Love Conquers ( Billionaire Husband #1)

Chapter 1

~ Katharine ~

.

Sitting on my comfy chair, I gazed at my mirror, staring at my reflection; how things I've become and the dark circles around my baggy eyes.

I pondered on my life, how I wanted it to be and how it has turned out.

I'm married, I'm fucking married.

At least that was part of my dreams and it came true.

Getting married, celebrating a grand wedding and getting married to the man I love ___ those came true.

Except that I think he's not the perfect husband.

I've been married since for over a week now and I've not set my eyes on my husband.

My wedding night wasn't at all special to talk of.

It's another night, another cold night I have to sleep alone.

I sighed and finally got my butt off the chair___ something I found hard to do.

I lay on my bed, begging sleep to envelope me.

But as usual, I couldn't sleep.

For over a week, I haven't seen Damon.

No calls, no texts and no response to my messages either.

I knew the risk of getting married to Damon was high.

I mean judging from his personality, he's a playboy or once a playboy as he made me believe.

He's a rude arrogant jerk known to people.

But I thought getting married to him would change him ___ I thought I'd change him.

I got down from my bed and strode out of my room to the sitting room.

The house is big, very big___ a mansion actually.

I rummaged in the sitting room not knowing what to do.

Everything is just dicey.

My life is a mess!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whispers. I could hear whispers as I woke.

I must have fallen asleep on the couch.

I forced opened my eyes.

The sitting room was bright.

I lifted my head and saw Damon on the phone.

I couldn't suppress the smile that curved at my lips.

His back was all I could see.

"Make sure to get it done and dusted" he ordered into the phone.

I suppressed the urge to run to him and wrap my hands around him ____ though it's difficult.

He turned and met my amused gaze.

"Oh you" were all that left my lips.

He just looked at me blankly, walked over to a couch and sat.

"Do you want coffee, tea, milk shake or anything" I asked.

I sighed when he kept giving me the silent treatment.

Why did he get married to me if he was going to treat me like this?

I opened my mouth to speak but closed it with no sound coming out.

His phone buzzed and he peered into it.

"OK, I'll be there in minutes" was all that I heard him say.

He rose to his feet, giving those awkward stares.

"I need to attend a meeting and I'll be late" with those said, he walked out through the door.

He spoke to me at least and he'll come back tonight.

A little smile tugged at my lips.

I got up and went to do my morning routine.

.

~ Damon ~

I strode into my office, slamming the door behind me.

My assistant looked up, started then a smile crossed her lips.

She's a lady with charisma.

She's tall, tiny legs, luscious breasts and a well shaped face.

"Are you set" she asked and I scoffed.

We headed to the elevator to take us up to the hall where the meeting will be held.

I opened the hall door to see a group of odd men and women, seated round the table.

I smiled nervously and walked in.

Never in my life have I been so nervous.

But this is different, very different and I can't afford to lose it.

I greeted them all with a smile and we got to business.

~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~

I drummed my fingers on the table as the business men and women left.

"You could take me if you want" piper my assistant shrugged and I chuckled.

"How thoughtful of you but I've got a wife and I am to go that function specifically with my wife " I stated and she smiled dryly.

She walked up to me seductively and sat on my laps, looking down at me lustfully.

She crashed her lips on mine and before we knew it, we were making out in the hall.

I pulled away, catching my breath.

"I don't see a bed anywhere" I blurted out.

We used the elevator went to my office.

I opened my personal room which had a small but comfy bed.

I pulled piper to me and kissed her hard and rough.

I stripped off her clothes in seconds and pushed her to the bed.

"I can't just wait to feel you inside of me" she smiled.

"And I can't wait to eat you" I said and stripped off my clothes.

~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Katharine ~

It's past 11 already, yet Damon isn't back.

He said he'll come.

I looked at the special ditches I prepared for him and sighed, blinking back tears.

I placed my head on the dining table and for the first time in months, I cried.

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

I groaned and raised my head up.

Can't believe I slept in this position in the dinning.

I stretched my neck side to side, relieving it of its stiffness.

I stood up to my feet, almost tripping but firm my balance.

I took in a long breath then released it out.

I cleared the table and washed the dishes.

All this was just a waste of time and energy.

I was about going up to my room when the door flew open and Damon walked in.

Messed hair, long face ____ he's a mess.

