Beyond His Walls

Isabella's POV:

"We've managed to temporarily stabilize him for now, but we are not out of the woods yet. He has a 50-50% chance of survival in his current state as he might never wake up from this coma."

"To increase his chances of survival, we will have to replace his damaged heart within the next three months or risk losing him forever." He ended with a grave look.

I breathed shakily, my palms sweaty yet cold. "H-How much is the surgery?"

"The surgery will cost you $250,000." He responded.

It wrecked me as he delivered that last crushing blow to my soul.

My heart dropped to my stomach as I crumbled to the floor, spent. It felt like a piece inside of me had begun to wither as the reality of the situation weighed down on me like a brooding fiend.

I could possibly loose my father within the next ninety days.

He had been the only one there for me after my mother upped and left us two decades ago..

Offering a sincere apology, the doctor exited the room, giving me enough privacy to deal with the news. It was all crashing down on me, much too fast.

Tears pooled in my eyes, remembering.

I was just five at the time and couldn't process much of what was going on. Whenever I asked Dad about Mum, he always responded by telling me she had gone on a long vacation and would be back soon.

At the tender age of ten, I finally mustered up the courage to ask him to tell me the truth, assuring him I could handle it.

Taking a deep breath, he informed me that she left us. It crushed me even as I asked him why she did that. He had replied saying she never gave a real explanation.

Ever since then, it had been the two of us against the world, thick as thieves.

He gifted me a cake on every birthday and showed up at every major event. He was always present as a proud father to all of my graduations, showing up when it mattered most. He had been my strongest rock and supporter.

And now that he needed me the most, I didn't know how to be there for him.

As if just remembering what the doctor said, I took out my phone and went through my banking apps. I had a grand total of $100,000. I gripped the phone tightly as the first drop fell, then the next.

Putting it away, I was soon a crying mess on the floor.

Where the heck was I supposed to get $150,000?!

I couldn't afford to let the only man that had ever loved me more than I deserved, die like that, but I really didn't know what to do. Even if I sold my car and worked two jobs, it still wouldn't be enough.

Feeling utterly hopeless, I broke into another fit of tears. I stayed in that position for a long while before I could eventually collect myself. Sniffling as I got up, I walked over to where my father lay.

Looking down at his frail form with red puffy eyes as I stood at the side of his bed, I could hardly believe my eyes. For someone so full of life, he seemed so close to death with his pale skin and shut eyes.

Dressed in a plain hospital gown, the only thing signifying life in the otherwise quiet room was the steady rise and fall of his chest and the constant beeping of the monitor. I couldn't bear seeing him like this.

Clasping his left hand in mine, it was deathly cold. I sat down on the chair beside his bed.

"I will not let you die like this Dad. I will do everything within my power to see you open your eyes and walk on your two feet again."

Placing a single kiss on his hand, I crossed the room quickly and walked out the door, heading down to the doctor's office to discuss payment plans.

***

Hours later, I found myself in front of a popular nightclub, Omnia.

I smacked my head lightly. Ugh! I still can't believe I let Casperella talk me into this!

Dressed in a red knee length gown with my hair let down and only a thousand dollars left to my name, my blonde haired bestie had talked me into drinking away my pain before figuring out a solution.

Needless to say, she had a good talk. I was going to drink my heart out for tonight.

Walking into the large building, the booming music reached my ears first. It was a fast paced beat that had you swaying to the music as the vibrations made you shake.

Making my way through the sweaty bodies of the evening clubbers, I quickly found myself a seat at the bar.

I called out to the bartender. "I would like a shot of vodka."

Seconds later, I was downing the first shot of my drink. The liquid flowed down my throat in one swift motion, leaving a burning feeling in its wake.

"Another." I slid my glass over the bar, getting a refill almost immediately. I didn't want to think.

That was gone in seconds as well.

