Billionaire Bride: From Mistress to Wife

In the winter night of 2024, the biting cold wind pierced through the stillness, casting an eerie silence over the land.

It was past midnight, around two in the morning, and the streets were deserted, save for the occasional gust of cold wind.

Suddenly, a black van appeared from the distance, coming to a stop by the riverbank. Two men got out of the vehicle, cautiously looking around before quickly dragging something out of the van.

"Hurry up," one of the men urged. "Stop dawdling. The boss said to get rid of this woman quickly."

The other man sighed regretfully. "Such a pity... She's so beautiful, and now she's going to be drowned. Isn't that right, Sam?"

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to," Sam snapped. "Put those thoughts away. Just get it done. Once we get the money from this job, you can have any woman you want."

"Alright, alright... No need to rush me, Sam... But is it true? Is the person who wants her dead really her fiancé?"

"Are you looking for trouble? Don't ask questions you shouldn't. Just get her into the sack and tie her with the stones!"

"Yeah, I know..."

Emily's body was weak and powerless, but her mind was clear. She could hear the conversation between the two men distinctly, yet she couldn't move a muscle.

The words exchanged between them made her heart plummet into an icy abyss...

Fiancé...

Fiancé...

Ha...

An hour ago, she had been celebrating at a bar with her "fiancé" and close friend, happy about their upcoming wedding next week. She had genuinely believed she was finally going to be with the person she loved.

Then her best friend had pulled her to the bathroom and... everything went black.

When she woke up, it was now, facing death as her last awareness of the world. Her heart was filled with desolation and the despair of betrayal.

Emily couldn't understand how the love of a moment ago had turned into this.

She felt herself being stuffed into a coarse burlap sack, then bound tightly with rope along with the sack.

She felt her body being lifted, weighed down by stones. The two men chanted as they heaved her: "One... two... three, throw!"

With a splash, the sack was tossed into the icy river, creating a high spray of water. Emily quickly felt the freezing water enveloping her, seeping into her mouth, nose, and ears. The breath of death surrounded her, and the darkness grew heavier.

Emily thought she was certainly going to die this time.

But after an eternity of darkness, she opened her eyes once more.

She found herself lying in a rundown rental room, staring at the familiar yet strange surroundings. She pinched herself hard, confirming she was indeed in her old rental from two years ago.

How did she end up here?

There was a calendar on the bedside table. The date was March 2022...

A thought flashed through Emily's mind. She had come back to life... She had been resurrected and returned to two years ago...

Emily sat on the rickety single bed for a long time, stunned.

Suddenly, she burst into laughter, tears streaming down her face as she laughed.

Her tear-filled eyes were fierce and cold, colder than the river water, like a vengeful spirit crawling out of hell, consumed by a single, relentless desire: destruction.

---

For Alexander, the name "Emily" meant "new lover."

For Emily, the name "Alexander" meant "patron."

Their relationship was clear from the start: one provided financial support, and the other was the beneficiary. It was a transactional arrangement, devoid of love.

---

Two months later, in London

The night was dark and heavy, carrying the weight of suppressed pain, shattering the silence of the evening.

A man's voice, cold and ruthless, echoed with intense hatred. "You'll regret this, woman..."

"No, I've never regretted any decision I've made, no matter the outcome. I will never regret it," the woman's voice trembled slightly, betraying her fear, but it was resolute.

"I'll make you understand the meaning of regret," the man snarled, his hand suddenly gripping her throat.

In the darkness, the stifled sound of suffering resembled the desperate whimpering of a wounded animal, fighting a losing battle for survival on the brink of death.

The man gritted his teeth. "Does it hurt? Feel like you can't breathe? Like you're about to die?"

"I've never had any pity for self-degrading women... You deserve this. Today, you'll taste what it's like to be on the edge of death!"

No matter how harsh his insults, the woman made no sound.

The black night mirrored her despair, thick and impenetrable, engulfing the land in darkness without a hint of light.

It was a battle of unequal forces, a fight to the death with no suspense.

---

Under the cover of night, the Empire Tower was brightly lit.

This was the favorite haunt of the city's elite, a symbol of status and privilege.

