Chapter 2 - Meeting the Billionaire

Dad, I already told you I don’t want to get married!” Liam shouted. Mr. James Smith’s son who was meant to marry the Millers’ daughter. 

“I want you to focus on the company,” Said Mr. James.

“This doesn't make any sense. You think getting married will make me more focused?” Liam said.

“Yes,” Mr Smith confirmed. “Now go get dressed. You’ll be meeting your future wife in a few hours.”

Liam stormed out,furious.

An hour later, the doorbell rang. The butler answered and gestured for them to step inside. The moment the Millers walk in, they find themselves in a living room that looks straight out of a luxury magazine. Crystal chandeliers hung gracefully from the high ceiling, and cream- colored sofas were arranged around a polished marble coffee table. 

“Welcome, Mr. And Mrs. Miller,” he said with a polite bow. “Mr. Smith is expecting you. Please, have a seat.”

Just then Mr. Smith walked in. He introduced himself to Emma and greeted Mr. and Mrs. Miller warmly.

“Ms. Emma, Liam will join us soon. I suppose your parents told you on why you’re here,” said Mr. Smith.

Before she could reply, Liam walked in. His hazel eyes locked on Emma, and the muscles beneath his tailored suit tensed. Liam had never imagined the girl his father wanted him to marry would be this beautiful.

“Son, there you are. Meet Emma – your  future wife. And Emma, this is Liam, my son,” Mr. Smith introduced them.

Liam laughed as he took a seat. “it’s so foolish of you, Dad, to think I’d ever agree to marry this girl.”

 Mr. Smith was stunned and deeply embarrassed by his son’s disrespectful tone. He leaned in and whispered sharply, “Watch your words – we have guests present.” 

Liam ignores his father, and turns his gaze straight to the Millers.

“Have you asked my father why he's doing this? Of course not, You only came here because of the money… Go on – ask him! Ask him!” Liam shouted.

“Liam, stop this nonsense,” Mr. Smith said.

The Millers had stayed quite the whole time, watching the father and son argue. Then Mrs. Miller tries to speak up.

“When would you like the wedding to be, Mr. Smith?” Mrs. Miller cut in. 

Emma stared at her mother, stunned. It suddenly dawned on her – this whole arrangement had been the mother’s idea all along.

“Mom!” Emma said softly.

Her mother ignored her, keeping her eyes fixed on Mr. Smith as she waited for his reply. 

“Like we discussed, in two weeks. I’ll handle  every detail. All I ask is that you bring the bride” Mr. Smith said.

“I won’t marry this girl, and you can’t make me!” Liam shouted, storming out of the living room.

“I’ll talk to him. Just be ready in two weeks,” Mr. Smith said as he walked them out.

“Oh, and Mr Grayson? I believe you’ll be in a better frame of mind by then. This arrangement will work out very well for your company – do try to keep that in mind,” Mr. Smith added before closing the door. 

Mr Grayson drove off quickly, and silence filled the car. It felt like hours before Emma finally spoke up.

“Why? Why me?” Emma cried out.

“Sweetie, you know Sophia is still just a young girl,” said Mrs. Miller.

“She’s twenty three, Mom!… And my birthday is coming up – this is how you chose to celebrate it?” Emma shouted.

The Millers exchange a look. Mr. Grayson felt hurt knowing his daughter was being married off to a man like that. After a moment of silence, they pulled up to the house – and Sophia was already waiting at the door. 

“Where have you guys been?” She said to her dad – but he ignored her and walked straight inside. 

“Sophia, not now… we’ve had a very long day” Mrs. Miller said softly.

 She followed them in, pressing further. “Why’s everyone so uptight? Is this about the Smiths? I looked them up – and their eldest son looks really good.” 

“Well… Mom and Dad wants me to marry him just because of their stupid contract,” Emma said angrily. 

“Watch your tongue, young lady!” shouted Mr. Grayson.

“Dad… I can’t believe you actually agree with this. I don’t even love him!” 

“You don’t have to,” Mr. Grayson said flatly.

Emma walked out in tears, leaving Sophia alone with her parents. 

“So… when will you get me that bag? You know – now that Emma’s getting married, I’ll need to look my best too,” Sophia said with a bright smile.

Her parents simply walked past her and went inside. Sophia was left upset and kicking herself that they wouldn’t buy her what she wanted. 

Sophia’s phone rang; the screen showed private number. She answered quickly. 

“Any news?” 

A voice spoke briefly on the other end.

“Just make sure that’s all they get,” She said –  then cut the call abruptly. 

She glanced around carefully before walking away, making sure no one had overheard her.

LATER AT THE SMITH’S MANSION

“Explain that ridiculous stunt you pulled in front of everyone!” Mr. Smith demanded, stepping right in Liam’s path.

“Dad – have you lost your mind?” 

“Liam, you do not get to disrespect me like this. My decision is final – I won’t stand by and watch my son run around with all sorts of women while he’s supposed to lead the Smith Enterprises. Do you hear me?” 

Liam couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He turned and walked straight out. The girl he was supposed to marry wouldn’t leave his mind – even though he didn’t want this marriage at all, and his parents had never given him any good reason to see it as anything else. Before his mother died, his father had been cheating on her with his assistant. The pain and stress had been too much for her; she suffered a stroke and passed away in her sleep. 

Liam just wanted to get far away from this house. He climbed into his BMW and drove straight to a bar – maybe a few drinks would help take his mind off everything. 

He ordered a whiskey on the rocks, and had already finished three glasses when he heard someone crying nearby. He turned – and saw Emma. She’d taken far too many shots. 

“So I’m not the only one upset about all this,” he said, staring right at her. 

“What do you want?” She asked, quickly wiping her tears away. 

“Tell you what… How about we head to the dance floor? Might be our last chance to be truly free.” 

Emma hesitated – then stood and followed him.

“This doesn’t really seem like your type of place?” 

“It’s not. I just needed somewhere to blow off some steam,” Emma said.

They both swayed to the music, and Emma was clearly far too drunk. Liam offered to drive her home.