Slightly buzzed, I felt like dancing. So, I lightly stumbled over to the dance floor, swaying my hips to the fast beat with a hand in the air. Soon, a random guy joined me. Too buzzed to care, I ignored his presence.

We continued dancing for a few minutes before I heard them.

"Oh my gosh.. Is- Is he... Drunk?" A girl gushed. Her cheeks were tinged red, blushing as she looked at someone.

"I think so. This will make a great story: 'Multibillionaire Xander Velasquez Found Drunk At A Random Highbrow Club.' How does that sound?" Another one giggled as I rolled my eyes.

They were talking about my billionaire Boss, Xander Velasquez, as rumours began circulating.

Following the direction of their eyes, I spotted him quickly. Turning on my heels, I walked over to him. He seemed to be having a hard time staying awake as he blinked repeatedly.

Getting to him, I leaned down and said, "Sir, I'll be taking you home now. Rumours are beginning to spread about you. Do you think you can walk on your own?"

Nothing. He seemed dazed simply staring at me as he struggled to keep his eyes open.

Cutting my eyes to Ethan-Mr Velasquez's male personal assistant and my colleague, I signaled to him to help me out as I bent to help him up. He came over and immediately, we helped him to his feet and out of the club.

After successfully placing him in the car and shutting the door, Ethan thanked me before rushing over to the driver's seat. Once he was settled in, I lightly tapped the roof of the car twice, alerting him to move as he drove off.

Aware of my busy schedule ahead, I paid for my drinks and drove down to my apartment.

As my head hit the fluffy pillows, I couldn't help but think:

What a day!

Xander's POV:

"My beautiful wife and personal lawyer here will be reading my will to the hearing of everyone." He said, gesturing to my mother before taking his seat back at the head of the long dinner table.

The room fell deathly silent.

To say I was shocked was an understatement.

Seeing him step down was something I never expected to happen so quickly.

Despite being at the ripe old age of sixty, my father, Russo Velasquez was still a very ruthless business tycoon.

As the overall CEO and founding father of the Velasquez Business Empire, whatever fetched money or had the potential to, Russo had a hand in it.

Within three decades, he had successfully trampled upon his competitors like mere parasites, therefore emerging as the top businessman in Las Vegas, while still remaining very much in shape.

So, it had come as a little more than a shock to the entire Velasquez clan when he suddenly announced his retirement at dinner.

"Ahem." Mother cleared her throat, casting a sharp gaze on the servant head. A subtle warning ordering them to make themselves scarce.

Her warning had the desired effect because seconds later, the maids had all cleared out of the grand dining hall, leaving only Velasquez blood to listen as she read the will.

Dressed impeccably as she always was, in a pinstriped suit and a silver hair styled to perfection, Julietta Velasquez rolled out the will her husband had entrusted her with.

"Velasquez Fashion House and all subsidiaries under the fashion industry goes to Anastasia Velasquez."

Anastasia squealed with joy as soon as she heard that.

"Heck yeah!" She pumped a fist in silent victory before giggling.

"Language." Mother gave her a sharp look.

"Sorry." she whispered, her excitement still evident on her face.

As a redhead with a fiery personality and stunning looks, my sister, Anastasia had always loved Fashion. It had been her dream, her fantasy, one that had started with her borderline unhealthy obsession with Barbie dolls, make up kits and lots of sparkles.

Being the first daughter and last born child of the Velasquez family, she lived in a glitz world of her own. Growing up and being exposed to the real world, she definitely built her very own fashion line – Anastasia's Secret. A luxury line selling anything from classic make up kits to designer clothes and fancy jeweleries.

Her brand screamed the words 'exquisite taste' and had quickly scaled up over the years as the one of the best luxury brands in the country, second only to the Velasquez Fashion House, which she had now been given full control over.

"Velasquez Refineries as well as Velasquez Arms and Weaponry will now be spearheaded by you Robin." Mother continued.

Robin, the second son of the Velazquez clan, shot a cocky smile before going back to typing away on his phone. Born with the looks of a demigod and blessed with good genes as well, Robin had naturally become a playboy.

