His substitute bride

Like a storm brewing, stress surged through the exquisite penthouse. Though inside it was anything but warm, the city's light passed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Loud, frustrated, angry voices fought. As her father's voice boomed across the room, Bella froze next to the doorway with her small hands holding the hem of her dress. "Bella, we have no options. Marrying Edward Blackwood will save everything I have worked for; otherwise everything I have done vanishes! Her heart plummeted. Edward Blackwood. More known for ruining company empires than for preserving relationships is the cold, unforgiving billionaire. She was being offered to him now like a pawn. "But Dad," she sobbed, tears flowing uncontrollably down her cheeks, "you know how harsh he is. How can you offer me a sacrifice to Edward? You pledged to marry Anna off to him; he even added he desired the more intelligent one. Why me today? “How dare you challenge your father!” Grace, Bella's stepmother, retorted. Her voice whipped across the room. "I always knew you were an unappreciated youngster. This one little wish and you get upset after all your father and I have done for you? You want my daughter to get married to Edward? Older one you are. You’re supposed to make sacrifices for this family—to show your gratitude! I blame your late mother for spoiling you. You are both ungrateful. Mr. Charles rubbed his temple and said crisply, "That's enough. Don't involve her mother in this." Grace gave a nauseated roll of her eyes. Bella's heart broke. Her mother had given up everything for her father, yet he stood by while his new wife ripped her apart. Ever since her mother's death, this has been her life for years. No voice, no freedom, no protection. Anna was meant to marry Edward, but she declined and threatened to either kill herself or run away if pressed. Conversely, Bella had no options. Her father and stepmother had decided on every aspect of her life. She was like a prisoner in her own family. Bella, you'll take care of this for me. Charles said coldly, "I'm your father. You have no say in this house. That's final." Furthermore, should you defy me, I will discontinue your tuition payment. Bella's body shook.Her dreams of graduating from university, of finally being free, were now hanging by a thread. The tears wouldn’t stop. And neither would the feeling that she was about to lose everything—even herself. As Bella sadly climbed the stairs to her room, Anna suddenly stopped her. “What was that pity card you were trying to play out there?” if you think Mom and Dad would listen to your useless pleas. Think again:How do you expect me to marry an old man? Anna scoffed. mind your business! Bella said, wiping her tears. *Happy married life in advance sister” Anna said with a smirk. When she got into her room, she lay on her bed quietly, trying to imagine what her life would be like after the marriage. She has never seen Mr Edward before, she has only heard and read about him from journals.Rumors has it that he is a beast in a human form, he has gotten married twice but they died mysteriously. She was frightened by all these stories that she might meet the same fate as them. Her heart was pounding as her imaginations ran wild than ever.She was finding it difficult to sleep, she tossed around the bed trying hard to clear her mind, she wished her Mom was still alive, she couldn't have been facing all this maltreatment, she thought to herself. When she woke up in the morning her eyes were puffy, she had a sleepless night.As she had cried all through the night. Just as she was lost in thought Someone knocked at the door “Who's there Bella asked?” It's me, miss Bella breakfast is ready others are waiting for you at the dining. The servant said. She dragged herself up from the bed, tied her hair in a bun, cleaned herself up and walked down the stairs with tired eyes. Mrs Grace gave her a disdainful look, as she sat on the available chair. Were you waiting for us to come and beg you before you know you are supposed to come down for breakfast? “She is acting all high and mighty,” Anna chipped in. "Table manners please," Mr Charles said as he cleared his throat and looked up. “Sorry Dad” Anna said sweetly, her voice dripping with fake innocence. she always played the perfect daughter in front of him, always trying to make Bella look worthless Bella had no appetite to eat. She was stirring at her food blankly. She looked up as her father stood up to leave.Her breath hitched as she heard her name being called by her father. “The engagement dinner is tomorrow night” He said coldly. “You’ll be there. Whether you like it or not.” And just like that, her fate was sealed. She looked down to the floor, a silent scream in her throat. Tomorrow she'd meet Edward Blackwood- The man who would soon own her life.