Betrothed to the Wicked Tycoon

[Evelyn Grace's POV]

"Evelyn babe, please, leave your work for later and join me for a stroll," Tristan persistently said to me with his sweet endearment everytime he needed something.

I paused in what I was doing and looked at Tristan. Tristan Donovan is the only person I can truly call a genuine friend. We were classmates in college, and he was one of my suitors that I rejected. Eventually, we decided to remain friends, odd it may be but now we became best of friends. Especially that our life and current struggles has a lot of similarities.

"Tri, don't you have work? Your Dad might scold you," I reminded him.

Tristan isn't in charge of their company yet because he still needs to prove himself to his father. After all, he was quite rebellious during our college days and often got into trouble. His parents couldn't do much about it since he is the firstborn in the Donovan family. Despite having siblings, he will still be the one to manage their company.

"Oh, forget about that! Daddy will give me the company anyway. I'll take work seriously once I'm in charge. But for now, I need to enjoy life without worries. So please, babe! Accompany me," Tristan said, pouting.

I chuckled at his expression. I took off my glasses and smiled at him. I didn't have much to do at the company today, so I think taking a short break wasn't a bad idea.

"Fine! But we have to go home right away, okay?! I might get scolded by Daddy!" I said.

Tristan approached me and hugged me tightly.

"And that's what I really liked about you! I promise we won't be late going home, Princess Eve," he said with a grin and kissed my cheek.

Before Tristan and I left, I changed into more comfortable clothing. I couldn't stroll around with Tristan in my pencil skirt and stiletto; that would be tiresome.

"Let's go, babe!" he cheerfully exclaimed, approaching me. I smiled at Tristan, held onto his arm, and together, we left my office.

I also instructed my secretary not to take any calls, as I had an important matter to attend to. I planned to go straight home after our outing, wherever Tristan decided to take me for a stroll.

I rode in his car because he didn't want us to convoy. He took me to an Italian restaurant where we indulged in a satisfying meal. Tristan then brought me to an amusement park, and I couldn't help but feel overjoyed because it had been a long time since I last visited such a place during my childhood.

"Thank you so much for making me happy today, Tri!" I happily exclaimed and hugged him.

He chuckled softly, hugged me back, and kissed my forehead. I was used to Tristan's sweetness, as he had been like this since our school days. It was one of the things I liked about him, and that's why we're still close.

"I told you! See, I made you happy today, so you owe me again," he grinned, teasing.

I playfully punched his arm and laughed along with him. Tristan escorted me back home, and I thanked him again before he left. I arrived home at four in the afternoon, so I wasn't late.

I entered our house with a smile, but I was surprised to hear my parents shouting upstairs. I knew they were in the home office. I quickly climbed the stairs and headed towards the office where I could still hear their heated argument.

When I opened Daddy's office door, my suspicion was right-they were indeed arguing. Their shouting ceased as soon as they saw me enter. Daddy's face turned red, indicating his anger, while Mommy's eyes glared at him as if she were also upset. Mommy didn't say anything; she just stormed out of Daddy's office, leaving the two of us alone.

After Mommy left, I closed the door and faced Daddy.

"Dad, what was that? I just came inside the house, and suddenly, I hear you and Mommy arguing upstairs!" I asked Daddy.

He took a deep breath, sat in his swivel chair, and rubbed his forehead before looking up at me again.

"Your Mom and I had a disagreement because she refused to let us arrange the marriage of your sister Eleanor with Julian Dante, the second son of Jeanine and Maximilian Moore," Daddy explained.

My eyes widened at what I heard from my father. I couldn't believe it, and I couldn't accept it either.

"W-What?! Daddy, Elie is still too young!" I raised my voice in irritation at Daddy's revelation.

"I also disagree with Eleanor marrying Julian Dante Moore! You should be the one to marry into the Moore family since you excel in business, and you're the one I trust!" Daddy said.

I was slightly stunned and had difficulty breathing after Daddy's statement. Yes, Eleanor isn't ready to marry another man, especially someone she doesn't know. But more importantly, I'm not ready for an arranged marriage, and I don't want a fixed marriage! I want to marry a man I love, someone with whom we share mutual affection, not just for business and power. On the other hand, what can I do? I can't say no to my dad. I'm scared of him, and I also respect him.

