Married To The Arrogant CEO

CHAPTER 1: DEATH DO US PART

WILLOW'S POV:

"Get up!... You look stupid as it is already, stop embarrassing me and act like you are married into the Wellesley family", Noah Wellesley warned with disgust in his face, no atom of pity or guilt.

I looked around and the guest at the party were staring at me with different emotions - pity, satisfaction, disgust, envy.

"Oh my God, I feel so sorry for her".

"She deserves it!".

"Ha! She looks like a joke!".

"Oh no, that fall must really hurt".

"That's what she gets for trying to climb up the elite ladder!".

I struggled to stand up and I did, I picked up my purse and dust my dress.

"Now, apologize to her", Noah said and my eyes went wide.

'He wasn't serious, right? RIGHT!!', I asked in my head.

I raised my head to take a better look at the lady he wants me to apologize too. Katherine. His mistress.

He doesn't hide his infidelity anymore and I wouldn't lie, it hurts.

"I'm sorry", I whispered to her and she scoffed.

"You should be grateful I didn't push you that hard", She uttered and walked away with Noah.

I was left there all by myself, to be laughed at and condemned by these gossip mongers.

This is The Wellesley family ball. I was almost not invited to the party but I needed to attend since I am married to their son, Noah Wellesley, but he still didn't acknowledge me.

Let me give a brief introduction of who I am.

My name is Willow Emerson, first child of The Emerson family. My mother died of kidney failure when I was 12 and my father married six months later to a woman who already has a daughter of 10 years old. My stepmother didn't conceive after then.

My stepmom, Susan, isn't the wicked type but she is greedy and a good actress. She would put her needs first before others, even her children. My stepsister, Maya, is the cunning one of the family and she hated me the moment she came into our house.

My father, Malcolm, on the other hand isn't one to pay close attention. It is more than enough that his business is struggling, he can't be worrying about his grown up children.

I used to wish for a happy adulthood; to fall in love with the perfect Prince Charming who I have had a huge crush on since my teenage age, for him to love, protect and spoil me. For our lives to go smoothly and we have children of our own who would look just like us.

That person was The first son of The Wellesley family, Noah Wellesley.

But here I am, 24 years old and married at the age of 21 to a man who doesn't love me or even care for my feelings, Noah.

I should be happy right? That my dreams of getting to be with Noah did come through but... my life has been hell.

I woke up to reality years ago when I found out that my feelings would never be reciprocated.

I bowed my head and immediately left the scene before the tears would come rushing down. I dashed to the nearest bathroom and locked myself in there and just let the tears pour.

"Wh-why? what d-did I do?", I muttered to myself as I weeped.

I have no one to turn to for help, no one to clean my tears or fix my broken heart.

I stopped complaining to my family about The Wellesley ill treatment the day I found out through eavesdropping that my own father and stepmother were the ones who planned and sold me off to marriage to save our family business.

My impatient father and greedy stepmother wanted the wealth, connection and name of The Wellesley family so I was just a commodity.

Everyone in The Wellesley mansion hates me, Mr Reginald and Mrs Abigail Wellesley, Noah's sister and brother, Ava Ross-Wellesley and Ryan Wellesley. Their butler, head maid and other staffs.

Sometimes I wonder if I was carrying a contagious disease for them to hate me so much.

★★★

After crying for a while, I dried my tears, powdered my face a bit and left the bathroom. I tried my best to bow my head and avoid any crowd not to get noticed by anyone.

I couldn't leave the party as I'm one of the 'Host'

High Society Ball, it's just The Wellesley way for socializing and networking among elites, charity fundraising, business deal-making and showcasing wealth and status. They do this every year and I hate it everytime.

I walked my way to the corner of the hall and sat down on an empty chair, waiting patiently for this charade to be over.

I suddenly heard eating noise under the table and I furrowed my brows, I slowly lifted the white sheet to see who or what it was making that sound.

"Charlotte!", I whispered-yelled.

"Shhhh! Please aunty Willow!", She said to me. I sighed, shaking my head at the little girl under the table.

"What are you doing under there?", I asked her.

"Hiding from my mommy", She replied and giggled, I couldn't help but smile too.

Charlotte is a sweet kid, she is Noah's niece and Ava's daughter. She's just 6 years old but very smart and nice.