In the penthouse suite, always reserved for one person and never open to outsiders, the atmosphere was eerily suffocating.

The air was filled with tension, mingled with the sweet and fresh scent of Anna Sui perfume, pure yet tainted with the deep decay of post-chaos.

The sound of running water from the bathroom echoed through the silent night, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Emily sat on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a bedsheet. Her long hair was disheveled, her cheeks flushed, her breathing unsteady. She looked like a delicate flower just beginning to bloom in the spring breeze. Her exquisite features, her beautiful face, shone like a pearl in the night, finally ready to reveal its luster after being polished.

But her eyes were vacant, devoid of any light, with a layer of lifeless gray, making her beautiful eyes appear doll-like.

Her hands, wrapped around her knees, trembled slightly, her pupils dilated as if she were scared.

Yes, she was scared, more scared than she had ever been.

Because today, she had done the most reckless thing of her life.

She had set herself on a path of no return, like opening Pandora's box, leading to a new beginning filled with uncertainty, leaving her in a state of constant anxiety.

But...

She would not regret it!

"God, if you have given me a miracle, then please let me continue smoothly on this path. Let me hold this man in my hands, make him my unbreakable scepter, and allow me to conquer all."

---

Emily's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the bathroom door opening. Alexander emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist, his wet hair glistening under the dim light. He walked over to her, his expression unreadable.

"Did you enjoy your little act of defiance?" he asked coldly.

Emily looked up at him, her eyes still empty. "I don't regret anything," she repeated, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands.

Alexander's lips curled into a cruel smile. "We'll see about that," he said, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "I can make your life a living hell, Emily. Don't forget that."

Emily met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "Do your worst, Alexander. I've faced worse demons than you."

Alexander straightened up, his smile fading. "You're playing a dangerous game, Emily. And in this game, I always win."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Emily alone in the dimly lit room. She let out a shaky breath, her body still trembling from the encounter.

But she knew she couldn't back down now. She had made her choice, and there was no turning back. She would fight, no matter the cost, to take control of her destiny.

Not long ago, the name Alexander Remington was just a name to Emily-a constant fixture at the top of the billionaire lists, a mysterious legend, a myth talked about by many but connected to her in no way.

But fate had a way of intertwining lives unexpectedly.

Alexander Remington was a name that exuded power and elegance. Like its meaning, "priceless and elegant," it was a name only he deserved, standing at heights others could only look up to, like a near-deity in the realm of business.

Unless you got close to him, you could never grasp the magnitude of the empire he had built.

He was too perfect. Without meeting Alexander in person, you could never understand just how perfect, charming, and unforgettable he was. His face was so flawlessly handsome that everyone who saw him would involuntarily hold their breath, drawing countless women to him like moths to a flame.

Had she not seen him from afar before her rebirth, Emily would never have known what that myth of a man truly looked like.

If possible, she would have avoided any involvement with such a high and mighty man.

But she couldn't. She needed money-a lot of money. She desperately needed to change her fate after her rebirth.

After being reborn, Emily told herself that in this life, she would only want money, not dignity.

So when she finally met Alexander Remington, she wasted no time in initiating a meticulously planned seduction.

But after succeeding, Emily began to fear.

That man was too insane, too alluring, like a poppy flower-addictive and terrifying, planting a deep-seated fear that grew from her very bones, indestructible and deeply rooted.

Just a short while ago, Emily had doubted if she could even survive.

The pain of being on the brink of death, mingled with extreme pleasure, made her tremble with fear...

No one knew how badly she wanted to leave now, but she couldn't.

Firstly, she needed money. She had no way out, already tainted. Regardless of the outcome, she had to collect her compensation. She had never been one to do pointless work.

Secondly, she couldn't move. Her body ached terribly, and she was paralyzed with fear. Her whole body trembled. She would collapse before she even reached the door.

Emily was gambling-betting her life with no chips left, like a mad gambler risking her last breath in a game that might mean nothing to the other player.

With a click, the bathroom door opened. Emily's body trembled violently but quickly regained composure. The fear in her eyes swiftly retreated, hidden in the shadows, and she transformed into a vulgar gold-digger in an instant.

