The Billionaire's Contracted Bride

As the sun dipped under the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city, the future of Powell's Enterprise hung in the balance. As Nicholas walked through his father's office, his footsteps echoed through the empty hallway, each step causing a resounding echo of facial frustration. "Dad, how could you have done this to me!?" Nicholas's voice was fuming in anger, with his eyes red and a seemingly fast heart beat. "Good morning to you too. It appears you have forgotten your manners." Mr. Powell's tone was calm, though with a bit of disappointment in his eyes. Nicholas, his voice raised, exclaimed, "After all I have done for this company!? I've been here, learning the ropes, preparing to take over and now this!?” Mr. Powell remained calm but with a hint of sadness, he said "Son, please, calm down. Let's talk about this." "Talk? What is there to talk about? You've refused to hand over the company to me, and I've worked so hard for it!" Nicholas responded with his voice trembling with frustration. "I understand you're upset, but there are reasons behind my decision" Mr. Powell responded, letting out a weary sigh. Nicholas, his voice rising in disbelief, responded "Reasons? What reasons could possibly justify this? I'm your son, I should be the one to take over!" "Son, it's not just about being my son. There are responsibilities that come with running this company and part of those responsibilities include starting a family, getting married, and producing an heir to continue our family legacy" Mr. Powell said, speaking with a mix of seriousness and regret. "Wait, so you're saying ... I can only take over the company if I get married and have a child?" Nicholas responded in shock, his voice trembling. "You are absolutely right son. This is the family custom and the necessary requirement in order for you to take over the company. You need to know and understand this rule. I know this must have hurt your feelings, but this is how things have been done in our family for generations. It's not just about running the company, my son; it's about securing our family's future" Mr. Powell said, feeling sympathetic. Nicholas took a deep breath, making an attempt to compose himself, he stated "I need some time to absorb this. It's a lot to take in" "I know it's a lot to take in, so it's really not out of place to take all the time you need. Just know that whatever decision you make, I'll support you, and most importantly, don't forget that I love you son and I want what's best for you" Mr. Powell said, placing a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. Nicholas nodded slowly, with mixed feelings running through his face. He responded "Thank you, dad. I appreciate that" Nicholas felt a wave of feelings running through him, the weight of the long, heartfelt conversation with his dad weighing down on him, and he knew he needed some time to process everything. His thoughts wandered to his best friend Byron, realizing that speaking with him could help. So, he reached out to Byron, and they determined to meet up for a drink to discuss matters. *** Nicholas and Byron eventually met, while sitting across each other in the coolness of the bar’s atmosphere. To them, this was a private and comfortable location for them to converse. He took a deep breath, and began to speak about everything he had experienced during the day to Byron. His best friend Byron, being a careful and attentive listener, paid attention to every detail as he watched Nicholas pour out his heart, sharing his dilemma and hurt over his father's decision to only hand over the family business to him if he married and produced an heir. Byron, always the pragmatic one, presented a solution. He mentioned knowing someone who could help Nicholas find a suitable woman for marriage, but it would come at a steep price. Nicholas became uncertain, and pondered extremely at the thought of such a transaction. However, the more he thought about it, the greater he realized the pressure he was under to fulfill his father's expectations. After lots of contemplation, Nicholas reluctantly agreed to meet with the person Byron had mentioned. He knew the risks involved, but he still needed to fulfill his family's traditions and his desire to prove himself worthy of taking over the family business. Nicholas and Byron spoke at length as they discussed other spheres of their lives, finding comfort in each other's company. Byron promised to support Nicholas through this challenging time, reminding him that true strength comes from facing adversity. Nicholas’s heart was renewed by a determination to navigate the difficult path laid out before him. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he also knew that with Byron by his side, he would find the courage to persevere. On getting home, Nicholas found himself contemplating the weighty decision he had made to meet with the woman Byron had suggested. Even after knowing the risks and moral implications involved, he agreed to go through with it, determined to fulfill his father's expectations. *** It was sunrise, with the sun shining so bright. Nicholas stood outside the inconspicuous office building, nervously adjusting his entire outfit just to be sure he looked perfectly dressed. He had never thought he would be in this position, seeking out the services of the woman Byron referred him to. But here he was, driven by his father's ultimatum to marry and produce an heir in order to inherit the family business. Byron, his best friend who referred this woman, had assured him that she was discreet and could find a suitable woman for anyone, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be. With a deep breath and a sigh, Nicholas pushed open the door and stepped inside, ready to face whatever was ahead. Nicholas met with the woman, and explained that he needed someone to marry. She assured him that she had a candidate in mind, but she needed his personal information to proceed with the deal. As she listened to him mention his personal information alongside his family's business name, her demeanor changed. Realizing he was a billionaire, she informed him that her best candidate would cost him double the price. Nicholas, aware of the stakes, agreed to pay, especially with the consciousness of the benefits that would come after the deal was pulled through. With a solemn nod, the woman handed Nicholas a picture of the prospective bride and revealed where he could find her. The core reason of his decision weighed heavily on Nicholas as he left, understanding that his future, and the future of the family business, now rested on this arrangement. As Nicholas got into his car, deep in thought, a voice broke and interrupted his questioning. An Unknown Person spoke, "Nicholas Powell?" Nicholas noticed a man standing outside his window, and so he wound down to listen carefully to what the man had to say. Nicholas responded, "Yes, that's me. How can I help you?" The man replied, "There is something I need to tell you. Your father's decision to marry you off isn't just about tradition or business. There's something much bigger at play here, something that could change everything you know about your family." Nicholas felt uneasy afterward. He knew he had to tread carefully, knowing that he was dealing with a complete stranger, but his curiosity was overwhelming. Nicholas asked, "What exactly do you mean? The man responded, "Here is not a good place to discuss. Let's meet up someday at the old warehouse on the outskirts of town. Come alone, and I'll tell you everything.” He then stretched forth his hand and gave him a paper that contained his cell number, which he could use to reach him whenever he was ready to converse. The man then left, leaving Nicholas with greater questions than answers. He knew the risks. However, he additionally knew that whatever awaited him at the warehouse could hold the key to his future.