CLAIMED BY THE MYSTERIOUS BILLIONAIRE

BELLE

"Belle, is that my dress?" Faye's voice sliced through the air. My heart lurched as I spun around to face the defying look on her face.

"What? N-no, it's a gift from Rowan, I swear... he specifically told me to wear it tonight. Otherwise, I wouldn't..." My voice faltered under her piercing glare.

She took a step closer, her lip pressing into a thin line before twisting into a sneer.

"Rowan? Buy you a dress? Don't make me laugh." She spat in my face.

"Faye, I promise you, I didn't-"

"Of course, you didn't." Her face twisted into a mocking grin. "Aren't you always innocent?" She took a step closer to the door with a sly grin plastered on her face.

"F-Faye, p-p-please," I wavered.

"What? I haven't even done anything yet," she chuckled before letting out a piercing yell. "Mom! Look what I found!"

Dread clawed at my chest. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself as the sharp click of heels echoed down the hall.

Laura.

When she appeared in my room, the cold disapproval on her face was already set in stone.

"What is going on here?" Laura demanded. She barely spared a glance at Faye before turning her glare on me.

"I... I swear, I didn't..."

"She stole my dress, mom!" Faye cut me off.

Laura let out a weary sigh, shaking her head. "Do you ever learn?"

"Laura, I didn't..."

"Are you calling my daughter a liar?" She snapped.

I was cornered. I always was.

It's the only thing that is consistent in my life since my father died. Laura was a perfect mother figure while my father was alive. She never acted like the typical stepmother or maltreated me for once.

Little did I know it was all a ploy to get my father to leave all my mother's properties in her care. Alas! It worked, and I blamed myself every day for being so naive.

"No," my voice came out barely as a whisper as tears welled my eyes.

"Good." She said flatly. "Since you want to dress up so badly, you'll represent Faye tonight. You'll attend the meeting with Mr. Brown in her stead."

"M-mr. Brown?" My blood ran cold at the mention of the name. "You know that is not possible-"

Mr. Brown has the most infamous reputation in the business industry. It doesn't make sense that Laura would set up a meeting with Mr. Brown and Faye, let alone, making me go in her stead.

"Did I stutter?" She stepped forward, forcing me back with her sharp gaze.

"N-no."

"Good. You've five minutes."

"Mom! She can't wear my dress!" Faye whined.

"Let her. It looks cheap on her anyway, and we can't have her misrepresent the Anderson family," she shrugged.

Laura's heels clicked against the marble floor as she walked away.

Faye smirked as soon as we were left alone.

"I heard Mr. Brown is a pervert who loves young girls." She leaned in, her breath warm against my ear. "Try not to disgust him. Even he has standards."

The night blurred.

I was dragged down the stairs, shoved into a car, and just before we drove off, Faye slipped in beside me, grinning. "I have to watch this. Your downfall? Front row seat."

By the time we arrived, my head was pounding. Maybe it was fear, or maybe it was something else.

I felt hot from within, and I needed... I don't know what I needed. My throat feels dry, and my body feels weird. Every voice sounded like moans in my ear, and it made my pu**y throbbed.

What is wrong with me?

The club pulsated with loud music. Lights flashed in disorienting colors, stinging my eyes. The air reeked of sweat, alcohol and smoke. At this point, I just wanted to empty my stomach.

"Don't just stand there, bitch!" Faye snapped.

I tried to move, but my legs felt... heavy. The room spun around me, making me feel even more dizzy.

"Can you do anything right? I told mom you were useless," Faye hissed. She grabbed my wrist, her nails digging into my skin as she shoved me through a door.

"Just be a good girl and you will earn us a fortune, huh?"

The room began to spun around, as my knees buckled. I collapsed onto the floor, twisting my ankle in the process.

"Dumb bitch," Faye's laughter rang in my ear, adding to my headache.

Just then, the door cracked open, and a familiar scent hit me. Even through the haze, my body recognized it immediately.