She turned her head to meet Alexander Remington's gaze.

Despite being perpetually awestruck by his appearance, seeing him now still made her breathless.

But she had no time to dwell on his looks. She had to secure a large sum of money from him to protect herself. This was her second chance, and she would not allow her life to be manipulated by others again.

Alexander walked towards her, a white towel wrapped around his waist, a towel draped over his shoulder, and his dark hair dripping with water. Under the dim light, he looked seductive, almost demonic.

He was stepping closer, and Emily's face maintained a delicate smile. She appeared calm, but her heart was pounding rapidly, as if it would fly out of her chest the moment she opened her mouth.

Emily maintained a delicate smile on her face, appearing calm, but her heart was racing wildly, as if it could leap out of her chest at any moment.

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on her, cold and indifferent. Emily's hand, hidden beneath the bedsheet, clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palm, piercing the skin without her feeling the pain.

It wasn't until the sharp sting of a slap landed on her left cheek that her heart settled back into place.

Thank goodness, she thought. If he hadn't hit her, she wouldn't have been sure of his intentions. But since he had struck her, it meant she might not die after all.

A person who gets angry is always easier to deal with than one who shows no emotion.

Rumor had it that Alexander Remington was a very indifferent man, rarely losing his temper. Few could catch his attention, and he was notoriously ruthless with things he didn't care about.

But now, the fact that she had managed to anger such a composed man meant she still had some influence. If someone truly didn't care, they wouldn't bother to hit you.

Sure enough, he spoke, "I never hit women. You're the first."

Emily extended her crimson tongue, a sweet smile playing on her lips as she licked the blood from the corner of her mouth, ignoring the burning pain in her cheek. "Thank you. I'm honored."

She had completely let go of all pretense. A woman willing to give everything up had no need for dignity, pride, or honor.

Did those things have any value? Could they fill her stomach? Save her life?

No.

So, Emily would never waste any emotion on things that held no worth.

The murderous intent in Alexander's eyes instantly vanished. The situation had reached a point where words were useless. "Speak. What do you want?"

His brief flash of anger had already dissipated, his sharp gaze seemingly able to see through Emily's thoughts, exposing all her intentions.

Emily shrugged. She had nothing to hide. Her goal had always been singular-money.

"Mr. Remington, what do you think I want? I'm just a woman who sells herself. Naturally, I want money."

Emily tried her best to embody the demeanor of a nightclub hostess, exuding a lowly, vulgar charm. She wanted to anger him, to confuse his sharp mind for even a split second, so she could grasp the slimmest chance of success.

In front of this man, she had to be extremely cautious. He was a devilish enigma, while she was merely a novice fox.

Alexander's gaze was like that of a hunting eagle, ready to tear the woman before him apart with his sharp beak. "You're quite bold to have stayed until now."

"That's because your conditions are excellent, Mr. Remington. Besides, in the short term, I can't find a man richer or more capable than you. So, a bit of boldness is necessary." Emily's seductive red lips and smile exuded a sense of debauchery, as if she were a true gold-digger, shamelessly declaring that her only purpose was money.

Alexander's face showed undisguised disgust, as if he were looking at a fly. He sneered, "Are you so sure that I will agree?"

It was the first time he had encountered such a shameless woman who dared to scheme against him.

Fine, she wanted money? Then let's see if she could handle it.

Alexander called his secretary...

About twenty minutes later, Secretary Parker arrived as quickly as possible, presenting a contract to Alexander with a respectful bow. "Sir."

Alexander took the contract and handed it to Emily. "You want money? Here's a contract. Sign it, and you'll get what you want."

Emily took the contract, her hands trembling slightly. She quickly scanned the document, her eyes widening as she read the terms. It was a contract that could bind her to Alexander in the most degrading way, offering her a substantial amount of money but at the cost of her freedom and dignity.

"What's the matter? Having second thoughts?" Alexander's voice was mocking, his eyes filled with contempt.

Emily clenched her teeth and forced a smile. "No second thoughts. I'll sign it."