I opened my mouth to talk but nothing came out as he walked past me.

Great! I've had enough of this.

I rushed upstairs and followed him.

I ran to him, held his arm and pulled him to face me.

I'd say he turned to face me because my hold had no effect on him.

His eyes darken with anger and fear enveloped me but I shook it off.

"Why are you like this? Why are you treating me like I'm some piece of trash? Why are you treating me like shit?" I asked anger visible in my tone.

He yanked his arm off my grip and looked down at me.

"However I act or do, is none of your business" he remarked sternly.

"Oh yeah it is, you're my husband so it is " I blurted out and his lips twitched into a smile then a scoff.

"You're just that for the sake of it and law, nothing more" he said and I furrowed my brows at him.

My eyes widened to the point of hilarity when it dawned on me.

My mouth opened and closed with no sound coming out.

My eyes glistened with tears as I stared at him dumbfounded.

"Then why? Why did you marry me when you don't love me "I finally spoke up, letting the tears stroll down my cheeks.

"Just forget it, you're my wife and that's it" he stated.

"And yes, we have a function to attend at 11 so get ready "he said and entered a room I presume to be his because it wasn't the one I sleep in.

"You're so ditched because you'd wait till God comes" I said lowly and ran to my room.

~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~

~ Damon ~

"You are so ditched because you'd wait till God comes" I heard her say.

She better not play stubborn.

I freshened up and sat on my bed.

I looked over to my clock and it was 9:55. I still got some time to sleep.

I lay on my bed and drifted off.

~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up at 10:20 and sat up on my bed.

I freshened up dressed up and went to Katharine.

My eyes almost popped out of its sockets when I saw her seated on the bed, hands folded around her chest with a stern look.

"Gosh! You are not even prepared yet" I snarled at her.

Gosh! I can't lose this contract.

If I don't show up with my wife, they'd assume whatever they will.

"OK Katharine, get ready for the function and when we come back, I'll tell you why I had to marry you" I said and her head snapped at me.

Indecision and hurt etched all over her expression.

She stared at me, as if contemplating what I just said.

She nodded and my mind was relieved.

"I'll go wait in the sitting room" I said and left her room.

Few minutes later, she came out wearing a simple dinner gown that suits her perfectly.

I guessed I never had time to see this beautiful side of her.

We boarded the car and drove off to the function...

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

The drive back home was quiet... Katharine rested her head on the headrest and I prayed silently in my mind for her to fall asleep to avoid me telling her why I married her.

We arrived at the mansion and I pulled into the drive way.

I parked the car and we walked in. She went into her room and I went to mine.

I had a cold shower, wrapped a towel around my waist and came out of the bathroom.

I flinched when I met Katharine on my bed.

Legs crossed with furrowed eyebrows.

"So Mr.. Saltzman, tell me why you married me when you don't love me" she asked bluntly.

Chapter 2.

~ Damon ~

.

"So Mr.. Saltzman, tell me why you married me when you don't love me "she asked bluntly.

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair.

This woman is really something.

"Well... I... Uhm" I stuttered.

How do I tell her?

What if she leaves after finding out the truth?

I would be doomed.

"Speak up" she ordered sternly.

"Coz I need you and love you" I lied and she burst out laughing.

"I truly do love you, I know it sounds awkward but I love you" I lied, trying to coax her.

"Don't give me that shit, tell me now" she ordered.

OK she's not buying it.

"I've already told you, it's because I love you" I lied again.

I can't fall in love with someone like this.

I mean she's too cheesy and small.

She's not tall and she's got dark circles around her eyes.

Doesn't she sleep?

"Damon Harris Saltzman" she yelled my full name.

I sighed and raised my hand up in surrender.

"Well, as a successful business man, I can do anything to maintain my reputation" I paused to look at her expression; It was blank so I continued.

"I got a contract, a very big one but I can only get it if I'm married" I blurted out and her face etched with hurt.

"So you married me, just so you can fool people that you're changed and responsible" she asked and I slowly nodded.

"But why me, why does it have to be me?" she asked with a tear rolling down her cheek then many more and she's crying.

"Because you seem pretty interested in me, I mean all women are but you seem different, responsible, upholding and I knew right away that you're the good choice" I said truthfully.

She sniffed and stood up, coming closer to me.

"You married me for your own selfish reasons, you married me to maintain and uphold your reputation, just for some contract" she said, amidst tears.

