Sitting at my desk, I began taking every note I had organized for Rhys, every transcribed article, every meticulously cross-referenced text, and dumping them into a heavy storage box.
Then, I carried the box downstairs and set it ablaze in the courtyard incinerator.
The firelight reflected on my face, and the flames consumed the last seven years of my foolish devotion.
3
After that night, I was a different person. My world became silent. I rarely spoke, never left the house, and moved with a lifeless apathy.
When my father hired an etiquette coach to teach me the rigid protocols of high society, I surprised them all by mastering the lessons with quiet focus.
My father was immensely pleased.
He privately instructed me that once I was in the Vaughn household, I needed to charm them, put in a good word for the Hale familys failing business, and, most importantly, lay the groundwork for Siennas future.
It was laughable. A man willing to sacrifice his own daughter for a scrap of wealth, all while prioritizing the child of his second marriage.
They misunderstood me. If I entered the Vaughn house, I would certainly not lift a finger to save this decaying family.
But I offered no rebuttal, only a cold, placid nod.
That afternoon, my father called me to his study. Passing the entrance hall, I ran straight into Rhys. He was leaving after dropping off some materials. It was the first time Id seen him in over a month.
I paused, offering him a standard curtsy. The movement was textbook, my expression utterly blankprecisely as my coach had taught me.
Rhys froze, then his expression softened slightly.
Eliza
My throat tightened. In seven years, he had rarely called me by my first name alone, insisting on using my full name to uphold "proper academic decorum." Now, it came so naturally.
Professor Garrison, I corrected, my voice flat. By all protocols, you should address me as Ms. Hale.
He smiled, as if I had uttered something charmingly playful.
Such discipline. Very good. But you dont have to be so formal with me. Once I wrap up this administrative work, Ill have my parents call on your father to formally propose.
I stared at him, the absurdity of his assumption washing over me.
Propose? You sabotaged my defense, ensured I lost my career, and now you claim you want to marry me?
He took a step closer. I involuntarily recoiled.
He chuckled again, a sound as chilling as winter wind.
I heard him say, If you dont let me smooth out that rebellious streak of yours, how will you ever be fit to be the mistress of the Garrison house?
4
Grams had watched my silent decline over the last weeks. Seeing me wither, she pleaded with my father to let me leave the house, using the excuse of needing to shop for a wedding trousseau.
She insisted my cousin, Liam, accompany me.
Liam was three years older than me and worked in finance. He knew my entire story and was heartbroken for me. He had tried to intervene with my father, but Arthur was already too deep into the dealmy birth date had been sent to the Vaughns; the marriage was fixed.
Liam did his best to cheer me up.
Eliza, lets go to the bookshop. We can buy some new professional journals. You love reading those, right?
He watched my face anxiously. Even if... even if its inconvenient later, you can read them for your own sanity.
I finally managed a genuine, albeit faint, smile, and he visibly relaxed.
Dont worry, he promised. Ill work hard. Ill be the one to back you up someday.
I was momentarily stunned. Liam and I used to be close. But one time, Rhys saw us shopping together. His face had darkened. Later, he called me into his office and lectured me fiercely.
There are boundaries between men and women, Eliza. You are about to graduate; you must maintain professionalism. You will not only compromise your own future but also invite unnecessary gossip.
His words were cruel, but I was so accustomed to obeying him. Terrified I might actually jeopardize Liams career, I began to distance myself.
Now, I realized how ridiculous it was. Liam and I were innocent; there was nothing to gossip about. Rhyss judgment was not the final word.
Feeling a strange sense of release, I smiled and picked up a few academic books.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the quiet. Sister?
I looked up. Sienna was standing with Rhys. She held a few books, her soft skirt and his sharp blazer making them look perfectly matched.
Rhyss eyes landed on Liam and me. He gripped the books in his hand, his knuckles white.
Sienna looked from me to Liam, her eyes darting between us. She smiled, sickeningly innocent. What a coincidence! You and Liam are out shopping, too. Did I interrupt something?
I couldnt think of a response. Just then, Rhys handed his books to Sienna.
You said you needed the latest literature review. This one is excellent.
