The Billionaire's Replacement

Emma's POV "If anyone knows of any lawful reason why this marriage should not take place, speak now or forever hold your peace." Me. I had a gazillion reasons why the marriage shouldn't take place but how could I speak when I was the bride? I briefly shifted my gaze to the congregation, not one person moved or smiled. Hundreds of eyes were solely fixated on me, some had curiosity written on their faces, Most glared at me with contempt. I lowered my gaze to the diamond ring trembling in my hand. It was too large but also too expensive, Just like the name I was about to carry. Bennett. I never imagined I would be standing here today. Three days ago, I was nothing more than a girl struggling to secure a job as a secretary to the man I was getting married to. Now? I was about to become the wife of America's youngest billionaire. Most people in my shoes would be happy but I wasn't, neither was Jeremy. Judging by the murderous look in his eyes, he'd rather marry the devil. I slowly snapped out of my thoughts. The whispers began again. "Is that really her?" "She is the replacement?" "How shameless." Each word hurt, like I was being punched in the face but the word that hurt the most was “Replacement” That was all anyone saw when they looked at me, not Emma Carter nor the woman who had spent years working herself to exhaustion. Just the woman who took another bride's place. I badly wanted the earth to open up and swallow me. I wanted to take a run for it but that wasn't an option anymore. The priest smiled politely, cleared his throat and proceeded to speak. "Mr Bennett…" As expected, Jeremy didn't answer, instead his jaw tightened and his cold gray eyes remained fixed on mine. If glares could kill then I would be dead from Jeremy's death glare. I remembered the first time I had seen those eyes. They were warm, gentle and filled with so much life. Back then, I didn't know him as Jeremy Bennett, He was just a stranger trapped in a hotel suite during a snowstorm. A stranger who made me laugh, A stranger who told me everyone deserved a second chance. Now he looked at me as if I was a pest, beneath him, not worthy of his presence. "Mr Bennett?” The priest called out in a questioning tone. Jeremy finally spoke, his voice lacked emotion, Like he was in the middle of signing another business contract. "I do." The priest nodded, his gaze shifted to me. "And do you, Emma Carter, take Jeremy Bennett to be your lawfully wedded husband?" I opened my mouth slowly but nothing came out. It was almost like I couldn't breath. This wasn't how I had imagined my wedding. There was no father walking me down the aisle, none of my relatives present, no romance. Just strangers, cameras, judgement and a man who hated me. All of a sudden, a sudden loud cough came from the front pew. I immediately shifted my gaze to that direction. It was Gabriel Beaumont, Jeremy's godfather. Our eyes met and he gave me a small nod. I quickly understood what that nod meant. It was a silent reminder to keep my promise. I clutched my bouquet tight, thinking about the odds. If I walked away now, everything I had worked for would be in vain, the answers about my father would disappear forever. I gulped a lump down my throat. "I do." Camera flashes exploded across the cathedral. The cheers of reporters echoed loudly. Jeremy on the other hand didn't even spare me a glance. He walked down the aisle without me. I had to catch up immediately. Jeremy leaned close to me and whispered “Don't mistake this marriage for affection. You are just a replacement.” My smile never wavered for the cameras. "I won't." I carefully muttered. "You'll have everything money can buy." "I don't want your money." He paused to glance at me with confusion written over his face. "Then why did you marry me?" If only he knew that question carried a lot of weight. The answer was because I didn't have a choice, his godfather promised me answers about my father's death. "It doesn't matter.” I mumbled. Jeremy's expression hardened but fortunately, he didn't press any further. The cathedral doors swung open and the roar of the crowd hit us instantly. Reporters swarmed us with questions from different directions. "Mr Bennett!” "Where is Isabella Sinclair?" "Did she leave you?" "Is Emma Carter the reason your fiancée disappeared?" "Mrs Bennett, are you pregnant?" Being addressed as Mrs Bennett made me feel uneasy and the questions made matters even worse but fortunately for me, security was around to push the crowd back. Jeremy took me off guard by wrapping an arm around my waist, obviously not out of love but for the cameras. The warmth of his hand against my back sent sudden shivers down my spine. He must have noticed because of how his grip on my waist tightened. I sighted a black limousine waiting at the bottom of the steps. We climbed inside without a single word to each other. The moment we stepped in and the door shut close, the silence became heavier. Jeremy loosened his tie. "You'll move into Bennett mansion tonight." I nodded. "You'll attend public events when required." I nodded, yet again. "Our marriage exists for one purpose." "I know." "Do you?" He snapped at me and I remained quiet. The drive took longer than I had expected but fortunately for me, Jeremy didn't bother to speak a single word to me. We eventually arrived at the mansion. My breath was taken away as the mansion rose before me like something pulled from a dream. I had never imagined a place could be this breathtaking, where every corner seemed to whisper pure luxury. Jeremy got down and I accompanied him from behind. The servants immediately bowed at our presence, I felt completely out of place. A maid walked towards me. “Mrs Bennett. I will escort you to the masters bedroom.” The maid said. I gazed at Jeremy for confirmation but he didn't care, he just kept walking. I nodded my head and allowed the maid lead me into the hallways. This place was crowded with hardworking staffs, everyone was doing one thing or the other. The maid eventually led me to a stop in front of a white door. “Everything you need is in there ma'am.” She said and turned around to walk away. At first I was reluctant but I eventually pushed the door open. The room was not what I had imagined. White roses, Champagne, A king-sized bed decorated exactly like a normal newlywed suite. Was I actually about to share a room with him? No way, he wouldn't even want that. Last I checked, this marriage was only for appearances. He probably wouldn't even enter the room. I hastily took off the heavy wedding dress and changed into the silk nightdress I found lying on the bed. I was tired and I needed all the rest I could get for the busy days ahead of me. Just as I was about to close my eyes for a brief moment, I heard a clicking noise. I snapped my eyes open immediately and stared at the bedroom door slowly opening. I gulped a lump down my throat as I watched Jeremy walk inside. He was still wearing his white dress shirt but the sleeves rolled to his elbows, his tie was gone and he looked exhausted. Jeremy quietly locked the door behind him. My heart raced extremely fast as he walked towards me. "I... I thought you'd sleep somewhere else." I stuttered, rising to my feet. Jeremy halted in his steps only a few inches away from me. His cold gray eyes met mine. Then, without taking his eyes off me, he slowly loosened the first button of his shirt. My eyes widened in shock. "W-What are you doing?" His answer was calm and emotionless. "What every husband is expected to do on his wedding night."