MARRIED TO A RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE

CHAPTER 1

Eve Smith's world was turned upside down when her mother, Lucy, presented her with a shocking proposal.

"Eve, I have something important to discuss with you," Lucy said, her voice trembling as she sat beside Eve on the couch.

"You know how your father's business struggled before he passed away?" Her voice was shaky as she knew what she was about to say would break her heart.

Eve nodded, feeling a familiar pang of sadness.

"Well, he made an agreement with Mr. Sebastian Reynolds, his business partner, years ago, after he lended him money for a business investment, that if he couldn't pay back the money after 15 years." She coughed before saying the hard words.

"You would marry his only son, Charlie. They both agreed, and it was signed." She said presenting the documents to her as her hands were shaky wondering what Eve's response would be like.

Eve felt a wave of fear wash over her. She had always dreamed of falling in love and choosing her own path, not being forced into a marriage with a stranger. "Mother, please," Eve begged, trying to reason with her. "There must be another way. Can't we just sell the house or something?" Lucy's expression softened, but her voice remained firm. "I'm afraid not, Eve. The debt is too large, and Charlie Reynolds is not a man to be trifled with. We'll lose everything if we don't honor the contract."

Eve slumped back in her chair, feeling defeated. She couldn't believe her father had put them in this situation. "When do I have to marry him?" Eve asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "The wedding is set for two weeks from now," Lucy replied, her eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry, Eve. I know this isn't what you wanted."

Eve felt like her world was crashing down around her. She couldn't believe her father had made such a deal, and now she was paying the price. "Two weeks?" Eve repeated, trying to process the short timeline. "That's not enough time!" Lucy nodded. "I know, but we have no choice. We'll have to make the best of it."

Eve stood up, feeling a sense of determination. "I won't do it," she said, her voice firm. "I won't marry some stranger just to pay off a debt." Lucy's expression turned stern. " Eve, you have to. We'll lose everything if you don't." Eve shook her head. "I'd rather lose everything than marry someone I don't love."

Just then, the doorbell rang. Lucy got up to answer it, revealing a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes. "Hi, Charlie Reynolds," Lucy said, her voice trembling. "Welcome." Charlie walked in with his bodyguards, his presence commanding attention.

Eve's heart skipped a beat as Charlie's eyes locked onto hers. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he spoke. "Hello, Eve. I see you're beautiful, just as I like my ladies to look."

Eve's eyes turned red with anger and frustration. How dare he! But before she could respond, Charlie began to pace around the room, his eyes never leaving hers. "I must say, I'm impressed," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined." Eve felt a surge of anger at his words. How could he be so callous?

Charlie stopped pacing and turned to face Eve. "I know this isn't what you wanted," he said, his voice firm. "But I'm afraid it's too late for regrets. The agreement is clear. You will be my wife, as long as you can't pay off the debt."

Eve felt a chill run down her spine as Charlie's eyes locked onto hers. She knew she had to think fast, or she would be trapped in a loveless marriage forever.

But before she could respond, Charlie dropped a bombshell. "Well, our wedding won't be in two weeks anymore," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. He couldn't wait any longer; he needed Eve all to himself. "It's going to be tomorrow."

Eve's eyes widened in shock. Tomorrow?! She couldn't believe what she was hearing. And then, everything went black.

Eve's eyes fluttered open to find herself in her bedroom, her mother hovering over her with a worried expression.

"Eve, Oh, thank goodness you're awake!" Lucy exclaimed. "You fainted!" Eve tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her. She fell back onto the bed, her mind racing. "Tomorrow?" she repeated, trying to process Charlie's words. "He can't be serious!" Lucy nodded. " I'm afraid he is, Eve. And we can't do anything about it."

Eve felt a surge of anger and determination. She couldn't let this happen! But before she could plan her next move, Charlie's voice echoed from downstairs.

"Eve, we need to talk." Eve's heart skipped a beat. She hesitated, unsure if she was ready to face Charlie again. But something about his tone made her curious. She got out of bed and made her way downstairs, her heart pounding in her chest.

Charlie was standing in the living room, his eyes fixed on her. His expression was calm. "Eve, I know you're struggling with this arrangement," Charlie said, his voice firm and commanding. " But let me make one thing clear: I'm in charge here. You'll do as I say, and you'll do it with a smile. "

Eve felt a surge of anger at his tone, but she couldn't muster the courage to speak up. She felt small and powerless in front of him.

"But...but I don't want to marry you, I don't even know you are just meeting you for the first time" she stammered, trying to sound serious. Charlie sneered.

" You don't need to be scared of me. I am everything you need. You would be happy living with me in my mansion. You'll do what's best for your family, even if it means sacrificing your own happiness. " Eve felt a sting from his words, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She felt trapped and helpless.

"I won't marry you," she whispered, but her voice was barely audible. Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I think you will," he said, his voice dripping with confidence.

"You'll do exactly as I say, or suffer the consequences." Eve knew she was no match for Charlie's power and authority. She knew she had no choice.

"Fine," she spat. " I'll do what you say. But I'll never be happy about it." Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Happiness is irrelevant. What matters is that you fulfill your obligations to me and to your family." Eve felt a sting from his words, but she knew she had to agree. "Okay, I'll do it." she said softly in a sad tune.

Charlie smiled, his eyes glinting with triumph. " Excellent. I knew you'd see things my way." Eve knew she was trapped, and she had no idea how to escape. "Now, let's discuss the details of the wedding. It's going to be a grand affair, with all the high society in attendance," Charlie said as he sat down crossing his legs. Eve's heart sank as Charlie began to outline his plans for their wedding.

"And one more thing," Charlie said, his eyes glinting with amusement. " I have a special surprise planned for you on our wedding day. Something that will ensure you never forget who's in charge. Something that will make you never want to run or risk losing everything."

Eve's heart skipped a beat as Charlie's smile grew wider. She felt a shiver run down her spine. What did he have planned? And how could she possibly escape?