Bound To My Billionaire Rival (A Contract Marriage)

Marina leaned against her desk, exchanging laughter with her favorite colleague as they watched Alton Dewey pass by. "Ugh, seeing that guy just turns my stomach," she remarked, a smirk playing on her lips.

Alton caught wind of their laughter, his jaw tightening as he overheard Marina's comment. "I hope you're not talking about me, you jerk," he shot back, his voice flushed with irritation.

Marina didn't miss a beat, rolling her eyes and retorting, "And what if I am? You're hardly a sight for sore eyes yourself."

"Come on, Marina, not today," Janet interjected, pulling Marina away from the brewing confrontation.

"He's lucky we're at work. Let him try that outside, and I'll show him what I'm really made of," Marina muttered to Janet, her frustration evident.

Alton despised his father's decision. Despite being the son of Harrison Dewey, one of Crescent City's wealthiest billionaires, Alton was sent off to learn about work ethics in a corporate setting. All his life, Alton had only known the comfort of formal education. Now, he found himself toiling away as a lowly staff member at MetroPulse Group of Companies, keeping his true identity hidden.

A whole year had passed, but peace remained elusive for Alton, especially whenever he crossed paths with Marina. Eager to escape the tension, Alton focused on finishing his tasks for the day and heading home. Marina had already soured his morning enough.

Janet, however, had a different perspective. "You know, that guy is actually pretty good-looking. It's obvious he's the most handsome guy in this office," she remarked, her cheeks flushing as she glanced at Alton.

"Handsome? Who cares? And even if he is, it's not like I give a damn. And why are you even bringing this up, Janet? Don't tell me you've got a thing for that pain in the neck," Marina snapped irritably, causing Janet to burst into laughter.

Janet's laughter echoed through the room like a cascade of bells, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she teased Marina mercilessly. "Come on, Marina, don't be ridiculous! I already have a boyfriend. It's you who needs to find someone because, let's face it, you're the one who's single and ready to mingle," she chided, her tone laced with playful sarcasm as she leaned in closer to her.

Marina recoiled in disgust. "Are you out of your mind? I wouldn't date him if my life depended on it! I've got enough mouths to feed! I won't add that poor guy to the list," she retorted, her expression twisted in distaste.

Before Janet could reply, their supervisor, Richard, entered the office with news of an emergency meeting. "Everyone, we need to gather for a meeting in 20 minutes. It's urgent," he announced before leaving, leaving the office buzzing with speculation about the reason for the sudden meeting.

The meeting hall filled quickly as everyone gathered for the announcement. Thomas Wayne, the manager of MetroPulse Group of Company, took the stage, offering a greeting before diving into the main topic.

"In a few months, we'll be welcoming a new director as our current one plans to take a break," Thomas announced, sending a ripple of surprise through the room.

Alton's heart sank at the news. His father hadn't mentioned anything about stepping down.

"Why does my own father despise me so much? He won't even involve me in important decisions, just treats me like a pawn in his game. And now, a new director? What was I even working toward?" Alton's thoughts churned painfully.

"The purpose of this meeting is to emphasize the importance of staying focused and doubling our efforts to maintain our position, even under new leadership. If we slack off, many of you could lose your jobs," Thomas continued, his words heavy with urgency.

Alton trudged back to his desk after the meeting, feeling betrayed and lost. He had hoped to take over his father's company after the two years of training, but now it seemed like an impossible dream.

Marina's mood shifted as well. Despite being one of the company's top performers, the threat of losing her job loomed large. She decided to work even harder, determined to get a promotion for the sake of her family.

Alton's heart was filled with so much grief as he couldn't wait to finish working before disappearing home to challenge his Dad; he had made up his mind to stop working and maybe go back to the United Kingdom he schooled if he didn't get a reasonable response on why he isn't made the new director.

When he got home, he met Harrison, sipping a glass of red wine in their big, gigantic living room. Without hesitation, he walked up to Harrison, who was giving out an unprecedented smile.

"Dad, we need to talk," he said, his tone tense.

"Ah, Alton, welcome home," Harrison greeted warmly, gesturing for his son to sit.

