The Billionaire's Rebellious Bride.

Elena stood outside the grand gates of her grandfather's estate, her heart pounding with anxiety. She had never been one to ask for help, especially not from the man who had cast her and her mother aside years ago. But desperate times called for desperate measures. With a deep breath, she pushed open the gates and walked down the long gravel driveway, her heels clicking against the stone. The mansion loomed ahead, its opulent facade a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within Elena. Inside, her grandfather sat in his study, surrounded by mahogany furniture and priceless artifacts. His stern expression softened slightly as Elena entered, but there was still a coldness in his eyes that sent a shiver down her spine. "Elena," he said, his voice gravelly with age. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Elena swallowed hard, steeling herself for what was to come. "It's my mother," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "She's sick. The doctors say she needs treatment, but we can't afford it." Her grandfather's gaze hardened. "And why should I care about your mother's health? You made your choice when you left this family to be with that... man." Elena flinched at the mention of her father, a man her grandfather despised for reasons she could never fully understand. "Please," she begged, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'll do anything to save her." Her grandfather studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, finally, he spoke. "There is a way you can repay your debt to this family," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "But it won't be easy." Elena's heart sank. She knew there would be a catch. "What is it?" she asked, bracing herself for the worst. "You will marry Audios," her grandfather declared, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "He is a wealthy man, powerful and ruthless like myself. He has agreed to provide the funds for your mother's treatment, but only if you become his wife." Elena's breath caught in her throat. Audios was infamous in their social circle, known for his cutthroat business tactics and complete disregard for anyone but himself. The thought of spending the rest of her life with him made her stomach churn. "But there is one condition," her grandfather continued, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You must wear white on your wedding day, as is tradition." Elena's heart sank even further. She had always dreamed of a fairy tale wedding, surrounded by friends and family, with her mother there to see her walk down the aisle. But now, those dreams were shattered, replaced by a bleak reality she could scarcely comprehend. She nodded numbly, her mind reeling with fear and uncertainty. "I'll do it," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll marry Audios." Her grandfather's smile widened, revealing yellowed teeth that seemed to glint in the dim light of the study. "Good," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You start tomorrow. Audios will be expecting you." With that, Elena turned and fled from the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway like the tolling of a funeral bell. She knew that her life would never be the same again, that she was entering into a marriage of convenience with a man she despised. But for her mother's sake, she would do anything. Even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness in the process.