She took the pen and, with a steady hand, signed her name at the bottom of the contract. As she handed it back to Alexander, she couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine.

"Very good," Alexander said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Welcome to your new life, Emily. I hope you're ready for it."

Emily met his gaze, her resolve hardening. She had made her choice, and there was no turning back now. She would endure whatever came her way to secure her future.

---

With the contract signed, Emily knew she had sealed her fate. Alexander's terms were harsh, and his intentions were clear. He would make her life a living hell, but she was prepared to face it all for the sake of her survival.

As Alexander left the room, Emily sat on the edge of the bed, her mind racing. She had taken the first step in a dangerous game, and now she had to navigate it carefully to achieve her goal.

She looked around the opulent room, realizing that this was now her new reality. The path she had chosen was filled with uncertainty and peril, but she would not back down.

"God, if you have given me this chance, then let me succeed. Let me hold this man in my hands and use him as my weapon to conquer all."

Emily's determination was unwavering. She had come this far and would not let anything stand in her way. The game had begun, and she was ready to play it to the end.

The contract was pushed in front of Emily. She quickly scanned the terms and signed her name.

**Party B: Emily Collins.**

Her elegant, neat handwriting etched onto the white paper, like an indelible brand, a mark that would stay forever.

Emily knew that her contractual relationship with Alexander Remington was now solidified.

A young woman in her prime had now stepped onto a path she had once despised.

Being a mistress-what an ancient and enduring profession.

The contract was straightforward, divided into eight key points:

1. Alexander could call Emily at any time, but Emily could never call him.

2. Emily's phone must remain on 24/7. She had to be available at all times and must come immediately when summoned, regardless of where she was or what she was doing.

3. Outside of these meetings, they were to act as strangers in public, causing no trouble for Alexander.

4. The arrangement would only end when Alexander decided it was over.

5. Alexander would deposit $50,000 into Emily's account every month until their relationship ended.

6. Once the relationship ended, Emily was not to contact Alexander again.

7. During the contract period, Emily must obey Alexander completely. Any defiance would be met with consequences.

8. This last point ensured complete compliance and discretion, emphasizing Emily's subservience and the absolute power Alexander held over her during the contract period.

To Alexander, $50,000 was nothing. In fact, this was the lowest amount he had ever paid to any woman he had been with. He believed Emily was worth no more than this price.

To Emily, however, it was a substantial amount-one that could change her life.

Alexander glanced at the signature at the bottom right corner of the A4 paper. **Emily Collins**-he had just learned her name.

Such a lovely name for such a tainted woman, he thought. What a waste.

Alexander looked at her coldly, much like an executioner allowing a prisoner to speak their final words. "You don't need to think it over?"

"No need. It's fair. I look forward to our cooperation, Mr. Remington," Emily said, extending her hand.

Alexander did not take her hand. Instead, he looked at her with icy disdain.

"Cooperation? I'm not pleased. Ever since you schemed against me, I've been anything but pleased."

Seeing her reminded him that he had always had smooth sailing in life, always surrounded by admirers. Many women wanted to be with him, but no one had ever dared to scheme against him like this.

Emily didn't feel embarrassed. She shrugged and withdrew her hand. "It's almost dawn. Have a good rest, Mr. Remington. Call me anytime. I'll always be available."

Secretary Parker, who had been standing silently behind Alexander, handed Emily a bag. "Miss Collins, here are your clothes."

Emily glanced at the label. She almost whistled-Dior's latest collection dress. She accepted it with a smile. "Thank you."

After taking a shower, Emily changed into the dress Secretary Parker had prepared. Although her body still ached, it was much better now. At least the psychological pain had eased significantly.

She knew she would have to interact with Alexander frequently in the future, and such encounters were inevitable. The pain would become a habit.

The gray sleeveless dress had a slightly low neckline, revealing a hint of delicate, alluring skin, making her complexion look like snow. However, the scars on her chest were glaring, though she acted as if they didn't bother her at all.

Her waistline was gracefully alluring, as slender as a willow in early spring. As she walked, her movements were enough to captivate anyone's soul.

Emily's graceful waistline swayed like the slender willows of early spring, turning heads as she walked down the street.

