Married To The Billionaire I Hate

Emily.

7 years ago.

The roar of the crowd sounded around the field, but I barely heard it. All I could focus on was him...Cole Grayson. He stood in the center of the field, the late afternoon sun had a golden halo over his dark hair. His movements were without effort, calculated, as he dodged past opposing players. The ball seemed like an extension of him, and every time he scored, the crowd erupted in cheerslike a storm.

From my spot on the bleachers, tucked away in the furthest corner, I watched through the safety of my thick-rimmed glasses. My cheeks burned, though I told myself it was just the sun. Who was I kidding? I was completely smitten. Damn.

The cheerleaders screamed his name, waving banners with Cole scrawled in bold letters. Even the guys who pretended not to care shot him envious glances. Cole wasn't just the star player; he was the star of the entire school.

I sighed, hugging my knees. It had been four months since I joined Crestwood High, and ever since that rainy day, he'd been on my mind. It wasn't much...he'd just handed me an umbrella. I was stranded outside the library, soaking wet and fumbling with my books, when he walked up, calm and unreadable. He didn't say much, just handed me his umbrella and walked away into the rain as if it were nothing. But to me? It was everything.

I knew it was silly. Girls like me didn't belong in the orbit of someone like Cole. He was untouchable, like a shooting star streaking across the sky while I sat on the ground wishing I could be closer. Still, I couldn't stop staring. His smile when he scored, the way he high-fived his teammates...it was magnetic. A world I'd never belong to.

"Emily, stop staring," I muttered to myself, shifting uncomfortably on the bleachers. But my eyes betrayed me, glued to the field where he stood, shining brighter than anyone else. Did he even remember me? Probably not. To him, I was just some random girl with glasses and bad hair.

The final whistle blew, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Cole's team had won, of course. His teammates swarmed him, shouting and slapping his back. The cheerleaders screamed his name, waving their banners. Cole stood in the middle of it all, grinning that easy, heart-stopping grin of his. His hair was damp with sweat, his jersey clinging to him, and yet he looked like he'd stepped out of a glossy magazine. He waved at the crowd, soaking up their adoration like it was his birthright.

As he left the field, girls swarmed him. Some held out water bottles, others just giggled and tried to catch his attention. He didn't push them away; he leaned into it, laughing and tossing a few playful winks. My stomach twisted, but I couldn't stop the ridiculous hope bubbling inside me.

I adjusted my glasses, my heart hammering as I clutched the strap of my backpack. Cole had smiled at me before...not often, but enough to make my pulse race. I convinced myself it meant something. Maybe it was crazy, but I'd made up my mind. Today, I was going to tell him. What's the worst that could happen? At least I'd know.

I waited outside the locker room, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure anyone passing by could hear it. The hallway was quiet except for occasional laughter or footsteps, but my nerves made everything seem amplified.

When the door finally opened, my breath hitched. Cole stepped out, still damp from his shower, his hair slightly tousled, droplets of water clinging to his neck. He wore a crisp white t-shirt and jeans, his effortless style making him look like he belonged in a fashion ad. A group of his friends followed, their laughter carefree as they shoved each other playfully.

I clutched the strap of my backpack tighter and took a shaky step forward. My knees felt like jelly, and my palms were sweating, but I had to do this. "Hey... Cole," I said, my voice trembling.

He stopped mid-laugh and turned to look at me, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. "Hey," he replied casually, his voice smooth, but there was a hint of curiosity in his tone.

One of his friends nudged him, smirking. Cole exchanged a quick glance with them before turning his full attention to me, his brows slightly raised.

"I-uh-I need to... talk to you. About something."

"Alright," he said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. He tilted his head, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Go ahead."

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I stared up at him. He was so tall, so... magnetic. Everything about him screamed confidence, and it was overwhelming. My words jumbled in my head, my tongue suddenly refusing to cooperate.

"It's...it's kind of private," I stammered, glancing nervously at his friends, who were still standing nearby, clearly interested in the unfolding scene.

Cole raised an eyebrow, the smirk growing a little. "Relax," he said, his voice almost teasing. "Just say it."

His gaze was steady, and it felt like I was standing under a spotlight. My heart raced, and my throat felt dry. But this was it... my moment. I had to say it.

I sucked in a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage I had. "I-I like you," I blurted out, my words rushing out in a panicked jumble. I winced as soon as I said it, wishing I could disappear. "I mean, I've had feelings for you... for a while now. Ever since..." I trailed off, my voice faltering as I glanced down, too scared to meet his eyes.

