THE BILLIONAIRE’S OBSESSION

Chapter 3

Amelia

"Hello, Amelia. Remember me?” The strange but familiar voice asked.

"Who am I speaking with?” I pondered regaining my composure.

"Meet me in ten minutes at the hotel bar you were at last week" the voice ordered and hung up.

I stared at my phone in wonder. Who could this be? I thought. This was the wrong time to play games. I had to find solutions to the arising problems I faced in the company. I grabbed a fistful of my hair, contemplating when my phone beeped from an incoming message.

'This meeting would be very crucial for the growth of your company. Ensure to be there.' the message from the unknown number r******w, the person got my attention. I quickly gathered my belongings that were on the table into my handbag and dashed out in a hurry.

"Cancel my appointment for the next three hours." I informed my secretary on my way out.

"Yes, ma'am."

I got into my car and drove off heart racing. I gripped the sterling so hard. My thoughts were a fuzzy jumble. Who could my host be? And what did he want? His voice was oddly familiar but I could not place my hands on where I had heard it.

I finally arrived at the hotel. It stood out in grandeur. The walls were cladded in floor to ceiling windows. It screamed elegance and sophistication. I was immensely grateful for what I settled on wearing, which was a red chiffon blouse paired with a straight black skirt which stopped just below the knee. I settled for a black stiletto heels because it complimented what I wore.

I walked through the revolving doors and my mouth fell open at the interior decor. Everyone was bustling with activities so I made my way to the hotel bar and found a good spot close to the window with a perfect view of the city.

I pulled out my phone and texted the number. 'I'm here.' I pressed send and placed my phone on the table. I made a quick sweep of the surroundings with my eyes. I signalled a waiter and ordered water to drink while I waited for my host.

Five minutes later, a tall man walked to my table and sat down as I stared in confusion. "I'm the one you're here to see." He offered to clear up my confusion.

"Oh, welcome." I said awkwardly.

"So, you wanted to see me?” I picked my fingers subtly under the table to keep them from shaking.

"Yes, I have a proposition for you." He said and placed a file on the table. "Open it."

I reached out hesitantly and took the file. Still staring at him, I slowly opened the file and brought out a document. My eyes widened in shock as I saw the contents of the documents.

"This is a marriage contract?” I said but it sounded like a question. "Yes, it is"

"What for? I asked and I felt realisation hit me hard when I remembered his face. He was the guy I met at the party here the other night.

"It's you. Again." I said in realisation.

"What do you want from me?!”

He chuckled and responded. "I think I've already made that clear enough."

"Why me?” I asked in retort. “I already made it clear that I wasn’t interested. You could have any other woman. And you barely know me.”

"You're wrong. I know all about you Amelia. I know that you're the only child of your parents, I know you are not in a relationship. I know about your father's heart condition. I know your father's company which you manage is in a state of bankruptcy. I know everything about you, Amelia. Everything." He breathed out, the word ‘everything’ holding a lot of weight as he stared me down.

I regarded him closely. He was a fine man. With those looks, he could easily win the most handsome man in New York, even the world. He had blue eyes that looked like you were drowning in the ocean when you stared at them. His lips were the perfect blessed cupid bow. His long lashes and full brows made his face more handsome.

I brought my attention back to the situation at hand. I read through the document on the table. The document had a set of rules. No Kissing when having s*x. I scoffed internally, like I wanted to kiss him. It Said that he was going to pay off my debt and gain ninety percent shares in the company which automatically made him the CEO. I raised my head, my eyes sending daggers his way.

"Why are the rules absurd? It's my father's company, so why do you get ninety percent." I asked

"Well, because that's how business works." He responded dryly. “Plus it looks like you need a lot of help keeping your business in line, I’m a successful businessman as you may already know.” He added with a tinge of pride.

"Do you even care about me? Or am I just a tool you intend to use whenever you want? I asked, with my voice heavy with emotions as I stared into his eyes, in search of answers.

"I want you, Amelia. Right now, that is all that matters to me." He said staring right back at me.

“Fine, but I have conditions. I’ll retain my position as the CEO, you’ll help me but the company will still be in my father’s name, I can’t help worrying about how it would make my dad feel if he found out about all this.” I gestured between both of us.

He looked lost in thoughts for a while then agreed eventually.”

“Deal.”

“Let’s get married.”

****

"Amelia! You're going to be late on your wedding day." My mom and best friend, Jade called out.

It was already a week after I met with Caden Miller, one of the most successful billionaires in New York. And agreed to be his wife by contract. My parents were unaware of the contract. I decided to keep it a secret because I did not want them to feel guilty for not being able to take care of the company. My best friend, however, was aware of the whole situation. She did not agree with it at first but later warmed up to it and advised that I look on the brighter side. I remembered what she had said to me.

"Are you sure about this Mel?” She asked, her voice heavy with concern.

"I'm not sure but I have no other choice, Do I? I either get married to him or lose my father's company." She was not satisfied with my response but dropped the topic.

Michael on the hand did not take it well. He stormed out in a fit of rage when I told him. I haven't seen him since then. I hope he was okay. He was acting weird but I didn’t want to think too much about it.

I stared at the reflection in the mirror who stared right back. I gasped. I took my breath away. My wedding dress was simple but elegant . Its silhouette flowed gracefully from my stomach to the ground. It had long sleeves and a V-neck which showed a little cleavage. I applied my favourite shade of red lipstick on my lip. I had natural lashes, so I did not bother wearing artificial lashes. My hair was done neatly in a bun. I looked down at the stiletto silver shoes that accentuated my feet.

I was giving up everything, was I ready for this? Was I ready to be a billionaire's wife? Ready or not. Today was my wedding day, I might as well play the part.

I walked out and my mom gasped. I watched as she let the tears from her eyes fall freely. This made me smile. My mom was a big softie.

"Hi mom,"

"Amelia... I can't believe you're getting married. My sweet little girl from yesterday." My mom said as she held me in her arms. I chuckled.

"Where's dad?

"He's downstairs waiting. Come'' she held my hands and led me to the stairs. I winked at Jade

who was already in tears. Hand-in-hand with my mom, the rhythmic soft click of my stiletto resounded across the hall.

I met my dad downstairs on a wheelchair. I felt my eyes watering. "Hi, dad" I bent over and kissed him on his cheeks.

"My precious daughter, I'm so proud of you." He said which brought me unexplainable joy. It felt good to hear my dad say that.

My mom pushed the wheelchair while I worked beside them and toward my soon-to-be husband. He glanced at him, he was already staring at me with an unfathomable look in his eyes.

I had a sharp intake of breath when I gave him a once-over. This man was gorgeous. He was cladded in a beige body fitted suit. His built arms were evident through the suit. He stood with confidence like he commanded the world around him, maybe he did.

I finally got to him and whispered. "Hello." I said nervously.

He nodded back in response. My lips curved in a frown, did I do something wrong or was this guy naturally a jerk.