It's safe to say she's the only one in the Wellesley family that loves me and she is the reason that life in The Wellesley mansion isn't too unbearable.

"What have you done this time?", I questioned her and she pouted, the bit of chocolate cake fell to the ground from her mouth.

"I didn't do anything Aunty Willow, I promise!", She admitted.

"Why is she looking for you then?".

"I... I-I ran away because sh-she wouldn't stop telling me how fat I am and h-how I should stop eating too much", she blubbered.

I felt hurt for this little girl. Yes, she's a little chubby but that okay for kids her age.

'How can a mother be so horrible to her kid!', I cursed in my head.

"She sometimes compare me to her best friend's daughter... my mommy hates m-me", She sobbed quietly.

"Stop saying that Char! She's your mom and I'm sure she loves you very much", I tried to defend.

I've witnessed firsthand how Ava treats her daughter, like an accessory. I don't blame the poor child for thinking such.

"But it's the truth... and she hates you too", Charlotte said and I stifled a laugh.

The little girl still under the table giggled.

"Charlotte! CHARLOTTE!!", I overheard Ava calling out to her daughter over the loud music. The little girl gasps and clasps her hand together.

"Please please, don't let her know I'm here", She begged.

"But--".

"Pretty plleeeasssseeeeee!", She stressed, showing me her adorable pout. I chuckled and nodded.

I closed the sheets down and pretended like I was watching the guests as they danced.

"Charlotte! Charl-- Hey Willow! Where is my daughter?", Ava snorted.

"Uhm, I-I haven't seen her", I replied and she scoffed.

"Are you sure? I know you have bad eye sight and a dull brain but she's a little kid, how come you haven't seen her around?", She asked again.

I folded my hand into a fist and tightened my jaw.

'If she was that easy to spot, how come you haven't found her yet?!', I yelled in my head. Of course I dare not ask her that! The Wellesley family would hold a meeting on my head and I might be starved for talking back at a senior.

Ava is three years older than Noah and eight years older than I am.

"I'm sorry", I could only bring myself to say.

She scoffed and walked away.

I sighed and only opened back the sheets when Ava was out of sight.

"I'm sorry mommy scolded you because of me", Charlotte mumbled and I gave a faint smile and patted her head.

"It's not your fault", I responded.

Truly, it wasn't her fault. It's not her fault her family treats me ill, it's not her fault I fell in love with the wrong guy, it's not her fault my family don't care about my physical or mental health, it's not her fault they all hate me.

I could remember the look of disgust in Noah's eyes when that incident happened earlier. I wasn't to blame for what happened.

I only wanted to sit at our family table and Noah told me to get up.

Thinking about it now, I couldn't help but laugh at my foolishness for actually standing up and giving room to his mistress, Katherine. Immediately I got up, Katherine gave me a hidden push and I tripped on my dress and fell, embarrassing The Wellesley family.

"I will pay you back", Charlotte words brought me back to reality.

"How so?", I was amused by this girl.

She crawled her way out of the table and sat beside me after checking to see if her mom was around.

"I will give you half of whatever grandpa and grandma gets me for my birthday!", She beamed and I laughed.

"Would you now?", I asked and she nodded vigorously.

"But your birthday is not until two months time!".

"Then I will owe you. I will give you then, okay?", She sounded very serious so I nodded.

"You are such a sweet smart girl!", I praised, pinching her cheeks.

"And you are very beautiful Aunty Willow!", She attested.

"You think so?".

"I knowww sooooo", She dragged and I laughed with her.

Too bad her uncle doesn't think so. He doesn't miss any chance to call me ugly and poor. It hurts my heart and self esteem everytime but I have to keep up, because he's my husband and... death do us part.

CHAPTER 2: DESPERATE FOR ATTENTION

WILLOW'S POV:

The Ball finished around midnight and I was all exhausted. My legs aches from wearing those heels and fake smiling with the guests.

I retired back to my room and shut it. I sat on the bed and sighed, thinking back on the events at the party.

I shook my head to get rid of all those negative thoughts and bad memories.

"I need to shower", I said to myself and took off my dress.

Yes, you are right, Noah and I do not share a room. When we got married, I was over the moon to share our first night together in The Wellesley mansion and I could remember vividly the horrific words he said to me.

