Ceo's UNLUCKY Bride

CHAPTER 1 :

Evangeline POV.

A few days from now, I will be dead, and the cause of it will be an accident, the same way Sasha had died.

This was Ethan's final plot, his end to his revenge for a crime I did not commit. My life flashes in my eyes, memories come flooding in, and I remember how we felt.

FLASH BACK.

"Eva, at this rate, I will be late for my meeting, and you will be late for school," My dad yelled from downstairs as I dragged my feet out the door.

"Can't I be home school like usual?" I questioned as Catherine frowned. She was my stepmom, the ideal woman for my dad, according to my grandparents. While they greatly loved her kids, and I hated them, my father loved me dearly because I was a product of his first love.

And he did everything to try and protect me since he never protected my mom. So, in this house, I was untouchable. The will was already written in my name, and he didn't hide that.

"Eva, me and your mom already talked about this. If you want to take over the company, you will need to learn how to associate with people," He explained.

"More like you did the talking, and Mom had no choice but to listen," I corrected. "I'm in the car," I announced, walking to his car.

I never really liked him. When he was married to my mom, he abused her a lot. He had already used his anger on her. Yes, he loved her immensely, but when his parents pressured him, he would come home, he would beat her, insulting her poor background.

All this while, my mom endured all this because of me, but when I was nine, I let her go. I told her I would handle myself and I would visit her. This gave her the will to leave, and a year later, my dad married Catherine.

This action made me see my dad as weak and discouraged my will to get married. Occasionally, he would tell me he regretted letting her go, but he never did anything about it. He only used me as an excuse to speak to her. How pathetic.

"I made my secretary mark out the best school for you. I do hope you like it," He mumbled before starting the car.

"Dad, I think I would need a driver if you are going to make me start school now," I said.

"You don't need one; I'll drop you and take you to school. No matter what, you are more important to me than anyone," He stated, ending the conversation before it started.

"See you soon," he waved when I got down from the car. I smiled, waving at him back before walking in. I know he waited till I was in before he drove off.

He wanted to handle it, but I didn't want him getting involved. I wanted to do things on my own.

When I arrived, I was lucky to meet a staff member who directed me. Judging by how I was still in mufti, he must have guessed that I was a new student.

Thanks to him, I could clear and register for my classes and was familiar with the timetable.

I was done by lunchtime, and he showed me to the cafeteria. Mr. Haye was his name, and he told me bye before he left.

I was walking in when I nearly fell lucky I was able to catch myself with some helpful techniques my dad had taught me.

"Guess our newbie is quite fast," an irritating voice called from behind. I instantly knew she had purposely wanted me to fall.

"I'm Sasha. My father is the right-hand man of E. C group run by the one and only Mr. Maxwell Cyder," she proudly introduced.

"No one can beat that, so you are definitely beneath me," she continued. "I don't need to beat you," I mumbled, leaving them.

The bell rang and I knew it was class time. Mr. Hayes headed our next class. I smiled, finally seeing a familiar face, and he smiled back.

"Alright, class, we have a new student. Please introduce yourself," he instructed. I have done this before, so I only introduced myself as Evangeline...

"No last name," he questioned. "I'd rather not say," I replied as he nodded. "Obviously, she doesn't want to disgrace herself with her shameful father," Sasha had remarked.

Sighing, I walked to my seat, looking all through the window till class was finally over. I didn't leave on time as I had to arrange my bag.

Walking to the exit, I noticed every student rushing to the door. Even the teacher and the principal were at the door.

"Eva darling, how was your first day at school?" A familiar voice asked as I turned to find my dad standing before Mr. Hayes.

Then it hit me: it wasn't by chance I met Mr. Hayes. He must have been working for my father to watch over me.

In public, I was supposed to play the daughter role well, as my mom said it could affect my inheritance, and because she cares so much about it, I was obliged to do it.

"Dad, why are you here?" I asked, hugging him with everyone surprised I called him dad. My father was Maxwell Cyder, the wealthiest businessman in town. The Cyder family maintained such wealth for generations before it was passed down to him.

Apart from wealth, they have political and military power, and if they blacklist you, it is said that your life is over.

"I begged you, one week without people knowing who I am?" I whispered. "Well, the first day, you had trouble," he whispered back as I looked at Mr. Hayes, who looked away.

"Mr. Cyder," A man called out, with a quiet Sasha standing behind him. "Mr. Whyte," Father called but did not accept his handshake.

"You didn't tell me you stopped homeschooling your daughter," he says.

