The Billionaire's Secret Bride

"So you're really sure you want to break up with me?" Anna's eyes were red and glassy from the alcohol and the devastating news she had just received. Her fiancé — her childhood sweetheart — was now in bed with another woman. Staring at the video on her phone, Anna forced her eyes shut. On the screen, her fiancé laughed wildly, his hands groping another woman's chest. The woman's shameless moans in the background slapped Anna harder than any words could. Anna hung up, her whole body trembling. Her vision blurred, though she couldn’t tell if it was from the alcohol or the heartbreak. In her daze, she looked at the handsome waiter standing nearby and blurted out something she would have never dared to say before: "Hey, handsome. Are you single? Want to spend the night with me?" The man's eyes flickered slightly, a dangerous glint flashing like a panther ready to pounce. He repeated her words slowly, almost tasting them: "You're drunk." Anna’s voice cracked with suppressed sobs, yet stubbornness flared in her eyes: "I'm not drunk. I'm perfectly clear-headed…" The man's gaze softened just a touch. The next second, he stepped forward, his tall frame casting a heavy shadow over her. His rough fingertips gently brushed her tear-stained cheek. Then, without warning, he scooped her up in his arms. ... In the hotel room, the atmosphere turned heated. Even the cold air from the air conditioner couldn't cool them down. Delicate kisses rained down along Anna's collarbone. Both of them panted heavily, lost in the moment. Suddenly, Anna whispered, "Remember my name. I'm Anna." The man's slender fingers wiped away a lingering tear from her face. His voice was low and husky: "I know. You're Anna, from the Elizabeth family." Anna's eyes shimmered with lust and surprise. "You know me?" "We'll be seeing each other very soon, Miss Anna," he murmured. Then he leaned down and gently bit her earlobe. "Consider this a seal. You belong to me now." Anna’s heart raced wildly, her cheeks flushed. Yet she turned her head defiantly and said, "I belong to myself." The man chuckled, a soft, hoarse sound: "Alright... Then I belong to you." Anna froze, stunned by his words. Her heart pounded even faster, her face growing hotter. The man’s movements remained gentle — until the final moment, when he paused slightly. "You're... a virgin?" His deep eyes locked onto hers. Already trembling under his skilled touch, Anna whispered, "Yes... it's my first time." A flicker of anxiety crossed her face. The man leaned close, his breath hot against her ear: "Don't be scared. It's my first time too." Little by little, Anna relaxed. Slowly, the man entered her, taking her into a world of breathtaking intimacy. Lost in the pleasure, Anna instinctively bit down on his shoulder. Sensing her growing passion, he began moving more aggressively, claiming her fully. Together, they reached the peak of ecstasy. Afterward, Anna collapsed into his arms, utterly exhausted. "Thank you... for tonight," she mumbled. If it weren't for him, she might have lost all faith in men forever. Anna blinked away tears. No — that man was now her ex-fiancé. Once she returned, the first thing she’d do would be to cancel the engagement! The man's large, warm hand wrapped around hers. His voice, hoarse yet tender, said: "You told me your name. It's only fair I tell you mine. I'm Damien Cross." Anna's eyes widened. She turned to look at him, her gaze as soft as flowing water: "You're... that Damien Cross?" The Cross family — originating from the late 19th century — controlled international finance, energy, and legal industries. Outwardly pristine, they secretly dominated both the white and black markets. They could sway political power at the highest levels, or silently destroy their enemies from the shadows. The Cross bloodline was pure and tightly controlled. Only one heir was chosen each generation, while all other branches swore loyalty to the successor. And Damien Cross... He was their current heir — trained since childhood like a soldier, a genius in finance, law, and politics. Ruthless, cunning, and infinitely powerful — the world feared him. Anna murmured, almost to herself: "But you're so... gentle." Damien’s eyes darkened. He leaned in and captured her lips in a deep, possessive kiss. Anna melted against him, her heart pounding so wildly she could hardly breathe. Finally, Damien pulled away, his lips brushing hers. Anna’s mind spun. Then she laughed softly, hooked her arms around his neck, and whispered: "Gentle enough! Now... bring on the storm. Let's go again!" Their fingers intertwined tightly. The room once again filled with passion…