Wedded to the Merciless Billionaire

Chapter Three

Six months later

Natalie jolted awake from another nightmare, her heart pounding in her chest. It had been six months since the accident that took her baby and shattered her world. She still couldn't shake the grief or the pain. The days blurred together in a haze of sorrow and regret.

Her room was dimly lit by the early morning sun peeking through the heavy, dark curtains. The rich, mahogany furniture and the soft, plush carpets added a touch of warmth, but Natalie felt no comfort. The scent of lavender from the diffuser mixed with the faint aroma of the tea Bianca had brought earlier, creating an odd blend that only heightened her unease.

Despite the facade of normalcy she tried to maintain, Natalie's nights were haunted by nightmares and her days by an aching void. She often found herself standing at the window, lost in thought, wondering if she would ever feel whole again. It was in this fragile state that Bianca stepped in, offering a lifeline that seemed too good to be true.

Asher was in jail, thanks to Bianca's investigation. She had discovered his involvement in gambling and drug dealing. Natalie had felt like a fool for falling in love with him. Yet, putting Asher behind bars hadn't eased her pain.

Natalie longed for her late father's presence. She wished she had listened to his warnings about Asher. Her beliefs about love were destroyed, leaving her feeling empty and lost.

Bianca entered her room with a cup of tea. She wore a tailored black dress, her hair perfectly styled, exuding an air of authority and elegance. "Here you go, dear," she said gently, her voice unusually soft.

Natalie managed a small smile. Bianca had been caring for her since the incident, a stark contrast to the disdain she had shown before Natalie's father died. Bianca's sudden kindness felt strange, almost suspicious, but Natalie was too tired to question it.

"You know, first loves often don't work out," Bianca began, sitting beside her on the edge of the bed. "My first love betrayed me with my best friend. It was devastating, but I had to move on. Your uncle Jasper came into my life and healed my heart."

"I miss Father," Natalie sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "He would be so disappointed in me. I want this pain to go away."

"A broken heart can only heal if you open it up to another person," Bianca said softly, her eyes filled with a mixture of empathy and something else Natalie couldn't quite place.

Natalie pondered this for a moment before nodding. Maybe Bianca was right. Maybe she needed to let someone else in to heal.

Bianca introduced her to a man named Philip. He was tall and handsome, with kind eyes and an easy smile. He wore casual, yet stylish clothes, always looking relaxed and confident. Over time, he helped Natalie forget Asher. They spent time together, going for walks in the garden, visiting quaint cafes, and watching movies. Philip was sweet, kind, and funny, always knowing how to make her laugh. She found the peace she had been seeking.

Months later, Philip proposed, wanting her to be completely his. He took her to a beautiful spot in the garden, surrounded by blooming flowers and the scent of jasmine in the air. The setting sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange. Natalie felt conflicted but decided to trust Bianca's advice to heal her heart. Philip slid a simple yet elegant ring onto her finger, his eyes filled with genuine affection.

Bianca helped with the wedding preparations, inviting many guests. On the wedding day, the mansion was abuzz with activity. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Flowers adorned every corner, their sweet scent mingling with the aroma of gourmet food being prepared in the kitchen.

Natalie stood in her dressing room, looking stunning in her wedding dress. The dress hugged her perfect figure, the white lace intricate and delicate. The makeup artist had done an excellent job, making her look beautiful. Her long, dark hair was styled in soft waves, framing her face perfectly. Nervousness churned in her stomach as she anticipated marrying Philip.

"Where's my aunt?" she asked the makeup artist, her voice tinged with anxiety.

"She's in the room down the hall," the artist replied, adjusting a loose strand of hair.

Natalie nodded and made her way there, her heart beating faster with each step. Her hand reached for the door, but she overheard Bianca's voice.

"Make sure Natalie doesn't meet the lawyer until this is over. She can't know her father entrusted his wealth to her," Bianca was saying.

Confusion furrowed Natalie's brow. Wealth? She peeked through the keyhole and saw Bianca talking to her assistant, Jake. Jake was a tall, muscular man with a stern expression, always shadowing Bianca like a loyal dog.

"Philip is doing a great job winning that tiny b***h's heart. I can't wait for Natalie to bear his child. The wealth will transfer to the child, and I'll have control," Bianca chuckled wickedly, her eyes glinting with malice.

"And what about Natalie?" Jake asked, his voice low and cold.

"We'll kill her," Bianca replied, her tone ice-cold.

Bianca's kindness felt like a double-edged sword. She was attentive, almost too attentive, and Natalie couldn't shake the feeling that her aunt's motives were not entirely pure. Small things—like the way Bianca's eyes glinted with something unreadable when she thought Natalie wasn't looking—kept her on edge. Now, her suspicions were confirmed.

Natalie staggered back in shock, her mind reeling. How could she have been so foolish? Bianca had always been cunning. She had to leave immediately.

"Are you finished with Natalie? Where is she?" Bianca asked the makeup artist as she entered the room.

"Yes, ma'am. She said she was going to meet you," the artist replied, looking puzzled.

Bianca frowned, her eyes narrowing. "Is she not here? Maybe she went back to her room. I'll take you to her."

Bianca exchanged a glance with Jake before following the makeup artist. Jake looked tense, his usually relaxed demeanor gone. Opening the door, their eyes widened as they realized Natalie wasn't in the room.

"Did she overhear everything?" Bianca's eyes widened in panic. She turned to face Jake, her face twisted with fury.