I had followed his fast pace upstairs but he didn't look at me once, he finally stopped at the door and turned to me.

"And where is it you think you're going?", He asked in his deep manly voice that I got intimidated.

"I-I want to--", He didn't let me finish.

"Do you really think I would share a room with a lowlife like you?".

"But w-we are married", I murmured in shock.

"I'm surprised you don't reek of desperation. You're dripping with it", He scoffed and went into his room, slamming the door in my face.

I laughed at the memories of that day. It was from that day Noah showed me how much my presence disgusts him.

I have stayed in this room, alone, for three good years after my marriage with Noah and not once has he come knocking on the door.

I quickly took a cold shower, letting the water tickle down my back to my buttocks and under my feet. After showering, I got out of the bathroom and got ready for bed as it was 1:12am.

"Haaa... what a day", I sighed as my head hit the mattress.

★★★

I woke up to the loud noise from downstairs. It was so loud I couldn't ignore it no matter how much I tried.

'Fuck! There goes my peaceful morning', I cussed even though I know there isn't any peaceful morning for me in The Wellesley mansion.

I yawned and dragged myself out of bed and walked to the door, placing my ear to decipher what the commotion was about. I couldn't hear properly and just let it go.

I quickly showered and went downstairs to help prepare breakfast. Mrs Wellesley hates it when I oversleep and miss out on helping in the kitchen. Sometimes I wonder if I was one of their worker.

"Good morning mother", I kept my head low as I greeted the grumpy Lady of The Wellesley family as she supervised the cooking.

"And why are you up late?!", She barked and it took so much in me not to roll my eyes.

'Maybe it's because I barely slept at all after last night ball!', God forbid I'd say that to her. She would have me whipped.

"I'm sorry mother", I quietly apologized and went to help set the table.

It was time for breakfast and as usual, everyone were seated on their respective seats. Mr Wellesley at the head of the table and his wife on his right hand side. Noah sat opposite to his mother and Ryan right next to him.

Ava sat next to Mrs Wellesley and Charlotte next to her mother. It was so obvious I was an outcast as I sat far from them.

"Can I sit with Aunty Willow, mommy?", Charlotte announced while everyone started eating and I almost choked. My eyes remained on my plate as I took small bites.

"Why?", Ava cringed.

"Because she always eats alone. Why can't she sit with us grandma?", The little girl inquired again and I could just imagine the look on their faces.

"That's because she likes eating alone", Mrs Wellesley replied her granddaughter and I almost chuckle.

'Wow, lying to your granddaughter?', I said in my head.

I slowly lifted my head to look at them and Charlotte had a sad pout on her face. Noah didn't even give a damn about what was happening, he ate his food like a gentleman.

"But--", Charlotte tried to defend but her mother wouldn't let her.

"That's enough. Eat!", Ava scolded.

"Don't yell at the kid, Ava... Eat your food Char", Mr Wellesley said in his deep voice.

If I was being honest, Mr Reginald Wellesley doesn't hate me or should I say, doesn't even notice me. He normally would turn a blind eye to how his family treated me but he never joins them in their maltreatment.

He was the one who arranged and agreed with my father and stepmother on the marriage between me and his son.

'But why would he', I was a nobody. It couldn't possibly be to safe his companies, or to build more connection with the business world. Matter of fact, he was the one who gave that to my family, so what gain am I to him?

This was something I couldn't think of till now.

After a while, everyone was done with breakfast. Noah was the first to leave as he was headed to work.

Not once did he spare me a glance and it didn't bother me, I should be used to it by now. I helped cleared the table and was about leaving the kitchen when I bumped into someone.

"Ouch!", I shrieked. I lifted my head to see who I bumped into or if was just a brick wall.

To my surprise, it was Noah and he didn't have a please look on his face.

"I thought you left for work alrea--".

"Why do you so desperately seek for my attention... What? You suddenly are running low on those innocent good girl tricks, that you outwardly resort to physical touch?", Noah blew hot and I felt embarrassed.

My cheeks grew hot and I tried to hide my face away from his.

"It was simply an accident, don't--", I tried to defend myself but he cut me off.

