Married To A Possessive Billionaire

"Arghh! No! I won't do this." Hilda cursed under her breath.

Today was the day she would meet the man who would become her husband, Alexander Hartman, the enigmatic billionaire whose name and reputation sent chills down her spine.

The sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her little apartment, casting an ethereal glow over the wooden floors.

Her Dad was here in her apartment, giving her a hard time as usual. She has always been the perfect, dutiful daughter, but this was a little too much even for her.

"You must marry him, Hilda! I won't allow you to jeopardize my business. I won't allow you to crumble what I've worked so hard for, all because of your petty interests." Her father said, with his voice so furious.

"Petty? My interests are petty? I have a future Dad. I have dreams and aspirations, and an arranged marriage certainly Isn't one of them." Hilda yelled back at her father.

"You don't have a choice Hilda. You must marry him. I refuse to become an object of mockery among my subordinates."

He stated sternly and continued; "Take a look at this place. Is this how you plan to live the rest of your life?" He asked, looking around the apartment and thinking that was the end of it, it only just got worse.

"This place is a disgrace to my name. If the media found out that my daughter lives here, that would be a nightmare compared to losing the company.

"But, I -"

She muttered, just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting their heated conversation, and Hilda took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

She smoothed down her skirt and made way to the door, her steps faltering with trepidation.

Opening the door, Hilda found herself face-to-face with Alexander Hartman, his piercing blue eyes appraising him with a mix of curiosity and possession.

He was tall and commanding, exuding an aura of power that made her feel small and insignificant in comparison. "Ms. Thompson, I presume?" he said, his voice low and velvety.

"Yes, I'm Hilda Thompson. Come in." She replied, offering a polite smile, trying to mask the apprehension that threatened to unravel her.

"Good day Mr Thompson. I didn't see you there. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything". Alexander said, looking over to her father.

"It's no problem Mr Hartman, I was just leaving anyway." Her father replied, leaving abruptly.

Alexander's steely gaze then remained fixed on me. "Come, we have much to discuss," he said, holding out his arm in a gesture that expected her compliance.

Reluctantly, she nodded and slipped her arm through his, allowing him to lead her towards the living room.

They both settled into the chairs, facing each other, the air thick with anticipation.

"I must apologise for the abruptness of this arrangement," Alexander began, his voice devoid of warmth or compassion. "But I am a man who knows what he wants, and I have chosen you as my wife."

His words hit Hilda like a blow, the reality of the situation sinking in. It was more like she was nothing more than a pawn in his grand game of power and control.

"I understand the circumstances that have brought us together," she replied, her voice steady, refusing to let her see the simmering anger beneath the surface.

"But I must also express that I am not a woman to be owned or controlled. I have my own aspirations and dreams that I intend to pursue, even within the confines of this arrangement."

Alexander arched an eyebrow, a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes. "You possess a fire within you, Hilda. I must admit, I find it rather enticing. But make no mistake, in this marriage, there will be expectations and boundaries."

I squared my shoulders, refusing to back down. "And what about love? What about a genuine connection between two people? Are those not essential components of a successful marriage?"

A flicker, void of emotions passed through Alexander's eyes, almost imperceptible. "Love is a game Hilda, and I'm not here for games." He responded, with so much authority.

"But for now, (he continued), we must focus on building a solid foundation, a partnership that will unite two families and safeguard our respective interests."

His words stung, a stark reminder of the inherent sacrifice she was making. Love couldn't be forced or manufactured, and from the depths of my soul, she feared the void that would inevitably exist within their union. But she was determined not to let it define her.

"I understand the reasons behind this marriage," she said, her voice unwavering, "but I will not be your prisoner, Alexander. As I said earlier, I have dreams and passions that will not be stifled by the expectations society has placed upon us."

Alexander leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. After a momentary silence, he let out a sigh. "Perhaps I misjudged you, Hilda," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "There is more to you than meets the eye, and I am intrigued by the woman you are."

Hilda raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his admission. "And are you willing to embrace the woman I am, rather than the woman you wish me to be?"

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of Alexander's lips. "Only time will tell, Hilda."

"The wedding is in two days. I'm not ready for this." Hilda said beneath her breath.

"You don't have a choice Ms. Thompson. Oh, you do- You can either be my wife, or your family goes bankrupt; making you live on the streets. Isn't that a better choice Hilda?"

He asked, staring intently at her, with a sharp smirk on his face, that Hilda so wished to slap it off.

The thought of getting married to Alexander was dreadful.

"You don't want to miss your own wedding Ms. Thompson. Don't be late." Alexander said. His voice made her escape her thoughts.

She then realised they were barely inches apart. He cupped her chin with his palm and then found herself eagerly anticipating what was yet to come.

'Is he about to kiss me?' she thought.

