Forced to Wed: A Billionaire's Demand

Sarah Whitmore, 19 years old.

I am walking down the aisle. My heart is pounding against my chest as I am walking towards Jared Collins, the love of my life. He is looking devilishly handsome in his Navy blue tuxedo, and his hair is swept back like the prince charming.

Alright, so it's not actually my wedding day. And technically, I'm just sitting on my bed, lost in my own wild thoughts. But let me tell you, I've been obsessing over Jared since the third grade, and in my imagination, our wedding day is constantly playing out. I know, I know, call me a hopeless romantic or a certified weirdo, but hey, this is who I am - a dedicated dreamer!

"Jared," I whisper his name like a prayer. I imagined the way he would look at me on our wedding day, his warm brown eyes filling with pride and adoration, his strong hands holding mine with devotion and..."

"SARAH!"

My eyes snap open as my father's loud voice breaks the spell.

Dammit, I was just about to get to the good part!

"Sarah," my father's booming voice gets closer as he enters my room without even bothering to knock.

His tall, imposing figure fills the doorway, his tailored suit exuding authority and power. Thomas Whitmore is a man who demands respect and obedience, and I had always known better than to defy him.

"Daddy," I acknowledge, trying to hide the tremor in my voice. He is never one for idle conversation or heartfelt moments, so his presence in my bedroom can only spell trouble. "Is something wrong?"

"I need to talk to you, Sarah. I see you are still in bed," he says with a hint of irritation.

I almost roll my eyes, but I know better not to do that.

"Sarah, I have made a decision that will ensure the safety and prosperity of our family." His words are measured and deliberate, leaving no room for doubt. "You are to be married to Vincent Sterling."

Vincent who now?

"What?" I ask dumbly.

The name rolls off his tongue like a weight, heavy with significance and unknown meaning. "Vincent Sterling," he repeats, each syllable slow and deliberate, as if trying to imprint it in my mind.

My heart races as I try to make sense of the words. Who is this Vincent Sterling? And why am I suddenly being told that I am marrying him?

The air in the room takes on a suffocating quality, pressing down on me as I struggle to process the news. This cannot be happening. Not when I love Jared. But now, it seems my fate has been decided without my consent.

"What do you mean I'm marrying Vincent?" I nearly shout. "I don't even know who that is!"

"He is your husband, that's all you need to know," he says curtly.

"I am not marrying a stranger!" I cry out.

My father's face tightens with impatience. I've never spoken back to hum before, but this is about my life--my future. I don't want to marry just anyone. I open my mouth, "So please..."

My words are interrupted by a hard slap to my face.

I stare at my father who narrows his eyes at me," As a woman, you should know when to speak and when to shut your mouth. How could you not know who Vincent is? He's been making headlines all over the news." His tone grows sharper as he continues, "He's a powerful multibillionaire, owner of several successful companies in the city. And he has agreed to marry you."

My heart sinks at the thought of being married off like a business transaction to a stranger. And what does he mean Vincent is too good for me? I am his daughter!

Tears burn behind my eyes, but I fight them back. I refuse to break even though my father is treating me like business transaction.

"I can't marry some random guy," I choke out, desperation clawing at my chest. "I love Jared. You can't force me into a marriage with someone else."

"Your feelings for Jared are irrelevant," he declares coldly, his eyes never leaving mine. "This marriage is not about love. It is about securing our family's future. Vincent Sterling is a powerful man, and an alliance with him will ensure our protection and prosperity."

"But Jared and I..."

"Enough about Jared!" my father shouts, his tone unyielding. "You know what is at stake here. My company has been struggling, and Vincent can offer us the funds we need. You should be so lucky that he even agreed to this!"

So this is all about money.

"Why can't he marry someone else in the family?" I know I am being silly, and Dad won't budge. But I have to try everything to get out of this mess.

My father groans in frustration. "You are an only child."

"So, more reason not to marry me off like this!" I shriek. "I am your only daughter!"

My world crumbles around me as my father's words echo in my head. I stare at him, my eyes wide with shock, as if he had just struck me across the face.

"Sarah," my father says firmly, his tone taking no argument. "This is not up for discussion. This is what must be done."

I open my mouth to protest, but no words come out. Instead, I swallow hard, feeling the lump in my throat grow larger, threatening to choke me. My heart races like a wild horse and I fight back tears.

I clench my fists tightly, digging my nails into my palms as I fight the urge to break down in front of him. "How can you do this to me?"

Ugh...I feel like I am stuck in a terrible romance novel.

"Sarah, I am doing this for us - for our family," he replies, his voice unwavering. "You are my daughter, and I have made this decision in your best interest."

My best interest, my ass. He only cares about money and saving his company. No wonder his wives keep leaving him.

"Daddy, I am asking you one last time," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. "Please reconsider this arrangement. Give me a chance to choose my own person, to find happiness in my own way. Maybe there's another way we can pay off your debts. I will sell my rare collection of voodoo dolls if you want!"

"Enough," he commands, his voice cold as steel. "I have made my decision, and you will abide by it." With that, he walks out the door without looking back.

