Married to the cold-hearted billionaire

The sharp click of heels echoed through the marble-floored hallway as Ella’s aunt dragged her toward the massive office doors. “Stop pulling me!” Ella snapped, trying to shake off her grip. Her aunt didn’t flinch. “You think life is fair, Ella? We gave you food and shelter. Now you’re repaying us.” Ella's heart pounded. She barely had time to change out of her secondhand school uniform before being shoved into a car and driven to this towering skyscraper in the heart of Lagos. Before she could protest again, the heavy doors swung open. Inside was a man who looked like he stepped out of a magazine — black suit, gold watch, a gaze so cold it burned. Leonardo De Luca. CEO of De Luca Industries. And soon… her husband. “Sit,” he said without looking at her. Ella remained standing. Leo glanced up, one brow raised. “You’re already being difficult? This will be fun.” “I’m not marrying you,” she said firmly, even though her voice trembled. His lips curled into a cruel smile. “You don’t have a choice.” A manila folder slid across the table. Inside: a marriage contract. With her name already printed. “I’m not some object you can buy!” she hissed. “No,” he replied calmly. “But your uncle owes me 200 million naira. This contract erases his debt. You sign it, or your entire family ends up on the street.” Ella’s knees nearly gave out. He stood slowly, walking toward her with silent, powerful steps. “You’ll live in my mansion. You’ll act like my wife. Publicly.” He stopped inches from her face. “But don’t get any ideas, Ella. This marriage is a deal. Nothing more. I don’t do love.” Ella looked up at him, defiant despite the fear twisting in her chest. “Then I’ll make sure you regret choosing me.” And for the first time, the cold-hearted billionaire looked… intrigued.