Billionaire Legacy of love

Trust is a fickle thing in my world. But money? Money is forever. At least, that's what I used to think. My name is Damien West, and I'm what you might call an entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry. I provide high demand products to those in need. The authorities prefer less flattering terms, but I won't bore you with those details. What's important is that in my line of work, wealth is critical. And the quickest way to amass a fortune? Marry it. Which is how I found myself betrothed to Olivia Greene, the only child of Reginald Greene, CEO of Greene Industries. I'd never met Livvy, but I knew her trust fund was mighty fat. Fatter than her, I imagined, from the society photos I'd seen. The day of our wedding had arrived. I straightened my bow tie and reminded myself this was just business. Love had nothing to do with it. Standing at the altar, I felt a twinge of nerves. Livvy glided down the aisle on her father's arm, clad in a beaded gown. She lifted her veil, and I stifled a gasp. My bride was gorgeous. Sharply defined cheeks, full lips, and striking hazel eyes. I hadn't expected that. My mind raced with possibilities. This union could be pleasurable in more ways than one. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..." the officiant droned on. We exchanged rings and vows. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." I lifted Livvy's veil and pulled her close. The kiss was short but electric. This intriguing woman was mine, as was her family's fortune. I'd just made the deal of the century. The reception flew by in a blur of dancing and champagne toasts. Before I knew it, Livvy and I were jetting off to a lavish honeymoon in the Caribbean. I was determined to charm her and gain her affection. It would make accessing the trust fund easier. Livvy proved to be intelligent with a dry wit. We lazed on the beach and bonded over long dinners. One moonlit night, she gripped my arm and suggested a swim. Her silk gown hit the sand as we dashed into the sea. In the water, bare skin touched for the first time. My desire took control. We made love right there, surrounded by gently lapping waves. I was lost in the feel and smell of her. This was more than a marriage of convenience. I was falling hard. The honeymoon ended too quickly. Real life beckoned. I needed to focus on my business and investing Livvy’s trust fund wisely. We settled into married life at her family’s palatial estate. I met Livvy for lunch one afternoon at a chic bistro downtown. My wife greeted me with a kiss. "How was your day, darling?" she asked. "Profitable," I winked. She didn't know the shady details of my work. "Did you hear about the royal visitor arriving this week?" "Yes, the whole city is buzzing about it! Prince Alexander of Monaco. Handsome, rich, unmarried prince - can you imagine?" Livvy sighed wistfully. I tensed. Why was my wife swooning over another man? Even worse, a prince who could give her a life even more luxurious than what I could provide. No. I wouldn't lose everything over some silly crush. But I'd have to keep Livvy far away from the prince during his visit. Just to be safe. After lunch, I had my top assistant do some digging. He discovered Prince Alexander planned to attend a charity masquerade ball at the museum on Saturday night. Masked guests, dark rooms, plenty of champagne...it would be all too easy for a tragic accident to occur. I made some discreet calls to arrange a lethal surprise for His Royal Highness. By Sunday morning, lovely Livvy would be a grieving widow. And she wouldn't be daydreaming about princes anymore. I smiled at my own genius. Saturday arrived and I dressed for the ball, concealing a vial of poison in my jacket. I'd slip it into the prince's drink once we were at the event. Livvy twirled before me in a beaded emerald gown and feathered mask. "Too bad you'll miss the chance to meet Prince Alexander tonight," I said casually. Her smile faltered. "But Damien, I'm so looking forward to it! He's only here briefly." My jaw clenched. This called for drastic measures. At the ball, Livvy flitted off to greet friends. I gripped a poisoned glass and scanned the crowd, searching for the prince. Lethal plots filled my mind. I wouldn't lose my place. This was about more than money now. It was about keeping what was mine. There - a tall man with a gold mask stood across the room. It had to be him. I strode forward, murderous intent propelling me across the marble floor. The man turned. "Damien! I've been looking everywhere for you," he said warmly. I stopped short, the glass falling from my hand. No, it couldn't be... My pulse pounded as I faced my unsuspecting target. This changed everything. My blood turned to ice in my veins. The man standing before me, the one I had plotted to kill just moments before, was none other than Prince Alexander himself. Livvy's descriptions hadn't done him justice. Sandy blond hair, piercing blue eyes, sharp jawline - he was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. And as he clasped my shoulder warmly, I knew he had no idea of my murderous intentions. "Damien, so good to finally meet you! I've heard wonderful things from Livvy," he said. I forced a smile. "Likewise, Your Highness. I apologize, you simply caught me off guard. I'm delighted to make your acquaintance." "Please, call me Alex. Any husband of Livvy's is a friend of mine. Speaking of, where is that darling girl?" He scanned the crowd eagerly. My eye twitched. Darling? Just how close were they? "Oh, you know Livvy," I said lightly. "Always fluttering around like a social butterfly. I'm sure she'll find us soon." As if on cue, I heard her lilting voice over the music. "Damien! Are you keeping the prince all to yourself then?"