The Billionaire's Forsaken Bride

(Lucy’s POV) "Have a drink, sweetie! It's your night tonight. Maria's scarlet lips curled into a cunning smile as her voice cut through the cacophony of the celebration. Lifting the drink that Maria had given her, Lucy laughed. As the champagne fizzed, golden bubbles emerged. "You didn’t have to throw me a party, Maria." Maria purred and slammed her glass into Lucy's. "Nonsense," she said. "My best friend is you. The best is what you deserve. Lucy drank. Then another. The cool liquid, which was pleasant with a little bitter undertone, ran down her throat. Her limbs began to warm strangely. The room wobbled. The music became hazy. She had tunneled vision. "Maria... I don't feel well. Maria grinned more broadly. "Don't worry, sweetie. Simply unwind. Have fun tonight. Lucy's tongue felt heavy as she struggled to speak. Her body became feeble. Something wasn't right, and her heart was racing with confusion. Maria's contented, smug look was the last thing she saw. Then there was darkness. Her head was thumping dully. The warm, musky scent of perfume encircled her like a cage. Lucy's eyes opened up. The globe whirled. Her body had a weird feeling. exposed. Silk blankets rubbed against her exposed skin. Where am I? A slow, deep breath next to her. A changing shadow. She felt panic hit her. Her heart stopped as she turned her head. Beside her was Bill Thomas. He put his arm around her waist. His face, at ease in slumber, was too near and too familiar. Lucy's body tensed as she took a rapid breath. No. No. No. This isn't true. This isn't possible. She had no clothes, so her fingers grasped the blankets. Her throat began to scream. Bill shifted. Blue eyes opened and closed. First, confusion. Then insight. He furrowed his brows. "Lucy?" Holding the sheet to her chest, she bounded to her feet. "What—what happened?" She trembled when she spoke. Bill's eyes grew gloomy. He also sat up and combed through his unkempt hair. "What do you mean?" Her breath became labored. "Why am I here?" Bill's steady, evaluating look moved over her. "You don’t remember?" She gave a fierce shake of her head. "No! I—I attended the celebration. Maria—" Bill's face grew stern. "Maria?" Lucy's thoughts were racing. The beverage. the lightheadedness. Maria's grin. I was set up by her. Her chest tightened with dreadful knowledge. Bill's mouth formed a tight line. "We—" he sighed. "We spent the night together." Lucy felt a knot in her stomach. "No. That isn't feasible. Unreadable, he gazed at her. "Lucy, you were all over me. You desired this. She felt sick to her stomach. "You’re lying." He clenched his jaw. "Why would I lie?" Her eyes were scorched by tears. This was incorrect. She wasn't like this. Her hands were shaking as she fumbled for her clothes. She had to leave. Right now. Bill's face was unreadable as he watched. "Do you regret it?" She zipped up her dress with shaking hands. "I don’t even remember it!" Bill was taller than her. "Then maybe you should." Her heart thumping, she turned to face him. "I don’t love you, Bill." His eyes grew icy. "That never mattered before." She gasped. A jarring tap on the door. Then—Maria's sharp, beautiful voice. "Rise and shine, lovebirds!" Lucy's blood froze. The piercing knock reverberated through the quiet. "Rise and shine, lovebirds!" Maria. Lucy felt a snarl in her stomach. Burning hotter than her confusion, rage exploded under her skin. Bill frowned as he turned to face the door. "What the devil—" Lucy didn't hold out. She rushed ahead, flung open the door— With her platinum hair dropping over her shoulders and her lips twisted into a knowing sulk, Maria stood there wearing a tight black gown. "Oh, nice. You're conscious. Lucy balled her fingers into fists. "How did you harm me?" Maria's blue eyes glitter brightly. "What do you mean?" Her look rushed between Lucy's folded dress and Bill, who was standing naked behind her, as she entered the room as if she owned it. "Did we have a good time tonight?" Lucy felt a chill go down her spine. "You were drugged by you." Maria gave a sharp choke. "Don't be silly, Lucy, my love. You may have consumed too many beers, but you were incredibly ebullient. She gave Bill a wink. Lucy's anger clouded her eyes. "I was set up by you." Maria gave a soft, deadly laugh. "Set you up? You finally took what I always knew you wanted, honey. Lucy's ears throbbed with her heartbeat. "This is not what I ever wanted!" Bill's voice broke the tense silence. "What the devil is happening, Maria?" Maria rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh, don't pretend to be innocent, Bill. This is precisely what we had in mind. Lucy stopped. The room's air became oppressive. Bill's face grew serious. "What?" Maria's sneer grew as she folded her arms. "Don't say you forgot our little exchange. Lucy was what you wanted, right? She is now yours, then. Lucy stepped back, her whole body shaking. "You... you had this planned?" Bill's mouth tightened. "I have no idea what she's discussing." Maria gave a tongue-click. "Oh, please. You claimed that you didn't want her in your path, but guess what? You're trapped with her now. Lucy's head whirled. Are you stuck? What was she trying to say? Maria reached into her purse, took out a folded piece of paper, and threw it upon the bed. "Lovebirds, congratulations. You're married. Lucy gasped. "What?" Bill reached for the paper and scanned it, his face going white. Lucy grabbed it out of his hand. Her gaze swept across the words— The certificate of marriage Her name. The name of Bill. Her heart struck her ribs hard. "No. It's a fake. This must be a hoax. Maria laughed and took a step forward. "It's okay, sweetheart. The two of you had a small wedding ceremony last night. delivered, sealed, and signed. Lucy gave a fierce shake of her head. "No! Nothing comes to mind! With a whisper of poison in her voice, Maria drew closer. "Isn't that the best part?" Lucy's hands shook. Her world fell apart, and the room seemed too small. Bill's voice was controlled and tight. "What the devil did you do, Maria?" Maria gave a shrug. "I simply ensured that Lucy received the wealth, power, and a husband who could truly care for her that she had always desired." She tilted her head toward Lucy. "You ought to give me thanks." Lucy was furious. Before she could think, her fingers were out—SLAP! Maria's smirk vanished as her head shot to the side. Her cold eyes sparked with anger for the first time. "Oh, Lucy. You'll be sorry you did that. Lucy's pulse roared and her chest heaved. "No, Maria. You will. Maria grinned once more, but her eyes were brooding. She stepped back and combed her hair. "Well, have a great honeymoon." She gave Bill a quick look. "Darling, try not to be too dull." The sound of her heels clicking faded down the hallway as she walked away. The room was filled with silence. Lucy's mind was screaming as she stood motionless. Bill rubbed his jaw and breathed. It's not real, this. We'll make it right. Lucy's eyes were blazing as she turned to face him. "Repair it? Do you believe that we can just reverse this? Unreadable, his blue eyes met hers. "Lucy, I didn't plan this." She chuckled bitterly. "However, didn't you want it?" Bill opened his mouth, but remained silent. Lucy's vision blurred with anger as her fists curled around the marriage certificate. She was stuck. married. And there was no escape for her.