Rowan.

I lifted my head to see Rowan, my fiancé and I couldn't explain the relief that washed over me. He came for me. He always did.

I blinked up at him, and my vision were blessed with the sight of his tall frame, his sharp gaze, the way his lips pressed into a frown. He was pissed.

Just then, Faye leaned closer to kiss his cheeks and his frown melted.

WHAT THE HELL?

"I missed you, babe," she cooed.

"I know." Rowan wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her close, and right in front of me, he kissed her.

No.

No. No. No.

"Ro-" I tried to scream, but I could barely hear my own voice.

Tears burned down my cheeks as I clunched my chest in pain. Only then did Rowan turned at the sound of my choked sob.

"What the fuck, Faye?! She's awake!" His eyes widened in shock.

"Barely," Faye scoffed. "I slipped some rohypnol into her drink earlier. She won't remember a thing in the morning."

Rohypnol. Oh my god!

That was why I am feeling so strange.

That was why Faye smirked when I took the wine before we left home. She spiked my drink and came here to watch me embarrass myself.

"We can't afford to-"

"Shush." Faye silenced him with a kiss. "Trust me, our plan is perfect."

"F-faye, she's watching us."

"Ugh!" She sauntered over to me, and pressed the sharp point of her heels on my cheeks.

"Faye!" Rowan snapped.

"What? Don't tell me you care about her?"

I looked at Rowan hesitantly hoping he'd at least say be cared for me, even though he had been sneaking around my back to fuck my stepsister.

"Care?" He scoffed at her words. "Of course not. I only stayed this long because I pitied her."

My chest tightened in pain, and it felt like it was going to explode. This is the man that I've loved my whole life. The man I was willing to sacrifice everything for.

I wanted to scream. To rip them apart, but I couldn't. It was as if my body no longer belonged to me, and tears burned my cheeks.

"Good, because everything has been settled. We can't allow the board to know how much we have embezzled from the company's account, so mom decided to sell it to Mr. Brown or we will go bankrupt," Faye explained.

My breath hitched at the realization. They are selling my mother's company.

I blinked away the tears that blurred my vision as I recalled how hard mom worked to get the company to where it was. She'd spend all night working. Drinking coffee in an empty stomach. She did everything to give me a better future, but I stupidly hated her for always being absent.

I had no idea. I didn't know and I regret it every single day of my life. While I was busy hating my mom for her absence, she was busy fighting for her life.

I didn't even realized she was dying... what kind of a daughter am I?

She died on the day she won the law suit against her family to ensure the company is given to me at the right age, and then, I threw everything away the moment I saw Laura, like a starved kid.

I gave up on my mom dreams. Disappointed her and even forgot to visit her on her death anniversary. Maybe this is my punishment for being such a bad daughter.

"I can't wait to get her out of the picture so that I can publicly be with you," Faye pouted.

"Me too... Once the deal is signed, she'd be useless and I can finally be with you. Now, let's get this over with. Mr. Brown is not a patient man, so take her to the room and then, we can finally sign the papers," Rowan said with a proud smirk.

And just like that, Rowan dragged me up with the help of Faye. "Why is she so heavy?" She hissed as they dragged me out of the room.

I wanted to push them away. To spat in their face and call them ingrate because that is who they are, but all I could do was cry.

How pathetic. My mother must be turning in her grave. She died for nothing.

"Which room is it?" Rowan asked as we stood in-between two doors.

"Room 201," Faye whispered. "Or is it 102?"

"We don't have all day, Faye!"

"It's 201," she concluded.

Without giving it much thought, they pushed me inside, and my face collided with the cold floor.

My body trembled with pain, but it was nothing compared to the betrayal. I struggled to get up ignoring the pain searing through my limbs. I had to get out of here. I couldn't let them use me like this- I wouldn't.

Staggering to the door, I gripped the door knob, My fingers shaking as I yanked it open.

A breath of stale air hit my face just when I bumped into something... no, someone.

