Married to the Billionaire I Despised

I always believed a wedding was supposed to be a happy beginning.White roses. Smiling faces. A groom who looked at you like you were his entire world.But as I stood in front of the mirror in a borrowed bridal suite, dressed in an expensive gown that didn’t belong to me, I realized I had been foolish.This wasn’t a beginning.It was an ending.The dress hugged my body perfectly, tailored to every curve, yet it felt like a prison. My fingers shook as I adjusted the veil, staring at my reflection. The woman in the mirror looked calm, composed—almost beautiful. But behind her eyes was fear so deep it made my chest ache.I was getting married today.Not to the man I loved.But to the man who owned my future.“Amara,” my mother’s soft voice broke the silence. “They’re ready for you.”I didn’t turn. “Mama… if I walk out of this room right now, what happens?”Her breath hitched. I could hear it even without looking at her.“Your father goes to prison,” she whispered. “And we lose everything

By the time the stylist zipped up my gown, my hands were trembling.“Mrs. Blackwood, you look stunning,” she said, stepping back to admire her work.I barely heard her.The dress clung to my body like it had been designed with intention—to announce, to display, to claim. Gold fabric shimmered against my skin, elegant yet bold. I looked like I belonged in Lucas Blackwood’s world.And that terrified me.The door opened, and Lucas walked in.For a brief second, the room fell silent.He wore a black tuxedo, sharp and immaculate, his presence filling the space without effort. His dark eyes swept over me slowly, lingering longer than necessary. Something unreadable flickered across his face.“You’ll do,” he said finally.I scoffed. “High praise.”“This event is important,” he continued, ignoring my comment. “The press will be there. Investors too. Stay close to me. Smile when they smile. Speak only w

The night air hit my face like a slap as I stepped outside the mansion.For the first time since the wedding, I felt like I could breathe.My hands shook as I flagged down a taxi at the gate, clutching the small bag I had packed in a rush. I didn’t know where I was going—only that I couldn’t stay. Not in a house where I was constantly reminded that I was temporary.“Where to?” the driver asked.I hesitated. “Just… drive.”The car pulled away, the massive Blackwood mansion disappearing behind us.I should have felt relieved.Instead, my chest ached.I pressed my forehead against the window, watching the city lights blur. I had known this marriage wasn’t built on love. I had known Lucas Blackwood wasn’t the kind of man who gave his heart freely.So why did it hurt like this?My phone vibrated.Once.Twice.I didn’t need to look to know who it was.I turned it off.—Lucas Blackwood had never chased anyone in his life.People came to him. Investors. Enemies. Women. They all waited.So wh

The dinner invitation sat on the vanity like a threat.I stared at it while the stylist adjusted my hair, the words Blackwood Holdings Private Dinner stamped in elegant gold lettering. Lucas had promised it would be quiet. No press. No surprises.But nothing in my life with Lucas Blackwood had ever been simple.“You look nervous,” the stylist said gently.“I’m not,” I replied too quickly.The lie tasted bitter.When I entered the dining hall that evening, every conversation paused for half a second too long. Eyes followed me—assessing, judging, calculating. Men in tailored suits. Women with smiles sharp enough to cut glass.Lucas stood at the head of the table, commanding attention without effort. When his gaze met mine, something unreadable flickered in his eyes.Relief?Concern?He pulled out a chair beside him. “Sit here.”It wasn’t a request.I sat anyway.The dinner began smoothly—too smoothly. Business talk, polite laughter, glasses clinking. I kept my posture straight, my smile

The silence stretched too long. Cameras hovered in the air, microphones angled toward Lucas like weapons waiting to strike. Vanessa stood a few feet away, her expression calm, victorious like she already knew how this would end. I watched Lucas’s face it was expressionless. This was the moment. The moment that would decide whether staying had been worth it. “Lucas?” a reporter prompted. “Is your wife telling the truth?” He opened his mouth. But nothing came out. That pause was everything. Vanessa smiled. “Yes,” Lucas said finally. “There was a contract.” The world exploded. Shouts overlapped. Flashes blinded me. My ears rang as voices shouted paid wife, sham marriage, fraud. I felt like I was falling. Lucas raised his hand, trying to regain control. “But……..” “But what?” Vanessa cut in smoothly. “You’re going to pretend it meant something?” I turned to him, my heart pounding. “Finish it,” I whispered. “Please.” He looked at me. And for a second, I th