"Find her. Any mistakes, and I'll kill you," she said through gritted teeth, her voice deadly.

Jake nodded and pulled out his phone to call his men, his hands shaking slightly. Bianca stood frozen, her fists clenched. Her plan couldn't be ruined like this. She wouldn't allow it.

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

The morning sun streamed through the expansive windows of the opulent Los Angeles penthouse, casting golden rays on the marbled floors. In the midst of luxury, a woman stirred beneath silk sheets, blinking away the remnants of sleep. Her eyes landed on the man who had occupied her night. He sat at the edge of his king-sized bed, his presence as imposing as the skyline beyond the glass.

Dangerously handsome with chiseled cheekbones and a muscular physique, Dominic embodied perfection. His aura was almost otherworldly, like a demigod descended from the heavens. To be in his bed felt like holding a treasure beyond value.

"Hey, Mr. President," she purred, shifting closer, her hand reaching out.

But Diego's voice cut through the air like ice. "Get out. Your deed is done here." His rich, deep tone was colder than the Antarctic, sending a shiver down her spine.

She had almost forgotten who he was: the billionaire beast. Ruthless, dark, mysterious—Dominic's very presence screamed danger, warning all to think twice before crossing him.

"Do I need to repeat myself?" He turned slightly, his piercing gaze freezing her in place. Her heart skipped a beat. Hastily, she dressed and fled the room.

Dominic exhaled, his jaw tightening as he remembered the significance of the day. Moments later, his phone rang. The screen displayed "Skye."

"Congratulations, Mr. President! I'm so happy for you!" Skye's voice was annoyingly cheerful.

Dominic pinched the bridge of his nose. "It seems you don't need that tongue of yours, Skye."

Skye chuckled. "I was just teasing you, bro. It's finally your wedding. This still feels like a dream. I can't wait to meet your bride!"

"f**k you," he cursed, ending the call. He exhaled and muttered under his breath, "Damn it."

His grandfather's illness had forced his hand. The old man had threatened with his deathbed wishes, leaving Dominic no choice but to marry. His aunt had promised to find a suitable woman, and now he was bound to fulfill this duty.

Dominic Kingston was a man of many layers. Born into wealth and power, he had always lived under the shadow of his formidable grandfather, a titan in the business world. His grandfather's recent illness had forced Dominic to reconsider his priorities, leading him down a path he had never wanted to tread: marriage.

The wedding was to be a small affair, just family, with a simple signing of papers and a priest to seal their union.

Dominic’s heart pounded as he adjusted his tie in the grand dressing room, its ornate mirrors reflecting his anxious expression. The room was adorned with luxurious fabrics and rich, dark wood furniture, a testament to the wealth and opulence surrounding his family. Just then, Skye burst in, his face etched with worry.

"We have a problem. I received a call that the bride had an accident on her way here," Skye announced, breathless.

Dominic frowned deeply. "What!" His grandfather would be arriving soon, and this news could worsen his already fragile health.

"Find her. You should go alone, don’t involve anyone. The old man shouldn't find out," Dominic ordered, his voice tight with urgency.

"What! I don't even know what your bride looks like. You forbade me from seeing her face," Skye protested.

"That's because I know you'll find her and say nice things about me, which I'll find annoying and then kill you," Dominic said, his eyes narrowing.

"Argh... you know me too well. Should we inform your aunt about this?" suggested Skye.

"That woman will be coming with the old man. Do as I asked and find her yourself. We don't have time; the wedding will be starting soon. You know where the accident happened, so go there. She must be dressed in a white gown or something," Dominic instructed.

"I can't believe you," Skye shook his head and stormed out.

Meanwhile, Natalie sat in a corner of a small park, unnoticed by most people who were busy gossiping about the bride still in her wedding gown. The park was a tranquil place, with tall oak trees providing shade and benches scattered throughout. Natalie’s dress, once pristine, was now stained and torn. She had nowhere to go and could only pray that her aunt wouldn't find her. Her eyes caught a small bruise on her knee from falling during her escape. Sighing, she rested her head against the cool, rough bark of a tree.

A sleek black car drove by and then reversed. The window rolled down, revealing Skye’s relieved face as he saw her. He quickly got out and ran towards her.

"Are you Sophia?" he asked, his voice urgent.

Natalie looked up at the stranger in a fine suit, her eyes wary. Skye noticed the bruise on her knee. She must be the one, but why was she alone without any guards?

"Are you Sophia Blake, the one getting married to Dominic Kingston today?" he asked again.

Sophia’s heart skipped a beat at the name. Dominic Kingston? The most powerful billionaire in the city? Sensing an opportunity, she replied, "Yes, I am." She decided to seize the chance. "I'm Sophia, the one getting married to Dominic Kingston."

Skye exhaled in relief. "Oh. I hope the accident isn’t too serious. Can you still walk well? Dominic doesn’t want anyone to know that you’re hurt or something."

"Ah, I'm perfectly fine. Let’s go to the wedding," Natalie quickly stood, wincing slightly.

"What about your guards?" Skye asked, his brow furrowing.

"They... um... they died in the accident," Natalie lied, regretting it instantly as Skye’s eyes widened in shock.

"Get into the car. We don't have time to waste," Skye said, urgency in his voice.

As soon as their car departed, another vehicle arrived at the scene. Jake stepped out, accompanied by men in black suits. His eyes scanned the area with cold precision.

"Search for her, don't you dare stop until you find her," Jake ordered, his voice icy.