⭐ THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET BRIDE⭐

CHAPTER ONE — BROKEN DAY

The rain hammered the rusted roof like it was furious with the world—just like Amara’s life today. Each drop felt like a tiny accusation, reminding her of everything falling apart at once.

Her phone buzzed insistently on the wet wooden table. She already knew what awaited her before she even glanced at the screen. Her hands trembled as she opened the message:

“You are hereby terminated from your position. You may clear your desk immediately.”

Amara’s breath hitched. Another job lost. Not because she wasn’t skilled or hardworking—but because the manager had been harassing her, and she had refused his disgusting, manipulative “offer.” The bitter taste of injustice filled her mouth.

And yet, as if the universe wanted to punish her further, her landlord appeared at her gate, face twisted with anger.

“Amara! You owe me two months’ rent! If you don’t pay before tomorrow morning, I’m throwing you and your brother out!” he bellowed.

Her chest tightened painfully.

“My brother is sick… please—” she began, her voice barely audible over the pouring rain.

“No excuses!” he snapped, storming off before she could say another word.

She tightened her coat around herself and rushed toward the small clinic nearby, her heart hammering. Her younger brother, Chika, who suffered from sickle cell anemia, was weak and struggling. Each step she took felt heavier than the last.

The doctor pulled her aside, concern etched deep into his face.

“His blood count is dangerously low. He needs treatment immediately. The deposit is ₦150,000.”

Amara felt her knees buckle. She glanced at her phone, then at her nearly empty purse. ₦3,800. Barely enough to feed herself, let alone save her brother.

“I… I’ll find the money,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. The rain soaked her thin clothes, but she barely noticed. Nothing mattered anymore except Chika’s life.

She stepped out into the storm, her mind racing, when a shout pierced the air:

“Move out of the way!”

A black SUV skidded dangerously across the slippery road, headed straight for a tall man crossing the street, oblivious to the danger. Without thinking, Amara bolted forward and shoved him out of the vehicle’s path. They crashed onto the wet pavement together, water splashing around them.

Her heart thudded wildly as she looked up at him. He was breathtaking—tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, with a sharp jawline and piercing grey eyes that seemed to see right through her. He exuded wealth and danger all at once.

He sat up slowly, shock etched on his face. “You—saved my life.”

Amara shrugged, trying to mask her panic. “Anyone would have done it.”

His eyes darkened, holding a mix of intensity and something unreadable. “No. They wouldn’t.”

Before she could walk away, he gently grabbed her wrist.

“What’s your name?”

“Amara,” she replied, her voice barely steady.

“I’m Dante,” he said, each syllable deliberate, commanding. She already knew he was someone important—or dangerous. But she didn’t have time for wealthy men with mysterious eyes.

“My brother needs me. I have to go,” she said, pulling her hand away.

He frowned, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Are you hurt? I can… compensate you—”

“I don’t need compensation,” she said, voice cracking. “I just need a miracle.”

And with that, she turned and ran, leaving Dante standing in the rain, eyes dark and fixed on her retreating figure. Intrigued. Confused. And unwillingly wanting more.