Never settling with any girl for long and having never been married, he had quite a reputation. Knowing how to rile up the public, he quickly built a fortune for himself from it as a male model / influencer.

Though seemingly quiet on the outside, he lived a dangerous life on the rebellious edge.

"And you Xander, as the first son and heir to the empire. Given your quick rise in the business and finance industry, as well as your impressive features by the largest brands..

You get the throne as the overall CEO of the Velasquez Business Empire grossing in billions of dollars in yearly revenue." Mother finished with a flourish.

Her eyes silently shone with pride as the pearls atop her neck glittered under the light of the extensive chandelier overhead.

I flipped a stray lock out of my face dramatically before giving a devilish smirk.

"You will get all these benefits and lots more..." She began again but I was barely listening at this point.

Finally!

I was at the peak of my career,

The envy of my business partners,

The cusp of greatness!

I could already smell true freedom..

That is, until she said the next seven words that threw me into a lifetime of despair.

"...Under the condition you get married first."

I couldn't believe my ears.

"But–" I tried making her see reason.

"No buts. You are to either get a wife within the next 72 hours or forfeit this empire."

"Failure to comply will get you disowned and all your assets confiscated."

Well, Shit!

***

That had been hours ago. It pushed me to where I was now, drinking heavily in an exclusive suite of my favorite club, Omnia.

"Oh my gosh! Tell me I'm not dreaming- That's Xander Velasquez!" A girl squealed. Immediately taking out her phone to take pictures.

"He's even more handsome in person. The magazines didn't do him justice." another piped beside her.

Voted repeatedly as Vogue's: Billionaire Of The Week, and currently trending on Forbe's list as the youngest most successful billionaire at 28, fame had come naturally to me.

What– with luscious golden brown hair, a chiseled jawline, six well defined abs, piercing grey eyes and a fat bank account, women had found me impossibly hard to resist.

It was never a problem getting women under my sheets, they practically threw themselves at me. But I wasn't here for that tonight. I came here to drown in my sorrows for a bit before finding a solution to my pressing problem.

Cutting my eyes to the bodyguards, they Immediately got to work, confiscating phones and deleting pictures of me. A crowd was the last thing I needed.

Downing shot after shot of my Louis XIII Cognac, time sped by. Before I knew it, I was as drunk as a skunk, despite my high alcohol tolerance.

That was when she sashayed in.

Having spotted me from across the room as she came to help, I took note of her features.

Looking ravishing in her gorgeous red bodycon gown which hugged her curves perfectly, coupled with her wavy brunette locks which cascaded down her waist in a blonde finish, she seemed unearthly.

I blinked rapidly, certain that my mind was playing tricks on me. There was no way this ethereal beauty was actually here.

But then, here she stood in front of me as she bent to help me up. And when she spoke.. I knew for certain she was real.

I had found my contract wife.

Isabella's POV:

Shit- I was late!

I must have been a lot more tired than I thought because looking at the clock, the time read 10:15AM.

Bolting out of bed, I was in the air for a few seconds before landing hard on the floor. Luckily my hands shot out in the nick of time breaking my fall. If not I would have landed on my face, ever the clumsy klutz.

Wincing in pain, I dashed into the bathroom knowing I was so dead.

Frantically, I recalled an incident that happened in the past. A new intern at Logistics- a recently set up branch of the company, had showed up to work five minutes late.

A freaking Five Minutes!

Guess who she ran into upon exiting the elevator? That's right- Xander. He yelled at the poor girl and promptly fired her after transferring her severance package right on the spot.

The news had spread and trended all through the different branches for weeks! The lesson was made abundantly clear:

Mr Velasquez didn't like to be kept waiting. He was a very punctual man and expected the same from every single one of his staff.

Finding myself standing at the entrance of the magnificent Velasquez building, I anxiously walked in.