Alton stood firm, his stance unwavering as he faced his father. His voice quivered with frustration and hurt, his unpleased emotions were glaring.

"Dad," Alton began, his words laced with bitterness. "Why do you seem to have it out for me? You promised that after two years, I'd have my chance to lead the company. But now, before even reaching that milestone, you're ready to pass the torch to someone else. Do you really hold such disdain for me?"

Harrison's grin was unnerving. "Oh, son! You've heard. I was just about to tell you. Yes, in a few months, you'll be the new director. Congratulations, son!" he exclaimed, opening his arms for a hug.

Overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, Alton embraced his father tightly. "Dad, this is incredible! Thank you!"

But then Harrison's smile faltered as he added a condition. "However, there's a condition. You need to get married. I've already found a wife for you. Without it, you'll remain just an employee."

Alton's joy turned to dismay. "No, I have to be the director. And Marina... I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of her," he vowed silently.

"Dad, when is this marriage supposed to happen?" he asked, feeling trapped.

Marina trudged home long past sundown, her body aching from the grind of two jobs. After clocking out at MetroPulse Group of Company, she would hustle over to her second job as a supermarket sales representative. The pay there was meager, but when combined with her main salary, it helped support her aged grandmother and two younger siblings.

Entering the dimly lit apartment, Marina's exhaustion weighed heavily on her. She was startled to find her grandmother, Tracy, still awake, perched on their small, worn couch. Tracy usually retired early. Marina, ready to collapse into bed, felt a jolt of concern at her grandmother's somber expression. She tossed her bag onto a chair and rushed to Tracy's side, her fatigue momentarily forgotten.

"Grandmother, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Marina's voice was laced with concern. Tracy's weary eyes, usually so full of warmth, now looked troubled. Marina couldn't bear seeing her like this. Tracy had sacrificed so much to give her a good life, and now it was Marina's turn to take care of her, ensuring her siblings' needs were also met by juggling two jobs.

Tracy reached out, her hand trembling slightly. "Marina, my dear, it breaks my heart to see you work so hard for me and your siblings. I want the best for you, and I think there's a solution." She paused, looking deeply into Marina's eyes. "You're getting married soon!"

Shock rippled across Marina's face, her mind racing to grasp the sudden revelation.

"Married? To whom?" Marina's eyes widened, her mouth agape.

Tracy sighed deeply. "While you were at work, my cousin came by, demanding the $500,000 we owe him. I borrowed it to cover your final year of college. He suggested the only way out of this poverty is for you to marry a billionaire."

Marina's heart sank. "Marry someone I don't even know? Do you know this billionaire?"

Tracy shook her head. "No, but your uncle does. He says the man is an elderly billionaire who lost his wife years ago. If you marry him, our lives will change. We'll become very wealthy."

Marina stared at her grandmother, feeling a mix of disbelief and anger, her appetite gone.

Marina's voice trembled with disbelief. "Grandmother, you want me to marry a stranger just because we're struggling? Don't worry, I'll work even harder. I'll pay off Uncle's debt in a few months. Just ask him to be patient."

With calm determination, Marina turned and left Tracy behind. Tracy's heart sank, feeling the weight of disappointment as she watched Marina walk away. She wished she hadn't agreed to the desperate suggestion in the first place.

********

As Alton stepped into the office the next day, his attire underwent a transformation. He appeared every inch the director, even though the position hadn't been officially bestowed upon him yet. He selected one of his finest new suits, dressing with meticulous attention to detail. Gone was the appearance of an ordinary employee; he exuded confidence and charm, looking strikingly handsome.

With a steely resolve, Alton vowed to refrain from engaging in any confrontations or arguments. Instead, he harbored plans for Marina once he ascended to the role of director. He eagerly anticipated the opportunity to have Marina fired from the company.

As Alton strolled into the office fashionably late, heads turned, and whispers rippled through the room. "Wow! Are you auditioning for Mr. World? You look stunning!" exclaimed one of the ladies, unable to contain her admiration. Alton, usually reserved, carried himself with newfound confidence, his smile lighting up the room.