Throughout my life, I've followed my father's wishes. Business isn't my passion; I want to dance and be a ballerina. However, I can't pursue that dream because I am James Wilson's firstborn, and I have to take responsibility for our business. I've never complained; I've never dared to. I know that if I disagree with what my dad wants me to do, he'll make my sister do it, and I want that to happen. I don't want my sister to experience what I've endured in my life since I was a child. Even as a child, I was always pressured by my parents, and all I could do was cry in a corner and force myself to be strong.

"I told Maximilian that you should be the one to marry their son Julian, but Jeaninne disagrees! She wants Eleanor to marry her son! What does she see in that child?! She hasn't done anything right in our family; she's always rebellious and a headache!" Daddy angrily said.

"Daddy!" I exclaimed.

I can't bear to hear him talk about my sister like that. I looked at him sadly, meeting his eyes while he maintained a cold expression, gazing back at me.

"Elie is still young, and she's not a troublemaker! She's an achiever, a good daughter of yours, and a good sister to me. But, Dad, it's still not right to marry her off at this age. She's too young!" I told him.

Daddy became stubborn; he didn't listen to me. He dismissed me from his office, and all I could do was leave while feeling defeated. Why is our life turning out like this? Why can't we choose what we want in our lives? Why do they need to control us? We have our own lives, and we should be the ones making decisions. Why is it so hard to be part of the Wilson family, and this is how it always is. No love, just pure business.

Will I ever find a man who will truly love me? I don't want to marry a man I don't love and who doesn't love me. I don't want to suffer like my parents in their relationship. I can't bear to make my life more miserable in that way.

I can't shake off everything I learned yesterday about my sister being forced to marry a man she doesn't even know. Eleanor started working in our company because that's what our parents wanted. I know she's not happy with where she is now because I'm aware that she dreams of becoming a fashion designer and establishing her clothing company. We have different life dreams, but the sad part is we can't pursue them due to our family and their expectations.

"Why do you look sadder than ever? Are you the one getting married, huh?" Tristan asked me when he visited my office again. It seems like he comes here every day, that it has become our usual thing.

I sighed and leaned back in my swivel chair, looking at him. "I feel sorry for my sister, Tristan. She has no idea about what's happening and what Daddy's plans are for her life. She's too young to enter a relationship that will keep her forever," I said seriously. Tristan's face also turned serious, nodding in agreement with what I said.

"If given the chance to save your sister, would you accept marrying a man you don't love and don't know?" Tristan asked me.

I pondered his question. I've already said this to myself yesterday, and it's still my answer until now. I don't want to marry a man I don't love, and who doesn't love me. I don't want my life to be as miserable as my parents', but when I remembered my sister and realized that this might happen to her when she gets married, I couldn't help but feel hurt and emotional for her.

I sadly smiled at my friend, struggling with what to tell him. "I-I don't know, Tri. I love my sister so much, and I will do everything to keep her safe and happy. But... I can't handle marrying a man I don't love-but I don't know! I'm confused! Don't ask me that!" I said irritably and frowned.

I wanted to stop Daddy's plan to marry off my sister, and the idea that I would be the one to marry to save Eleanor is still an option. We're still too young for marriage! I am twenty-five years old, and my sister is only twenty-one years old! We have a lot ahead of us, and it's not our time to tie our lives and get married.

"Okay, fine. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to and advice if the time comes when you have to marry a man you don't love," Tristan said and winked at me.

I rolled my eyes and didn't speak again.

I went home early because we have a family dinner. I'm also nervous because tonight is the night Daddy will talk about Eleanor's wedding. I wanted to talk to him earlier at the company to try to persuade him about Elie's marriage, but my anxiety and fear got the best of me and wasn't able to speak to him.

"What?! No! I won't agree to what you want!" my sister shouted angrily when Daddy mentioned her marrying Julian Dante Moore.

"ELIE!" I scolded her because it's not good to shout at our parents.

"Don't touch me!" she angrily yelled at me, removing my hand on her arm.

I couldn't help but feel hurt for my sister. I don't want this for her. I want to help her.

As I watched my sister cry, I couldn't stop myself from crying too. I am more pained by my sister's situation now. I promised her when we were just kids that I would take care of her and do everything for my sister.

"Evie, I don't want to get married," my sister said with difficulty while I hugged her.