He was dead drunk.

A large hand clamped around my waist, steadying me. His grip was firm, commanding and even with my state, my breath hitched at the raw power radiating from him.

It is the effect of the drug.

I tried to brushed it off, but the strong scent of his cologne and the toned chest that is slightly pressed against mine, wouldn't let me back off.

I tried to lift my head, and I couldn't help but licked my lips upon seeing the hot man standing in front of me.

My vision were blurry, but I could make out the sharp edge of his jaw, before a playful smirk spread across his lips.

He leaned closer, studying every inch of my face. "Look who we have here," his hot breath fanned against my neck, and I inhaled a sharp breath.

Before I could catch my breath, his lips crashed against mine roughly. It wasn't the sweet or gentle type I was used to. It was possessive. His fingers dug into my waist, pulling me flush against him, and my body melted.

I should push him away.

But instead, my fingers curled their ways into his shirt, gripping on him like he was the only thing keeping me upright.

A low moan escaped my lips as he thrust his tongue in my mouth, teasing me, claiming me, and it feels like my body was about to explode from the pleasure, before everything went black.

BELLE

I woke up to a sharp, pounding headache. My throat felt dry, and my entire body felt sore. I winced, reaching out blindly for the water bottle I always kept by the nightstand, when I felt something strange.

My fingers didn't meet the cool wooden surface. Instead, they traced over something firm, something warm like... an abs?

Before I could take in what was happening, a husky voice broke the silence.

"Enjoying yourself?"

A large hand wrapped around mine, stopping my movements, and I couldn't help the flash memory that popped in my head. It felt familiar...

OMG.

My heart raced as I snapped my eyes open in panic.

Where am I?

I took in the surroundings, and it was nothing familiar. It was a large room. Somewhat like an h- hotel room?

I squeezed my eyes shut, as my stomach twisted. My pulse was pounding so hard that I could hear it in my ears.

No. This is just a dream. It can't be real.

I wanted to believe that this was just another stupid dream, but the warmth beside me told me otherwise. This is real.

"What have I done?" I mumbled under my breath, only to hear a scoff in response.

I turned sharply towards the source of the voice, only to find a man lying right next to me. The sheets were hung low around his waist, exposing his toned chest and a smirk that sends chills down my spine.

Just then, my gaze dropped to the scattered clothes on the floor. It was the dress I was wearing last night and... my undies.

My body froze as icy dread crawled down my spine. My breath hitched, and a lump formed in my throat.

What have I done?

My goodness, Belle! What have you done?!

I didn't just lose my virginity to a stranger, did I?

Just then, the man stood up, showing off his perfect body as he went to pick his clothes. "No need to put up an act. Take this." He pulled out a card from his wallet and threw it at me. "Consider it payment for your time."

And just like that, he got dressed and strode out as if nothing ever happened.

I wanted to scream at him. To tell him that I wasn't a whore or someone he could just toss behind after using, but instead, I gripped the sheet tighter, my fingers trembling as shame swallowed me whole.

How could he just walk away like that?

I have never felt so disrespected in my entire life, but what could I possibly do? He looked like another rich kid that gives zero fucks about others.

I blinked away the tears that blurred my vision, when it suddenly clicked.

LAURA

I jolted up immediately as panic gripped down on me. The last thing I remembered was Faye and Rowan bringing me here. What happened with Mr. Brown?

Laura is definitely going to kill me.

I rushed out of the hotel room and dashed home in a hurry, only to be welcomed by Laura's cold stare.

"There better be a good explanation for ghosting Mr. Brown last night," she sneered.

Faye stood behind her with a smirk on her face, clearly enjoying how this was going.

"I... Faye... I was..."

"You shamelessly forced yourself on another man. That is what happened," Faye lied.

"How could you..." My voice trembled as I spoke.

A surge of rage coursed through my veins as I watched the evil grin in her eyes. How can someone be so shameless? For once, I wanted to call her out and tell Laura how horrible her daughter was, and that was exactly what I did.

