Married to a billionaire by fate

CHAPTER ONE

Mummy, I'm back. Can I get something to eat please? Charlotte said as she sat tiredly on the couch in the living room looking like someone who just ended a fight.

Oh my darling, you're back. How was work today?

I hope you didn't have any dispute with any of your customers today. Grace her mother said as she was cleaning her hand with a towel after washing dishes in the kitchen

I'm so tired mum,I need something to munch so bad, Charlotte said as she demonstrated with her hand like she was eating

Charlotte, I'm so sorry there's nothing available in the house right now,your father just called and promised to come back with something we would use to eat tonight, Grace said as she patted Charlotte with a sad expression on her face.

What do you mean mummy? I've been out there the whole day working tirelessly so I could bring something home at the end of the month. You told me I would eat when I was leaving in the morning but now...she couldn't finish her statement as she started crying.

With pity,her mother hugged and kept her head on her shoulder whispering in her ear,"I'm sorry my dear, it's not our fault,destiny chose this for us. Your sister has been out there with your father since without eating too and I'm very sure they'll bring something home for us. She couldn't help but also cry.

With sadness in her heart, Charlotte walked slowly to her room with multiple thoughts running through her mind.

Should I just run away from this house? Should I engage myself in dirty jobs so I can survive?

These thoughts were going through her mind when she suddenly heard a knock on her door.

Who is there? Charlotte said.

It's me, Charlotte. We are back. Amelia replied with fatigue visibly written in her voice tone.

You can go Amelia. I'll be there in a moment. Charlotte replied slowly

Welcome Dad.Charlotte said to her dad as she bowed her head.

Thank you Charlotte. What's wrong with you? Your countenance is down. Did you fight at work? Alfred,her father asked curiously.

No Dad, I'm fine. Charlotte bluffed

"Ahem", Grace cleared her throat as she interrupted. Can we eat now? She said

Oh yes,we can. Alfred said.

Alfred Smith works in a blacksmith forge in St Albans where he finds little to feed his family but they still struggle to survive as they depend also on the salary Charlotte gets at her workplace.

Dad, I'm tired of this lifestyle. Charlotte said, holding a cutlery in her hand. We can't continue to live like this dad, we'll die one day. Can't we just...

Just what? Alfred interrupted. What else do you want us to do? You want us to steal? Huh?

What do you want us to do?

Humm she's right dad. Amelia supportively said

We are tired of this wretchedness, we've turned into a laughing stock on the street,I can't take this anymore dad.

Listen you little rats,I can't because of money go and dig hell. If you're not fine with this lifestyle,get the fuck out of my house and find somewhere else to live. I'm trying after all. Alfred aggressively replied and left to sleep.

Mum,are we wrong? Charlotte said with a shaky voice.

No,my darlings. Your dad is only acting on emotions. I'll speak to him,just go to your bed and sleep. Grace said as she washed her hand in the sink.

Goodnight mum. Charlotte and Amelia echoed

Have a nice dream,my angels. Grace said as she blew kisses at them.

Alfred,you shouldn't have taken it personally with your daughters,you gave them the life they are living. They can't be wrong for asking for their rights. Grace said as she spreads her bedsheet

"Psst!,will you get on the bed and sleep?" Alfred hissed.

No, hubby listen to me,we have to think about what to do. We need to give these children the life they deserve. Grace insisted.

Okay,what do you want me to do? Alfred said as he sat upright on the bed.

Grace raised her head up looking at the ceiling as if someone was speaking to her from there.

Why don't you speak with your friend and see how he can help us? She said as she raised her eyebrows.

Who? Oliver? Alfred inquired

Oliver Astor is the richest man in the City of St Albans and a good friend of Alfred Smith,he owns many companies in the city inclusive of the one Charlotte works for but unknown to her.

Yes, Oliver. I believe as a good man he is,he should be able to do something to help us. Grace added.

Hmmm!Are you sure? Alfred sighed

Yes, hubby. I'm sure he'll do something to help us.She persuaded him.

Okay, thank you for always being there. Goodnight. Alfred said as he turned to sleep.

I love you hubby. Have a nice dream. Grace happily said as she also turned to sleep.

CHAPTER TWO

What did you say? Charles asked as if he had hearing problem

I said I'm carrying your baby,the lady said

Hahaha! Whose baby? Charles mocked

Your baby of course Charles. She said as she shivered

Oh really? My baby? Hahaha do I look like a dumbass to you? Charles said as he couldn't believe his ears.

I'm not playing here Charles,I took in for you. You are the only one to have ever had intimacy with me. I swear on my mother's life,I didn't cheat. The lady cried

Listen madam, I'm very sure I had intimacy with you and I'm not impotent but what made you think I would let a whore like you carry a baby for me?

My dad would kick my ass if I ever try to take you to him as my wife. Charles said frankly

Please Charles,do you want my life ruined?