'I totally underestimated her. She has such fire in her eyes that I never thought was there, but I won't let that get to me. Oh no, I can't do this again, not with her.'

Alexander Hartman thought as he stared into her eyes and immediately let go of her chin.

Hilda was surprised to see him having such a warm part of him and in a second it immediately flickers back to his normal cold looks or demeanour.

Alexander Hartman has always been known for his cold and bossy personality and thus, he is dreaded by many.

Hilda doesn't seem to be scared of him, which was something that amused him.

He thought she would be an easy push over, someone he can order around. But she was more like a female aquaman that he wants to tame, but would he be able to?

"Like I said, do not be late for our wedding or else you will watch your father's company crumble to the ground. Have a good day Ms. Hilda Thompson."

Hilda for the first time became silent; she had no come back and so Alexander used that opportunity to walk away smiling to himself.

All he ever wanted was to be in control. Either it was towards others or his soon to be wife he surely wouldn't want something he can't tame. He walked towards his car and his bodyguards bowed.

He certainly didn't want to scare his bride by bringing other men into her apartment.

"Let's go." He ordered they opened the door for him and he left in his car.

Hilda stayed in her room dejected she was sad and wished she could talk to someone.

Somehow she felt her entire life had already been lived. Going to high classed parties, smiling even when she's angry. Being the perfect wife of a billionaire and making sure there's no scandal related to her or her to be husband.

She cursed her father deep down it was all his fault.

How could he sell his daughter at such a young age? He gave her off to the wealthy and he didn't even bother to tell her about the past and now reality came crashing down on her.

*Two months ago*

Hilda was in her apartment when she received a call from her father.

"Hilda come to the company." Albert said.

"What for dad?"

"Just come I have something important to discuss with you."

"Okay." She replied.

Soon she arrived at the company.

"Welcome Miss." Her Father's secretary greeted.

"Thank you. Is my dad here?" Hilda asked.

"Yes miss his waiting for you."

~knock~ knock~

"Come in." Albert said signing a few documents he immediately dropped his pen as he saw Hilda.

"You wanted to see me dad?" Hilda asked.

"Yes please sit, I have a lot to discuss with you." Albert said.

"Okay." Hilda said, taking a seat.

"Sweetie what I'm about to say it's really serious but I don't want your mom to know."

"Is something wrong?" Hilda asked not wanting her mom to know was something she didn't expect him to say.

"Yes with the company." Albert said.

"Why? What happened? Did the stock plummet?"

Hilda asked.

"Yes. Also, I think we'll go bankrupt at this rate."

"What bankrupt?" Hilda asked surprised.

"Yes bankrupt. But it all depends on you child."

"On me?" Hilda asked surprised she wasn't sure what her father meant.

"Yes, sweetie it all depends on you."

"But... Dad I mean how is it up to me to save the company? I can do my best though."

"Sweetie there's something I should have told you a long time ago." Albert said.

"What is that?" Hilda asked.

"When you were born your mom and I promised you in marriage."

"What?" Hilda asked like she didn't hear her father's words.

"Yes, you were betrothed when you were five."

"Betrothed to whom?" Hilda asked with a shocked expression.

"Alexander Hartman."

"Are you kidding me?"

"No sweetie it's a serious issue."

"Dad, this is absurd. I can't just marry a man I don't know this isn't the twentieth century. I don't know him and I don't love him."

"And this isn't a fairytale either Hilda this is real life. You don't need love to make the marriage work."

"Dad! Do you understand what you're saying?"

"Yes I do and it's for your own good."

"My own good? I never asked you to get me engaged to a demon."

"Mind your words Hilda he is your husband to be."

"Dad this isn't happening." Hilda a said angrily.

"Yes it is sweetheart. And just so you know, if you don't agree things would be worse than they already are. The Hartman's are not people you'd want to get angry."

*chuckles.*

"What's so funny?"

"You are dad? If they are as deadly as you make them out to be then how did you get me engaged to their young master?"

"It's a long story."

"Then make it a few sentences."

"I used to be friends with his parents so that's how you got promised."

"But dad..."

"Hilda do you want to see your father beg on the streets? The mighty Thompson's family living in shambles? Because I, Albert would not let that happen."

"Of course not but..."

"Then don't be selfish."

"Dad this isn't about being selfish. I don't know him neither do I love him you'd be sending me to hell."

"Hilda if you marry him you would live a comfortable life and you wouldn't have to worry about anything."

"Except being hurt by him." Hilda said sarcastically.

"I'm sure he would treat you well."

"How do you know that?"

"Hilda please, I'm sure he would take care of you and love you as long as you do as he says."

"So I'm going to be his prisoner?"

"No his wife."

"I want to go home."

"Sweetheart, think about it." Albert said, and Hilda walked out of his office, without a word returning home.

Hilda still didn't accept her father's words and told him she wasn't going to get married to Alexander.

