Married To The Vengeful Billionaire

Chapter 1

Camila sat in front of the mirror with her eyes closed, allowing her makeup artist to work on her face. There was no other way out; she had to get married. It was for the sake of her sick father, her family business, Perez Innovation Design. She was the only one who could save her family from crumbling after so many years of struggling to stay on top.

She wouldn't have minded getting married if only the groom wasn't Alejandro Ruiz, the boy she once rejected during their childhood-a memory that haunted her no matter how hard she tried to forget.

She could still see the hurt in his eyes when she told him no. She had liked him, but she was the beautiful Camila Perez, everyone's crush, and he was seen as a disgrace. Camila would always remember the day he knelt, offered her a flower, and asked, "Would you be my date for the Valentine's party?"

Camila looked around, surrounded by people on all sides. She could already picture the look of disappointment on her face if she said yes. One wrong move, and her image would be destroyed. That wrong move was Alejandro, just like her father's wrong move that led to his accident and their current predicament.

Cursing herself for being a people-pleaser, she mumbled, "No." But it wasn't enough to avoid more attention. Her eyes turned cold, her face twisted in mockery. "No!" She repeated, slapping the flower from his hands and stepping on it with her Chuck Taylors. "I would never go out with you, Alejandro. You're just a fat, broke, ugly boy who doesn't know what he wants in life. You're a disgrace!"

Alejandro was a nobody in everyone's eyes, and his looks were nothing to write home about. He was overweight, had acne, was a dullard, and broke-everything no one wanted for the beautiful Camila Perez. Her father, Carlos, was close with Alejandro's parents as business partners, and Alejandro had been transferred to her school.

She wouldn't miss watching him from her window. He would draw different love symbols just for her, and she liked them but pretended she didn't care. One thing Camila liked about Alejandro was that he gave her attention each time her parents were away for work, even when she didn't want him around.

When she turned him down, he never spoke to her again. His family left Chicago for a business offer that changed their lives. She hadn't seen or heard from him until now, when he agreed to marry her as a 'thank you' to her family for being part of his success.

Camila didn't know what Alejandro looked like now. She tried stalking him a few times but found little besides his status as a real estate mogul, owner of Ruiz Royal Estate, one of the biggest and best estates in the world, making him a self-made billionaire. He didn't post pictures of himself, only of his family.

Camila felt nervous about seeing him again but wanted to, maybe then she could finally apologize-something she couldn't do back then.

"Ma'am, how do you like your makeup?" The soft voice of her makeup artist brought her back to reality. She opened her eyes to the mirror. She couldn't deny she was beautiful, blessed with a good face and body, good curves, long legs. Qualities other girls envied.

"I love it," she said, flashing a simple smile.

"Ma'am, your wedding dress is here," her stylist announced, bringing in a beautiful white gown. Camila stood tall as her stylists removed her robe and helped her into the dress.

When Camila stepped out of her room, her mother, Sofia, wheeling her father, looked stunned. Tears welled up in her eyes. She had always wanted to see her daughter in a wedding gown. Although Alejandro wasn't the man of her dreams, he was a good man, trusted to take her hand in marriage.

"Sis, you look stunning," Isabella, a younger version of Camila, gushed as she came out of her room dressed for the wedding. "If a wedding dress makes a girl look a hundred times prettier, I can't wait to get married!"

Camila smiled at her sister's cuteness, resisting the urge to ruffle her hair and ruin her perfect look. "Wedding isn't always about the gown, but thank you, darling," she replied with a smile.

"You look beautiful, my dear. Thank you for doing this for us," her father, Carlos, said gratefully.

"Dad," Camila said, holding his rough hands, her voice cracking with emotion. "You've done so much for this family. It's only right I repay you by doing my best."

"Hello... wedding, guys, remember?" Isabella clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention. "We don't want to keep the groom waiting. I'll meet you in the car." She rolled her eyes before walking away.

Sofia wheeled Carlos outside, and the guards helped him into the car. Isabella and Camila entered a separate car as Isabella would escort her down the aisle.

CHURCH

Never in Camila's life had she seen a bride walk down the aisle without her groom waiting at the altar. His best men were present, his family was seated, and Camila recognized them, but Alejandro wasn't there.

What if he changed his mind? She knew she had hurt him deeply in the past. If he hadn't forgiven her, why agree to marry her and help her family? What was going on? Various thoughts clouded Camila's mind, making it hard to think straight.

"Have you tried calling your son to check if he is okay?" Sofia asked Daniela, Alejandro's mom.

"Sweetie, I've called him a hundred times, but I can't reach him. Rest assured, Alejandro is a man of his word. He will be here," Daniela assured Sofia and Carlos.

"And besides, he was really excited about this wedding," Valeria, Alejandro's sister, added.

"I hope he's really the man of his word like you claim," Isabella mumbled, using air quotes for 'man of his word.'

"What? Don't forget we're helping your family, so don't be a brat about my brother," Valeria scoffed.

Isabella was about to retaliate when the door opened, drawing everyone's attention, including the two girls. The first noticeable thing was a pair of Tom Ford shoes, then a tall frame emerged.

