Playing By My Billionaire Husband's Rules

2

“At the office?” I immediately texted as I gathered my things. I made a mistake, I should have gone to the office yesterday instead of ruining my life by having this stupid one-night-stand.

An address of a hospital displayed at the text. My eyes widened, thinking of different possibilities of why he could be there, except the actual one. He looked healthy the last time I saw him.

Getting there, the situation was another thing. He looked weak to the bones as he laid on the bed.

I blinked my eyes rapidly as I rushed towards him. “Daddy, what happened?”

My father was struggling to turn his head towards my direction when his personal assistant who stood by his bedside filled me in.

“Miss Benny, your father had a heart attack when he learnt of the company's bankruptcy.”

“How?” My lips quivered.

“Apparently, all the investment failed and right now only a partnership can survive the company.” Elijah explained, shaking his head in agony. He had to be sad, because the company going bankrupt meant that we were all losing our jobs… the realization made my heart sink.

I held my father's arm, they felt still. “Daddy, are you sure it's just a heart attack?” I asked, worried sick as my eyes darted between Elijah and my father.

“I think the doctor said something about a surgery also—”

My heart beat drowned the rest of Elijah's statement.

“How much will it cost?” I found my voice.

“My daughter, forget about me for now.” He said calmly and I shook my head. Before I could speak, he managed to hold a finger.

Amongst my raging thoughts, I focused on every word that left his mouth.

“You have to save the company.” His words held desperation, like it was a dying wish.

“You're not dying and we're saving the company together.” I looked into his eyes as I held him.

“The ball is in your court my dear. Right now we want one option.”

“What's that? Listen, I'm going to do everything to make sure we get back on our feet.” My father's company was the most precious thing to him because he and my late mother spent years building it.

“You have to get married.”

My brows furrowed and the whole world stilled for a moment. “To who?” I whispered.

“Robin Blackwood.”

“I'm sorry my daughter but you have to help us, the company, your mother's treasure.” It wasn't a command but a desperate plea. Agreeing to this would instantly make father feel better about all the terrible things happening.

I didn't know this strange man but I would marry him if it meant the company's safety.

My chest tightened, a lot had happened in the space of twenty-four hours but I found the voice to give my father my word. “I'll do it.”

****

Before the day of the marriage, I didn't have the time to do any research on my husband. Knowing him beforehand would not help lessen the ache in my chest so I busied myself with taking care of my father in the hospital.

The days moved past in a blur and finally, the D-day came. The marriage wasn't what I envisioned it to be so I put in less effort in my appearance.

“I wish your mother was here?” I listened to my aunt speak wistfully while I looked at myself, my eye bag visible under the mild makeup.

“This wouldn't have happened.” I said, my voice thick with emotions.

“I know this isn't what you wanted but your father explained everything to me and honestly this is the best and safest option.” She explained, patting my shoulders and staring down at me with pity.

“It's okay Aunt, we should start getting ready to leave.” I gave a small sad smile.

***

“Maybe you could file for divorce later on.” My aunt whispered as we sat in the courthouse, waiting for my groom. His lateness irked me already but I was too exhausted to complain.

“Hmm.”

“There he comes!”

I jerked my head towards the direction of the door, my eyes catching sight of the handsome man in a perfectly tailored suit and neatly trimmed hair.

Robin Blackwood. The man from the other night.

My heart pounded in my chest as our eyes met. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes but he quickly looked away.

“Isn't he lovely?” My aunt cooed.

I didn't respond. My cheeks flushed the embarrassment of the previous night as he marched towards me with graceful strides.

“We meet again.” Robin acknowledged with a rather indifferent disposition.

“Yeah.” I mumbled, wishing I could just disappear into thin air. I looked downstairs, feeling Robin's eyes fixing a hard stare on me.

“Time for the paperwork.” He announced.

His eyes remained fixed on me as I signed the documents with shaky fingers and a trembling heart. I wondered if Robin had spilled the details of what happened to someone else.

After the signing of the document, we left the court. Robin gripped my hands as we left the court as pictures were taken.

Since he was the key to the company's revival, I had to be on good terms with him.

“Sorry about the other night.” My lips quivered as I spoke.

He paused and regarded me with a confused look on his face. “I don't remember a thing.” He replied coldly, his expression unreadable. I couldn't tell if he was lying or telling the truth.

“Okay.”

“It was a mistake, and for your own good it will be best for us to regard it as one,” he shrugged, the words stabbing me like a knife. I had given my virginity to a man who viewed the encounter as a mistake.

“just more family photo!” My aunty announced and we all gathered for the photo. I wondered if anyone noticed the tears that welled up in my eyes. I desperately wished Someone could see through the glam and poise but they were all happy for a wedding that shouldn't have existed.

I said my final goodbyes as we both entered his luxurious car. The drive to his house was silent as we faced opposite directions. I dabbed my eyes the moment any tear fell. I knew the moment I entered the huge building, I had signed my freedom away to a man who saw me as a prostitute. Something I was far from and would never be.