"What? How could I what?" She raised her brows, challenging me to say something.

"You... you did something to me, didn't you?" My voice trembled as pieces of the night clicked together.

Faye's smirk only widened as she watched me in disbelief.

"You drugged me. You stood there, kissing my man, right in front of me! And now, you have the audacity to accuse me of... of..." My stomach twisted. "You left me for a stranger to take advantage of," tears burned my cheeks as I finished my words, and I have never felt so angry before.

"You ungrateful little liar. You are just like your mother, always pretending to be innocent while ruining everything around her."

"Don't bring my mother into this," I hissed.

I don't know where I got the courage from, but I was done with the bully. "Everything you have today is because of my mother! The clothes you wear. The house you live in, the cars, EVERYTHING!"

"So if you ever think she's pathetic, then you should check yourself. You're the one who derives pleasure in spending someone hard earned money."

The crack of her palm against my cheeks echoed through the room. My head snapped to the side as my cheeks sting from the effect. She fucking slapped me!

"I guess the truth hurts, after all," my voice came out barely as a whisper, but judging from the way Laura's face was flashing with rage, I bet she heard me loud and clear.

"How dare you?" She howled. "I raised you. Stood by you when your workaholic mother neglected you! How dare you insult me like this?" Her voice trembled with pure rage, and I didn't miss the shock on Faye's eyes before it disappeared.

"I told you to throw her out, but you wouldn't listen. Everything she owned is already in your name, isn't it? She's of no use to us anymore." Faye muttered.

It felt like my heart was being ripped apart. How could I be so stupid? Faye was right. I left everything in Laura's care. She doesn't need me to access any of my mother's properties.

"I'll give you two options. Go to Mr. Brown and beg for his forgiveness. Only he is willing to buy that forsaken company, at a cost, of course."

Laura inhaled a sharp breath before she continued. "Or get out of our lives and never return."

It has finally happened.

I became Laura's puppet just so I could remain in this house. To feel whatever is left of my parents, and now, it's finally happening.

I'd be stupid to believe Laura wouldn't throw me out even if Mr. Brown did reconsider, or if I sell my body to him.

Tears blurred my vision as Laura waited for me to make my choice.

"Which is it going to be?" She asked coldly.

"If this is my punishment for picking someone else over my mother, then I'd accept my fate," I sniffed back my tears as I spoke. "But I'm done doing anything to benefit you or your daughter..."

Just then, a sudden chill ran down my spine. Something was wrong, but before I could react, I felt a crushing pain in my head.

Blood trickled down my face and when i turned around to see what it was, Rowan stood there with a vase in his hands, and a few blood stain in his shirt.

"Just die already," he spat.

It felt like the world spun around and I couldn't help the tears that burned my cheeks before everything went blank.

*****

~ONE MONTH LATER~

I attempted to open my eyes, but snapped it close immediately. The harsh fluorescent lights burned my vision, and the sterile smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils. I was in a hospital.

A sharp sting shot through my entire body as I tried to move, making me wince in pain.

"You're awake!" A familiar voice gasped.

I turned my head slowly, wincing at the moment when I saw who it was. Kara, my best friend.

Tears blurred her vision as she stared at me in disbelief.

"You're really awake," she whispered before pulling me into a hug. "I thought I'd never see you again... I thought..." she shook her head, as she wiped her tears harshly.

"All that matters is you're awake," she choked on her sob, leaving me even more confused.

"Where am I?" My voice came out hoarsely.

"You're in my mother's hospital," she said softly before she continued. "You've been unconscious for the past one month."

A month? My breath catched in my throat. "What happened?"

"Let's just say Faye and Laura happened," she whispered.

Before I could ask any more questions, a doctor came in with a small smile on his face. "Finally, you're awake."

I nodded, unsure of how to answer.

"How are you feeling now?"