"Stop with the innocent pretence, you're just a conniving bitch", He said and took stepped away from me as if I was infectious. I gasped at his last word and I couldn't hold the tears back any longer.

He scoffed and walked away.

"Why would he do that to his wife?".

"Serves her right!".

"I love this!".

"Sir Noah is too cruel".

"That should teach her a lesson, ha!".

"Sure a witch!".

I couldn't block out the vicious words from the workers and I quickly went upstairs. I don't blame them, I came into this house and they saw how I was treated by those who were supposed to be my new family. I was worse than a servant.

I speed walk upstairs to my room and Ava was inside, going through my stuffs.

"What are you doing here?!", I yelled at her and she shivered.

That was the first time I raised my voice at her and she was surprised as I was. I wasn't in the right mood and I came here cry in peace and alone.

"I came here to talk to you about something", She said, dropping my novel on the floor. I looked around my room and it was a mess, she completely and intentionally scattered the place.

"I'm not in the mood, Ava", I sighed and tried to avoid her.

"Is that the way to talk to someone older than you?!", She fumed.

"Look, I don't give a fuck!", I blurted. Realizing what I just said, I quickly held my mouth and Ava gasped.

"Di... did you j-just cuss at me?".

"I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to", I quickly apologized.

"Wow, you suddenly feel so big. Why? because my daughter spoke up for you today at the dining table? You think we are equals now?", She accused.

"What?! N-no!".

She moved towards me, shoving her index into my shoulder as she pushed me with every word she said.

"I don't know what nonsense you've been filling into my child's head, but I want it to end this instant... Stay away from my Char, you and her and not from the same class!!", She said, finally pushing me to the ground.

I fell on my butt and wince in pain. She scoffed and walked away, slamming the door.

I was so hurt, not from the fall but from her words. First it was Mrs Wellesley, then Noah at the kitchen, now Ava. I was getting drained and tired of their constant ill words towards me.

I couldn't complain to my father or stepmother. They would always remind me on how I should tolerate them as they are my family and how I should talk responsibility for once.

I cried for minutes in that spot, begging the universe to just end my suffering.

CHAPTER 3: UNAPPEALING AND UGLY

NOAH'S POV:

"Fucking sorry excuse for a wife!", I cussed as I dusted my shirt on my way out. I was furious as her skin came in contact with mine and I felt like going back upstairs and taking a shower again but I'd be late for my appointment.

"Fucking drive!!", I yelled at my driver as I hopped in the car. He didn't hesitate and zoomed off.

I dialed my secretary number and connected it to my Bluetooth.

"Yes sir?", She said immediately the line connected.

"Shift all my morning meetings and video calls to 12pm. I would be late", I instructed.

"B-but sir, the re-representatives from Wilson and Wilson corporation for the merger are already here for the 9am meeting", Tina, my secretary, stuttered.

"Do I sound like I fucking care?! They are the ones in need of this merge so if they can't wait, then to hell with them! Fucking do as I say!", I roared.

"Okay s-sir", She said and I disconnected the line.

My morning has already been ruined by that two-faced witch at home and I was angry at everything.

"Wh-where to then sir", I heard the driver murmur.

"To Katherine's apartment", I said and sighed. I lean back on the seat and shut my eyes for a few seconds, remembering what happened back at home during breakfast.

I'm a hundred percent certain that dull head is brainwashing my niece to be on her side. That can only be a the logical explanation why Charlotte is on her side.

I shouldn't be surprised right? That's what she was good at, manipulating people for her favour, otherwise, why then did my father asked me to marry her.

"Fuck", I cussed under my breath, feeling uncomfortable with my own thoughts again.

My thoughts took me back to three years ago when my father called me into his study room for a 'meeting', only to let me know I was getting married in two weeks time to someone I know nothing about or heard about.

"Father! There is no way on earth I will get married to someone I do not know or love!", I could remember yelling at him.

"Then the marriage would take place in hell", He had responded to me.

My mother and sister were furiously mad when he also broke the news to them.

"NEVER!!", My mother had roared. She was scary when she wants to be.

"Why father?! She isn't even royal blood or from an influential family!", Ava replied.

"It would be disgraceful to our family's name if someone of such low class is associated with us!", My mother added.

