Helena Cole, daughter of poor gardener Nicolas Cole, is forced into a contract marriage with Alexander Stone, the new CEO of Solara Helixia. Helena, who has always lived a quiet life, feels trapped in the marriage, but soon discovers that Alexander is not the cruel and heartless man she had believed him to be. As Helena and Alexander navigate the treacherous waters of their families' bitter feud, they begin to develop feelings for each other. However, their love that begins to build as a result of sharing the same roof is forbidden, and they must keep their relationship a secret from their families, lest they face the consequences. For Helena, the only family property left for her father would be taken away. Meanwhile, Nicolas Cole and Alexander's mother, Isabella Stone, continue to plot against each other, determined to destroy the other's life and property. As tensions between the two families escalate as Nicholas Cole fights to take back what is rightfully his. Helena and Alexander find themselves caught in the middle, struggling to keep their love alive while their families wage war against each other, she gradually navigates from being a weak young lady to a strong and powerful woman. Even though Isabella keeps oppressing Helena's father; he was determined to fight till his last breath. Helena and Alexander must make a choice that will change their lives forever. Will they choose love or family loyalty? Will they later Find out the main reason for their arranged marriage? Will they find out the secrets behind the deaths of Mrs. Cole and Mr. Stone? Will the internal enemies and obstacles behind all the troubles in their relationship be exposed? Find out in "AGAINST THE TIDES", a gripping and steamy billionaire romance novel that will leave you breathless until the end.
View MoreHelena's Pov
Wait!
What?
"No way. that's not gonna happen".
I snapped.
"You can't possibly shove that man into my face like I'm still that three years old. I am an adult now and I can choose whoever I want to marry, not him".
Jeez-
I spoke angrily as I paced the large living room back and forth and when I got in touch with the little pillow that had fallen off one of the sofas I kicked it off causing it to land heavily on the flow behind the door. I have a mind of my own and don't like being coerced into doing something that's not going to deprive me of my happiness.
I am the only daughter of a well known gardener in town. My father was a man in his middle age who had worked as a gardener for twelve years in the Stone's mansion. We have always lived the quiet life we wanted and had not many privileges at our disposal but my father's decision to introduce me to an arrogant man as a wife was something I considered to be disruptive to my personal life.
My father Nicholas Cole obviously didn't care if I was going to be happy in the marriage or not after all, it would last for just two years and when the contract is over we would go back to our normal lives. But to what end?
"This is a joke-"
I paced the room, taking in short heavy breaths as I imagined my life outside my father's little house on this farm.
"Look, Helena, this is not going to take so much from you, all you need to do is agree to marry him, that's all".
"Really-dad? That's all that matters to you right? The money you could get from it? What about my happiness? Have you thought about that?" I inquired.
"Baby you know I have your happiness as priority but this is going to help our family for generations to come even after i am long gone".
"It's a two year deal, no strings attached." he said casually.
He continued.
"You agree, we fix a date for the wedding and that's it."
"Yeah! it's so simple for you to say because you're not the one being signed out to be with a man you do not love". I replied frantically.
"Watch your tone young woman", he barked at me.
"Of course". I responded coldly.
"Well, I am not going to marry him". She made it crystal clear to her dad that she was never going to get married to an arrogant, self-centered, ruthless, chauvinistic and philanderer like Alexander Stone. Everyone in town knows him for his numerous escapades with women he barely knew.
"Why Helena? Why can't you do this little favour for Daddy, we might lose everything if you don't marry him".
"I turned to face my father in shock.
What did you say?
"You heard me the first time Helena, we'll lose everything I have ever suffered for. And you know this land is all we've got."
"So this is what all this is about right?" I queried as tears began to form in my eyes.
"It's about the money and the land, you don't care about my happiness ".
"But I thought you had a crush on him before now". Her father asked.
"Yes, and that was a long time ago even before I found out he's an arrogant beast".
I had always had a crush on him when we were much younger. I usually followed my dad to their mansion to trim the flowers and mow the lawns until he traveled to England for studies and got back a few years later with a nasty attitude and personality. He used to be all nice and fine but that has changed. Still fine maybe but he is definitely far from being nice to anyone around him.
He's the only son to the wealthiest man and now he's the sole heir to the fortune his father has for him. He is the wealthiest man yet so bossy. His title has taken a toll on him; he would walk on the world ;like he made everything that ever existed on the surface. The most annoying part of it is that useless title he adds to his name each time he introduces himself in a social gathering title. She could get freaking mad when people refer to him as a "Tiger ''.
When he finally returned after finishing his studies, he certainly wasn't the same man she had crushed on some years back. He has become so cold and stone-hearted that he is not even concerned about anyone's feelings. He is only concerned about himself, his money and his family name. That's all that matters. Once I was among the team hired to serve the guests at a business conference organized yearly by top wealthy men. I had gone early with her colleagues to the meeting and just after Alexander had finished his self appraised speech.