Camila was taken aback. Not only had her groom arrived late, but he was also wearing a business suit instead of a tuxedo.

2

"I'm sorry I'm late," Alejandro casually walked towards the altar where Camila stood in her wedding gown, her veil covering her face. "I had to attend some business meetings. I hope I didn't miss my wedding?" He sounded unapologetic as he spoke.

Camila gazed at his face carefully. He had changed a lot from how she remembered him. Gone were the chubby cheeks and acne, replaced with a sculpted jawline, smooth skin, and a well-built body, visible underneath his suit.

Alejandro had grown taller, probably six foot three, and there was something different about him. He wasn't that vulnerable boy anymore; she could see it in his cold, serious eyes.

"Outrageous! How can he attend a business meeting on his own wedding day?"

"The nerve of him to show up wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo!"

People murmured among themselves, but Alejandro didn't seem to care. He just wanted to get the wedding over with.

"Since the groom is here, we may proceed," the priest said, stepping forward while holding his Bible. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony..."

As the priest began, Isabella rolled her eyes and crossed her legs. "So much for a well-behaved man," she mumbled angrily, still upset that Alejandro had shown up late and hadn't even bothered to change his outfit.

"Attitude, Isa. Being a real estate mogul isn't easy, and you can't let his work be jeopardized by some no-love wedding," Valeria said scornfully.

"You-" Isabella raised her hand to hit her, but the look Sofia gave her made her slowly drop it.

Valeria smirked and flicked her hair back as if silently saying, "I thought so." Their attention returned to the priest, who was making them say their vows.

"Now Alejandro Ruiz, repeat after me and make this promise to Camila Perez," the priest started. Alejandro didn't take his eyes off Camila; he could see a glimpse of her face through the veil.

"I, Alejandro Ruiz, take thee, Camila Perez, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."

Alejandro repeated what the priest said, and Camila did the same. Rings were exchanged, and it was done.

"With the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you, Alejandro and Camila Ruiz, husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride," the priest announced.

Alejandro slowly lifted her veil, revealing her face. Camila Perez, or should he call her Camila Ruiz? After years, he finally had her right where he wanted, and nothing could stop him. He caressed her cheek, and Camila couldn't help but shiver under his touch. Then he leaned closer to capture her lips.

His kiss was soft, warm, yet cold at the same time. It was short, and people clapped. Their parents looked happy, especially Alejandro's. He knew how long his father, Sebastian, had wished for this moment, and it was finally here.

"Congratulations, sis, you're married now," Isabella ran to greet Camila.

"Thank you," Camila forced a smile.

"If he gives you a hard time, call me, and I will take you away. If he can show up late for his wedding, what can't he do?" Isabella gave Alejandro a dirty look as he talked with a couple of his friends.

"It's fine. At least he showed up," Camila assured her.

Valeria walked towards them. "Camila, or should I call you sister-in-law. Congratulations on marrying my brother. All the girls want him, and trust me, I have better choices I could offer him, but for some reason, he chose you. You must be special." Valeria had a smile that left Camila wondering if it was a compliment or an insult.

"Anyway, I'm pretty sure we will get along pretty well," Valeria added, faking a smile at Isabella before walking off.

"I hate her," Isabella scoffed.

"Don't say that. You're sisters-in-law now," Camila urged her sister to be nice.

"But she's pompous, and I don't like pompous people," Isabella turned to give Valeria another hard look before rolling her eyes.

Camila talked with Sebastian and Daniella, and received gifts from some other guests before it was time to go.

"Alejandro, we knew you as a good kid. I hope you can protect our little daughter and treat her like the princess she is," Carlos asked for assurance.

"Oh, I will," Alejandro replied, and Camila couldn't tell if he meant it or if there was another meaning behind it, but she planned not to think too much about it.

"Have fun in your husband's house, Camila. Don't forget I'm still your mother, and you should call me if you need anything," Sofia was already tearing up. She couldn't believe Camila just got married and would be living with someone who wasn't them for the first time.

"Don't make me cry, Mom. I will be fine, trust me," Camila tried to cover up her emotions with a smile when all she really wanted to do was hug her mother and cry.

"I will miss you, sis. You're still my best friend," Isabella pouted, unable to hold back her tears as she ran off to cry.

"I will take care of your princess, Mom and Dad, trust me," Alejandro placed his hand on his chest, giving them an assuring look.

After several cries and goodbyes, Camila finally left her parents. She and Alejandro sat in the back seat of the car. It was silent, just the sounds of other speeding cars. Camila looked out the window, trying to welcome her new life and new home while Alejandro was busy on his phone, talking business.

The car finally halted at a big mansion. The grand staircase leading to the main door was made of gold, and the maple trees surrounding it indicated how fancy the interior would be.

She wanted to open the car door when Alejandro's hand covered hers, holding her in place.

"I have some rules for you before you step in, wifey," his expression was stern as he stopped her.

3

He didn't look the same as he did in the church earlier. His face had gotten darker, his eyes colder, and the energy surrounding him seemed more tense. For some reason, Camila felt like she couldn't breathe.

