Chapter Three: The Wrong Bride

Aria's POV

I barged into the office and my father turned to me in alarm, his eyes widening when he saw me fuming as I stood by the door.

“Really? All that melancholic talk was all pretense? You just wanted to use me to get what you want?” I asked, my heart squeezing in anger and he let out a chuckle as he placed his phone down.

“It's not what you think—”

“Tell me then! Tell me what it is! I'm just a dumb child? I'm just a vessel to be used? You don't even care if I die?” I questioned, feeling betrayed and hurt and he scoffed, crossing his arms.

“Isn't it your responsibility to help the family get back on its feet?” He asked and I looked at him in disbelief.

“My responsibility? Was it my fault that you fell because you were reckless?” I questioned and he glared at me.

My eyes fell to the contract on the table and I made my way to it as I grabbed the paper before he could stop me.

“What are you doing? Drop that down this instant!” He yelled as he tried to grab me but I immediately stepped away.

“You want to use me? Consider that thought null.” I muttered as I tore that paper into shreds and threw them in the air, feeling a sense of accomplishment as the shreds fell over me.

I should have put them in their place years ago.

“How dare you!?” He bellowed, his veins popping out of his face as he pointed at me, but I simply grabbed my phone and smiled.

“Have fun getting back on your feet, Father,” I said with a smile, and he looked like he could explode.

“You—”

“Oh, and I'll probably marry the billionaire. Consider me not your daughter anymore.” I added and with that, I walked out. I heard him yelling for me to return but I was done listening to him.

I couldn't believe he tried to use me like that.

I made my way outside, ready to board a cab, when a black car stopped in front of me, and I stepped backwards in confusion. The door opened and a man in black stepped out, making me frown at him.

“Miss Aria Robert?” He called out and my eyes widened as I nodded gently. “I'm sure your father has filled you in on everything. You'll be the stand-in bride for Mr. Rosanov. You'll sign the contract with me, his secretary, once you agree.” He said, his voice stoic and I glanced at the company for a moment.

“What do I get from this deal?” I asked and he looked at me with raised brows like he couldn't believe I asked that question.

“The company is on the brink of bankruptcy, isn't it? We'll invest in your company. Plus a million dollars.” He muttered and I immediately shook my head.

“That company isn't mine,” I said and he looked at me in confusion. “If I'm going to help save your ass, I'm the one you need to make a deal with, not my dad,” I added and he stared at me for a moment before taking a step back.

“Get into the car.” He ordered and I let out a sigh as I got in. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, if I was actually leading myself to my death but it was better than being with awful people I called family.

“What do you want?” He asked and I glanced at him as the car sped down the road.

“I heard whoever marries Romanov gets half of his properties,” I muttered and he stayed silent for a moment before nodding. “That's enough. Keep your investment and a million dollars.”

“Don't you want to save your family?” He asked, and my lips curled just slightly as I relaxed into the chair.

Wouldn't it be nice to see them beg me later to help them?

“Where are we going?” I asked, and he looked irked that I had just evaded his question, but he didn't speak about it.

“To the manor. You'll be there for the next two days until your wedding with my boss.” He replied and I looked at him warily. “If you think I'm gonna kill you, you shouldn't have gotten in.”

“It's better than going back to that house,” I muttered, keeping my gaze out the window as I let out a sigh.

******************

I was kept in that manor for two days without leaving the house. It was like being caged. But I ate well for the first time in my life. And received princess treatment from maids too.

Billionaires definitely have it easy.

I heard a soft knock on my door and I raised my wedding dress to make it easier to walk to the door as I pulled it open.

“The boss wants to see you.” I heard the secretary say and I let out a sigh. Who the hell got married without showing up?

I had gone to the court this morning but apparently, my husband was too busy to make it. But he had signed the wedding documents in advance, so all I had to do was sign them. I had to put my ring on by myself and take a picture all on my own.

Should I have just run away, too? This was horrible. How would I survive like this for a long time? I wasn't free anymore.

I made my way out of the room as I followed him, remembering how my father had called me multiple times, but I ignored his calls. So did my mom and Romeo. I ignored them all. They could go to hell.

He stopped at a door and I let out a sigh as I knocked gently. I turned and the scary-looking secretary was gone. Definitely not creepy at all.

I still had my veil on so he couldn't see my face immediately. The door finally opened and I walked nervously, wondering why it was so dark.

The light suddenly came on and I squinted my eyes. I felt someone behind me and I immediately spun, turning to see who I presumed was my husband.

Jesus Christ, he was more handsome and terrifying than I used to see on my phone. He was my husband now.

Oh God.

He didn't say a word; he simply lifted my veil gently, and I swallowed the lump in my throat when he finally pushed it over my head.

The moment he saw me, he stiffened, his brows furrowed in confusion.

“You're not the one I paid for.” He muttered and my heart stopped.

He knew the truth?