But he told her she had no choice.

She tried negotiating that she would try her best to bring the company back to its glory but Albert didn't want to hear it.

She was told the wedding would take place in the next two months because her soon to be husband was busy with a project, and was out of town.

*Present*

Hilda kept pacing in her room. Getting married in the next two days was unacceptable.

She wished she had someone to talk to.

Soon, her phone buzzed and immediately, she checked who it was. It was an unknown number and she was thinking of not answering.

She finally decided to pick up and it turned out it was just an advertising company that called.

"Darn these bastards." She cursed.

She threw her phone on her bed, she was feeling a bit scared. Everything was happening so suddenly and her life was about to be over. She looked at herself in the mirror.

'What if I just ruined my face would he still agree to marry me?' She thought.

'No that's not an option even if I escape the marriage I'll be worthless and not be able to fulfill my dreams.' She thought again throwing her first thought out the window.

Soon it became dark and she finally decided to get some rest. She slept till almost mid day and a call woke her.

*ring* ring*

She reluctantly looked for her phone and then answered the call without looking at the caller's ID.

"Yes?" She said sleepy eyed.

"Morning my princess."

"Mom?"

"Yes it's me, Hilda don't tell me you're still asleep?" Elenore asked.

"No I.. I'm making breakfast that's why... I didn't check who was calling." She lied but her mother didn't want to expose her any further.

Who makes breakfast almost mid day? Even people on a diet would either wait too eat lunch or would have eaten earlier than that.

"Come to the house we need to talk." Elenore said.

Honestly, she wanted to talk to someone but didn't know who to talk to. She felt lonely and now her mom was inviting her to talk. She definitely wouldn't say no to that offer now would she?

"Okay mom." She answered.

"Good I'll have your favourite prepared." She said and then hung up.

Hilda got up from her bed and then took a shower after changing her clothes to something presentable she drove to her parents mansion.

"Welcome home Miss Hilda." Their Butler greeted.

"Thank you."

"Your mom is at the balcony waiting for you." He said.

"Okay." Hilda said heading towards the balcony.

A woman in her early forties could be seen sipping tea. She had long hair and beautiful eyes.

"Mom." Hilda called out.

"Hilda you're here." Elenore got up to hug her daughter.

"I've missed you sweetie."

"Me too mom." Hilda said.

"Come, have some tea, lunch is almost ready."

"Okay mom." Hilda said sitting down and a maid immediately poured her some tea.

"You can go." Elenore ordered and the maid left, leaving the mother and daughter duo.

"Sweetheart you look pale."

"I'm a fine mother."

"Hm, whenever you call me mother it only means you're not okay. What's wrong my dear?"

"Mom I... I don't want to get married to him." Hilda said.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart I should have told you about the betrothal but your dad and I never thought that since his parents passed he would still agree to marry his fiancee."

"Why was I the only one left in the dark? He even told me not to tell you, like you didn't know already. "

"Oh honey, I'm sorry. You were just five when all these things happened so I'm sure you wouldn't remember."

"You know mom, when dad told me two months ago I thought it was a nightmare. And now if I don't marry him, everything is going to crumble, the company, our lives."

"I'm so sorry sweetie, if only the company wasn't in trouble and going bankrupt giving Alexander the upper hand I wouldn't send you there if it were up to me."

"Thanks mom that means a lot to me."

"What dear?"

"Apologising, and saying if it were up to you. Dad doesn't even care about me all he cares about is himself and the company. And my soon to be husband is just like him."

"What happened dear did he threaten you?" Elenore asked.

"To him, he wouldn't say it's a threat just a friendly reminder that if I don't marry him, the company would liquidate and we'll have to live on the streets."

"That's just like him. I don't really know why he became that way." Elenore said.

"Mom are you telling me that, that asshole wasn't like this before?" Hilda asked.

"When he was a child yeah."

"Mom he might just be pretending then. Because, he is a devil in human covering."

"You're marrying him next tomorrow sweetie mind your words."

"I know that's why I'm anxious. Mom I have my own life to live, but if I marry him my life's over."

"Calm down, I'm sure everything is going to be okay. You know your dad and I were also arranged to marry each other."

"Really?" Hilda asked surprised.

"Yes."

"But you both..."

"Love each other, not everything is as it seems darling. Your dad and I weren't always this like this. Our parents arranged for us to get married after college. And just like you, I didn't know him."

"I couldn't imagine someone telling me to get married immediately after college."

"Truth is I was in love with someone else back then. I had to give up on him. I married your dad and soon we fell in love. And that's when I had you."

"That must have been difficult leaving the guy you love." Hilda said. She couldn't imagine being in love with someone and getting separated from him.

"It was. Let's eat lunch and go to the spa for some relaxation. You look tired and slightly pale." Elenore suggested.