My lovely billionaire

CHAPTER2

Richard’s POV

The hum of the plane’s engines was a familiar, almost comforting sound as I leaned back in my seat, my eyes closed. After a grueling three-week business trip, I was ready to tackle whatever awaited me back In New York. My thoughts were interrupted by James, my secretary, who approached me with a tablet in hand.

“Mr. Ambrose, you need to see this,” James said, his voice tinged with urgency.

I opened my eyes and took the tablet, glancing at the screen. An article was rapidly spreading online, painting me as a notorious Casanova. My jaw tightened as I scanned the sensational headlines and the fabricated details of my supposed romantic escapades.

“This is outrageous,” I muttered, my anger simmering just below the surface. “Where did this come from?”

James hesitated before responding, “It appears to have originated from the family whose marriage proposal you recently rejected, just before you left for the business trip”

My eyes narrowed. I had turned down their proposal because it was clear they were more interested in my wealth than in any genuine connection. This was their petty revenge.

“File a lawsuit against them,” I instructed coldly. “Make sure they pay for their slander. I won’t let it go unpunished.”

James nodded, quickly making notes on his tablet. “Understood, sir. I’ll get the legal team on it immediately.”

As I handed the tablet back, James continued, “There’s another matter we need to address. The date for your wedding has been fixed, you are to marry Silvia Stanford in less than a month.”

My expression darkened. The arrangement with the Stanford family was something I had agreed to only out of respect for my grandfather’s dying wish. I had no interest in Silvia, and the thought of being tied to someone for the sake of an old promise grated me.

“Fine,” I said tersely, my frustration evident. “I’ll go through with this only because it was what my grandfather wanted. Make sure all the arrangements are in place.”

James nodded, sensing my displeasure but wisely choosing not to comment on it. “Of course, Mr. Ambrose. Everything will be taken care of.”

I turned to look out the window, the sprawling landscape far below a blur of green and brow. A knot of resentment tightened in my chest. My life was being dictated by obligations and the whims of others, leaving little rooms for my own desires.

I clenched my fists, silently vowing to maintain control over my own destiny. If I had to go through with this marriage, I would ensure that it was on my terms. The Stanfords might think they could manipulate me, but they are about to find out just how tough Richard Ambrose can be.

The plane began its descent, the cityscape of New York coming into view. I straightened in my seat, preparing myself for the challenges ahead. The article, the lawsuit, the impending marriage-I would ace them all head-on, just as I had always done with every obstacle in my path.

As the plane touched down, my resolve hardened. I would protect my reputation, fulfill my grandfather’s wish, and ensure that no one, not even

the Stanfords, would ever control my fate.

***

Kathryn’s POV…

I sat by the window, my fingers nervously tracing the rim of my teacup. The sunlight streaming in did little to warm the cold dread in my heart. My mind replayed the conversations I overheard at the mall earlier that day.

“Did you hear? Richard Ambrose is a notorious casanova.”

“And I hear he is to be wed in a few weeks… Poor girl, whoever marries him is in a world of heartbreak.”

“Oh please, who wouldn’t want to marry a man like Richard Ambrose? There’s a whole line of women from prestigious families who would do anything to marry him.”

“You’re right i guess, his facecard never declines”

My stomach twisted into knots. I was the “poor girl” now, the one destined to marry Richard Ambrose, a man with a reputation as a heartbreaker. How was I supposed to marry a man like that?

“Well, well, if it isn’t the future Mrs. Ambrose,” Silvia drawled, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I looked up, trying to maintain my composure. “Silvia, what do you want?”

Silvia shrugged, feigning innocence. “I just thought I'd come see how you’re holding up. After all, marrying a man like Richard must be quite daunting.”

My grip tightened around my teacup. “I can handle it.”

“Oh, really?” Silvia’s eyes gleamed with malicious delight. “Do you even know what you’re getting into? Richard Ambrose is infamous for his… extracurricular activities.”

“I’ve heard the rumors,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “But they're just that–rumors.”

.Silvia laughed , a harsh sound that grated on my nerves. “Rumors that have a way of turning out to be true. He’s had more women than I can count. Do you honestly think you’ll be any different?”

A pang of insecurity hit me, but I squared my shoulders. “I’ll deal with whatever comes my way.”

Silvia’s smile widened. “Oh, I’m sure you will. But remember, Katie, you were the last choice. Father only agreed to this because it was the easiest way of getting rid of you.”

My heart sank, but I refused to let Silvia see my pain. “I know why this arrangement was made. But that doesn’t change the fact that It’s happening. I won’t let you or anyone else make me feel less than I am.”

Silvia’s expression hardened. “We’ll see how long that bravado lasts when you’re dealing with Richard’s infidelities.”

I stood , meeting Silvia’s gaze head-on. “I’ll handle Richard and whatever comes with him. And I’ll do it with dignity.”

Silvia snorted and turned to leave. “Goodluck, dear sister. You’ll need it”

As Silvia’s footsteps faded, I sank back into my chair, my resolve wavering. How was I supposed to handle a man like Richard Ambrose? A man I barely knew, yet would soon be bound to foe life.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

The door creaked open again, and my father stepped into the room. His expression stern, as usual but there was a glimmer of something else–resolve, perhaps.

“Kathryn,” he said, his voice firm. “The date has been fixed. Every arrangement has been taken care of.”

I felt my heart sink. “Father, please, ”I began, my voice trembling. “There must be another way. I can’t marry him. I don’t even know him.”

He shook his head, cutting me off. “This is not up for debate. The wedding will proceed as planned.”

“But Father,” I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. “Why must it be me? Why not Silvia?”

He sighed, His eyes hardening. “I am doing you a favor, Kathryn. Marrying Richard Ambrose will shield you from the harsh judgments of society. As an illegitimate daughter, your prospects were always limited. This is a chance for you to have a respectable life.”

Tears welled in my eyes, but I blinked them back. “I don’t need his respectability, I don’t want to be forced into this.”

“You have no choice,” he said, his tone final. “You cannot work at the company, but this is how you can contribute. By marrying Richard, you will help secure a valuable alliance for our family and the company.”

I swallowed hard, knowing that arguing would be futile. “Fine,” I whispered, defeated. “I’ll marry him.”

My Father nodded, satisfied. “Good. And remember, Kathryn, do not do anything foolish. There will be severe consequences if you try to defy me.”

I nodded,biting my lip to keep the tears at bay. “I understand.”

He turned to leave, pausing at the door. “Prepare yourself. The wedding is in two weeks.”

As the door closed behind him, I finally allowed the tears to fall. I felt like I was being led to my doom, but I knew there was no escaping it. I had to be strong–for myself and for my father’s honor.

I wiped my tears away and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the days to come. I would face this challenge head-on. I

had to. There was no other choice.