"Weak... sore..." I whispered and he nodded.

"As expected. You'll need to take things easy and focus on your recovery, especially for the baby's sake," he added.

What is he talking about? My lips moved, but no sound came out. I must have misheard him.

"W-what baby?" I stammered.

"You didn't know?" He asked, looking between Kara and I.

Kara looked away immediately and I knew something wasn't right.

"Know what?" I tried to sit up and Kara placed a pillow behind me immediately.

"You are pregnant," he dropped the bomb.

BELLE

~FIVE YEARS LATER~

"Jordan! Jamie!" I shouted for the hundredth time within the last five minutes. "Get back here!"

My goodness! Nobody said becoming a single mother was this stressful.

"Jamie... come on, you don't want to stress Mommy, right?" I sighed in defeat as I sat on the couch.

I looked around my little space, and there was hardly anywhere to hide, but somehow, those kids always managed to fit in somewhere invisible.

Just when I was on the verge of giving up, I felt a tiny hand on my leg.

"Sorry, mommy," Jamie apologized with her puppy face.

"We were playing hide and seek!" Jordan added, jumping out from behind the curtain like a little ninja.

"Okay. You win. But no more hide and seek till the weekend, alright? Mommy's got enough gray hair."

They nodded with guilty smiles when the front door cracked open.

"Kara!!!" They jumped in excitement as they ran into her arms.

"What's up, pumpkins!" Kara grinned, carrying in two bags filled with junks.

"Kara," I called, crossing my arms. "We agreed on healthy food for the week."

"We did," she smirked. "And then, your kids haunted my dream, so..." she squeezed her face to make a scary look, making the kids laugh.

"Here, go and play kids," she blow them a kiss after handling the bags to them.

I rolled my eyes as she shooed them off to play. "Thanks," I muttered.

"What? I am their godmother," she shrugged.

Kara has been the only one there for me since Laura and Faye abandoned me, and I couldn't be more grateful.

"Yeah... you should be with them more often," I teased. "Mind taking them away for a week?"

"No can do," she shook her head frantically, making both of us laugh.

"How is it going?" Kara sat next to me, her expression turning serious.

"Good?" I wanted to lie and act strong, but Kara was that one person that could see through me. There was no point lying. Stress is written all over my face, and I can't even take a damn break because how else would I afford to take care of my twins?

"Honestly, it's a lot," I confessed.

"I know," she whispered beside me. "Honestly, you are a strong woman. If I were in your position, I'd have lost my damn mind. I can hardly look after myself, let alone two kids at once."

I released a sharp breath as I leaned back on the couch. "Never in a thousand years would I believe that I'd end up in this position. No dreams, no aspirations, just doing everything to survive."

"Well, all of that ends now," Kara grinned beside me. I knew this was just her trying to lift my mood, but it's not working.

"Let's not give each other false hope," I chuckled.

"And why would I do that?" She said, pulling out her phone from her pocket. Her eyes lit up as she read a text before turning to face me. "I got you a job interview. Marlowe Corporation. You've got one hour. Go get a dress."

Wait. What?

"You're kidding," I chuckled nervously.

"The hell I am."

My heart dropped for a second, and it felt like time froze in space. An interview in Marlowe Corporation? That is impossible. They own the biggest fashion industry in the continent.

Business, entertainment, fashion, you name it. They remain the number one thriving company in the entire country, and Kara just secured an interview for me in the company?

"Kara..."

"One hour, Belle. Get your ass up," she cut me off before I could finish my words.

"Marlowe Corporation is a big company. They employ the best candidates, and I haven't even worked in the field in how many years?" I chuckled, dismissing the idea before I could even get excited over it. "They won't consider me."

"Another word, and I'm breaking your head," she hissed.

"What about the kids?'

"I bought enough chocolates. I am babysitting. You're going. No argument."

~ONE HOUR LATER~

My heart raced with fear as I stepped out of the cab. The towering glass building of Marlowe Corporation stood tall in front of me, and I couldn't help but think I didn't belong here.