I walked over to the other end of the room to greet an old high school friend of hers who had just come into town with her father for the same conference. I was walking towards my friend's table with the few glasses of wine I was to serve them since it was time for the meet and greet. I knew absolutely no one in the meeting except for Alexander's family and my old time friend and I couldn't possibly start introducing herself to the men in the room because I wasn't being paid for that.
Soon I collided with Alexander and the wine spilled over my white T-shirt, he stood right in front of me and flashed a smirk, then looked at me as though it was my fault he didn't watch where he was going. He then checked his expensive suit for stains of wine then walked away without apologizing or even trying to check if I was hurt. He acted like I didn't even exist.
I used her side eye to survey the few guests around me to see if they noticed what had just happened and I caught a handful of them gazing at me directly. I walked away in shame and went back to my seat at the back of the hall.
He's so cold and mean for a man his age. I despised him from that day so much that when I hear someone mention his name it makes me want to go mad. The thought of him creeps my heart, blood rushes to my brain and I instantly forget everything.
"Helena....Helena...are you even paying attention to what i am saying?"
My train of thought was broken when my dad held my arms.
"Oh! i'm so sorry dad i was a bit carried away by my thoughts"
"What's your take on it? Look, I know very well that you two are totally opposite, but remember that the opposite attracts but you two can pretend to be married for just two years till we get what we want. I'm not asking you to fall in love with him, in fact it's going to be against the contract, you go into the family for two years, we get what we want and you're out.
"No dad i can't".
"What's the big deal Helena? not every marriage is about love and you know these things".
I gave my father a stern look, clearly he isn't even ready to understand my point, all that matters to him is money, his land and his so-called family inheritance.
"My marriage to your mom was arranged even though it wasn't because her family wanted to gain anything from it but love blossomed and we had you. The only precious thing she loved until her demise". God bless her soul, he said after a long pause.
"You see", i cut in
"Well, in this case I'm not asking you to fall in love with Alexander, just marry him for two years,when he gets his title as the top lead you can opt out. That way we could get a little money from them to pay our debts and also keep the land, that's all I ask. Please.
"Look dad, I can't, I'm sorry".
"I'm dying, Helena and I only have a few more years to live". He told me.
I froze, not sure if I heard my Dad correctly.
Die?
No!
No one is dying again.
"I have first stage Leukemia", he informed me without looking at my direction.
Not again!
I began to sob.
ALEXANDER'S POVMy eyes shot open at 6:00am as usual. I didnt have to look at the clock to know if it's 6:00am. I've always had the urge to wake up once its 6am and it has always been accurate. I took the duvet off me, slide out of my bed and began my daily routine beside my bed. My pillows perfectly alligned and carefully laid on the bed, shelfs pulled, tight ,and my duvet folded just right. I nodded to myself when i saw the finished outcome. I walked over to my bathroom for the next chapter of my morning routine, it was a ritual i never missed; i brushed my teeth, washed my face and showered. I grabbed the outfit i put together last night and got dressed in it. My hair and makeup are always the last on my list as i do not want any colours or powders spilling on my dress. I wore my dress shortly after and took my time to do my makeup so it's out finely each time. I nodded at the superb job and examine it on the mirror dresser. I finished my look with a high ponytail, and heels whic
HELENA'S POVWe thanked the doctor and left. By the time we got back to the ward. Zayn's breathing was already going back to normal. All of this was my fault because he was sweating heavily during most of the lights. I had thought that it was only normal to keep up the A/C although I try as much as I can to regulate it when it's getting too chilly. Zayn always had beads of sweat on his head and so I adducted the no woody method for him, unlike his Identical twin Zahir who never had sweat and was always calm even when the heat it much.loved my boys and maybe after these experiences, I would know just how to observe and even care for another child. This was my very first attempt at ever being a mother.Uuh! I stretched my legs as I sat on the bed."Are you okay?" Alex asked with so much concern in his tone. He held my legs and massaged me a bit."Do you need some ice cream or chocolate?""Ice cream?" No –no way. I'm not taking anything cold this season till my boys are grown". I infor
HELENA'S POVI woke up to our wedding pictures flying all over the internet. I was happy my name was mentioned. My father's name. Has now been known in the town and beyond. I felt the sudden surge of wanting to be more influential. I managed to creep myself out of bed. I was not going anywhere today. The several hours of standing and dancing on a yacht in the middle of the sea were now telling me badly. My entire feet hurt the moment I woke up.I searched around the bed and didn't find Alex. We had agreed to leave the boys with Bella so Alex and I could have some time to ourselves. Just as I was about to go into the bathroom to check for h I heard soft sullen music.Orchestras Singing:Someone to kissSomeone to missWhen you're awayTo hear from each dayTo be loved to be loved (to be loved)Oh what a feelingTo be lovedSome wish to be a king or a queenSome wish for fortune and fameBut to be truly truly truly lovedIs more than all of these thingsSomeone to kissSomeone to miss
