Married to a billionaire's son: the switch

An Unwanted Proposal. The heated argument in the living room was hard to ignore. I could hear my uncle, Gabriel Thompson, and my cousin Isabella shouting back and forth, their voices echoing through the house. “I can't marry someone I don't love!” Isabella yelled, her voice filled with indignation. “I don’t even know him! And the rumors we’ve all heard about him—they're terrible!” Gabriel’s tone softened, though his desperation seeped through. “I know, my love, but I really need you to do this. For me. For the family. You know everything I own will be yours someday.” “Dad, I can’t! I just got engaged to Michael today. I was going to tell you before you dropped this bombshell!” A loud crash from the dining room startled them, cutting through the tension. Both of them turned toward me, their eyes narrowing as they realized I had overheard everything. Isabella’s expression twisted into a smirk. She pointed at me, her voice dripping with venom. “Since he doesn’t know I’m your daughter, why don’t this loser here marry him in my place? It’s a win-win for everyone! I get to be with the love of my life, and you still get your deal!” "It’s not like anyone cares who he marries," Isabella said with a shrug, gesturing toward me. "Sophia’s already here. She’s practically invisible anyway. Let her do it. Problem solved.” Gabriel’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “You’re right,” he said, turning to face me. Before I could react, he called me over, his tone sharp and commanding. “Sit down, Sophia.” I obeyed, my legs trembling as I sank into the chair. He loomed over me, his face expressionless yet cold. “You are marrying David Anthony in two weeks. Be prepared.” Shock coursed through me. “I can’t. I mean, I won’t! I’m not the one being asked to marry him. Moreover, I’m just your maid—remember?” “Shut it!” Gabriel snapped, his voice thundering through the room. “You know what will happen if you disobey me. Don’t forget who pays your sister’s medical bills. If you don’t do this, I’ll stop paying for her treatments. Oh, and I’ll throw you out of my house. Do you understand me?” My chest tightened. “Uncle, you can’t do that! Don’t you have any pity for me? I’m your niece!” His gaze hardened. “Working as a maid was the agreement, wasn’t it? This marriage doesn’t change that. You will marry David Anthony. That’s final. Unless you’d like me to follow through on my threats.” Tears filled my eyes as I stormed off to my room. I felt trapped, powerless, and angry. But most of all, I felt the weight of my sister’s life pressing down on me. The days passed, and I held firm in my refusal. But a week later, the hospital called. My sister’s treatments had been halted. The unpaid bills loomed over us like a dark cloud. Desperation swallowed me whole as I marched into Gabriel’s office. “Uncle, why are you doing this? I just got a call from the hospital saying my sister’s treatment has been stopped. Please, I’m begging you—don’t do this.” Gabriel leaned back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips. “I told you, Sophia. Marry David Anthony, and I’ll resume the payments. It’s that simple.” Tears streamed down my face as I clenched my fists. “Fine,” I whispered. “I’ll marry him. But only if you settle the bills first.” Gabriel’s grin widened. “That’s my girl. I knew you wouldn’t let me down.” WEDDING DAY The day of my wedding arrived faster than I could have imagined. I sat in my room, staring at my reflection. My heart ached with longing. I wished my parents were still alive. I wished my sister were healthy. I wished… I wasn’t here. I adjusted the plain dress one last time. It wasn’t what I would have chosen for my wedding, but then again, nothing about this day felt like mine. The reflection staring back at me looked calm, composed even. No one would guess the storm brewing beneath the surface. I could face this. I had to—if only for my sister But there was no turning back now. My uncle had gotten what he wanted. My sister’s medical bills were paid, and I was being married off to a man I’d never met—all for a business deal. Isabella walked in, her laughter echoing through the room. You’re welcome, by the way," Isabella said, leaning against the doorframe as I adjusted my veil. "I’m doing you a favor, really. You’ll finally have some purpose in your life. Not like you had much going on before, It’s not like you’re breaking anyone’s heart, right?” she said. Her words stung, but I kept silent. We got to the wedding venue. As I walked through the crowd to the aisle I hoped and prayed I was doing the right thing, I was thinking I could disagree or run away. The ceremony felt like a blur. My hands trembled as I stood at the altar. David Anthony was tall, handsome, and utterly indifferent. His expression was unreadable, and when the priest asked if he would take me as his wife, his response was cold and curt. While lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard the priest’s voice break through the haze. “Do you take David Anthony to be your husband?” Without hesitation, I said, “Yes, I do.” There was no turning back now. At the reception, I stood alone, forced to greet strangers who all seemed to know each other far too well. Their smiles were polite, their eyes curious—scanning me as if trying to decipher who I was. Across the room, I spotted David laughing with his friends, carefree and unbothered, as if this union was just another event on his busy calendar. I couldn’t help but think, How could he be so cheerful when he barely knows the woman he just married? It was all too overwhelming. The chatter, the stares, the weight of it all pressed down on me. Desperate for a moment to breathe, I began scanning the room for an escape—a quiet corner where I could sit and collect myself A voice interrupted my thoughts. “My driver will take you to the house whenever you’re ready,” David said, his tone clipped. I stammered, trying to respond, but he cut me off. “Stop stammering. It’s exhausting.” Humiliated, I nodded and excused myself. Maxwell Anthony, David’s father, approached me, his kind eyes filled with concern. “Don’t take his words to heart. David is a good man. He just… needs time. I’m sure he’ll come around.” I forced a smile, but deep down, I felt hopeless. As the car pulled away, taking me to my new home, I stared out the window, wondering if this was the life I was destined for—a loveless marriage, an indifferent husband, and the constant shadow of my uncle’s greed.