"She will be heading the company soon. Thus, she needs to be introduced to the elite class," Dad explained.

"Well, my daughter attends this school too. I hope they get along," Mr. Whyte said. The idea didn't sit well with my dad, and maybe it was because he was already aware of the cafeteria incident.

"I'm hungry," I announced, distracting him a bit. "Of course, let's have lunch before your photoshoot," he says, his hand tightly gripping mine as he leads me to the car.

Looking back, I saw Mr. Hayes explain something to Sasha's dad and his angry look at his daughter.

"I called Mom that I was hungry, and she already cooked. It would tint your image if we went there," I informed as he nodded, instantly buying the idea.

We returned to the company after our quick lunch session, and I was ushered to the make room, where I got changed for my shoot.

I work under my dad as a model, and then during dinner, we bond when we talk about business ideas. Most creative marketing always comes from me.

A knock on my door, and I saw Mr. Whyte entering. "A minute please," he says. "Excuse us," I instructed my staff as they nodded, leaving us alone.

"I heard of the little incident with my daughter earlier today, and I want to apologize on her behalf," he told me, going straight to the point.

"It's alright, Mr. Whyte. I never took it seriously, and as for my father, it won't be a big deal for him. I will talk to him about it," I assured knowing that was the main reason he came here.

"Thank you," he hurriedly said before bowing and leaving. I was exhausted by evening, and as we drove, I slept off.

My morning alarm woke me up, no doubt. My dad had carried me to bed and had me set the alarm.

I had to prepare as he drove me off and waited till I was in. At the door was a group of guys; the one leading step stopped before me, frowning.

"If it isn't the Mafia's beloved daughter," he mocked. "I was surprised to learn that my future potential wife had resumed school," he continued.

"Woods right," I said. The last statement

. made his background obvious. My stepmother was from there; we are the two ruling families, and thus we often intermarry.

"Scrap that thought from your head because as long as you don't spark my interest, my father will never let me marry you," I warned.

"So you want your first husband to end up like your mother," he insulted as I scoffed. "Well, certainly, I don't wish for my future children to be as irritating as you are," I fought back. It wasn't as effective as his, but he did show at least it got his followers to laugh at him.

"I see you have an attitude. I like it," he commented. "Ethan Woods," he introduced, offering a handshake.

I smirk, knowing he was the only heir to Mr. Clark Woods. I eyed him before walking out on him and heading straight to the class.

This was my unpleasant meeting with Ethan Woods. The prideful jerk who thinks he owns everything, and now he wants me.

My father hates him, and so there is nowhere in the world we will ever be together. He kept staring at me throughout, his silver eyes piercing through me, from class to the cafeteria, till I left the school building.

At night, I was awakened by the creaking sound of my window. I quickly brought out my gun, pointing it to the intruder.

"Relax, little one, it's me," The familiar voice called, then turned on my light switch.

"Ethan," I called, wondering why he was in my room.

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CHAPTER 2 :

EVA POV.

"Hear me out," he pleaded. "Yesterday was a mistake, and I came to apologize," he continued. "I'm sorry," he apologized.

"Apologies accepted, now go," I ordered, trying not to yell. A small pitch in my voice could prompt my dad to barge in here with many guards, and I might be sleeping in his room for a year again. For my mental health, I don't want that.

"Calm down, little one," he says. "I also think we should get to know each other, at least not because we could marry in the future but because we are bound to be potential business partners. For the company's sake, we should get to know each other," he explained as I rolled my eyes.

"Fine," I agreed, knowing he was a bit right. "So, with that, can I pick you up tomorrow," he offered.

"If you can get past my dad, then fine," I accepted. He smiled and the next thing he was out of the window, I wondered how he had gotten in with all those guards, watching my room from below.

I could barely return to bed, and when I did, my alarm rang, waking me up. I got dressed and headed downstairs when I heard his voice.

Ethan was boldly talking to my father while having breakfast with him. "Eva darling, so good you joined us. I didn't know you made friends on the first day," he says.

"He is barely that father," I corrected, going close to him so he could kiss me on the forehead as I sat down to eat.

"He is just lucky that he got my attention a bit," I went on, taking a big bite of the eggs.

My dad didn't feel alright. I could sense it, so I decided to step out, and he followed shortly after. "Is he bothering you? Are you forced to make choices like this?" He questioned.

"Relax, Dad, I know to be safe, and no one bothers your daughter, not when she moves around with a gun," I assured.

"But I'm not letting him drop you, and no objections," He says, leaving me and returning, not wanting to hear another argument.

