MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE WITH THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR

Chapter Six: A Surprising Fairytale

April gently settled onto the bed beside Marcus, a hint of a smile on her full lips. "I want to introduce you to someone," she remarked mysteriously, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus's curiosity was piqued, and he smiled back at her, drawing closer. "Who?" he asked, his eyes locked on hers.

April's smile grew, but she remained silent, teasing him with her expression. "You'll see tomorrow morning," was her reply after a while, her eyes sparkling.

Marcus's gaze lingered on hers, and he felt a pang of guilt. He knew he needed to come clean with her, to apologize for his mistakes. "April, I'm sorry," he began, his voice sincere. "I hurt your feelings, took you for granted... And I chose Julian over you," He shook his head, the words tasting bitter. "Over you, my wife." He took a deep breath, his eyes locked on April's. "I promise to make everything right. What do you say about starting over again?"

Marcus waited, unsure of what to expect. But what he didn't anticipate was April's reaction. Her eyes, which had been closed, fluttered open, and tears began to stream down her face. Marcus was taken back, unsure of how to respond. He was a master of the business world, but the sight of April crying because of him, left him feeling helpless and confused.

Suddenly, his spouse broke into a hollow laugh which was tinged with a hint of sadness. "I know you must have seen me as a social climber when I agreed to marry you," April stated, her voice laced with a mix of pain and resignation. "All it took was for your father to pay my mom's hospital bills and settle our debts, and I accepted being your wife, just like that. So it’s I who should apologize for causing trouble in your already established romantic life."

Marcus held his breath, unsure of what to say. His new bride smiled wryly, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"I don’t blame you for bringing your girlfriend with you even after you married me since it was she you originally planned to wed. So you don't need to apologize, Marcus. I truly deserve all of this. After all, I'm just a nobody, with no high and mighty background. I don't even deserve to be called Mrs. Blackwood, but I believe fate has other plans for me. No need to be sorry, alright?"

Marcus wrapped his muscular arms around April, holding her close as he tried to comfort her. He felt a pang of remorse, realizing he had caused her more pain than he had ever imagined. As he held her, he couldn't help but think about the weight of what he had unknowingly done against her.

April's words still lingered in his mind: "My mom's hospital bills..." He felt a rush of shame, knowing he had been so caught up in his own interests that he had neglected April's heartfelt struggles.

"Baby, I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice shaking with emotion. "I had no idea your mom was in the hospital. I'll take care of everything, I promise."

As Marcus spoke, he gently stroked her golden hair, trying to calm her down. But April's tears continued to flow, a testament to the depth of her pain. The young man knew he had so much to do so he could make things right, but he was determined to start anew by proving himself worthy of his wife’s love and trust.

The next morning, April walked into the dining room, expecting a warm breakfast spread, but instead, she was greeted by a table filled with dishes she didn't particularly care for. Just as she was about to call for the maids, Julian sauntered in, beaming with a self-satisfied smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood," Julian chimed, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I hope you like everything on the table. As your female companion I've taken care of your meals, drinks, wardrobe, and social events."

April's eyes narrowed as her husband’s mistress continued to smile condescendingly. "Sit down and enjoy your breakfast," Julian invited in a saccharine tone, her voice clearly patronizing.

April's anger simmered just below the surface as she called out to Lucy, who promptly appeared, ignoring Julian’s presence and went directly towards the mistress of the house. But before April was able to say anything, Julian spoke up in a haughty tone.

"Ask your madam if she needs anything else,"Julian ordered Lucy, who turned to the “other woman” with a questioning gaze.

As the blond female took a deep breath to reply, Marcus suddenly strode into the dining area, his narrowed stare scanning the tense scene.

"What's going on?" he asked, his inquiring gaze shifting between the two conflicted ladies.

April's dark eyes locked onto Marcus, her expression a mixture of frustration and annoyance. "Julian here seems to think she's in charge of my food, clothes and schedule,” April said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Julian's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Oh, Marcus, I was just trying to help April settle in and make her life easier," Julian said, her tone sugary sweet.

Marcus's eyes were now mere slits as his gaze flicked between the two women. "Julian, I don't recall assigning you any duties related to April's personal needs, have I? That isn’t something I discussed when I suggested you to be her companion, right?”.Marcus crossly remarked, his voice firm.

Julian's smile began to slip, and for a moment, April saw a flash of anger in her eyes. But her self-pronounced rival quickly masked it, her expression returning to its usual sweetness. "Oh, Marcus, I must have misunderstood," Julian said, her voice dripping with innocence.

April's eyes rolled in exasperation. She knew Julian was up to something, and she was determined to find out what.