My hands twisted together in front of me as I kept going, my words tumbling out awkwardly. "I know it's probably silly, but... you're amazing, Cole. You're kind, and talented, and-" I paused, finally glancing up. His expression made me falter.

At first, he seemed stunned, his brows furrowing slightly as if he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. For one fleeting moment, I thought I saw something softer in his eyes. But then, his lips curled into a slow smirk, and the warmth in his gaze vanished.

"Wait... what?" his tone was laced with utter disbelief when he asked.

"I-I said I like you," I repeated, with a trembling voice.

And that was when it happened.

His face twisted into pure amusement, and before I could brace myself, he threw his head back and laughed...a big, boisterous laugh that echoed through the hallway. It wasn't just a chuckle or a polite laugh. It was the kind of laugh that made his friends snicker and glance at each other, and it felt like a sledgehammer against my chest.

I froze, my breath hitching as I watched him. He clutched his sides, shaking his head like what I'd said was the funniest joke he'd ever heard.

"You... you have feelings for me?" he repeated the question between laughs, his voice already filled with complete incredulity.

My face burned as humiliation sank in, and my hands clenched into fists at my sides. I wanted to say something, anything, but the words wouldn't come. His laughter still continued, loud and cruel, and it felt like the world had stopped spinning, leaving me stranded and exposed.

Emily's POV.

My heart hammered in my chest as I watched Cole laugh. It wasn't a light chuckle or a half-hearted grin. No, this was the kind of laugh that made you feel like something deep inside you was being crushed into dust.

His friends started laughing too, the sound of their mocking, high-pitched giggles echoing through the hallway. And then, even a few students nearby joined in. I could feel my face burn, my pulse pounding in my ears. I stood there, frozen, helpless, every ounce of courage I had drained in an instant.

"Are you serious?" Cole asked, wiping tears from his eyes as he took a step toward me. He looked me up and down with the kind of scrutiny that made me want to crawl into a hole and hide forever. "You think you can just... tell me you like me? You think I'm going to be interested in some girl like you?" His voice was dripping with venom, each word cutting deeper than the last.

I felt smaller and smaller, like the floor was swallowing me whole. He poked at my head with a finger, like I was some kind of mannequin...his lips curled into a twisted grin. "You like me?" he repeated, almost as if he couldn't believe it. "Seriously. Have you even seen yourself?" He gestured toward me, his expression now pure disgust. "What, because I gave you an umbrella once, you think I'm your ticket to... what? Happiness? You're dreaming."

The laughter grew louder. His friends were practically howling now, their mockery making my skin crawl. I wanted to shrink away, disappear. But I couldn't move. My legs were stiff, my chest heavy with shame.

"You really think I'd ever go for someone like you?" Cole sneered, his voice suddenly turning bitter and cruel, like I was nothing but a joke. "You're nothing. Just some girl who's obsessed with me because I was nice enough to give you my umbrella. That's the best you got, huh? A damn umbrella?" He threw his hands up as if my feelings were the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. "Get a grip, Emily. We're not even on the same track. You're nowhere near my league. I'm the guy everyone wants, and you-" He stopped, looking me up and down again, shaking his head like he couldn't even comprehend how I could've thought this was a good idea. "You? You're a joke. A loser."

I could feel the sting of his words, each one like a slap to my face. My vision blurred, and I blinked furiously to fight the tears that were threatening to spill.

"You're pathetic, you know that?" His words sliced through the air. "You think because I've smiled at you a couple of times, that means anything? You think I care? I don't even remember your name half the time." His eyes narrowed as he let the words sink in, watching me flinch with each cruel jab.

His friends were still laughing, egging him on. "Damn, Cole, you're gonna break her heart!" one of them said, slapping him on the back like this was all some kind of twisted game.

"You should've seen the look on her face when she thought he might like her," another one added, his voice full of mock sympathy. "Classic move, Cole. She's got a thing for the golden boy, huh?"

I couldn't breathe. My chest felt like it was caving in, my skin on fire from the humiliation. How could I have been so stupid? So naive to think he would ever see me as anything other than a joke. His words rang in my ears over and over. You're nothing. A loser. Pathetic.