We were cuddling in her room after an a short and intense argument with our father. I stroked her hair, kissed her, and hugged her even tighter.

"I will find a way to stop your wedding with Julian. I'm here for you, Elie. I love you so much," I said affectionately to my sister, tightening my embrace and calming her down.

My decision is final; I will come up with a plan to prevent their wedding with Julian Dante Moore.

"Evelyn Grace Wilson, are you going crazy?! What sane woman would do what you're planning?" Tristan asked me in disbelief when I told him my plan.

I plan to enter Julian's condo unit and engage in intimate relations with him there. After that, I will call Daddy and have him come at his place. When he sees Julian and me naked, he will force me to marry him, not Eleanor. I don't like this plan, but I'm desperate. I have no one else to confide in, I told Tristan about my plan because I need his help.

"Come on. I can't do this without your help," I said seriously.

He widened his eyes and sarcastically chuckled. "Are you serious, Evelyn?! I'm not joking here!"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm dead serious and desperate, Tristan," I replied to his question.

He rubbed his temples and sighed. "Fine! I'll still support you in your craziness. Just don't involve me if you regret and cry over your plan!"

I smiled and nodded. "Okay."

He sighed and nodded. "What kind of help do you want me to provide?"

"Find out which room in Julian's unit so I can visit him tonight," I said seriously.

"Oh God!" Tristan exclaimed.

+++

I'm now at the most beautiful and expensive apartment in LA, the Moore Apartelle. I took a deep breath and started walking towards the building. Tristan texted me earlier and told me Julian's room number. As I entered the elevator, I grabbed the strong drink I brought in my tumbler and drank it straight. I felt like swearing loudly with the bitterness and warmth coursing through my body as I finished the alcohol in my tumbler.

I also began to feel dizzy because I'm not used to drinking. When the elevator opened, I started walking towards room 45-wait, where is that again? I stopped in my tracks and checked my cellphone again to confirm the room Tristan mentioned. Despite feeling a bit lightheaded and dizzy, I managed to read the screen on my cellphone.

Oh! It's 456! Julian Dante Moore's unit is Room 456. I grinned and looked for it. When I found the room, I immediately rang the doorbell for him to open. I rang the doorbell several times, and after about five times, the door finally opened. Oh damn! Is this Julian Dante Moore? Wait! Why does he look even hotter and yummier?

"Who the hell are you?!"

shit. Even his voice changed, and he looked more put together and delicious. I didn't answer his question. I immediately grabbed him and kissed him on the lips, pushing him into his unit while passionately kissing his lips. I thought the guy I was kissing would push me away, but to my surprise, he kissed me back and pulled me closer by gripping my waist tightly.

And something happened between us.

My plan was successful, even though I didn't really want it. I gave myself to a man I didn't know. For my sister, I'd do anything to make her happy.

I woke up early feeling extreme pain all over my body, especially in my core. I felt a hand wrapped around my waist, and that's when I realized I had engaged in an intimate encounter with a Moore. I squinted my eyes and took a deep breath. His embrace was warm, and I could feel his breath on my shoulder. Slowly, I turned to the man beside me.

"Oh, God!" I exclaimed in surprise.

My eyes widened, and I froze when I saw who was peacefully sleeping beside me. He wasn't Julian Dante Moore! Damn! Is this really what I'm seeing?!

He's Lucien Marcus Halloway, the CEO of the luxury Halloway Hotel and Casinos, the famous devil billionaire!

I slept with the wrong man! SHIT!

OH. MY. GOD.

I blinked my eyes and rubbed them, but no matter what I did, Marcus was still the one lying next to me on the bed, not the expected Julian Dante Moore. Shit! What kind of foolishness have I done? No! This can't be!

"AHHH!" I let out a loud scream and stepped back until I fell onto the bed, wincing in pain as if I had broken a bone in my hip.

"So loud!" I heard an irritated shout from Marcus.

I quickly covered my naked body with the fallen blanket. I stood up slowly, startled when I saw that Marcus was already awake and sitting on the bed, scowling at me. I felt breathless, not knowing what to say. I froze when I heard the sound of my phone, and I remembered what I did before coming to Moore Apartelle. OH. MY. GOD! Don't tell me I sent that to Daddy? No! No! No!