Siennas cheeks flushed. She took the book, letting her fingers brush his cuff.
I was also hoping to look over a few of your recent papers, Professor. Could you lend them to me for my studies?
Rhys gave a brief Hmm, then turned and walked away with Sienna in tow. They got into a sleek car and vanished around the corner.
I shook my head, laughing hollowly.
I was laughing at myself. I had idolized him for seven years, and he had never given me a moment of dedicated, one-on-one mentorship. Sienna, with a few flirtatious words, had broken his rule.
It was fine. My heart was finally dead.
I arrived home in the late afternoon. Grams said Sienna had brought Rhys back for dinner. My father insisted on drinking with him.
Grams was furious. I always thought he was cold-hearted, but now I see hes blind and stupid, completely taken in by that sort of girl.
I comforted Grams, though I felt a flicker of confusion. Hes playing nice with my father?
On my way to my room, I passed the garden.
Rhys was standing by a stone fountain, watching me, looking as if he had been waiting.
Eliza. Dont you have anything you want to say to me?
Say what?
I stayed silent. In the past, I would have circled him, babbling about the smallest event of my day. Now, I was exhausted. I had nothing left to share with him.
What was the point? Should I tell him that my father was financially ruined and only valued his younger, preferred daughter? Should I explain that because of Rhyss casual favoritism, I had lost my only path to a career and was now being sold off to marry a man in a permanent coma?
Seeing my silence, his voice hardened. You were seen being overly familiar with another man today. And reading those trashy books? Is that how a PhD candidate should behave?
His scolding tone was utterly absurd. Liam and I were strictly proper, while he had been touching and guiding Sienna in public.
How had I never seen his colossal arrogance before?
Too tired to argue, I merely offered a dismissive half-smile.
Professor Garrison is quite right to scold me. I am tired and must retire. Please enjoy your evening.
He nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes, and looked about to continue lecturing.
Just then, the housekeeper called him for dinner.
I gave a perfunctory nod, walked around him, and didnt look back.
5
Rhys was utterly distracted during dinner.
Elizas new, quiet demeanor unsettled him. He had wanted to break her rebellious spirit, but the complete absence of her usual fierce energy made him feel strangely hollow.
My father, eager to climb the academic social ladder attached to the Garrison name, drank heavily. Rhys was usually aloof, but tonight he was surprisingly genial.
By the time Arthur was flushed and stumbling, he could barely follow Rhyss slurred conversation. He only heard fragments like formal proposal, asking for her hand, and, since Rhys had personally escorted Sienna home, Arthur immediately assumed Rhys was there to marry Sienna.
Without a moments thought, he joyously agreed to the marriage.
When Rhys returned home, he couldnt sleep. He had spoken to Arthur, but an unsettling feeling persisted. He was marrying Eliza, who had finally become the compliant woman he desired, yet he felt no joy. He missed her defiance.
He shook off the feeling, deciding a swift proposal would solve his anxiety.
The next morning, my father triumphantly announced that Rhys Garrison would marry Sienna.
My stepmother and Sienna were ecstatic, and Siennas eyes welled up with performative joy.
I love Professor Garrison, too! she chirped.
I tightened my hands into fists, listening in silence as my father lectured me.
Whatever ideas you had about the Professor, forget them. Hes marrying your sister, and you are marrying the Vaughn heir. You must stay away from him.
If I catch you entertaining any dangerous notions or interfering with your sisters wedding, you will regret it
Ignoring Siennas smug, challenging glare, I curled my lip indifferently. Father is absolutely correct. I will stay far away from Professor Garrison.
No sooner had I finished speaking than the housekeeper announced that Rhyss mother and Rhys himself had arrived for the formal proposal.
Sienna leaped up excitedly, helping my father to the drawing room to greet them.
I followed behind, keeping my head down, trying to disappear.
Once both families were seated and the formal betrothal cards were exchanged, Rhys smiled and walked toward me.
Eliza, he said, his voice soft. How about we set the wedding for the fall? It wont be too hot for a wedding dress then.
The room fell instantly silent.
My fathers teacup slipped from his hand and shattered on the polished floor.

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