"The CEO requests your immediate presence in his office." Elna, a co-worker informs me the second I enter the building.

My heart dropped. I was in for it.

The day had come for me to get fired as well. With light tentative steps, my feet shuffling nervously, I soon found myself at his door, Mr Velasquez's.

Breathe in, breathe out. If it comes to it, you'll beg for his forgiveness.

You need this job because Dad's life is on the line.

Don't worry, you'll be fine.

I tried calming myself down as my fingers hovered over the door handle.

With a final breath, turning the door handle, I stepped in.

The sheer beauty therein never seemed to elude me no matter how many times I had been to his office to serve him his morning coffee.

With magnificent floor to ceiling windows giving the best view of the city below, were elegant marble tiles polished to a shine. There was a red expensive looking three seater sofa at the far side, not far from the brown mahogany desk at the center of the room.

Sitting in a king sized leather chair, he was haunched over his desk, looking unbelievably perfect. A stray lock of his golden brown tresses hung suspended in the air over his furrowed brows, deep in thought as as he seemingly reviewed a paperwork.

Standing in the room across from him, I cleared my throat. "Good morning Mr Velasquez. I was told you requeste-"

"First off, I don't request, I command.

Secondly, you're fired." He interjected, not bothering to look up at me.

My countenance fell.

"Please sir, I-I promise it won't happen again. I really need this job. My alarm clock failed to ring and-"

He slammed a fist on the table. Making me flinch as the sound reverberated through the walls.

"I already told you," He began, looking up.

"You're-" He paused suddenly as his eyes landed on me.

He seemed unable to speak as a small, almost imperceptible spark of surprise briefly shone through his eyes.

I wondered why.

"That was you?" He raised a brow. Now I was even more puzzled.

"Uh.. What was me?" I dared to ask.

"Never mind. You said you needed this job. On a scale of one to ten, how much do you need it?" He leaned back in his chair, picking up his phone as he tapped on it.

"Ten. I really need it and I'm willing to do anything." I answered desperately.

Looking up from his phone, he fished a document from his drawer and placed it on his table in front of me.

"In that case, sit and sign that document." He looked straight up at me authoritatively, silently ordering me with his eyes.

"What's it for?" I sat slowly, curiously peeking at it.

"A Marriage Contract."

Hardly believing my ears, I whispered weakly. "What?"

I must have misheard.

"You heard me right the first time."

I laughed.

What else was I supposed to do? Agree to it?

This had to be a joke of some sort.

"In that case, No. I will not sign it. Feel free to fire me instead." I said getting up from my seat. This discussion was over.

Even though I found him really attractive, ain't no way in hell I was gonna get married right off the bat like that! Especially not to him.

He might be my boss, but he was still an egotistical bastard. -Not that I was going to say it out loud.

I spun on my heels, leaving.

"I will pay for your father's surgery as well as any additional costs if you sign this contract.

We wouldn't want poor Daddy to die now, would we?" He questioned, stopping me in my tracks as my blood ran cold.

Huh?

How the hell did he know?!

I mentally smacked my forehead. Of course he was a billionaire and will know how to get info like that. What else did I expect?

"No." I bit my lip, my brows scrunching in frustration. I hated to admit it, but I couldn't afford to be selfish when it involved my father's life. I turned back around.

"Good girl. Now sign those papers so 'Daddy's' treatment can commence." He ordered, and my feet moved slowly towards the table once more, shoulders slumped in defeat.

Sitting down once more in front of the desk, I painstakingly went through the terms of the contract.

The marriage was strictly business related.

There was to be no sex between us or private displays of affection. Any affection shown will be due to the public eye.

No children wether adopted or not will come from the union.

Full confidentiality must be maintained all through the duration of this marriage.

It's not lifelong but for a short period of time.

Satisfied, I signed the contract. I guess I was officially Mrs Velasquez now.

If only I had known, my troubles were just starting..

Perhaps, I never would have signed that contract.