I rushed to where my sling bag was placed and immediately took out my phone. I opened it, not paying attention to Marcus's intense gaze because he wasn't speaking right now, and he might still be sleepy, so I let him be. I needed to stop Daddy from coming here. He couldn't see us, Marcus and me, inside his condo unit!

As I opened my phone, I was shocked to see a hundred missed calls from Dad! I asked my secretary to text Dad last night to let him know where I was in case he'll contact her (which he always does whenever I didn't go home that night), and I also opened my GPS to make it easy for him to find me, thinking my plan of being intimate with Julian is a flawless plan. And I think it's too late... I heard someone ringing the doorbell outside Marcus' unit, and I know it's Daddy!

We exchanged glances, and I saw him stand up and put on his shirt.

He was just in his boxers, and he didn't care about his attire. He was about to leave the room when I ran quickly towards him and stopped him.

"N-No! Don't open the door, please! Just ignore it! Let's... let's talk," I said tearfully while looking at him.

Marcus just looked at me coldly, as if he didn't care about what I was feeling right now. He gave me a chilly expression that heightened my anxiety. I was slightly shocked by what he did next... he pushed me away, opened the bedroom door, and went out. I'm crying now. I know Daddy is outside Marcus' unit, and when he sees us, I'm sure I'm dead! I'm sure Daddy is extremely angry out there.

Before following Marcus outside, I quickly got dressed because I was still naked. Where's my skirt?! I had no choice but to wear Marcus's oversize t-shirt that I saw near his table and put on my panties. I didn't care if the middle part of my body felt painful and sore. I'm more concerned about what will happen today.

"Damn you! What did you do to my daughter?! Where is my child?!"

I covered my mouth in panic when I heard Daddy's angry and loud voice outside. I quickly left the room and went to where I heard Daddy's voice.

"Oh, my God!" Mommy exclaimed when she saw me. She covered her mouth while staring at me wide-eyed.

My eyes widened as I saw Marcus lying on the floor. He was holding his cheek, and I noticed his bleeding nose and a bruise on the side of his lip.

"EVELYN!" Daddy shouted angrily. I looked at him, and I saw Daddy approaching.

"D-Daddy, let me explain."

Daddy slapped me so hard that I almost fell due to the force of his slap. Luckily, I grabbed onto something, preventing me from falling. I couldn't help but let my tears flow; Daddy had never slapped me this hard before. It hurt so much.

"Stupid! I thought you were a decent woman. Evelyn! You're just like your sister Eleanor, both worthless," Daddy angrily exclaimed.

I bowed my head; I couldn't look at Daddy, and I was in too much pain.

"James! She's still your daughter!" I heard Mommy shout.

I screamed when Daddy tightly grabbed my arm, causing me pain. "D-Daddy, it hurts!" I cried out due to his actions.

"Let go of her!"

We all stopped when Marcus suddenly shouted. I looked at him while still crying. Marcus was already standing, wiping the blood from his nose. He glared sharply at Daddy, who still had a tight grip on my arm.

"Is she your daughter? If yes, how dare you hurt your own daughter?" Marcus coldly said to Daddy.

I saw Daddy surprised by Marcus' words.

"You beast! You have no right to tell me that!" Daddy angrily yelled, about to throw a punch at Marcus' face again. However, Marcus quickly dodged it, grabbing Daddy's arm and swiftly turning him around.

I covered my mouth in shock at what Marcus did to my father.

"Let go of me, you beast!" Dad angrily said.

Marcus complied, releasing Dad and pushing him away. I looked at Marcus, feeling nervous as he glanced at me. His gaze was different, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy when Lucien Marcus Halloway looked at me.

"Who the hell are you? And why are you bringing your family here into my goddamn condo unit?!"

I swallowed hard upon hearing Marcus' words. I opened my mouth to respond, but Daddy beat me to it.

"You're going to marry my daughter, asshole! I won't allow you to escape responsibility!" Daddy declared.

My mouth hung open in shock after Daddy said that. I glanced at Marcus, and he appeared pale with widened eyes. As he briefly looked at me, he shot me a piercing gaze, and I read his lips. You're so dead.

I swallowed hard again at his words, and he continued to stare intensely at me.

This is the end of me! I'm sure Eleanor won't like this. I've only added more problems to our situation. Stupid, Evelyn Grace Wilson!