And in that moment, I knew that my life would never be the same again.

Sarah

"Show me your ugliest wedding dress, please!" I announce cheerfully.

The store clerk gives me a puzzling look while my friend shoves me playfully. "What are you saying, Sarah? Why would you want an ugly dress for your wedding?" my friend Natalie laughs.

I let out a dramatic sigh, "Natalie, dear, do you really think I'll be walking down the aisle in a designer gown when I don't even know who my groom is? I am not exactly marrying my dream guy. I am being shipped off like cargo to some strange man who could be my father's age for all I know. So why waste time searching for the perfect dress when I'll never get my fairytale ending?"

"Why don't you try to talk to him about it again?" Natalie asks.

"Because my father threatened to disown me if I refused, and I have nowhere else to go," I say, feeling hopeless.

Natalie's expression softens, and she puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Sarah, there has to be another way. You can't let your father dictate your entire life like this."

I glance around the bridal shop, eyeing the dresses of satin and lace. "Natalie, you know I've tried. But my father's decision is final. This marriage is more of a business transaction than anything else."

"Well, even if you can't change your father's mind, you can still make choices for yourself. You deserve to have some control over your own life," Natalie insists. "By the way, did you happen to see what he looks like? Your future groom, I mean."

I shake my head. "Nope. I've been too busy wallowing in self-pity."

Natalie raises an eyebrow, and I continue, "I guess I've been avoiding it. Ignorance is bliss, right?"

Natalie chuckles, "Maybe. But maybe it's time to face reality and find a way to make this situation more bearable for yourself. Also, I happened to google him already."

My eyes widen with surprise. "You did? What did you find?"

Natalie smirks, "Well, he's not exactly a stranger to wealth, that's for sure. Seems to be some big-shot businessman in his own right. And, oh, he's not as ancient as we feared. Probably in his early thirties."

I raise an eyebrow, "Early thirties, you say? Well, that's still a lot older than me. But at least I won't be marrying someone old enough to be my father."

Natalie grins, "Oh, and if you are curious. He looks like..." Natalie suddenly stops talking and stares at the door.

"He looks like what?" I ask impatiently. What's with her keeping me in suspense?

"H...Him," Natalie mumbles.

I follow Natalie's gaze and see a man walking in.

He is tall and muscular, his presence commanding the attention of every person in the room. Dressed in a tailored suit that highlights his broad shoulders and chiseled physique, he exudes confidence that borders on arrogance. As he moves with purpose, his gaze sweeps the room until it lands on me.

Time seems to stand still as our eyes meet, and a jolt of electricity shoots through my body. I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from him, captivated by the intensity in his eyes. They are a mesmerizing shade of deep blue, almost unnaturally so. With each step he takes closer, my heart beats faster, and I am suddenly terrified.

"Err...hi?" I manage to stammer out as he is staring down at me. Why is this man so big? Who are his parents, Goliath and Hulk?

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his gaze as he studies me intently. Despite my initial fear, I sense a hidden vulnerability beneath his commanding presence. There's something about him that draws me in, a magnetic pull that I can't resist.

Okay, but is he going to say something, or are we just going to play the staring game all day?

I squeal as the handsome giant scoops me up in his embrace, his lips claiming mine in a steamy kiss.

What in the world?

My thoughts scatter like confetti as his strong arms lift me effortlessly into the air. Every inch of his muscular frame presses against me as he kisses me hard. Heat spreads through my body, my senses drowning in his scent and the taste of his kiss.

Why is this stranger kissing me? Why am I not stopping him? Why isn't someone calling the police!?

After he is done ravaging my lips, he puts me down. I feel my knees buckle, but he grabs my shoulders and holds me steady so I don't fall.

My eyes meet his once again and I see them narrow at me.

"Hmph," he grunts. "Not bad."

"Wha...what was that?" I manage to stammer out.

He doesn't reply to me. Instead, he turns to the man standing behind him. "Stay here and pay for whatever she buys."

Wait, where did that other man come from? Has he been standing there this whole time!

"Yes, boss," the other man replies curtly.

The handsome giant looks at me again. "See you at the wedding," he says and walks out of the store.

I stand there, dumbfounded as I watch him walk away, leaving me in a state of confusion. The intensity of the moment lingers in the air, and I can still feel the imprint of his lips on mine.

Natalie breaks the silence, her voice filled with shock, "Well, Sarah, that was intense." She glances at me, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you okay?"

I shake my head slowly. "I...I don't know. He kissed me."

Natalie's eyebrows shoot up. "That was a helluva way to introduce himself."

I shake my head in confusion. "I don't understand any of this. Who is he?" My thoughts spin as I try to make sense of the situation.

Natalie pats my arm gently, trying to offer some comfort amidst the chaos. "That, my friend, was your future husband."

Sarah

It turns out the store is fresh out of ugly dresses, so I settle for a beautiful wedding gown with delicate lace and intricate beadwork. The dress is a vision of elegance, featuring a sweetheart neckline that accentuates my figure and a flowing A-line skirt that trails gracefully behind me.