"He's definitely going for it! Quite the transformation," another woman remarked, her tone laced with a hint of mockery.

Meanwhile, Marina, lost in her own thoughts since her grandmother's unexpected revelation, was jolted back to the present by Janet's voice. "Marina, your man is looking dashing today! Did he step out for a fashion show?" Janet's words stirred Marina from her reverie, and she glanced over at Alton. Despite herself, she couldn't deny that he looked strikingly different and attractive. Yet, she refused to let her emotions show, determined not to appear weak.

"What's so special about his outfit?" Marina's voice rang out, loud enough for Alton to hear. Though they sat across from each other, a distance separated them.

Alton met Marina's gaze with a smile, but her response was a sharp hiss. "Ugly Duckling," she muttered before returning her attention to her laptop, engrossed in her work.

Alton remained unfazed, refraining from any verbal retaliation. He harbored plans for Marina's future at the company, plans that didn't involve her continued employment. He vowed to ensure she never found work elsewhere either.

"Come on, Marina, not today. Looks like Alton's in a good mood," Janet interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension and redirect Marina's negative energy.

"I don't care. I have bigger things on my mind than your nonsense!" Marina snapped at Janet, who retreated to focus on her own tasks. Marina's mind was consumed with thoughts of her grandmother's revelation. She couldn't shake the image of herself as a laughingstock if she married the elderly billionaire. Yet, the prospect of a life free from menial employment at MetroPulse Group of Company, perhaps even a position of authority in the billionaire's empire, tantalized her.

With this optimism, Marina reached for her phone. She began searching online, curious to find if there were others her age who had taken the leap and married wealthy older men.

As Marina scrolled through the search results, she found numerous stories of women, some even younger than herself, who had taken the leap into marrying wealthy older men. With a determined nod, she resolved to pursue this path, a smile creeping across her face at the thought of her impending liberation from financial struggles.

Her newfound decision lifted her spirits, and she found herself smiling once more, casting aside her work to engage in lively conversation with Janet. Their laughter filled the air until the arrival of the head manager, who interrupted their lively chat.

"Attention, everyone," the manager's voice commanded the room's attention. "There is a new project which will be handled by everyone, with each team consisting of two individuals. Project details will be distributed via the workgroup. Put your best foot forward; the top-performing team takes the prize." With a collective "Yes, sir," the staff acknowledged the directive before the manager exited the office.

Minutes later, the manager's message popped up in the workgroup chat.

"Hey, Marina, looks like you're teamed up with Alton for the project!" Janet's exclamation rang out, drawing immediate attention.

"No way! This has to be some kind of joke!" Marina retorted, hastily checking the chat herself. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she read her name paired with Alton's.

"This is absurd!" she exclaimed aloud, frustration evident in her tone.

"I can't believe I have to deal with him," Marina fumed inwardly, her irritation mounting. "I'll have to marry that billionaire just to escape this nonsense!"

Alton's voice cut through the tension. "This is ridiculous. I refuse to work with her," he declared before swiftly shutting down his laptop and storming out of the office as closing time approached.

Alton sat brooding in his car long after he arrived home, stewing over the manager's decision to pair him with his enemy, Marina. The thought of having to work closely with her troubled him deeply, casting a shadow over the news of his upcoming promotion to director of his father's company.

Despite his frustration, Alton had always maintained a relatively close relationship with his father, Harrison. Apart from voicing his dissatisfaction over the low-rank position his father had initially assigned him, he had abstained from complaining about his job, even about Marina, with whom he clashed almost daily. He had always looked forward to the day when he would ascend to the role of director and leave behind the struggle of his current position.

However, on this particular evening, Alton couldn't contain his frustration. As he entered his father's luxurious sitting room, where Harrison sat listening to the news, he felt the need to vent.

"Dad! I can't wait to become the director. There are so many things I want to change," Alton exclaimed, his tone tinged with bitterness.

Harrison, ever attentive to his son's concerns, leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Alton. "Tell me, son. What changes do you have in mind?" he inquired, noting the confidence with which Alton spoke, already assuming the mantle of directorship.