Cole's smirk only deepened as he stepped even closer, his face now inches from mine. I could smell the faint scent of his cologne, mixed with sweat from the game, but all I could focus on was the bitterness in his eyes. "Listen, Emily," he said slowly, like he was explaining something to a child. "You're never going to be anything more than the girl who hides in the back of the class, the one no one notices until it's too late. You think you can change that with some lame confession? You're wasting your time." His tone dripped with disgust. "You want to know the real reason I gave you that umbrella?" He paused for effect, his lips curling into something ugly, something dark. "It's because I felt sorry for you. That's it. Nothing more."

The laughter from his friends grew louder, filling my ears until I couldn't hear anything else. The sound of it crushed me, shattering everything inside me that had once dared to believe maybe, just maybe, he could see me differently.

And then, Cole pushed past me without another word, not even sparing me a second glance. His friends followed, still snickering behind him like a pack of hyenas. I stood there, unable to move, feeling like the world had come crashing down on top of me. My hands were shaking, my chest heaving as I fought to keep my emotions from spilling over.

Tears burned at the back of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I couldn't-couldn't let them see me break, couldn't let them see how much I was hurting. But the ache in my chest was unbearable, like I'd just been ripped apart by his cruel words.

I felt the weight of everything-the laughter, the humiliation, the bitterness-pressing down on me. For the first time, I understood exactly how small I was in the grand scheme of things. Cole Grayson didn't even see me. He didn't care. And I was foolish for ever thinking that I could change that.

"Pathetic," I whispered to myself, repeating his words like a mantra. I had to get out of there. I couldn't stand to be in the same space anymore.

I turned on my heel and hurried down the hallway, the echoes of their laughter following me like a dark shadow. The tears finally started to fall, but I didn't care anymore. I didn't care who saw. I didn't care about anything anymore.

Because in that moment, I realized that no matter how much I had liked him, no matter how badly I had wanted him to notice me, I was nothing to him. Just a girl with glasses, nothing more. And as much as I hated it, I knew he was right-I would always be nothing.

Emily's POV

7 years later.

Present.

The moment I stepped out of the sleek black Rolls-Royce, a wave of flashing lights blinded me. The cameras clicked furiously, each one trying to capture the perfect shot. The air buzzed with the sound of reporters shouting my name, their questions tumbling over one another in a chaotic mess.

"Miss Hart! Over here!"

"Emily, are you planning to expand the company this year?"

"Can we get a comment on your rise to success at such a young age?"

I adjusted the lapel of my tailored cream pantsuit, my favorite pair of Louboutin heels clicking against the pavement as I strode forward. My face remained poised, composed-a faint smile playing on my lips as my bodyguards flanked me, creating a barrier between me and the overzealous crowd.

I didn't answer their questions. Not yet. I let the confidence radiate from me, my chin held high as I walked toward the entrance of the grand event hall. The paparazzi were relentless, their lenses tracking my every move, but I was used to it by now. This was my life. The youngest, most successful female CEO in the city-Emily Hart.

The doors to the hall opened, and the chaos outside was replaced by the refined elegance of the event within. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the sea of tuxedos and evening gowns. I paused for a moment, taking it all in. My father's friends-men who had dominated the industrial sector for decades-milled about, champagne flutes in hand, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of classical music.

A tall figure emerged from the crowd-my father. His proud smile was unmistakable as he made his way toward me, his hand outstretched.

"There she is," he said warmly, his voice full of pride. "The woman of the hour."

"Dad," I said, shaking his hand before pulling him into a brief hug. "You're the one who built this empire. I'm just steering the ship."

"And you're doing a damn fine job of it," he replied, his eyes crinkling with genuine pride.

As we moved further into the room, several high-profile figures turned their attention to me. One by one, they came forward to introduce themselves, their words dripping with admiration and curiosity.

"Emily, I've heard so much about you," one man said, extending his hand. "Henry Calloway, CEO of Calloway Industries. Your work in the tech sector has been impressive, to say the least."

"Thank you, Mr. Calloway," I replied, my tone polite yet assertive. "We've been focusing on innovation and sustainability-it's the way forward, don't you think?"

Another woman, dressed in an elegant black gown, approached next. "Emily, I'm Evelyn Carter. Your partnership with GreenTech last quarter was brilliant. You're setting a new standard for leadership."

"Thank you, Ms. Carter," I said with a small smile. "We believe collaboration is key. No empire is built in isolation."

The conversations flowed seamlessly, each exchange reinforcing the respect I'd worked so hard to earn. My father stood nearby, watching with an expression that spoke volumes. He was proud of me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I truly belonged in his world.