It's so beautiful it makes me sick to my stomach.

Natalie's eyes widen with surprise and delight when I come out to show off. "Sarah, you look absolutely breathtaking!"

I don't share the same enthusiasm as her. "I guess since I am going to be the sacrificial lamb, I might as well become one in a dress like this," I say grimly.

Natalie snorts. "Come on, Sarah, it's not that bad. At least the man you are marrying is a total stud."

I glare at her. "A stud who just marched in and assaulted my lips and walked away without a second look. I think I am marrying a psychopath, Natalie."

Natalie looks thoughtful. "He does kind of give me the Patrick Bateman vibe."

Oh, dear lord, I am so screwed!

"Ahem"

I spin around to face the man who cleared his throat behind me. It's the same man who came with my future psycho husband. "Hello, I see you are still here. Do you want to go ahead and kiss me too?" I snarl at him.

To my surprise, the man burst out laughing.

His laughter is deep and infectious, filling the room with its warmth. I can't help but feel a flicker of annoyance at his reaction. "What's so funny?" I snap, crossing my arms over my chest defensively.

He composes himself. "No offense, miss, but I wouldn't dare lay a finger on those precious lips of yours," he chuckles. "Vincent will chop my head off and feed it to his Piranhas."

I narrow my eyes at him, unsure if he's serious or being dramatic. "Piranhas? Are you trying to scare me?"

He takes a step closer, his eyes studying me intently. "I've seen enough of Vincent's wrath to know better, that's all," he replies, his tone serious now. "Trust me, you don't want to provoke him for any reason."

I find myself involuntarily shivering. It's bad enough that I am forced to marry someone. But now I have to worry about marrying a psycho.

"What's your name?" I ask, trying to divert the conversation away from the impending doom that seems to loom over my head.

He gives me a warm smile, revealing a set of perfectly straight teeth. "My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Nathan Black," he says, extending his hand towards me.

"Nathan Black? That sounds like a villain from superhero movies," I blurted out.

Nathan chuckles. "Hey, you are funny. I can't wait to see how you handle the big boss."

"Um...aren't you going to introduce me, Sarah?" Natalie spoke suddenly.

I turn to Natalie, momentarily forgetting her presence in the room. "Natalie, this is Nathan Black. Apparently, he's acquainted with my charming fiancé and his piranhas," I say dryly, gesturing towards Nathan.

"I heard. It's a pleasure to meet you, Nathan Black," she says, subtly leaning toward him.

I roll my eyes at her flirtatious behavior.

Nathan smiles politely at Natalie, shaking her hand. "Likewise, Natalie." He turns to me. "Well, if you already decided on the dress, I will go ahead and pay for it. Vincent is expecting me back soon," Nathan says.

"Pay for it? Why would you pay for it?" I ask.

"You must've missed it. He wanted me to wait here and pay for whatever you buy," Nathan reminds me.

Ah, is Mr. Psycho trying to buy my affection?

But come to think of it, he didn't seem like he was interested in me or my affection. After he kissed me, he simply grunted like an animal and walked away. "Why is he buying my dress? What is he trying to prove here?"

"It's just his way of saying he accepts you as his bride." Nathan grins.

"So he forced that kiss on me earlier because he approves of me?" I scoff.

God, what an arrogant jerk!

"I don't want his dirty money. I can pay for this myself," I say stubbornly.

Nathan shrugs. "Alright, suit yourself," he says but still stands there, waiting.

I take a deep breath and turn towards the dressing room to retrieve my purse.

As I rummage through the small bag, searching for my wallet, a sudden realization hits me. I am about to marry a man who has shown no respect or consideration for me in any way. His actions thus far have been nothing short of degrading and possessive.

With renewed determination, I decide that I will not let Vincent control or manipulate me. This wedding is not going to be the end of my freedom but rather the catalyst for my escape.

I stride my way back to the checkout counter and wait for the sales clerk to finish ringing up my dress.

"That will be 13,595 dollars, ma'am," she said with a smile on her face.

I nearly choke on dry air. "Excuse me? How much?"

"That will be 13,595 dollars, ma'am," she repeats like a robot.

My eyes widen in shock at the exorbitant price tag. "Um...is the thread made of gold?"

Nathan, who has been observing the situation silently, steps forward. "I'll take care of it," he says calmly, pulling out an extravagant black card from Vincent handed him earlier.

"No, you don't have to do that," I protest, but I know I can't afford it by myself. Like I said earlier, my father is drowning in debt.

Nathan waves off my objections. "You didn't have a choice in the first place. I was just humoring you. Vincent gave me the strict order to pay for everything."

I grit my teeth, feeling anger bubbling up inside me. Vincent's control is already suffocating, and we are not even married yet. But I realize that I must play along for now.

"Thank him for me, Nathan," I say through clenched teeth, forcing a smile.

Nathan nods.

"Think of it as your payment for being forced into this marriage," Natalie whispers in my ear.

Aha...that is true. I should spend this bastard's money even more then!