Rumor has it that every single employee in the company came from an influential family. I have nothing to offer aside my skills, so what if they throw me out?

Dismissing the thought, I entered the lobby, clutching my resume against my chest, as I approached the reception.

"Hi, I'm here for the interview," I said with a small smile.

"Name?" The receptionist asked with a bored tone.

"Belle Anderson."

Her fingers paused mid way from her computer, and she finally raised her head. "Anderson?" She asked with a hint of distatse in her voice. "You're Faye stepsister?"

Shit.

"Yes," I replied through gritted teeth.

"Wait here."

With that, she rose to her feet and took the elevator to god knows where. A few minutes later, Faye stepped out with the receptionist behind her.

She looked beautiful as always. Only if I could say the same for her personality. She wore a pencil skirt, expensive heels and a smug smile I hadn't missed for five years.

"Well, well, look who finally rose from her coffin?" She chuckled as she approached me. I watched the receptionist go back to her seat, and I inhaled a deep breath.

I was hoping I'd never run into this bitch ever again, but looks like the universe is not really on my side.

"Glad to see you missed me too," I rolled my eyes.

She finally stopped in front of me, and I couldn't help but feel intimidated by her presence. She looked like a successful woman that has her life together, and well... I am quite the opposite.

"I thought I mistook you for someone else when I saw your resume," she folded her arms as she stared down at me in disgust. "Didn't expect to see you groveling here."

"I am not groveling. I came for the interview."

"Aw, so cute," she let out a sly grin. "Unfortunately, we only interview people who belonged here."

I knew she was right, but I couldn't allow her to step on whatever pride I have left in me.

"Thankfully, that is not up to you. Get out of my way, Faye."

She burst out laughing at my words, "What do you think? That I'd allow you to work here? Tell me, did you print your resume at a grocery store? Or is it the same printer you used for school projects in 10th grade? Oops, I forgot, mom sold the house," she grinned.

Tears pricked in the corner of my eyes upon hearing the news. That was the house my mother fought for with her last breath.

The house held a lot of memories. My mother's voice echoed in those walls. Every picture... every smile... they were all gone now. I tried to act unaffected, but it was fucking hard. Everything I endured was in vain.

I tried to step past her, but she blocked me.

"Running away again?" She grinned, and I swear, I hate the satisfaction in her eyes. "Let me make this easier for you. There is no job for a poor bitch like you here. Just save yourself from the disgrace and go home."

My throat tightened. Rage burns hot in my chest, as memories of the last time I saw her came rushing in my head.

There was no hint of guilt or remorse in her eyes. Just oppression.

It'd be so easy to swing first. To scream, but I had already allowed them to take too much from me. I wouldn't give them more.

"Whatever happens after the interview is not your business to worry about. Now, step out of my way," I hissed.

"I'm trying to play nice here. Don't push your luck," she snarled. I ignored her threats and walked towards the elevator since the receptionist wasn't willing to help. I guess I'd have to ask around.

Just then, I felt a sharp pain in my head. Faye grabbed a handful of my hair, pulling me back forcefully, making me cry out in pain.

"What the fuck?!" I screamed.

"I told you not to go inside," she hissed. "Security! Come and throw this trash outside."

Two security men rushed over to us and grabbed me from both arms.

"Let. Me. Go."

I tried to break free, when one of them pushed me hard, the same time the sound of the elevator dinged.

I tripped and crashed against someone, and everyone stiffed.

"What is going on here?" A cold voice echoed through the hall, sending chills down my spine. The voice was controlled, yet commanding, and I could feel the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

I stepped back instinctively, and looked up into the coldest pairs of eyes I've ever seen.

It was sharp. Unreadable and painfully familiar...

A memory I had fought for years flashed in mind, and my body jolted awake like it was happening all over again.

He was the man from that night and the way his eyes pierced into mine, he remembered me too.

Shit.