A billionaire who hides his bleeding heart with a tough exterior and a soft, family oriented 24 year old woman. Who would have ever thought? Vanessa Higgins lives in constant reminder of how indebted she is to her aunt for taking she and her sister in when they lost their mum. But the ultimate favour was asked of her when she was asked to marry a man she barely knew to enable the family business. In an unexpected turn of events, she ends up marrying another man on that same day, a cold hearted billionaire who is willing to go to any length to have the debt he's owed paid back. Damien De Luca never imagined he'd be getting married when he woke up that morning. But after a look at Vanessa, he had to keep her around him, even if that meant entrapping her with her family's debt. He has married her alright, but not for the reason everyone thinks. What happens when his true reason dares to burst out? A marriage based on a contract might not be so bad after all, but what of a marriage based on lies, warped truths and secrets?
View MoreI glance back down at the sheet paper like it's my first time seeing it all over again. "Is this really necessary?".He raises a brow at me. "I'm a business man, Vanessa. If it's not stamped on paper, it's not a deal". That makes sense when I think about it. "Read it out loud". I glance at him disapprovingly. His tone is cursory and commanding and I can tell that's the voice he uses with his employees. Feeling a little indignant, I begin to read."This is a contract binding Damien De Luca and Vanessa Higgins in marriage. Below are the terms and conditions". My brows furrow and I side eye him. "Terms and Conditions? Why did you have to put it like that?""Because that's what they are Vanessa. Now, please read". I can't tell he's getting impatient with me."Number One; Vanessa Higgins is irrefutably bound to Damien De Luca for the period which her outstanding debt of $2,000,000 exists. Total repayment leads to instantaneous termination of this contract". My mouth drops in disbelief and
My eyes widen in surprise. He's not smiling, his face is simply empty as his eyes rake over me. "Wonder where you got that". He says dryly. I glance down at myself like a fool. "I…. I….it was in the closet". I say, my voice pitching a bit in defense."That's because it's my house and my closet. My clothes can be anywhere in my house".I'm filled with embarrassment. And even more so when I realize that the woman is observing all of this. I might be wrong but I think I hear her do a couple of tutting or two.."I'm sorry. I'll just go take it off". My voice is small and pathetic. He jerks a head towards me and enters the room."Don't bother. I won't be wearing it again anyways". I'm so embarrassed I could die. My eyes follow him as he goes to huge fridge and yanks it's two doors open. He's dressed in casual black sweatpants and a short sleeved grey shirt that highlights his body, his hair ruffled and messy atop his head. Right now, it's almost hard to believe that he's a billionaire. H
When I wake up the next morning, I know I've over done it. I've slept much longer than i intended to. I rise up quickly from the bed and it takes me a second longer than necessary to realize where I am. I'm in Damien's house, in my bedroom. I glance at the room fuzzily. It's just as white as the rest of the house and my bed is a huge queen sized one with an ornate golden headboard. Bedcovers as white as the walls are strewn over me. A huge vanity sits to one corner, it's mirror almost my full length and the chair and table made from the same ornate material as the headboard. A door stands to the right, leading to the bathroom while one stands to the left, leading into the walk-in closet. Right in the centre of the room hangs a huge, elegant chandelier that glows golden, purple and white depending on your pull of the switch and beside me is a fragile but expensive looking bedside lamp. I had seen all these yesterday but now, with the bright rays of sunlight streaming through the window
Carrying my luggage by myself ended up being the worst mistake of my life. By the time I finally get down the stairs and go to meet Damien outside, my sweater is glued to my back with perspiration. The cold night air that had been an inconvenience earlier suddenly seems like a blessing. But when I see Damien leaning against his car, a heavily amused look on his face. I pointedly avoid looking at him as I struggle the rest of the way to the car. By the press of a button, the trunk opens up and he finally reaches for my things and load them for me. The only reason why I'm not doubling over and panting my exhaustion away is the last shred of pride I feel. Damien is still wearing that smug look when we finally get into the car. We pull out of the lot and as I quietly try to regain my breath, I'm thankful he doesn't try to generate conversation. We drive silently for a good while before he says anything."Your roommate seemed…. surprised. You didn't tell her you were married?".I don't eve
