The Billionaire’s Secret Bride

My hands started trembling as I stood in front of the tall glass doors of BLACKWOOD ENTERPRISES. My reflection staring back at me as I tried to straighten the tip of my coat. It was a cold morning so I couldn’t tell if my legs were shaking because of the building in front of me or because of the cold. I stood outside for minutes contemplating if I should quit now and be broke forever or just get my ass inside. “Screw it” I said, stepping inside the building. My boss had forced this assignment on me because he believed I was one of the best assets of the company. “First impressions matter and I believe you’d leave a good impression” he had said as he handed me the assignment file. To the company, it was an opportunity of a lifetime, a high profile marketing campaign for one of the wealthiest corporations in the country. And to me, it was a campaign that could propel my career to heights I’d only imagined. Yet, as I stepped into this gigantic Enterprise, I couldn’t help the wariness I felt, I was supposed to be happy with now new position, yet look at me battling with sad and moody. “Welcome to Blackwood Enterprises ma’am, how can I help you?” A smart young looking woman asked me. “Sophia Bennett, here to see Mr Blackwood” I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil in my stomach. I felt sick. “Sophia Bennett, you are expected in the executive conference room on the 39th floor, and Mr Blackwood would join you shortly”. I nodded and headed straight into the elevator, like I owned this place. The ride was nauseatingly slow and I couldn’t wait to get out of here. Memories I had tried so hard to bury started resurfacing. Ethan Blackwood. That name did things to me I didn’t even realize until now. Who knew I’d be standing in front of the ceo of the biggest conglomerate in the city. The last time I set my eyes on him was three years ago when we both had a heated argument and I had promised never to see him again, and yet, here I am, after three years. “Ms Bennett, I’m Max, Mr Blackwood’s chief of staff. Please follow me” a man in a with a chiseled body said. I followed suit as I couldn’t stop staring at how his ass was so snatched in the suit. Max led me to the and left. I was all alone here like a criminal waiting for her verdict. I busied myself with looking around and admiring the sleekness and luxury of this office I was in. There are just some things I could never get used to , and this was one of them. My alone time was cut short as the door opened. I didn’t need to look to know it was him. His cologne filled the air as he walked past me to his chair. I remember buying him this cologne 3 years ago and he smashed it. So what changed? Why does he use it now? “Sophia”, his voice was low and smooth. My heart skipped a beat and I forced myself to look up the piercing blue eyes of Ethan Blackwood. Nature seems to be specially kind to him which is unfair. He had grown taller than I remembered, his shoulders wider and filling his suit. His dark silky hair was styled to perfection and his tailored suit screamed wealth and power. “Mr Blackwood”, I said coldly, rising to my feet. I extended shaky hands, hoping he’d not notice them. Instead of extending his hand back for a handshake, he smiled and stepped closer. “No need for formalities, Mrs Blackwood.” Of all things to call me, this was what he could think of? “That’s not my name” I responded curtly, pulling myself away from him. What else does he want? I’m no longer at his service. I looked at him and his smile seemed to have widened. I hated that his eyes glitter. Do they always do this? “Look Sophia, I miss you, I know I f****d up in the past and I am genuinely sorry, but you cut me off, I couldn’t reach you anywhere.” I looked shocked, the Ethan Blackwood apologizing? He was notorious for being very callous and never taking no for an answer. I refused to let him get under my skin. I clenched my jaw as I gestured for him to sit. “Shall we begin?” I asked. Ethan didn’t sit immediately. It seemed as though he was studying me, his gaze lingering on my face searching for something. I held his stare, refusing to back down. Finally he settled himself into a chair, unhurried. “You look well darling Sophia” he said, his voice softer and almost gentle. “Thank you Mr Blackwood” I replied quickly as I was determined to end this meeting in the most professional way. “Let’s focus on the campaign, shall we? I’ve prepared a preliminary proposal_.” I went on and on and poured out all of my company’s proposals to his enterprise. “Three years” he interrupted, leaning back in his chair. “It’s been three years and not a single word from you, not even a goodbye. You cut me off completely”. My pen froze mid scribble. I looked up, my expression blank. Apparently he had not been listening to me. “I don’t understand you Mr Blackwood , let’s get back to business” I said hurriedly, trying to play it off. Ethan’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, his polished CEO facade slipped. “You walked away Sophia, you didn’t give me a choice”. I closed my portfolio with a snap. “This is not the time or place for personal matters sir. I’m here to discuss the marketing needs of your company, nothing else” “You have everything you need” he responds finally. “ The campaign is too important to leave in any else’s hands, and I’ll instruct Max to help you directly. He is in charge of public affairs.” Ethan says, suddenly all the emotions and weaknesses he had showed me just now seemed to have disappeared. I was relieved. “Oh and one more thing—“