He did drive me to the school, but at the entrance was Ethan, looking displeased. "He is going to be the reason I change my mind and homeschool you or, better still, send you abroad," he mumbled as I came down.

"Relax, Dad, I will be alright, that I promise you. You don't need to worry, and to make things better, why don't I text you during school hours," I offered.

My relationship with my dad was like this: a love-and-hate relationship. I hate him for what he did to my mom, but as a father, he tried his very best to take care of me and all.

"That's better," he muttered. "Take care, love, remember, I will pick you up soon," he says, kissing me on the head and driving off.

"Now I know why you are called the Mafia's beloved daughter," He says as I get close. "I told you, your family can be rich, but if you don't spark my interest, I will not marry you," I reminded.

"I can see that already," he mumbled, walking with me. "Should I show you around?" He proposed.

"If I'm lost or need to go somewhere, then I would call Mr. Hayes, and he will guide me," I said.

"And if he is not around?" He questioned. "Then there are other students that can help guide me," I replied.

"You are adamant about pushing me away," He grumbled. "So why are you not away?" I asked.

"Sorry, but I'm not a people person, and I don't intend to be. I told you if you get my dad to allow you to drive me, then I could have agreed to your request, but you didn't, so bye-bye," I waved, walking ahead.

He was about to come to me when Sasha came close to me. "Evangeline, right," She called, itching the back of her head.

I noticed her face was a bit swollen, and she was wearing a scarf. Probably, her father had something to do with those.

"Let's start all over again," she offers. "You don't have friends. I could help you make one, and I heard you have been homeschooled," She continued.

Her eyes were begging me to accept, making me sigh. "We could be friends, temporarily," I said.

"Temporarily," she repeated. "I don't plan on staying in this school for long," I whispered.

"I will see you at the cafeteria," I said, only doing this because I knew someone was watching us. Her dad must have wanted to make sure things were fixed between us.

By lunchtime, I was so exhausted that I couldn't keep up with their conversation, and neither could I keep up with what was happening in class.

By closing time, I stared at my dad; he was angry, and only then did I remember I didn't text him like I promised.

But despite that, he still hugged me and escorted me to the car. "Dad, I'm sixteen, you know, you don't have to treat me like a baby," I said..

"No, you are turning sixteen, and even when you turn forty-two, I will still treat you like a baby, even in front of your kids," He says.

"Speaking of which, I know this would be uncomfortable for you," he started as I frowned.

"Your step-sister will be attending the same school with you starting from tomorrow," He informed me.

"Grandfather orders," I mumbled as he nodded. "You promised me that I wouldn't go to the same school with her. That was the bargain. That was how you stopped me from being home school at my mom's place," I yelled.

"And it was my intention, but sweetie, things are not in my control," he defended. "Yeah, you can tellex-wifeo your ex wife but not me," I snapped...

"Eva," he yelled. "First, they asked you to divorce your wife, you did, and next, they asked you to marry, and you did, having two kids with her. They always control your actions. Maybe the next time they will ask you to get rid of both of us and your will, and I bet you will come, and you will tell me that things are not in your control," I screamed as he stopped the car.

"Have fun with your stepkids," I said, carrying my things and leaving the car. I heard him call my name multiple times, but I ignored him entering a cab.

When I turned back, I saw he was talking to someone, and I knew instantly that it was my mom. She was already at the door when I arrived.

"Please pay for the cab," I requested as she sighed, going to meet the driver while I walked in.

"It's not right, Eva," Mom called when she entered. "You keep using his past against him. I have issues with you, yet you use it on him in every little fight," She scolded.

"Mom, there is no difference between the past and the present. It still remains the same. He is still being controlled," I defended.

"If he were, he would have hated you, and he would have disposed of you. Your father faces threats from both the Woods and his own family because they want to get rid of you. He uses the will to protect you; why can't you see his love for you,"

"In his whole life, he had never loved or cherished anyone as much as he loved you. If you were crying at home and he had a business meeting, he would leave it for you. Why are you being ungrateful," she yelled.

"Ungrateful, it's empty in that house without you. It's painful that I have to drive to meet you," I pointed out.

"Even though your father has performed both roles for you, he has left his personal life to take care of you," she argued, ignoring my point.

"Why, why are you supporting him?" I questioned, and then it hit me: she was wearing a new diamond necklace, an expensive one. Meaning she was still in contact with Dad.

"You still love him," I muttered, smirking at her shocked expression. "You two are still together. I can't believe you became a mistress when you used to be his main wife, even after everything he did to you." I continued.