"I wasn't asking for your opinions or intake on this. I only want to let you all know we will be welcoming a new member into our family days to come", My father said and left, my mom followed behind him to make him see reasons.

"We are here sir", The voice of the driver brought me back to the present.

"You can go and I'll call you to come pick me up when I'm ready", I instructed the driver and left the car.

I looked up at the hotel I stood in front of that is one of ours. I had bought the top penthouse for Katherine as an apology for getting married to that witch.

I love Katherine and she loves me also. We have been dating since college and we had plans of our own. I had planned to introduce her to my family three days before my father told me about the marriage.

Breaking the news to Katherine has been heartbreaking and it tore her apart. She broke down and wouldn't talk to me for months even after I got married to that girl.

I walked into the hotel and the receptionist and the other workers immediately recognized me.

"Good morning sir", They all greeted.

I didn't respond and kept my head high up. It wasn't a new thing and they all know who I come here to for.

Sure, there have been gossips about my infidelity and how my mistress live here when my marriage was still the talk of the country but the news has become boring.

I walked up to the main elevator that leads to the penthouse and soon after, I reached.

I didn't bother knocking the door as I knew the door code. I punched it in and walked inside.

"Babe!!", She jumped on me before I could call her name, "I've missed you!", She pouted.

"But we saw last night", I chuckled, kissing her deep and long.

"Well, I should have been seeing you every minute if not of that bitch", She uttered.

"Hey, don't say that".

She scoffed and came down from my hold, moving away.

"So now you're defending her?", She ridiculed.

I chuckled and walked to her, holding her lower waist and placing soft kisses on her neck.

"No. I just don't want you to soil your mouth or thoughts of someone so insignificant like her, okay", I clarified.

She turned to face me and smiled brightly, holding both sides of my face.

"When are you going to leave her and come to me?", She asked.

I sighed and went over to take a seat, she came and straddled me.

"Soon. I just need some time to convince my father".

"Ugh! Your dad, your dad, your dad!! You're a grown ass man!", Sh snapped, getting off me and walking to her drawer and pulling out a pack of cigarette.

She placed a stick in her mouth and lit it.

I went to where she stood and took the cigarette out of her mouth and put it off with my thumb and index.

"I've told you not to ever raise your voice at me and not to ever question me. You know how much I hate it, Kate", I reprimanded and I could see the trail of fear in her face.

"I know. I'm sorry babe", She grumbled. I sighed and kissed her forehead.

"Just be patient and let me do my thing... okay?", I said and she nodded.

I suddenly picked her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist and I grabbed her butt.

"Hey!!", She said in surprise.

"Shhh. I'm starving", I whispered into her ears and she giggled.

I walked to the bed and let her drop on the bed.

"Oouu you want a little action?", She said in her most sexy voice and I could feel my little man come alive.

"Yes. I need to feed", I growled and that was all it took for our clothes to be flying across the room and her moans loud.

★★★

After the sex, I took a quick shower to clean off, got dressed and I head out. I didn't tell Katherine I was going as she was fast asleep.

I chuckled at her weak body on the bed as she was exhausted after we went two times.

I called the driver and he was there in less than 5 minutes. I got into the car and we headed to the company. I took a quick glance at my wrist watch and it was a few minutes past 12noon.

I shut my eyes and tried to calm myself but the image of that girl in my house popped into my head again.

"Fuck!", I cussed under my breath. I went to Katherine to get rid of the thoughts of the witch but here I was, back to square one.

She was really getting on my last nerves and I couldn't wait to get rid of her. I wanted to make sure I have the upper hand against my father so he wouldn't have any other choice to let me divorce her.

She was just like a leech, getting into places she doesn't belong, like my head. She's is unappealing and ugly.

"We are here sir", The driver said and I came down and entered the tall building that had 'The Wellesley Group' written boldly on it.

My secretary was already waiting for me.

"Welcome sir", She said and took my briefcase with her.

"Where is Julian?", I enquired about my personal assistant.

"H-he is in the board room with the Wilson & Wilson people", She replied and I smirked.

"So they're still here?", I scoffed, continue walking to the elevator.

"Yes sir. Julian had to talk them into waiting", She replied and I didn't respond.

I wouldn't give a fuck if they stayed or left. I will still be the richest and most influential CEO in the country.