Signed To Be The Billionaire Bride

Isabella’s POV Isabella, you can’t just walk away from the kitchen.” Aunt Jessica’s sharp voice cut through the air as she snatched my phone from my hand. I stopped typing, my reply stuck in my throat. “Aunt Jessica, I was only trying to…” “No. I don’t want to hear it,” she cut me off, setting the phone on the counter like it was a weapon. “You think this is the time to be texting? Government officials are coming today. We haven’t paid our taxes in months!” I rubbed my temples and sighed. “I know. But I couldn’t just sit back and pretend everything was fine. The diner has been running at a loss for weeks. And you know… this place is Dad’s life’s work. I can’t just watch it sink.” Aunt Jessica’s face softened for a second, then hardened again. “And what do you think I’m doing? Giving up? No, Isabella. But exhaustion is eating me alive.” “I know, Auntie… but you also know things have been rough since Dad’s accident. I barely made it through college, only to end up jobless. The bills are piling up. Dad’s surgery needs to happen. The rent is overdue. The taxes are choking us…” My voice cracked, my lips trembling. “I can’t think straight anymore.” “Are you going to cry now?” Filipe teased from the counter, tossing flour like it was confetti. “Because if you do, I swear I’ll laugh. We haven’t had customers in days. They’re all running to fancy places downtown. This place needs a full renovation, more staff, new menus if only you’d let me fix it all” “No, Filipe,” I said firmly, cutting him off. “You’ve done enough for me already. I’m not dragging you deeper into this mess.” His jaw clenched, but he didn’t push. I tied my hair into a ponytail, forcing my voice steady. “Let’s just focus on work.” After grabbing my keys and checking my empty credit cards, I left the diner. The lump in my throat was almost too big to swallow. Everything was sinking fast, and I had no idea how to fix it. The landlord’s office smelled of dust and coffee. “You’re late, Miss Montenegro,” Mr. Carter snapped, leaning back in his leather chair. “And before you start with another sob story don’t.” “We’ve never owed you before, sir. You know that. Things have just been” He threw up his hands. “Yes, yes, your father’s in a wheelchair, your sister’s in school, the restaurant’s failing, your cat died what’s the next tragedy? A meteor hit your backyard?” I exhaled. “Fine. I lied about Lucifer dying.” His secretary snorted behind him. “Wait you named your cat Lucifer? And then expected sympathy?” “I didn’t know what else to say,” I muttered. Mr. Carter shook his bald head. “Child, may God help you, but that rent must be paid in full. No extensions. I’m not Santa Claus I don’t do charity.” “I just need a little more time” “Door. Now,” he ordered. I left with nothing but frustration and headed straight to the hospital for Dad’s medication. By the time I got home, my pockets were empty. “Good evening, Papi,” I said softly, bending to kiss his forehead. “Oh, Isa… I’ve been worried,” he said gently. “I just had some things to handle. I’ll try to be home for dinner next time.” From the kitchen, Alejandra appeared, arms crossed. At eighteen, she was full of dreams I couldn’t afford to fund and opinions I didn’t always want to hear. “Alejandra,” I called. “Can we please talk? I don’t want us to keep fighting.” She scoffed. “Not after you made me feel like I’m selfish. Like I’m not a good daughter just because I don’t understand your pressure.” “You *don’t* know what I’m going through,” I said, my voice tightening. “You don’t know what it’s like to carry the burden of” “Good to know Dad and I are a burden to you, Isa,” she snapped. “We never begged for your help.” “Say that again, Alejandra!” My voice rose, my eyes stinging. She didn’t flinch. “You’ve paid the bills since Mom died and Dad’s accident, but the diner’s failing because of *you*. Dad can’t get his surgery because of *you*.” Her words hit like a slap. “So it’s all my fault? I’ve given everything my blood, my joy, my happiness and it’s still not enough?” Tears spilled over. “What do you want from me? Do you want me to die for this family?” “That’s enough, Isa! Alejandra, to your room!” Dad’s voice thundered. “But, Papa” “To your room!” She stormed away, slamming the door. Dad looked at me, pain in his eyes. “I know what you’ve sacrificed, You are my pride. If I die tomorrow, I’ll still be proud that you are my daughter.” “No, Papi. I don’t care what it takes I won’t lose you.” We held each other, both crying quietly. I didn’t know how, but I knew one thing giving up was not an option. ### Lucian’s POV “Monroe Legal Group has been hosting several seminars lately…” the PR manager droned on. The conference room door slammed open. My youngest brother, Lucas, stumbled in, fumbling with his tie. “I-I’m sorry. I had uh things to take care of,” he mumbled, sliding into his seat. Mom’s eyes were full of disappointment. My own temper flared instantly. “You’re late, Lucas,” I said coldly. “I overslept… had some things to” “Always an excuse,” I cut in. “You let procrastination ruin every chance you have to prove your worth. You’re a Monroe, aren’t you? Start acting like one. It should be the staff coming in late, not you.” The room went silent. “This meeting is over,” I snapped, standing. “And I don’t want Lucas in any meetings for the rest of the week.” Chairs scraped back as everyone rushed out. Lucas stayed behind for a moment, looking like he wanted to say something. “Oh, don’t utter a word just leave,” I said, pointing to the door. He hesitated, then turned and walked out. Mom stayed behind. “Lucian, you’re the CEO, not a dictator. You can’t treat your brother like” “He’s an employee at Monroe Legal Group. What makes him different from anyone else?” “He’s your brother,” she said firmly. I straightened my cuffs. “Then he should set an example. In fact I will notify my secretary Alissa to make it a month’s suspension, not a week.” Her voice rose. “Lucian Monroe, what the hell did you just say?”