My apartment is located in a housing complex, a few miles away from where my aunt lives. The place had been a relatively good choice, considering it wasn't too far from Camilla and the price was quite affordable. I share a room with my roommate, Emily who got engaged just a few weeks ago and was planning to move in with her boyfriend. I love Emily but I had damn well been looking forward to having the apartment all to myself. At least, till Camilla comes to live with me. Sadness fills my heart at the fact that I won't even be able to enjoy such a little luxury anymore. Damien De Luca pulls into the parking lot and turns the engine off. He glances up at the looming apartment complex. "This is where you live eh?". He asks. I'm listening hard for a hint of judgement in his voice but I find none. That had just been a pure statement. "Yes it is". I say shortly as I unbuckle my seat belt.He chuckles dryly to himself. "I know the bastard that owns the place". "Good for you". I mutter und
He's standing at the doorway, his hands thrust into the pockets of his suit pants casually. His face breaks into a smile when he sees me and he raises a hand and waves."There you are, Vanessa". I glance around the sitting room to see Aunt Ellie standing meekly to one corner, a polite but nervous smile pasted on her face. Behind me, Camilla is perched on the stairs too, observing the scene below. I take the last step down and walk over to him warily, my arms folded over my chest."What are you doing here…..Mr. De Luca?".He looks at me like I'm stupid. "I'm here to take you home?". I scoff loudly. "Take me home? That's a very ridiculous thing to say". He chuckles. "Oh….is it? Ellie?". He turns to face my aunt and she perks up with alert. "You and Ken live here, don't you? Married couples stay together, don't they?".Her nods are coming a bit too fast. "Yes….yes sir".Mr. De Luca turns back to face me, a smile on his lips. "You heard that".I glare at Aunt Ellie but she has already
I don't wait around for dinner when we get home. With the monstrosity of a wedding dress, I shuffle up the stairs, escaping to the haven of my room. Thankfully, the car ride home had been quiet, each of us way too busy trying to process what had just happened. I reach the landing at the top of the stairs and open the door of the first room to the left, my room, breathing in the smell of security and comfort as I enter. I hear Auntie call out something from downstairs but I don't bother listening. With a note of finality, I shut the door behind me.The room is mostly bare save for my bed, a table set, an empty wardrobe and a few clothes in the duffel bag I had brought from my apartment. Since moving out years ago, I hardly sleep over when I come visiting. Of course, I'm still welcome to sleepover whenever I choose to but I'd rather not. Too bad I'm here now. And with a Mrs title attached to my name. I let my hands fall to my sides and my shoulders sag in exhaustion. It's still hard to
"Let's get married".That actually shuts everyone up, even my aunt. My jaw is wide open as I stare at Mr. De Luca like he's stupid. Because he really is."Are you crazy?". I ask."Vanessa!!!!". Auntie calls out in warning. Fine we don't hold any cards here but this man is clearly mentally deranged and we can't let him have all the say. Who the hell offers to marry a girl on her wedding day?Dad storms forward. "Okay, Ellie. I don't know what you think you are doing but this man can't….."."Stay out of this, Bryan". Auntie snaps."Vanessa cannot marry a stranger!!!!".My aunt jerks her head towards the podium. "Cody was more or less a stranger anyways, and she was still going to marry him". Poor Cody. I turn back and glance at him for the first time since this drama started. He's still standing by the podium, now joined by his younger sister who glares at us hotly. His face is as red as a tomato and he looks a bit lost as he continuously glances between us and his parents. Mr. De Luca
My mouth is wide open and so is Cody's. I wonder if this is some kind of prank. I turn to look at him, the question on my tongue. "Do you know him?". Cody asks first. "That was just what I was about to ask you". I can't even help how accusatory I sound. I don't think this problem is from my side, so it has to be from his. The man walks forward confidently to the front pier where our families are seated. And that's when I see them. Aunty and Uncle. Their faces are as pale as a sheet and they are staring up at the guy as if they just saw a ghost. "Ken and Ellie. Nice seeing you two again. And here of all places". He thrusts his hands into his pocket and glances around at the hall. When his eyes land on us, he pauses and even though I can't see his eyes from behind his glasses, I can tell that he's accessing us. He lets out a low whistle. "Nice couple". He says and chuckles quietly to himself as he turns around to face my aunt and uncle. The sarcasm in his voice sends my neck and face
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