"How old are you?" She questioned. "Age doesn't matter," I snapped. "When you are mature, you will understand, Eva, what it means to Love someone to a fault," she defended.

"I would rather not mature at all if all that maturity does is make me do dumb things," I said.

"I made a mistake coming here," I continued, picking up my bag and leaving under the rain.

I ran far from her car and into the road. "Are you mad?" The driver that nearly hit me came out screaming.

When I turned, I saw Ethan; he was the driver, and just like me, he looked shocked to see me.

"Eva," he softly called. "Are you alright?" He asked, offering his jacket to me. Without me asking, he hugged me, his hands patting my back.

"You don't need to fight it, it's ok, I won't judge, just cry," he softly requested. Hearing him say this warmed me up a little, and I cried out.

For the first time ever, I experienced the warm side of Ethan. He let me bury my head in his chest, he let me scream out my frustration, and he sided with me. He didn't complain, even though his car was on all through, even though we were in the rain.

And occasionally, he whispered, "It's okay, I'm here," in my ear, giving me a sense of safety.

I wonder if this was the real him or Ethan trying to catch my attention because maybe his parents told him so.

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CHAPTER 3

EVA POV

"I really don't understand the relationship between me and my father," I said as Ethan drove.

"One minute, he is the best father in the world, who cares for me, and the next, he is the cowardly man who couldn't protect his wife and my mental state," I explained.

"Don't you think you should have these talks with him?" He suggested as I smirk. "It would end with a big quarrel; he would say something that I don't like, thus annoying me, and I might not be able to control my words," I explained.

"If you don't want to go home, I have a quiet spot for you. No one would find out," he offered.

"My dad would make the whole state uneasy if he can't find my location, Just take me home," I mumbled, declining his offer. I don't think I trust him enough to go to a secret place with him.

He nods, making a U-turn and driving me home. "Stop," I ordered when I saw my dad's car passing us. He would find me, and it would be easier to get past security when I'm with him. I quickly gave him back his jacket and took my things.

"Dad," I yelled, leaving Ethan and running to his car. He still wasn't hearing me, so Ethan drove his car, blocking his.

He immediately slammed the break, coming out with a gun in his hand. "Dad," I called again as he paused, turning to look at me.

"My baby girl," he muttered, rushing to me. "I was so worried when your mom said you were not at her house," he said softly, hugging me.

"Fine, if you don't want to go to the same school with her, I will send you to a more expensive one, anywhere you want to be. I would listen to you, my darling. I'm sorry when I shouted at you," he apologized.

When he hugged me and saw that I was wet, he quickly pulled out his coat and gave it to me. "At this rate, you will fall sick. Let's go to the hospital and have you checked out," he says concerned.

"I'm okay; a warm tea would do," I mumbled. "Oh, my sweet girl," he says, hugging me, not minding I was wet.

I saw Ethan driving off, and I waved a bit, prompting my dad to pull away from me and look in his direction.

"Do you know the driver," he asked. "It's Ethan's dad. He is the one that brought me here when he saved me from getting into an accident," I lied.

I know it was Ethan that nearly hit me, but if I told my dad that, it would be written as a grudge in his heart.

"If he saves my daughter, then I will take him when I see him next time," Dad grumbled, and I smiled, knowing he wasn't entirely in the idea of expressing his gratitude to him.

"Come," he says, dragging me to the car and opening the door for me. Then he entered and drove to a mall rather than home.

"It's been a long time since we bonded," he says as we walk to the food aisle. I smiled when he blindfolded me, knowing we were playing my childhood games.

He spins me around and stops me. "Now, Eva, pick two ingredients that would serve as appetizers," he instructed as I nodded.

"This and that," I said, picking any random object. "Mushrooms and eggs, I see," he announced.

"Your turn," I tell him, wrapping the blindfold in his eyes. He picked chicken and a pack of ramen, making me suspect he already studied the aisle when I wasn't looking.

We didn't bother playing another round of dessert as chocolate ice cream would do. He paid for what we got, and we went home.

"Dad, don't you have an appointment tomorrow morning? You shouldn't be up by this time," I said, feeling bad he was making dinner just to apologize.

"Forget those. It wouldn't matter if I don't see my little girl smile," he brushed off. "Don't stand there, join me," he says.

"Dad, I'm sorry," I apologized when we finished eating and went to bed. "It's alright, sweetheart," he says. "I can't bring myself to get angry at you," he confessed.