As the evening progressed, I moved through the crowd with ease, exchanging greetings and pleasantries, my confidence unwavering. I was no longer the girl who had been humiliated in a university hallway. No longer the girl whose tears had blurred her vision as she ran from the cruel laughter.

I was Emily Hart, CEO of Hart Enterprises. And this was my moment.

The applause was deafening as I stood at the podium, staring out at the sea of well-dressed professionals who had gathered for tonight's event. My speech had started smoothly, detailing Hart Enterprises' vision for the future and the strides we'd made in sustainable development. I spoke with the confidence of someone who had clawed her way to the top, earning every bit of respect the room gave me.

But then he walked in.

At first, I wasn't sure it was real. The double doors at the back of the hall opened with a subtle yet undeniable presence, and in strode a man surrounded by bodyguards. His dark, tailored suit hugged his tall, broad frame perfectly, and his chiseled jawline was more defined than I remembered. My stomach churned as his familiar, self-assured smirk spread across his face, and I recognized him instantly.

Cole Grayson.

The same Cole who had humiliated me all those years ago. The same Cole who had ruined my self-worth, made me the laughingstock of my peers, and drove me to transfer schools just to escape the endless torment.

He looked... different. Older. More polished. But the arrogance in his stride and the casual way he adjusted his cufflinks told me he hadn't changed one bit.

My breath caught in my throat, and my carefully rehearsed words faltered. I blinked rapidly, trying to focus, but my brain was screaming at me to run.

"...and that's why... um... innovation is at the core of Hart Enterprises," I said, my voice uneven. I caught my father's concerned glance from the front row and knew I had to wrap this up before I completely lost my composure.

"Thank you for your time," I concluded hastily, stepping away from the microphone as applause erupted. I descended the stage, plastering a neutral expression on my face even as my heart raced wildly.

The moment I was out of the spotlight, I exhaled shakily, gripping the edge of a nearby table to steady myself. How could he be here? Why was he here?

I quickly regained my composure, smoothing my suit and joining the mingling crowd. The event was winding down, with guests exchanging pleasantries and business cards. My father beckoned me over, standing beside Nicholas Grayson, one of his longtime friends and a prominent figure in the industry.

"Emily," my father said, his voice brimming with pride. "I want you to meet Nicholas's son, Cole. He just got back to town after spending three years abroad managing Grayson Corp's international operations."

My entire body stiffened as Cole turned to face me, his expression unreadable but professional.

"Emily Hart," he said smoothly, extending a hand. His voice was deeper now, more refined, but it still carried that maddening air of superiority I remembered all too well.

I stared at his hand but didn't take it. Instead, I met his gaze with a cold, neutral expression and nodded curtly. "Mr. Grayson," I said simply, keeping my voice flat.

Cole raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my reaction, but he quickly recovered. "I've heard a lot about you," he said, lowering his hand. "Hart Enterprises has been making waves recently. Impressive work."

I didn't respond. Instead, I turned to my father and began discussing an unrelated topic, deliberately ignoring Cole as if he were a ghost.

My father, oblivious to the tension, beamed at us both. "Isn't it great to see the next generation taking the reins, Nicholas?" he said, clapping Nicholas on the back.

Nicholas nodded, smiling warmly. "Absolutely. We should schedule a meeting for these two to discuss potential collaborations. What do you think, Cole?"

Cole glanced at me, his jaw tightening slightly. "Of course. I'd be happy to."

I didn't even acknowledge his words, my focus entirely on my father. "I'll check my schedule," I said, my tone dismissive.

The men continued talking, but I tuned them out, my mind swirling with memories I'd buried for years. Cole had no idea who I was-or at least, he pretended not to.

But I remembered him.

I remembered the way his words had cut me like knives, the way his mocking laughter had echoed in my ears for weeks. I remembered the shame, the tears, the relentless whispers and stares from my classmates. And I remembered the video, immortalizing my humiliation on the school blog for everyone to see.

That humiliation had shaped me, hardened me. It had driven me to become the woman I was today-smart, confident, and untouchable.

But seeing him again brought back every ounce of pain and rage I'd buried.

As the men continued their conversation, I excused myself and walked away, my heels clicking against the marble floor. I needed space, air, anything to stop the memories from flooding back.

Cole Grayson had come back into my life.

And I despised him with every fiber of my being.