What happened to: "Trust me mom and dad, I will take care of your princess"?

"I want you to understand the concept of this marriage," he said, giving her a serious look. "We both know this is a loveless marriage, and I only agreed because I also need your father's help. So, don't expect much from me now that you're here," he told her.

Camila wanted to open her mouth and say something, but she couldn't. Instead, she just nodded.

"Rule number one: Don't touch what isn't yours," he stated.

Camila looked confused and angry at the same time. What did he mean by "Don't touch what isn't yours"? It seemed like Mr. Ruiz had forgotten she was also from a rich family, and all this gold didn't faze her. For some reason, she wasn't courageous enough to say what she was thinking.

"Rule number two: Whatever happens in the Ruiz estate stays in the Ruiz estate. You're not allowed to blab about us in public," he added.

"Rule number three: Don't touch me under any circumstances," he said, giving her a disgusted look.

Camila's eyes narrowed at his statement, but she nodded.

"Rule number four: Don't you ever meddle in my affairs. Whether I'm sad, happy, or angry, just mind your business." His eyes had grown colder now, and Camila couldn't help but wonder why he was doing all this.

"Rule number five, and the last but not least: Don't ever break these rules because they come with consequences," he said, bringing his hand to her chin to force her to look at him. His grip was tight, but Camila didn't mind; she was so lost in his eyes. They were so cold, so dark. She searched deep to look for the little boy Alejandro, the one who would always go out of his way to ensure she was happy.

He wasn't there anymore. She had destroyed him.

"Consequences?" she whispered, her voice betraying her.

A slight curve formed on Alejandro's lips as his eyes slowly gazed at her lips, then her long neck and collarbone. Her wedding dress was designed in a way that exposed her cleavage, and Alejandro couldn't help but wonder about the size of her breasts.

Were they big enough for him to wrap his palm around and squeeze, or were they small? Did she have pointy nipples? As dirty thoughts flooded his mind, he resisted the urge to squeeze them and find out. It was too early to fantasize about her when she hadn't yet tasted the hell he brought her here for.

"Consequences?" he slowly repeated, his arms moving to grip her long neck. They were perfect, like they were made for him to squeeze, to choke when he pushed her on his bed and taught her why she shouldn't break his rules.

He pulled her close before leaning in to bring his lips to her ear. Camila shut her eyes tight. She didn't know what was happening to her. Her heart wouldn't stop racing, and when she felt his lips touch her ear, her body stiffened.

How could a man have this much effect on her?

"I will tie you up on my bed and f*ck you so hard that you will wish you never broke my rules or even thought of breaking them," he whispered hotly in her ear. She stiffened again as he buried his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled.

She smelled as sweet as caramel, which was bad because Alejandro liked caramel. He released her throat and, without saying anything more, opened his car door and got out.

Camila stayed by herself for a few minutes, trying to recover from what had just happened. She should feel scared and wary of him for what he had just told her. Normally, if a man did what he did, Camila would be pressing charges, that was for sure. But something about this man made her so curious. She wanted to find out more. What would actually happen if she provoked him? Would he...

"Oh my God, Camila, look at what you're saying!" She scolded herself before getting out of the car. She took her luggage from the trunk. There were two heavy boxes. One was filled with her skin products and makeup, while the other contained her clothes and accessories.

She struggled to carry them as she made her way up the grand staircase leading to the main door. Were there no maids here? She opened the door, and the interior did not disappoint.

The place was made of pure gold and glass. You could see your own reflection if you stared at the floor, showing how shiny and neat the place was. The walls had expensive historic paintings in rows, and by each corridor, there were huge jugs of beautiful flowers.

Camila couldn't help but stare at the place in awe, but her hands were hurting from carrying the two pieces of luggage, and she didn't even know where her room was.

"Welcome back, Mr. Ruiz, and congratulations," his maids came out in rows to greet him. So he did have maids.

Alejandro didn't reply, no thank you. He took off his jacket and handed it to one of them. Camila sneered silently. She couldn't believe they would rather take a light jacket than help someone struggling with two heavy pieces of luggage.

"Lead her to her room," she heard Alejandro tell a maid, who bowed her head in agreement and respect before walking towards Camila.

"Welcome home, ma'am," the maid said, looking at the luggage. "Do you need me to assist you?" she asked politely.

Camila smiled and nodded, but Alejandro interrupted. "Lily, who do you work for, me or her?" he asked coldly.

Lily bowed fearfully. "I thought since you two are married, I could be respectful too..."

"Since you know so much, you're fired. I want you out of here tonight," Alejandro said, not waiting to hear her pleas as he climbed the stairs to his room.

Camila stiffened. She wanted to say something to him, but remembering their rules in the car, she kept quiet. How could he fire someone for being thoughtful? Camila felt sorry for Lily as she left in tears to pack her things.

Another maid came to Camila. "Let's go, miss," she said and began leading Camila upstairs. She didn't bother assisting with the luggage, and Camila didn't bother her either, not wanting her to lose her job.

She felt sorry for them for having an ashole as a boss, but she felt sorrier for herself. She had married the ashole, and he hated her guts.