THE BILLIONAIRE'S UNWANTED WIFE

Chapter 1: A Marriage Without Love (Part 1) The rain fell relentlessly over the city, washing the streets beneath the glow of countless lights. Outside Hayes Manor, reporters crowded behind security barriers, cameras flashing as luxury cars arrived one after another. It was the wedding everyone wanted to witness. Alexander Hayes, the billionaire CEO of Hayes Corporation, was finally getting married. Yet inside the mansion, there was no joy. Standing before the full-length mirror in her bridal suite, Isabella Laurent stared at her reflection. The white gown was beautiful, custom-made by one of the world's finest designers, but she felt as though she were wearing chains instead of lace. A gentle knock sounded on the door. "Miss Isabella," an elderly housekeeper said softly, "it's time." Isabella closed her eyes for a moment before answering. "I'm coming." She took one last look at herself and whispered, "Maybe one day you'll know the truth." Then she walked out. The ceremony was held in the grand ballroom of Hayes Manor. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead while hundreds of influential guests watched in admiration. To them, it was a fairy-tale wedding. To Isabella, it was the beginning of another chapter of silent heartbreak. At the end of the aisle stood Alexander Hayes. Tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed in a black tuxedo, he looked every bit the powerful billionaire the business world admired. His face, however, was unreadable. Not once did he smile as Isabella approached. When she finally stood beside him, she dared to glance at him. His eyes met hers for only a second. They were cold. So cold that they made her chest ache. The officiant began the ceremony. The vows were exchanged. The rings were placed on their fingers. When Alexander reluctantly kissed her forehead for the photographers, the applause that followed filled the room. No one noticed that he stepped away the instant the cameras stopped flashing. The reception was just as grand. Guests congratulated the newlyweds while musicians played soft classical melodies. Alexander stood beside Isabella because appearances demanded it. Nothing more. As another round of photographs ended, he leaned close enough that only she could hear. "Don't mistake this marriage for forgiveness." His voice was calm but icy. "I haven't." "You know exactly why we're here." Isabella lowered her gaze. "For our son." Alexander's expression hardened. "And because I still believe you ruined my life." Her fingers tightened around the stem of her champagne glass. Six years earlier, during a charity gala hosted by Hayes Corporation, Alexander had suddenly lost several hours of memory. He later discovered himself in a hotel suite with Isabella. Anonymous messages, manipulated photographs, and suspicious evidence convinced him she had drugged him to trap him. Before either of them understood what was happening, rumors spread, their reputations were damaged, and a pregnancy forced their families into a marriage they had never imagined. Alexander believed Isabella had deceived him. Isabella knew they had both been victims of a carefully planned conspiracy. She had tried countless times to explain. He had never listened. As the evening continued, Isabella felt someone's eyes on her. She turned. Near the ballroom entrance stood a man dressed in a charcoal-gray suit. He smiled faintly before disappearing into the crowd. A chill ran through her. She had seen that face before. Not at the wedding. But six years ago... On the very night that destroyed both their lives.