Do you detest me to this extent? But you made so many promises to me. She said as tears rolled down her face.

Charles looked serious for a moment,turned to look at his personal guard like he was ready to speak something positive and suddenly burst into laughter again.

He said,"don't you get it? I said I can't marry you. You're such a wastrel from a wretched background,my dad can't afford to see me getting married to you" Charles mocked again

Just give me a chance Charles and you won't regret it,she wept bitterly

Charles signaled to one of his guards and he immediately moved closer to the lady. Seeing his broad shoulders and thick chest,fear ran through her spine and wished she could disappear instantly. He walked slowly and arrogantly towards her with his footsteps sounding like the thud of a loaded sac.

Smack! The guard slapped the lady,she lost her grip and fell on her face weeping heavily.

"You heard what Mr Charles just said,he doesn't want you. Now get lost or you witness how your bones with get broken like a tiny stick with my bare hands" he said in his loud and bold voice

Without hesitation,fear gripped her,she wanted to talk but seeing the murderous look on the face of the guard,she took to her heels and left the scene.

...

Knock knock!...

Who is there? Harry said as Charles knocked on the door

Harry Astor and Charles Astor are the sons of the richest man in the City Oliver Astor. Harry Astor is the first son while Charles is the second son.Harry is not so handsome but he has a glowing skin which could make ladies trip for him but Charles on the other hand is a very handsome man with short grey hair,broad shoulders and moderately heightened. They lost their mother when they were young and their father as a result of this has so much spoilt them with the wealth he has.

Open the fucking thing dude, it's me Charles,he said as he tried forcing the door to open

As soon as Harry opened the door,Charles almost spat on him for taking too long to open the door and gave him a very wicked look as if he was going to stab him

Hey,over here! What was that thing I just heard? Harry asked pointing to the TV

What? He asked raising his eyebrow in curiosity

Did I not just hear you instruct your guards to beat up some guys out there because they were walking past you and didn't greet you?

Who the hell do you think you are? Harry asked angrily as he moved his face close to Charles's

The son of the richest man in St Albans,Charles replied in an arrogant tone.

Clapping his hands like he just got impressed by someone. He laughed shortly and return his angry look again and faced Charles

"Listen,if you think you can go around and make a mess of the Astor's name because of wealth, you'd better get the hell out of this family and stop representing dad with such messes out there. Sit your fucking ass down somewhere and think,you scumbag, psst!" Harry hissed as he walked towards the couch,picked a pillow and sat down.

Where is dad? Charles asked

Huh? Dad? He is in his room thinking after he heard of... Harry couldn't finish his statement as they heard a Knock on the door.

Go and check who it is, you fool! Harry commanded

Charles walked towards the door dragging his foot like a two year old kid.

Hello Charles, it's me. Alfred said

What do you want? Charles asked as he stood still at the entrance hindering Alfred from entering.

Is Oliver in? Alfred asked

No,he is not...he is in, Charles changed his statement after Harry gave him a murderous look from the couch he was sitting on.

Come in,he said

Thank you, Alfred said

As Alfred entered to sit,he could not but admire the furniture and aesthetics in their living room,he stared at every single thing as if he was from a village.

Sit down and let me go upstairs and inform Dad, Charles said as he walked towards the staircase.

Dad,are you there? Someone is downstairs looking for you. Charles said without entering Oliver's room.

You bastard,get out of that place and tell the person I'm coming, Oliver said furiously as he tried to wear his slippers and tied his robe round his waist.

Oliver walks down the stairs like a kid as he takes each step slowly while Alfred sits on the couch still feeding his eyes with beautiful sights.

Oh Alfred my friend. How are you? Oliver happily asked with a smile on his face

As Oliver arrived ,Charles and Harry left them and went out to their different rooms

I'm very fine,my friend,Alfred replied as they shook hands.

It's been awhile Alfred,how has work been? How is Grace and her daughters? Oliver queried again

They are all doing well, Alfred said.

So,what do we serve you? Oliver asked as he gave a childish look by widening his mouth and expanding his eyeballs playfully.

Humm, I'm fine,I ate and drank before leaving home. Thank you! Alfred appreciated

Really? Okay so why do I have my long time friend here,any problem?

Alfred adjusts himself on the couch and leaned to the front a bit with his two arms on his thighs as if he wants to gossip.

Actually,Oliver, I need your help. As you know that I'm just working in a blacksmith forge and the income from there is nothing compared to what could let me give my daughters the life they wanted. I've tried so many ways to make life comfortable for them but it's for the birds,all my efforts are just wasting.

Charlotte confronted me yesterday while eating and told me she is tired of the wretchedness of the family,I got heartbroken as I never wished to give them this type of lifestyle too.

Please help me, Oliver. Alfred said as he joined his two hands with his palms facing each other just like he does when praying.

Oliver let out an audible sigh as he leaned his head backwards resting his back on the couch he was sitting on.