Alton hesitated for a moment before speaking, his frustration glaring. "Never mind, Dad. But there's this girl in the office who always gets on my nerves. I can't believe we've been paired together for a project. The manager is out of his mind," he grumbled, unable to meet his father's gaze.

Harrison chuckled lightly, taking a sip of his wine. "Ah, my boy. Don't tell me you're falling in love. Remember, you're getting married soon. Save all that love for your future wife," he advised a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Falling in love with that witch? If only you knew her, Dad. You'd understand. But never mind," Alton retorted, rising from his seat and retreating to his room. Harrison's interest weakened as he returned his focus to the news; his primary concern was Alton's impending marriage and eventual takeover of the family business.

*****

Marina arrived home earlier than usual; her mind was made up about marrying the elderly billionaire to lift her family out of poverty. She had already submitted her resignation letter at the supermarket where she worked her second job, a decision that filled her with both nervousness and determination. Now, as she entered her home, her face glowed with a combination of hope and anxiety.

Her grandmother, Tracy, looked up in surprise at the sound of the door opening. She had been expecting Marina's cousin, Frederick, whose relentless demands for repayment of a loan had cast a shadow over their lives.

"Marina, you're home early today. Is everything alright?" Tracy attempted to rise from the couch, but her legs gave out, nearly causing her to fall. Without hesitation, Marina rushed to her side, helping her grandmother sit upright.

"I'm sorry, grandmother. Soon, we'll be able to afford proper care for your leg. I've decided to marry the old billionaire. It's the best chance to change our lives," Marina declared, her voice saturated with determination as she settled beside Tracy, her hand gently supporting her grandmother's back.

Tracy's eyes widened in alarm. "You're ready for what, Marina? I don't want you to do something you don't want just to please me. Besides, your uncle came by earlier. I told him you weren't interested, and he left angrily, threatening to take drastic measures if we didn't pay him back soon. Frederick seemes to have forgotten that we're family," Tracy explained, her brow furrowed with worry.

"You already told him I'm not interested? Well, it's fine, grandmother. I'll handle it. I'll call him," Marina replied calmly, retrieving her bags from the floor. She rummaged through them, producing a few goodies for Tracy before excusing herself to change her clothes.

In her room, Marina wasted no time in dialing Frederick's number, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for him to answer.

"Hi, Uncle Frederick. I hope you're doing well," Marina greeted him as soon as he picked up.

"I'm ready to marry the old billionaire you mentioned," she blurted out before Frederick could even respond, her words hanging in the air as she awaited his reaction.

"Oh, my darling Marina, you're making me so proud. I'll make sure to arrange something special for you. Get dressed in something beautiful; we're going to his house tomorrow!" Frederick exclaimed with genuine delight.

Frederick had been Harrison's employee for years, serving as the head of security in his home. Despite his humble position, he had developed a close relationship with Harrison, who treated him more like a friend than an employee.

When Harrison expressed his desire for a wife, Frederick had promised to find him a suitable match, unaware that Harrison intended the bride for his son, Alton. Harrison trusted Frederick implicitly, considering him a loyal and trustworthy member of his staff.

After ending the call with Marina, Frederick wasted no time in dialing Harrison's number.

"Good day, sir," Frederick greeted respectfully, standing at attention as he spoke, even though they were only speaking on the phone.

"Hey, Frederick. How are you? Any good news?" Harrison's voice came through in a friendly tone.

"Yes, sir. I just wanted to inform you that I'll be bringing the lady to visit you tomorrow so you can meet her," Frederick announced.

"Ah, that's wonderful news. Tomorrow's Saturday that works perfectly. Thank you, Frederick," Harrison responded appreciatively before ending the call.

Shortly after, Harrison called out to Alton, who entered the sitting room with a confident stride.

"I'm here, Dad," Alton announced, waiting for his father's instructions.

"Get ready, son. Your future wife will be visiting us tomorrow," Harrison informed him casually. Alton's reaction was alleviated; he didn't particularly care about the identity of the woman he was to marry. His primary concern was fulfilling his father's wishes so he could assume control of the family business.

"Alright, Dad," Alton replied indifferently, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming meeting.