"And you acted as though you truly loved me the day you proposed to me, I'm such a fool to have fallen into your traps, such a fool" she cried.

"How could I get the thought that Damon Saltzman could change for the better? I'm such a big fool" she cried and ran out.

It wasn't my intention to hurt her.

I thought she'd be glad that someone like me married her. I mean I've got the looks, power, wealth, everything so what more does she want?

Women! They are definitely complicated creatures.

~~~~~~

~~~~~~

~ Katharine ~

.

I ran to my room and collapsed on the floor in tears.

He's a monster, a selfish monster.

He doesn't care about anyone as long as he gets what he wants.

He doesn't care about anyone's feelings; he'd do anything for his own selfish reasons, for his reputation, for power.

How did I even come to a conclusion that I could change him?

How did I fall for such a man?

Katharine Eve Pearls, you're such a gullible fool. Why am I so unlucky? Why's my life so miserable? First, it was with my parents and now with my husband.

Yes he's got the money, fame, power and all but the love and care I've been craving for isn't there. That was what I wanted and it still seems to keep eluding me.

I wiped my tears and got off the floor.

Since I'm not needed here, I'll just leave.

I went to my wardrobe and packed all my things.

I can live it through all by myself, come what may.

I wiped the tears that couldn't stop rolling down my cheeks.

I carried my luggage and went downstairs.

Almost at the door, I heard his selfish manly voice.

"Stop" he said, more like an order.

I froze on my spot and slowly turned to look at him.

He wore shorts and armless designer T-shirt, exposing his muscular arms. His hair was brushed backward and his left hand on the stair hand rest.

OK why am I checking him out?

He stood there, his ocean blue eyes peering deep into mine.

I was so lost for a moment there that I almost forgot all my pains.

No! I can't be fooled by him again.

I shook my head and came back to reality.

He smirked and gently walked down the stairs to me.

He stared awkwardly at me, not saying anything.

"Stay here for some time please" he blurted out and my eyes almost popped out of its sockets.

I mean, did I hear that properly?

Damon Saltzman, begging? That's a first and I felt numb.

I was so angry, so hurt.

It hurts to know that you're not needed, that you're being used and nothing more.

I wanted to slap him, hit him, yell at him but I couldn't.

I couldn't bring myself to do it.

And why's that?

Because I love him, I fucking love him.

I love this selfish monster, Damon Harris Saltzman.

"Please" he said again and I sniffed.

"and why should I stay" I managed to ask, my voice barely a whisper.

He looked at me hesitantly for a while and he sighed.

"Because the contract hasn't been finalized yet and if you leave, I'll lose it " he blurted out.

"We can change this to some kind of contract between us too" he said and I arched an eyebrow.

"I mean I can pay you when we're done with it all" he blurted out.

I'm really nothing more to him, he sees me as nothing but a means to uphold his reputation.

Cut the crap, I'm leaving and won't fall for his traps again.

He can lose the contract for all I care.

I wiped my tears with anger and looked up at him straight in the eyes.

The anger in me melted completely when my amber eyes met with his ocean blue eyes.

I forgot all I wanted to say and didn't know when I nodded "yes".

He smiled and went back upstairs.

What the fuck? Did I just agree to stay and be used?

OK Katharine Eve Pearls.

Why am I not able to be hard on him? Why am I so soft?

Now I have to live with him, not as a wife but as a piece of trash to win a contract.

And when he's done with me, he'll throw me out of his life for good.

The sooner I learn to forget my feelings for him, the better for me.

Now is time to start a whole new life.

A life of pretense.

I would be able to do this much for my love.

At least he'll be happy.

I just hope everything goes well.

Chapter 3.

~ Katharine ~

I still can't believe I foolishly accepted to stay and help Damon with his work.

I just couldn't refuse him and now I'm stuck up here.

I left my luggage at the edge of my bed and lay on my bed.

I'm too tired to rearrange my clothes back in the wardrobe.

I closed my eyes and slept off.

I woke up the next day with a slight headache.

I yawned, got down from my bed and went to do my morning routine.

Done with my morning routine, I went downstairs and met Damon for breakfast.

He waved at me and I rolled my eyes. I've rarely known a guy to be so dramatic. He acted as if last night never happened... yeah, like nothing happened.