Alfred, I'll help you but on one condition. Oliver confirmed

Alfred, who was already almost kneeling down, shifts backwards and adjusts himself;he was eager to hear him.

What condition Oliver? Alfred asked out of curiosity

As you know I do not have a wife and I have two sons, your first daughter will be betrothed to one of my sons and she will have access to so many of my companies in the City and she will be the CEO of one of those companies. Oliver explained

In disbelief,Alfred opened his mouth ajar. Alfred couldn't help but remain stunned after hearing the condition Oliver said

Do you mean Charlotte will get married to one of your sons? Alfred asked to confirm

Yes,Oliver confirmed

You must be joking. Are you trying to buy my daughter off?

What if none of them likes her,huh?

What if she doesn't like any of them,will you force them?

I can't do this Oliver,that's so wicked of you,I should sell my daughter to you?

Alfred burst out of fury and stood up to take his leave.

Oliver sat right without getting bothered as he watched Alfred rant and leave his presence.

...

CHAPTER THREE

Charlotte with her charming eyeballs and dazzling shaded lips reflecting the radiant sun with her shining lip gloss was in her workplace attending to buyers and working tirelessly.

Thank you Miss for buying from us,we look forward to having you again. Charlotte said to one of the customers she just attended to with a broad smile on her face

Hey girl! Come over here,a loud voice was heard audibly right from the entrance of the mall.

Without expecting someone to call her, Charlotte continued her work as she was singing and dancing with a tray in her hand as if she just won a gift.

Suddenly,from behind a huge hand touched her. Shocked,she looked back and just to find a very hefty man before her with thick muscles. She was trembled as his appearance sent thousands of impulses to her brain and fear ran through her spine.

It was Charles's bodyguard. He said in a commanding tone,"Mr Charles wants you over there"

Despite what happened the previous night, Charlotte was trying to control herself. On hearing this, Charlotte lost her patience now forgetting the size of the man in front of her.

Who the heck is he to call me when he knows I'm here working my ass out? Charlotte raised her voice that everyone's attention in the hall was directed towards her.

Some of Charlotte's coworkers were whispering.

Is that not Charles Astor the owner of this mall?,a lady said

Charlotte must have lost her mind for rejecting his call, another lady said

I'm afraid she might end up losing her Job today,one of the customers said as he wheels his trolley around

Seeing the reluctance of Charlotte,the bodyguard didn't even wait a moment before he lifted Charlotte with his hand and carried him as if she was not even human to where Charles is.

You bitch,who do you think you are huh? Charles said

Charlotte was still struggling in the arms of the guard who carried her as her leg was unable to touch the ground and the guard was holding her , wrapping his huge arms round her waist.

Leave me alone you idiot, Charlotte shouted

Hahaha! You little thing,you still have the gut to respond and curse me huh? You should have a death wish. Charles laughed

You fools,leave me alone and don't provoke me, Charlotte bragged

Oh put her down before he beats the hell out of us. Charles giggled

Charlotte heaved a sigh of relief after she was let go of the guard's firm grip

What do you want from me? Charlotte yelled as she breathed heavily

I like you, Charles said as he gave her a flirtatious look.

Charlotte was irritated with this gesture and spat on the ground as if Charles had said something so nasty to the ears.

Do you like me? Oh really you do? You must be a joker, Charlotte said mockingly

You bitch,you don't talk to Mr Charles like that,you must have a death wish, one of the guards said

Hahaha you seem to be so full of yourself,you are from a rich family I guess huh?. You really can't be working here if your father is rich. Charles mocked

This made Charlotte really heartbroken and she lost all the happiness she has been trying to build since she returned to work that morning. She raised up her head trying to hold back the tears finding ways to roll down her eyes and down her cheeks. She broke down finally and began to cry.

Charles and his guard mocked her like she has no parent to cater for her.

She is poor but beautiful, hahaha. One of the guards mocked

She can't even afford a good dress, another said

You'd better plead with Mr Charles so he could consider making your family rich and help your wretched father, another guard added

They all laughed, hahaha!

Charlotte couldn't hold it anymore,tears rolled down her cheeks. Her shoulders were shivering while she sobbed bitterly as she walked to her post slowly.

Everybody was left in awe as to why the son of the richest man in the city and the owner of that mall could be so wicked and unsympathetic.

That serves her right,who dares disobey the Astors,a chubby woman said

Shut that stinking opening you call mouth and get the fuck out of here if you're so dumb to start making baseless and biased judgement,an old man yelled at the chubby and she left the scene shamefully

...

Mummy! Charlotte is back, Amelia said as she jumped on Charlotte to greet her

My dear,how are you? Grace asked as he rubbed her hair softly

I'm fine mum, Charlotte said with tiredness visible in her tone

I have a good news for you, Grace said as she danced like a kid

What's that mum? Charlotte asked worriedly