"Can I stay in your room tonight?" I asked as he looked shocked but later agreed. I can't remember the last time I entered his room. I was telling myself I hated this, but now I just want to cuddle with someone.

However, it took me a long time before I could fall asleep. This was due to my earlier encounter with Ethan; my mind somehow drifted to them, and somehow I dream of how it would be if I had gone to his safe environment with him.

"Good morning, dear sis," Megan greeted warmly. I scanned around, knowing that the only reason she would be this nice was because someone was around.

And there at the door were my grandparents. "I'm so excited to start school with you," she said, giving me her fake smile.

"Me too," I muttered, not shaking her hand. "Dad, let's go. I'm ready," I announced.

"What about Megan? She is your daughter too, and they are going to the same school," Grandma charged.

"I bought a new car and hired a driver for her. Once she is ready, he will go with her, but for now, I can't afford to be late," Dad exclaimed, taking my hands, and we walked to the car.

Catherine lamented to them as we left, but it didn't bother me; he was taking my side, and that was all that mattered.

We talked on our way so much that I didn't want to go to school and just stayed in his office. He stopped inches from my school, pulling me to an awaiting car.

Bringing out a note, he wrote don't panic. "Your stepmother is using Ethan Woods to get information from you," he wrote.

"Information, what would I know," I questioned. "Exactly, you don't know anything, so just be careful, alright," he warned.

"What are you planning?" I questioned. "You don't need to know," he replied. Patting my head, he signaled I looked in the back.

When I did, I saw a gift box, which I took and immediately opened it. Inside were car keys, and I immediately gasped.

"An apology gift," he said. Whenever we had an issue, he would get me something I had always wanted, which made me happily open the box.

In it were car keys, and I gasped, looking at them. "I figured it's time I give you space, but only if you leave the house with your gun," he announced as I smiled, hugging him.

"I always wanted you near me and didn't like the fact that you always pushed me away, but yesterday, when you asked to sleep in my room, I realized something.

When you want me, you will come, and my arm will always be open, so it's time I start giving you a little freedom," he said, causing me to cry a bit.

"Thank you so much," I said, hugging him. "Your freedom starts at sixteen," he reminded me as he exited the car. I nodded my head the car he bought for me, wondering what type.

I waved goodbye to him before walking into the school, seeing the commotion already caused by Sasha.

Megan lay on the floor, a bit injured, and I could tell Sasha caused this. "Must you bully everyone?" I asked, walking over to Megan and helping her up.

"I'm teaching her to know her place. We all know for a short period, she and her mom bullied you," Sasha defended.

"Let me deal with my family matters myself," I politely decline. "Let's go get your wound checked out," I tell her, pulling her away.

"Why did you help me? You could just have walked out?" She asked as we waited for the nurse.

"I'm not like you, Megan," I replied. "Don't get me started with that, Eva; you are the worst," She argues.

"Thank you for helping me," She mumbled and requested I leave. I didn't see her again, not until closing.

As per my Dad's request, I made sure to keep my distance from Ethan, intentionally avoiding any interaction with him. However, I couldn't help but feel conflicted about it.

Dad came to pick me up, and so did Megan's driver. I saw her watching from a distance, and so did the other kids.

"Let go," I called with a straight face. "Megan, we don't have all day," I said, letting her know I meant her.

She came out, standing behind me, and I held her hand, dragging her with me to meet him.

He was quiet, letting us enter the car and dropping us at the company. Megan also works for my dad, but unlike me, she focuses only on clothes.

I know my dad had a lot of questions; work kept me busy, and when we went home, I pretended to be asleep.

At night, I woke up due to hunger and listened quietly in the kitchen. But then I saw Catherine sneaking out, prompting me to follow her steadily.

"Did you find out anything from her," Catherine asked. "Not yet," a male voice replied to her, and I decided to check who it was.

I was surprised to see Ethan standing there, talking to her. "How long would it take you to gain her trust? I need to know what this man is planning, and she is our last resort," Catherine scolded, trying to keep her voice low.

"Try and make sure she confides in you. It's not that hard," she snapped. "Don't come here unless you have good news," She warned, heading inside.

I quickly hid as she angrily walked past me, and I didn't come out until I heard the door shut completely.

I decided to check on Ethan, seeing him walk to the gates. The guards are working with Catherin so that he can gain access.

I can't believe he was using me to gain information, but what do they want to know?

Ethan turned back, and our eyes met, causing him to freeze. For a while, we both stare at each other, wondering who will come to each other first.

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