Alexander Remington cursed internally, wondering why Secretary Parker had chosen such a stunning dress for this woman.

Emily turned back to Alexander with a smile. "Goodbye, Mr. Remington."

"Wait," Alexander called out, stopping her in her tracks.

Emily turned, her skirt creating a beautiful arc. "Is there something else, Mr. Remington?"

Alexander's expression darkened. "One last thing: until our arrangement is over, you are not to have any relationships with other men. If I find out otherwise, this contract will be terminated immediately, and you'll pay back every penny I gave you."

Emily threw him a flirtatious wink. "Rest assured, Mr. Remington. I have some professional ethics."

"Good. I hope you prove to be worth the money."

"Don't worry, I guarantee you'll get your money's worth!"

After Emily left, Alexander's face instantly turned cold. He glanced at Secretary Parker.

"Find out everything about that woman and have her monitored 24/7," Alexander ordered.

Secretary Parker nodded expressionlessly. "Yes, sir. I'll have the information on your desk in an hour."

---

As promised, an hour later, Alexander's desk was covered with documents detailing Emily's entire life, from her childhood to the present, even noting the age at which she lost her first tooth.

The more Alexander read, the deeper his frown grew.

When he reached the part about Emily's mother, Diane, attempting to sell her to a businessman named Mr. King, he recalled Emily's words from that night.

No wonder she had said that if she was going to be sold anyway, she might as well choose someone she found agreeable.

Such a bloody and tearful history would evoke pity in anyone with an ounce of compassion.

But not Alexander Remington. The world was full of people more pitiful than Emily, and he had no cheap sympathy to spare for her.

She dared to scheme against him. The fact that he hadn't retaliated was already the greatest mercy he could offer.

"You can stop the surveillance," Alexander said.

For a moment, Secretary Parker's stoic expression cracked slightly. They had barely begun the 24/7 surveillance, and now Alexander wanted it called off. The inconsistency was baffling.

Still, he nodded calmly. "Yes, sir."

---

Leaving the hotel, Emily felt as if all her strength had been drained. She hailed a taxi and headed back to her small rented apartment.

Entering the dark room, she felt the last of her energy ebb away. She stumbled to the bed and sat down.

Fumbling through her bag, she took out the morning-after pill she had prepared and swallowed it dry, the pill scraping painfully down her throat, its bitterness making her want to vomit. But in the darkness, Emily smiled. Feeling pain, tasting bitterness-it meant she was still alive. Those who hadn't faced death wouldn't understand that sometimes, pain and bitterness could be a form of happiness.

Emily didn't even bother to undress, collapsing onto the bed and falling into a deep sleep.

As dawn approached, her body began to tremble. Her hands clutched the bedsheets tightly, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead. Her face contorted in pain, and she mumbled incoherently in her sleep.

---

Emily awoke to the faint light of morning filtering through the thin curtains. Her body ached all over, a reminder of the previous night's events. She sat up slowly, trying to gather her thoughts and muster the strength to face the day.

She had taken a significant step towards securing her future, but the cost was higher than she had anticipated. The physical pain was manageable, but the emotional toll was far more challenging.

Emily knew she had to stay strong. Her life had been irrevocably altered, and she had to navigate this new reality with caution and determination. She couldn't afford to let her guard down, not even for a moment.

---

Back at the Remington estate, Alexander sat in his study, the information about Emily still spread out before him. He couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his chest. Despite his initial disdain, there was something about Emily that intrigued him, something he couldn't quite define.

He closed the folder and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. Emily Collins was a mystery, one he intended to unravel. But for now, he had to maintain control and ensure that their arrangement went according to his terms.

As the day progressed, Alexander couldn't help but wonder if he had underestimated Emily. She was more resilient than he had expected, and that resilience might pose a greater challenge than he had anticipated.

But Alexander Remington was not a man to back down from a challenge. He would see this through to the end, no matter what it took.

Meanwhile, Emily prepared herself for the battles ahead, knowing that her future depended on her ability to navigate the treacherous waters she had willingly entered. The game had only just begun, and both players were ready to fight to the finish.