The Billionaire Heir's Forbidden Bride

The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread drifted through the hallway of the modest Rhodes family home, eventually finding its way into Arabella's bedroom. Arabella slowly opened her eyes,For a few quiet moments, she stayed snuggled beneath her blanket, listening to the familiar, comforting sounds coming from downstairs—the gentle clinking of plates, her mother's soft humming, and the deep, warm rumble of her father's voice. Then, a sudden shout shattered the peace. "Arabella!" She groaned, pulling the blanket tight over her head to block out the noise. "Arabella! If you're still sleeping, I am coming up there!" Her eyes instantly widened. "Amelia!" A burst of mischievous laughter echoed from the stairs. Arabella threw the blanket aside and hurriedly swung her bedroom door open,Her younger sister Amelia stood right outside with her arms folded, a wicked grin plastered across her face. "You are so annoying," Arabella said. "And you are incredibly late." "It's Saturday." "Exactly. Which means you promised to help Mum." Arabella sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I forgot." "You always forget." Amelia turned and headed back downstairs, leaving Arabella shaking her head with a fond smile. Despite their constant bickering and teasing, Amelia was the person Arabella was closest to in the world. Growing up, they had shared absolutely everything—clothes, secrets, fierce arguments, loud laughter, and dreams. By the time Arabella made her way down to the kitchen, her mother was already setting the final breakfast dishes on the table. "There she is," mr Hankston said with a warm smile. Arabella walked over and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Good morning, Dad." "Good morning, my beautiful daughter." Mrs Elena looked up from the stove and smiled warmly. "Eat before everything gets cold." Arabella took her usual seat right beside Amelia. "Why does everyone act like I never eat?" Amelia laughed, passing her a plate. "Because you always forget to." Mr Hankston shook his head, looking fondly at his daughters. "Your mother and Amelia worry about you way too much." "Because she works too hard," Mrs Elena replied gently. Arabella smiled softly to herself. Working as an event planner certainly wasn't easy. She routinely pulled long, exhausting hours and days organizing weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events. Sometimes she returned home completely drained, but she genuinely loved what she did. It was her dream. Amelia leaned in a bit closer, lowering her voice. "Are you getting paid well?" "Amelia!" Arabella laughed, nudging her sister. "What? It's an important question." Mrs Elena smiled from across the table. "Your sister is right, sweetheart. You should make sure people appreciate your work." "I do." Her father reached across the table, his hand gently squeezing hers. "We're proud of you, Bella." Those simple words touched her heart more than her father would ever know. Arabella looked around the breakfast table at her parents, her sister, and the cozy room. They didn't have everything money could buy, but she had never once felt poor when she was surrounded by them. Suddenly, her phone buzzed loudly against the table. She glanced at the screen and saw the name flashing: Valerie. Arabella couldn't help but smile before picking up. "Hello?" "Finally!" Valerie’s voice boomed through the speaker. Arabella laughed. "Good morning to you, too. I'm having breakfast." "You mean Amelia finally managed to drag you out of bed," Valerie teased. Arabella shot a glance at Amelia, who was already laughing. "Don't start." Valerie giggled on the other end. "Anyway, I called because I have something to tell you." "What?" "I found another job for you." "Another one?" "Yes. And this one is big." Arabella’s smile widened, her pulse quickening. "Tell me everything." "That would be after you are done," Valerie replied playfully. Across the table, Amelia watched her sister with pure amusement. She knew that look. Whenever Arabella talked about work, her entire face changed. She looked happy. She looked alive. After hanging up the phone, Arabella set it down next to her plate, her heart racing with anticipation. "Valerie found me another job," Arabella announced proudly. Elena smiled at her daughter. "See? Your hard work is paying off." Arabella nodded happily. She didn't know it yet, but that phone call would eventually lead her into a world she had never imagined. A world filled with wealth, secrets, hatred... and a love that would change her life forever.