The Billionaire's Chosen Bride

Upon arriving at the international airport in AJ City, Nancy Marlon frowned, puzzled as to why her parents had insisted she return home. She was a beautiful, fair-skinned 24-year-old woman who had been studying in City X. After graduating with a degree in business administration, her father had told her, “Nancy, I want you to return home and not stay in City X.” Nancy frowned during the phone call with her father. She knew he was a politician in AJ City, and she couldn't go against his orders. So, she arrived at the airport at exactly 2 p.m., where her father's men were already waiting to escort her home. “Welcome home, Nancy,” her elder adopted brother, Matthew Marlon, said with a smile. But Nancy frowned as she walked with him to the car. She sat in the back seat and reflected on how AJ City was ruled by the popular President Nolan Alejandro and his family. The city was named after the Alejandro family, who had been in power for years, silencing any opposition parties that tried to challenge them. As Matthew started the car and drove out of the airport, Nancy's eyes fell on a gigantic billboard displaying the city president's photo. “Hmm,” Nancy hummed, noticing Matthew smiling at her through the rearview mirror. She ignored him and continued wondering why her parents had insisted she return. When they arrived home, the security guard at her father's mansion opened the huge black gate for them. Nancy watched as Matthew drove his black SUV into the premises and parked. She saw her parents standing at the front of the mansion. Her mother wore a red gown, and her father was in a black suit, with the maids lined up behind them in their blue uniforms. Nancy stepped out of the car and walked up to meet her parents. She was wearing a red top, black trousers, and high-heeled shoes. As she approached, her mother welcomed her warmly, “Welcome home, my beautiful angel.” “Good afternoon, Mom and Dad,” Nancy replied with a smile, hugging her mother. Her father added, “Welcome home, Nancy. It's good to have you back with us.” “Thank you, Dad,” Nancy said, still embracing her mother. The maids chimed in, “Welcome home, Nancy.” “Thank you all,” Nancy replied with a smile. Her mother then said, “Let's go inside.” “Okay, Mom,” Nancy agreed, and they walked into the living room together. The living room looked unchanged, painted white with beautiful flower vases around. Nancy walked to one of the seven black couches and sat down. “Home, sweet home,” she whispered to herself. Her mother stood in the center of the room, smiling sweetly at her. “Mom, what's the good news? You look so excited to see me,” Nancy asked, curious about the reason behind her mother's bright smile. Her mother, Mrs. Olivia Marlon, was a picture of beauty and grace at 51 years old, looking much younger than her age. Mrs. Marlon sat on a nearby couch and replied, “Why wouldn't I be excited? You've changed and look even more beautiful than when you left the city five years ago.” “Thanks, Mom, but I'm still the same,” Nancy said, smiling sweetly. She knew her mother was right; she had transformed since leaving for her studies abroad. Her figure had matured, with fuller curves, making her a charming and alluring young woman. Nancy was aware of how people often paused to stare at her adorable features, including her pointed nose, sparkling blue eyes, and long golden hair. Her mother loved calling her an angel because of them. “Mom, I need to go upstairs to freshen up and then join you and Dad for dinner,” Nancy said, standing up from the couch. “Okay, my dear,” Mrs. Marlon replied, admiring her daughter. She decided to wait before mentioning the arranged marriage with the president's son. Nancy smiled and headed upstairs to her bedroom. As she opened the door and entered, she saw that her room was unchanged—painted pink with beautiful flower vases around. Nancy walked to the window, pulled the curtains open, and gazed outside. She noticed three black cars arriving and parking in the mansion grounds. Men in black suits stepped out of the cars, and one opened the door of the front vehicle. A tall man in a black suit and red shirt emerged, his handsome gaze meeting hers. Nancy quickly looked away and closed the curtains. She then went to the bathroom, stripped off her clothes, and took a bath to relax. A few minutes later, Nancy stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a long white towel. She sat on her bed to cream her body, missing her family from her time in City X. Now that she was home, she decided to search for a new job in AJ City, as she wouldn't be returning to City X soon. Nancy opened her bed drawer, took out her body lotion, and applied it. Then, she picked up the TV remote and turned it on. The screen displayed videos of the president. Increasing the volume, Nancy heard the reporter say, “Good evening, citizens of AJ City. In the 4 p.m. news, President Nolan Alejandro has just won the recent election with over 50 million votes.” Nancy frowned, disliking the Alejandro family. She switched off the TV, knowing they had ruled for too long and suppressed other families. Her father was a politician in the AJ party, but she sighed and decided not to worry about politics. Nancy didn't enjoy the luxurious lifestyle her family led; she preferred a simple life for herself, her future husband, and their children. The constant security presence irritated her, especially since her return. After finishing, Nancy stood up and went to her closet. She selected a short brown gown that hugged her figure, accentuating her shape. Nancy walked to the mirror, dried her wet golden hair with her towel, and combed it to cascade down her back. As a politician's daughter, she had been raised to always look her best. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was still after 4 p.m. If only she had known the real reason her parents wanted her home, she might not have returned.