MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE WITH THE BILLIONAIRE HEIR

April rushed to the hospital, her heart racing with every step. The doctor's somber expression told her everything she needed to know. "I'm afraid your mother doesn't have much time left," the doctor said gently. "If we don't perform the surgery within the next few days, the prognosis is grim." April's world crumbled around her. She had been working non-stop to save up for the surgery, but it seemed like it still wouldn't be enough. She broke down in tears, overcome with grief. "No... I won't lose my mom," she sobbed. "She's all I have left after Dad passed away two years ago." As she turned to leave, the doctor called out to her. "Miss Williams, I need to speak with you for a moment." Curious, April followed the doctor to his office. Inside, she saw a man sitting with his back to them. "I'll pay for your mother's medical bills and settle your debts," the man said, his voice low and commanding. "But in return, you must agree to marry my son, Marcus ." As the man turned to face her, April's eyes widened in shock…Mr Reginald Blackwood. She has read an article about him… I felt a stinging sensation, as if my pride had been wounded. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him that I wasn't that desperate. But instead, I heard myself blurt out the words: "Alright, I'll marry him." At 20 years old, I couldn't believe that I was agreeing to marry a total stranger. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. However, as I walked away from the hospital, I realized that I would make that decision a thousand times over if it meant saving my mom. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I thought about her lying in that hospital bed, fighting for her life. I realized that I would do anything to give her a chance to survive, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marcus’ POV I slammed my fist on my desk, seething with anger. How could Father do this to me? I am a grown man, capable of making my own decisions. Yet, he'd gone behind my back and arranged a marriage for me. I thought about Julian, sleeping peacefully in my bed. We'd just made love, and I'd promised to marry her. But now, Father's meddling had ruined everything. My family's business was a global empire, and I'd always dreamed of inheriting it on my own terms. But Father's actions had thrown everything into chaos. I couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. Who was April Williams, and what had driven her to make this desperate decision? I seethed with anger, still trying to wrap my head around the situation. How dare she? How dare she agree to marry me, a complete stranger, without even knowing me? Did she think I was some kind of prize to be won? My anger simmered just below the surface as I thought about the audacity of this unknown woman. Who was this April that she would even think that she could just marry into my family, the Blackwoods? I couldn't believe Mom had agreed to this arrangement. And I couldn't believe this Williams girl had accepted it. She’s either desperate or crazy. Or maybe even both! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ April’s POV I sat in the car, drumming my fingers impatiently on the armrest. Hours had passed, and I was still waiting for Marcus to arrive. I couldn't believe he'd asked me to come to the airport to pick him up. Who did he think he was, anyway? Glancing around, I took in the row of expensive cars lined up beside us. Ten luxury vehicles, all here for Marcus's arrival. I felt a twinge of unease, but I refused to be intimidated. I wasn't accustomed to this lavish lifestyle, but I wouldn't let Marcus think he could keep me waiting indefinitely. Just as I was starting to lose my patience, a sleek black jet taxied down the runway, its engines roaring as it came to a stop. My heart skipped a beat as I realized Marcus had finally arrived As the jet door swung open, a handsome man emerged, his chiseled features and piercing eyes leaving me breathless. Wow, he is hot! I couldn't help but stare, my eyes drinking in every detail of his ruggedly handsome face. He was followed by a stunning woman, her curves hugged by a sleek black dress that accentuated her voluptuous figure. Her hand was wrapped possessively around his arm, and I couldn't help but notice the spark of ownership in her eyes. Together, they walked towards me, their confident strides eating up the distance. I felt a flutter in my chest as Marcus's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my appearance. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marcus’ POV I stepped out of my private plane. I wasn't expecting to be impressed by April's appearance. Yet, I dare say it: she was stunning. Her beauty was undeniable, with a face that could easily grace the covers of top fashion magazines. It was truly a pity, though. My heart already belonged to another - Miss Julian Edelman. I had already promised to marry her, and I intended to keep that promise. But for now, I had to play along with this arranged marriage. I would let April know her place and make it clear that my heart belonged to someone else. She was merely a means to an end. A scheme for me to inherit my family's business empire. Not that I needed it, but my father’s health is getting worse and as his eldest son, I need to do what needed to be done. After a year, we would divorce, and I would be free to marry Julian. April would be well taken care of financially, and we would part ways amicably. I gazed at April, my eyes narrowing slightly as I assessed her. She was beautiful, but she was also just a temporary obligation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ April’s POV Marcus's gaze pierced through me, his eyes blazing with disdain. He didn't bother to hide his displeasure, his voice dripping with contempt. "Let's get one thing straight: this is an arranged marriage. Don't expect any kind of affection from me, is that clear?” He turned to the woman beside him, his fingers caressing her wrist in a possessive gesture. "Meet Miss Julian Edelman, my lover and the only woman in my life. She will be living with us and you can make use of her expertise in high society because it looks like you will need it.” I felt my blood boil as Marcus spoke, his words dripping with contempt. How dare he! I was already sacrificing my happiness to save my mom, and now he was acting as if I was at his beck and call? Julian's smile was sugary sweet, but her eyes gleamed with malice as she glanced at me. "Darling, you're too kind," she charmingly crooned as she returned her attention to Marcus. She then turned back to me, her gaze raking over me like I was dirt. "Looking at you, I can tell you're from the gutter. I'll make sure to teach you how to be presentable so that you won't disgrace my sweetheart’s image in public.” Her eyes then lingered on my clothes, her lip curling in distaste. "And don't worry, I'll make sure to accompany you to public events. Someone has to show you how to behave agreeably with the elite, as well. I took a step forward, my eyes blazing. "Let me tell you something, Marcus. I may not have your wealth or your privilege, but I have something you'll never have: pride! And I won't let you or little miss treat me like some kind of charity case." He ignored me by rudely interrupting, “You need to introduce Julian to my father as someone you trust to handle your personal needs. Possibly as a female adviser?” he suggested mockingly. “Whatever! If that is what you want, I will do just that,” I firmly remarked, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Marcus raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise on his face. "Good,” he responded, then passionately kissed Julian. Their deep kiss lingered, their lips locked in a continuous, desire-filled embrace that seemed to stretch on forever. I watched them, feeling a pang of discomfort and anger rise within me. This was the man I was supposed to marry, and yet he was openly displaying his affection for another woman. I felt like a third wheel, an unwanted intruder in their little love bubble. After the kiss, Marcus turned back to me with an attitude of someone enjoying what he was doing. "And I want you to be the happy wife," he reminded me. "Don't disgrace my family's image and reputation with any sort of drama." I laughed at his words, biting back my derisive response. Instead, I smiled sweetly and nodded. "Of course, dear husband," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm. Marcus's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer to me. "I'm glad we understand each other, April," he countered, his voice low and menacing. "Remember, you're nothing without me and my family's name. Don't forget that." I stood my ground, my eyes locked on his. "Don’t worry, I won't forget," I retaliated, my voice resolute. Surprisingly, Marcus and Julian didn’t have a comeback to my answer. I cleared my throat, trying to break the awkward silence. "Shall we get going?" I asked. Marcus pulled away from Julian, his eyes never leaving hers. "Yes, of course," he huskily said. "Let's go." I smiled sweetly at Marcus, playing the part of the cheerful wife. "Of course, darling.” As I was about to enter the open car, Julian's hand shot out, grasping my arm and pulling me back. "Don't forget, I'm in control here," she hissed, her eyes glinting with hostility. "You're just a wife on paper, so get ready to play that role." I turned to face her, my eyes flashing with fury. "And you're just a mistress, don't forget that, b***h," I spat, my voice low and deadly. With fierce determination, I shook Julian's grip off my arm and slid into the car, taking my rightful place beside Marcus. I wouldn't let anyone talk down on me or diminish my worth. I am going to be Mrs. Marcus Blackwood and I deserve respect, even though I know that I’m a rejected bride.