April pushed her chair back and stood up from the table, her eyes locked on Marcus. "Dear husband, you asked if we could start over again," she said, her voice firm but controlled. "Yes, I'll allow us to start over again... and it starts with me not seeing her here when we return back home."

With that, April turned and walked out of the dining room, leaving Marcus and Julian staring after her. The tension in the room was palpable, and Marcus's thick brows furrowed further as he turned to Julian.

"I think it's time we talk about that apartment, Julian," the Blackwell son said, his voice cold and steely.

Julian's face fell, and for a second, she looked like she had been slapped. But then, her expression hardened, and she stood up, her eyes flashing with anger. "This isn't over, Marcus! Not by a long shot," she spat, before storming out back to her room.

+++

A few minutes later, after a swift limo drive to the hospital…

April's mom, Mrs. Regal Williams, was overjoyed to see her son-in-law, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Oh, Marcus, it's so good to see you! I’ve never had a son and you seem to fit the bill, seeing that you have married my only daughter," she exclaimed, her eyes shining with affection.

Marcus returned her warm greeting, and April's mom couldn't help but notice the way Marcus filled the small room with his presence. "Marcus, why haven't you visited me after your wedding…?" she began to ask, but April quickly intervened.

"Mom, I already told you. He went on an emergency business trip, remember?" April chimed in, trying to downplay the real reason for Marcus' absence.

“Oh yes, I’m sorry. I must be growing old.”

April and Marcus exchanged a look, and Marcus quickly picked up on the cue. He launched into a charming conversation with April's mom, asking her about her health and her interests while entertaining her with stories about his unexpected ‘business trip’ abroad. April watched, feeling a mix of emotions, as Marcus effortlessly won her mom's heart and trust.

As they chatted, Regal inquired, "So, when am I meeting your family?" April felt a surge of embarrassment, but Marcus quickly reassured her.

"Very soon, I promise," Marcus said, smiling warmly at April's mom. "And I'll make sure to bring the whole family. We'll have a big dinner, and I'll introduce you to everyone."

April's mother beamed with excitement, and Marcus continued, "And who knows, maybe soon we'll have some grandkids for you to spoil."

Regal squealed with intense delight, and April couldn't help but laugh at her mom's reactions. Despite the initial tension between them, Marcus had managed to charm the elderly woman, and for that, the lovely wife was extremely grateful.

After a few more delightful tales, Marcus stood up, a wide smile spreading across his smooth-shaven face. "Baby, I want to show you and mom something," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

April's eyes widened, as her interest was aroused. "What do you mean, something?" she asked curiously, searching her husband’s face for clues.

Marcus chuckled, his smile growing wider. "No need to pry, let's go. Now!" he announced, offering April his hand.

April hesitated for a moment, but Marcus's infectious enthusiasm eventually won her over. She took his hand, and he pushed the nurse’s buzzer for help so he could have his mother-in-law wheeled to the limo. As their chauffeur pressed on the accelerator, April couldn't help but wonder what Marcus had planned. The suspense was killing her!

As they arrived at the outskirts of town, the younger female’s curiosity turned to confusion. They were in Cotus, an exclusive neighborhood known for its luxurious mansions and high-end lifestyle, catering only to the rich and famous. What on earth were they doing there?

As they approached the entrance, the security guards sprang to attention, opening the gates with a warm smile. "Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood!" they chimed in unison, their voices filled with respect.

Marcus ordered their driver to go through a long winding driveway, lined with vibrant flowers that exploded with color against the lush green lawns. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft singing of birds.

As they turned a corner, a stunning bungalow came into view. The house was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with sleek lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rooftop garden that seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

April's jaw dropped as she took in the breathtaking sight. "Wow," she breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is... incredible."

Marcus smiled warmly as he watched April's reaction. "This is where Mom will be staying from now on," he announced proudly, his eyes shining with excitement. "I've arranged for maids, personal security, a driver, and of course, medical staff to take care of her every need."

April's eyes widened in shock, and she looked like she was about to burst into tears. "Marcus!" she shouted, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you... this is... this is more than I ever dreamed of!"

Regal looked like she was in a daze, her amber eyes scanning the luxurious surroundings in awe. "Never in my wildest dreams..." she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. "Thank you, my son," the aged woman stated aloud, her gentle voice trembling with gratitude.

Marcus chuckled, hugging April tightly. "I'm just glad I could make it happen," he said, smiling warmly at Regal. "You're part of the family now, and we take care of our own."

As they hugged, Regal slowly walked and looked around the house, taking in the opulent decor and the stunning views. She couldn't believe her daughter had married a billionaire heir, and that she was now a part of this luxurious world. It was a fairytale come true, and Regal felt like the luckiest woman alive.