I ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED A BILLIONAIRE

Lena’s POV) I pressed my palm against the foggy train window, watching the city blur past in streaks of gray and blue. “Are you sure about this?” Noah’s voice crackled over the phone speaker beside me. “Yes,” I said firmly, though my voice wavered ever so slightly. “It’s time for a fresh start.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either. Leaving my hometown wasn’t just about new beginnings. it was about escaping the wreckage of my old life. Nathan’s betrayal still sat heavy on my chest like a stone. I could feel it every time I closed my eyes the way his voice twisted with guilt as he tried to explain, the sight of Claire draped in my robe like she belonged in my life more than I ever did. “Lena…” Noah’s tone softened, his concern palpable even through the crackling line. “I’m fine,” I cut in before he could press further. “I’m already on the train. No turning back now.” Silence hung between us for a moment before Noah sighed. “Alright. But promise me you’ll try to have some fun once you get there. No more wallowing.” I smiled faintly. “I’m not wallowing.” “You are absolutely wallowing. Which is why you’re going to the gala with me.” I groaned. “Noah…” “No arguments. You’re coming. It’s the perfect chance to meet people, network, and maybe just maybe remember what it feels like to live again.” I wanted to argue, to say I wasn’t ready to plaster on a smile and pretend like my life wasn’t a complete disaster. But Noah had always been my rock, pulling me out of my darkest moments. If anyone could push me back into the world, it was him. “Fine,” I muttered. “I’ll go. But you owe me drinks.” The city felt colder than I remembered. The sharp wind bit at my cheeks as I stepped off the train, pulling my coat tighter around me. Everything here was different the towering buildings, the bustling streets, the sea of unfamiliar faces. It was exactly what I needed. I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address of my new apartment. The ride was silent, save for the hum of the radio and the occasional honk of passing cars. I stared out the window, letting the sights wash over me. This was my chance to start over. To rebuild. To forget. By the time we pulled up in front of the apartment building, the sun had dipped low in the sky, casting the city in shades of gold and orange. The place was modest but charming, brick walls, ivy climbing up the sides, a small courtyard tucked away behind a wrought-iron gate. It wasn’t much, but it was mine. I dragged my suitcase up the steps, unlocking the door and stepping inside. The air smelled faintly of paint and fresh wood, a reminder that this was a blank slate, waiting to be filled with new memories. Dropping my bags by the door, I collapsed onto the couch, letting out a long breath. Home. Two days later, I found myself standing in front of a mirror, fidgeting with the hem of my dress. “Relax,” Noah said from behind me, adjusting his tie in the reflection. “You look stunning.” I snorted. “I feel like a fraud.” “That’s because you’ve been hiding away like a hermit. Tonight, you’re rejoining society.” He gave me a pointed look. “And you’re going to enjoy it.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. Noah had a way of making everything seem a little less daunting. The charity gala was being held at one of the city’s most prestigious venues — all marble floors and crystal chandeliers. The kind of place that made you feel like you’d stepped into a different world. The moment we stepped inside, I was hit by a wave of chatter and laughter, the clinking of glasses, the hum of an orchestra playing softly in the background. “Let’s grab a drink,” Noah suggested, steering me toward the bar. I nodded, grateful for the distraction. As we waited for our drinks, I scanned the room, taking in the sea of unfamiliar faces. It was overwhelming, but also oddly freeing. No one here knew me. No one knew about Nathan or Claire or the mess I’d left behind. I could be anyone I wanted to be. I turned, only to find myself face-to-face with a man who looked like he’d stepped out of a magazine. Tall, dark-haired, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me. “Hi,” he said, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Uh… hi.” “I’m Alexander Blackwood.” He offered his hand. Something about the name tugged at my memory, but I couldn’t quite place it. “Lena Moore,” I replied, shaking his hand. His grip was firm, his touch sending a jolt up my arm. “Enjoying the gala?” he asked, his gaze never wavering from mine. I shrugged. “I’m not really a gala person.” “Neither am I.” That made me smile. “Then why are you here?” “Family obligations.” His tone was dry, bordering on bitter. I raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess — meddling parents?” He chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “Something like that.” Before I could respond, Noah appeared at my side, handing me a glass of wine. “Lena, there you are.” He glanced at Alexander, his eyes narrowing slightly. “And who’s this?” “Alexander Blackwood,” I said, introducing them. Noah’s expression shifted, surprise flickering across his features. “Blackwood? As in… Blackwood Enterprises?” Alexander’s smile didn’t falter. “The very same.” My stomach twisted. That’s why his name had sounded familiar. Blackwood Enterprises was one of the biggest conglomerates in the country. And I’d just been casually chatting with its CEO. “Well,” Noah said, raising his glass. “Here’s to unexpected encounters.” Alexander’s gaze lingered on me as he clinked his glass against mine. “To new beginnings,” he said softly. And as our glasses met, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life was about to change — in ways I couldn’t yet comprehend.