Beauty and the Billionaire

CHAPTER 3

OPHELIA'S POV

I couldn't say yes to this man. I knew nothing about him. Who was he? Where did he come from?

“Listen, Ophelia," Alex said, interrupting my silent thoughts. His voice dripped with arrogance. "Let's get one thing straight. Whoever threw you overboard did so with the intent to kill. They wanted you dead. And if they find out you're alive, they'll finish the job. What I'm offering you is a lifeline. You should be grateful."

Grateful? I almost laughed in his face. Grateful that my life had been turned upside down? Grateful that my own step-sister and ex-fiancé had betrayed me in the worst possible way?

I desperately wanted to tell him to eat s**t for what he just said. But, no. I held my tongue.

"You don’t know s**t about what happened," I shot back, my voice shaking with anger. "And you won’t, not from me."

Alex raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by my defiance. "Suit yourself. But remember, you owe me now.”

He studied me for a moment, probably expecting some kind of reaction. When I gave him none, he continued.

"You'll be staying at one of my apartments on the island. My team will bring you some clothes. And tomorrow morning, first thing, you're signing the contract."

I accepted defeat. He was right: if Ryan found out I was alive, he would only come after me again. I wondered the story he would be telling people, maybe that I drowned at our engagement party.

“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth. “I’ll do it. But don’t think for a second that I trust you.”

“I don’t expect you to,” he said, standing up. “Trust is earned. And so is freedom.”

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes, something almost like respect. But it was gone as quickly as it came.

He turned to leave. "I'll send someone with the clothes. Get some rest. You'll need it.”

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving me lying there, seething.

The door clicked shut behind him, and I let out a shaky breath. I had to keep it together. I had to think about what I wanted—revenge. Ryan and Veronica had ruined my life, and now it was my turn.

***

The next morning, I was awoken by a soft knock on the door. A woman entered, carrying a pile of clothes. She didn’t say a word, just set them down and left.

I dressed quickly, the fabric feeling strange against my still-damp skin. The clothes were simple but elegant—clearly, Alex had a certain image he wanted to maintain.

A car was waiting outside to take me to the apartment. The ride was silent, and the driver did not even glance at me once.

I stared out the window, my thoughts racing. What had I gotten myself into? But I knew the answer. I had no choice. This was my only way out.

When we arrived, the driver escorted me to the door and handed me a key. "Mr. Alex will see you shortly," he said before disappearing.

The apartment was beautiful—modern, sleek, and completely impersonal. It felt like a cage, despite its luxury.

I wandered through the rooms, trying to shake off the feeling of being trapped.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I opened it to find Alex standing there, a folder in his hand.

"Ready?" he asked, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

"Do I have a choice?" I muttered, taking the folder from him.

"No," he said bluntly. “But let’s make this clear. This is a business arrangement. You help me, and I'll keep you safe. But step out of line, and you’re on your own.”

I nodded even though I knew nothing. Why would he want a wife so desperately? And why couldn't he find someone he truly liked?

But I had no answers and he was going to provide them, not from the look of things.

We drove to his office in silence. When we arrived, Alex led me to a conference room. I felt scared with each step I took.

Alexander scrutinized me from across the polished mahogany table, his eyes cold and calculating.

“Have a seat.”

I sat there, staring at the white walls of his office, feeling a mix of anger and desperation roiling inside me. The cold leather of the chair gave me no comfort, matching the icy demeanour of the man standing before me.

Alex was tall, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. He had a way of making you feel small, insignificant, like a bug he could squash under his expensive shoe.

“Ophelia,” he began, “this contract outlines the terms of our marriage. Every clause, every stipulation is here for a reason. You need to understand what you’re signing.”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “I get it, Alex. Just give me the damn pen.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my impatience. “Not so fast. Let’s go through the key points first.”

I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Fine. Go ahead.”

He opened the contract and began to read. “Clause one: This marriage will be in name only. There will be no physical or emotional intimacy unless mutually agreed upon.”

I snorted. “Like I’d ever want to be intimate with you.”

He ignored my comment, and continued, “Clause two: Both parties will maintain their independence and privacy. Neither will interfere in the other’s personal affairs.”

“Good,” I muttered, feeling a bit of relief. I didn’t need him prying into my business.

“Clause three: Any public appearances must be coordinated and executed as a unified front. We need to appear as a loving couple.”

I rolled my eyes again. “Great, an Oscar-worthy performance.”

“Clause four: Financial obligations and benefits will be shared equally. You will have access to my resources, and vice versa.”

“Just what I always wanted,” I said sarcastically, “to share my nonexistent fortune.”

Alexander’s lips twitched, but he continued without missing a beat. “Clause five: Any breaches of contract will result in severe penalties, including but not limited to financial restitution and legal action.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. “Severe penalties?”

“Yes,” he said, his tone deadly serious. “If you had any intentions the run away, delete it from your plans. Don't f**k up.”

I took a deep breath. “Alright, I understand.”

He handed me the pen, his eyes never leaving mine. "This is the contract," he said, pushing it towards me. "You can go through it if you want. Read it carefully."

I picked up the contract, my hands trembling. The terms were clear—The bastard was offering me a lifeline, but it came with chains.

I wanted to spit in his face. But I needed him. I needed this chance to claw my life back, to make Ryan and Veronica pay for what they did to me.

I signed the contract, the pen feeling heavy in my hand. When I looked up, Alex was watching me, his expression unreadable.

"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Drake," he said, and smirked.