"Come sit your butt for breakfast" he said and I walked over to him at the dinning.

"Is this breakfast" I scoffed.

"Yeah" he replied.

It was just pizza and wine.

Wine in the morning? What a diet.

Too hungry to argue, I sat down and stuffed some pizzas into my mouth.

"Why are you staring intently at me" I asked with my mouth full as Damon stare at me.

I mean if it's the way I'm eating then duh!

Last night I didn't eat anything at the function and when we came home, I couldn't eat after all the heart breaking words Damon said so I'm damn hungry.

"So about the contract or whatever you call it" I said and his head snapped up at me.

Etch! What does he think I want to say?

"Let's emphasize more on the contract, I mean the one between us. I wasn't compensation." I blurted out despite seeing the blank expression on his face.

"So you want payment?" he said and I nodded.

"After all, this marriage is just a piece of paper signed and we can also sign some papers to break if off..." he blurted out and I sucked in a breath. "...Right?"

I know that and he don't have to remind me that I'm nothing to him.

Our marriage was just legal formalities and nothing more.

"Yup" I said with a fake smile plastered on my face.

I'm really nothing more to this man.

"OK I'll get everything in paper and we'll sign it. I'll pay for as long as you stay for the contract and when we're done, well sign the divorce papers" he said in a matter of fact way with no spec of guilt reflecting in his voice and I nodded.

He gulped down the remains of the wine in his glass and went over to a couch to sit.

He brought out his phone to make calls and I focused on my food.

I'm too hungry to care about his phone calls.

After eating all the pizzas and flushing it with the wine, I discarded the pizza box and cleared the table.

The door bell rang and Damon and I glanced at each other.

He sat still not ready to get his butt off that couch so I went to get the door.

"Good day ma'am, these are for Mr.. Saltzman" a boy in his 20s said, handing me some documents.

"Thanks "I said and closed the door.

I walked over to Damon and dropped the files on the table in front of him.

"It should be "ours" he said and I arched an eyebrow.

"Sit your pretty ass on the couch" he ordered and I sat opposite him.

He took one of the files and gave it to me.

The file was for our agreement, statement or contract, whatever it is.

I'll be paid for as long as I stay here and that's for as long as the contract he wants, lasts.

He'll pay 15,000 $ a month and the money will be transferred to my account.

I forced a smile and looked up to Damon.

"Is that okay?" he asked.

"Of course, I'm fine with the pay" I said with the forced smile.

"OK then, sign it" he said.

I picked up the pen that lay on the table and signed the document.

He arranged the files and got up to leave.

I stood up to go to my room but missed my step and almost fell but Damon's strong arms caught me just in time.

I breathed out a relief because had I hit my butt on the tiled floor, I might even be hospitalized.

He held me close to his chest as I tried to calm my breath.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his arm still wrapped around me.

I was so lost in him that I could stay like this all day.

I breathe in his scent, staring at his hard broad chest.

I was trying hard not to run my hands down his chest.

I thought I'd finally have him after marrying him but no!

"Are you alright? " he asked again and I looked at him from my lashes.

My eyes drifted to his lips and before I knew it, my lips were on his.

I kissed him gently with my hands on his chest.

I thought he'd pull away but he reciprocated and our lips moved in perfect sync.

He pulled me closer to his hard body and roughly grabbed my hips making a moan escape from the back of my throat.

He asked for entrance and I gladly opened up to him.

He slid in his tongue, teasing me.

Oh jeez! He's really to die for.

Just when our make out intensified, the door bell rang.

"What a perfectly perfect time" I muttered under my breath.

Damon smirked and went to get it.

"Piper" I heard Damon say.

A woman with blonde hair, tiny legs and luscious breasts came in.

"Hey" she said and kissed Damon.

My eyes widened when Damon pulled her to him and kissed her but I kept my cool.

I mean I'm just a means for him to win a contract and nothing more.

The lady which I know to be Piper pulled away and her eyes landed on me.

"Who's she?" she asked as they walk closer.

"Hmm no one important" Damon said and they walked upstairs.

I sucked in a long breath, blinking away the stupid tears that welled up in my eyes.

I swallowed the lump I presume to be stuck in my throat and went upstairs.

Passing by Damon's room, I heard moans and I felt my heart sink.

I ran to my room and collapsed on my bed.

All my dreams, everything is shattered.