HELENA'S POVAlex and I continued to dance. We swerved in the same rhythm for about fifteen minutes after taking our vows. This was an awesome moment for me. I knew life would be much easier and smooth now that we have done things the right way. Alex was hard-working and I too gradually grew into a great woman. For my company at least a year I should be able to boast of twenty to twenty-five employees. I had a few contracts I needed to close after the entire celebration."Have I told you you are beautiful?" Alex asked him. His hands were on my waist."Do you mean today?" Yes,"Well, you haven't told me that today"."Helena Alexander Stone".I blushed. My cheek burned. I pressed MY cheek against his chest. I felt warm and protected in the arms of my own man. "So, what now?""What do you mean now? HE asked as he chuckled. He paused and stared into the crowd."Are you expecting anyone?" "Not exactly"."You the last time we got married an enemy showed up so I was just checking to see i
HELENA'S POVTwo weeks later I had suddenly become friends with my best friend's girlfriend Cherry. Cherry would be the sister I never had. She did everything with professionalism and the fact that she would be my best friend's wife in a few months makes me want to draw her to me forever. We've had a few dinners at home together and she has always helped with picking out the best decor and designs we would use for my big day. I have known her only a few weeks but I must say that she is truly an angel. Gabriel needed a woman like her around him. She is so re-spirited and loving that I wished she was my friend from the very beginning. She sure knows her job and does it with so much enthusiasm. "With the way you vibe so much with your event planner, one would think you too have been friends from Genesis" Alex had told me on one of the days I was so excited talking about how good she is with her job and how I couldn't wait to see all she was going to do at the wedding. I envisioned the d
HELENA'S POVTwo months later we left the hospital. Kayn and Zahir are already four months old. Our Wedding is in less than two weeks. Alex had told me he wanted to set me up to be a boss on my own before we took the vows. "That's my little way of saying I can't love you less" he had told me a few weeks ago.My eyes shot open at 6:00am as usual. I didn't have to look at the clock to know if it's 6:00 am. I've always had the urge to wake up once it's 6am and it has always been accurate. I took the duvet off me, slid out of my bed and began my daily routine beside my bed. Alex was already in the bathroom so I had to wait for him to finish. My pillows were perfectly aligned and carefully laid on the bed, shelves pulled tight ,and my duvet folded just right. I nodded to myself when I saw the finished outcome. I walked over to my bathroom for the next chapter of my morning routine.Alex was out in no time."How do you feel on your first day?" He asked."I'm happy and grateful to have you
HELENA'S POVI slept off on Alexander's chest. This has got to be the most horrible night of my life. I was exhausted by the time the sun hit my face from the window. Baby Zahir was awake too. He gave me a welcome smile. I pinched his little cheeks softly and then I suddenly remembered that we had spent the night at the hospital. Alex was awake all through. I was sure he was finally swept off by sleep at the very nearly hours of the morning after being a strong watch to me and the kids. On this part, I was vulnerable and soft. I could barely take good care of myself and talk more about adding extra humans to my list. My hair was a mess. Erect like grasses of the field the strands stood. "Good morning my love," Alex said and kissed me on the cheek. "Good morning baby" I kissed back. Then I realized I had been sitting on his lap for a long time. I got up and proceeded to check Zayn a bit. To my greatest surprise, the young man was fully awake. He has changed mine for today I don't k
HELENA'S POVWe thanked the doctor and left. By the time we got back to the ward. Zayn's breathing was already going back to normal. All of this was my fault because he was sweating heavily during most of the lights. I had thought that it was only normal to keep up the A/C although I try as much as I can to regulate it when it's getting too chilly. Zayn always had beads of sweat on his head and so I adducted the no woody method for him, unlike his Identical twin Zahir who never had sweat and was always calm even when the heat it much.loved my boys and maybe after these experiences, I would know just how to observe and even care for another child. This was my very first attempt at ever being a mother.Uuh! I stretched my legs as I sat on the bed."Are you okay?" Alex asked with so much concern in his tone. He held my legs and massaged me a bit."Do you need some ice cream or chocolate?""Ice cream?" No –no way. I'm not taking anything cold this season till my boys are grown". I infor
HELENA'S POVI managed to stay calm. With Bella by my side, I was sure I would be strong through the process. She held baby Zahir while I paced the private room back and forth waiting for the doctors to come with feedback or something we can hold as the sole cause of this sudden illness. We've been in the hospital for about forty-five minutes. Alex showed up just in time. I was holding my little boy's hand when he pushed the door softly and peered his head into the room. He searched it to be sure he was in the right room before coming in. I took in a deep breath of relief and walked over to him. I buried my head in his chest as he hugged me. His cologne, a scent I was already used to replenishing my nostrils left me with a sense of protection and hope. I was more than happy he had shown up even though the results of the numerous tests would be available.Thank God you're here". I told him. He quickly ran his hands on my shoulder and kissed my head."I ran here as soon as a store call
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments