Married to the Billionaire Stranger

Myrabelle

I could not believe my ears. Three months? That's all my dad had to live if I didn't get the money.

"Would it be okay to pay in parts?" I asked the kind doctor. She had been very patient and understanding when treating my dad.

"Yes, but you must pay the initial deposit which is 40% of the sum. After the surgery, you can pay the balance in three installments of 20% each." I quickly did the math in my head.

"1.2 million dollars? That's the initial deposit? I may as well pay the three million in full." I was already on the verge of tears. There was no possible way I could get the money in time to save my dad.

"Thank you doctor." I thanked Doctor Marley as I left the office, and then the hospital. How on earth was I supposed to find three million dollars on time? I walked a little while before I got to central park. I sat on a bench under a large tree and stared at the many people that were enjoying the hot summer sun. Some were having small picnics, while some were having serious conversations from what I could see.

My attention turned when I heard loud feminine laughter, and I saw a cute girl who looked to be in her teens talking animatedly to her dad. It looked like a mini celebration as a cupcake with a candle sat in their middle alongside a bottle of wine. I envied her, because while she was making happy memories with her dad, mine was on a sickbed fighting for his life. I couldn't even afford to get him admitted to the hospital.

"Young lady, why are you crying so hard?'' My attention fell on a man beside me who looked to be in his early fifties. I didn't notice when he sat beside me, or that I was crying until I felt the dampness on my cheek.

"I am fine, it's nothing." I tried to wipe the tears from my face and gave him a fake smile so he wouldn't be worried.

"Come on, don't give me that. Whenever a person says they are fine, it is a silent call for help. So, tell me, what are you calling for help for?" There was something warm and comforting about the man's presence. I felt like I could talk to him, and I'll feel better. After all, I probably wouldn't see him again.

"Why is life so sweet for some people and hard for others?" I smiled bitterly as I let my eyes wander to the girl and her father. I saw her blow out the candle on her cake and I scoffed.

"The last time I got a birthday cake was when I clocked ten." The girl hugged her dad affectionately and I longed to be in her shoes.

"Why is that?" The man asked me.

"Because my parents could not afford it. My dad used to work at a construction site, and we were living a fairly stable life until he had a terrible accident. He fell from two stories on his back and had to go into surgery. Everyone was shocked he survived, but his spine didn't. He has been in a wheelchair ever since. We've been shuffling between medications and hospital visits since then because he had other complications. They spent all their savings on the surgery, and all my mum's earnings on hospital visits and drugs." I wiped a stray tear that escaped my eyes, and I felt the man's arms cover mine in comfort.

"I lost my mum four years later, and it was all my fault. She took me for a party, and I left my favorite purse behind. She told me to let go, that I had many other nice ones, but I said I wanted to keep that one. I was selfish. I didn't consider how tired she was, I didn't consider the snow falling heavily, I didn't consider that it was almost midnight, instead, I insisted she got it for me. She didn't complain, instead, she got her keys and drove me back to the venue. She waited patiently for me to search for my purse, and even hugged me happily when I found it. We were on our way back and.....and we got hit by a drunk kid." I was full-on sobbing, but I didn't try to stop the tears. I deserve it and more.

"I saw the car coming recklessly, but I couldn't do anything. I saw her bleeding out, and I saw life leave her eyes, but I couldn't do anything......" A sob choked me, and I couldn't continue talking. The man pulled me against his chest and patted my back as I cried.

"My child, actions and situations we can't control are never our fault." He tried to comfort me, but I knew better. I could have just waited till morning, instead of being a spoilt selfish brat. She would still be alive now and my dad would not have had a heart attack that damaged his brain that needs three million dollars to be fixed.

"But I could have controlled it." I said in a teary haze.

"You couldn't have known what would happen. You couldn't have known that there would be a bunch of drunk kids driving. You couldn't have known what would happen. The only thing I want you to know there is that your mum was always ready to move mountains for you, even though it cost her life." I raised my head from his chest and looked into his clear blue eyes that held sincerity and for the first time since my mum's death, I felt comforted. I had never looked at it that way, and I had been carrying the guilt for ten years, but no matter what, it was a situation I couldn't control.

"You know, now that I think back to it, she had eyebags under her eyes, and her back was slouched from the stress of working three jobs, but she still agreed to take me without a trace of frustration or anger, and she hugged me in happiness when I found it." My eyes were glistering again as tears resurfaced, but this time, it was happy tears.

"That is how you should remember the situation from now on my child." I smiled genuinely for the first time in a long while and nodded in response. I sat up and stared around the park with a newfound lightness. Never would I have thought that I would be pouring out my heart to a stranger. But I must admit, I needed this closure.

"How is your dad?" Gloominess overtook my features once again as I thought about him.

"He had a heart attack that caused brain damage. We need a lot of money for him to do a correction surgery, or he has just three months to live. But I can't even afford to admit him to a hospital, not to mention paying for the surgery." I sighed in exhaustion. I had been thinking of what to do, but I couldn't come up with a solution.

"Hmm, how much does the surgery cost?" He asked.

"Three million dollars" I answered, unsure about the direction our conversation was going in.

"What if I offered you a job that would pay you even more than that?" My eyes widened in surprise. What job can he possibly offer that will pay me three million dollars in less than three months? Is he a criminal?

"I am not a criminal my child." He chuckled as if he could hear my thoughts.

"It is a rather tasking job, that's why the prize must be high as well." He explained

"And what is this tasking job?" I asked not knowing what to expect.

"Marry my son."

"Five million dollars to marry your son? Is he disabled or something? How do you have that much money? Who are you?" I was nearly losing my mind, and this old man was busy just laughing at me.

"You need to relax; I own a multi-billion-dollar business. Five million is nothing to me." Ouch. I felt bad about how the money I was struggling to get meant nothing to someone. I guess my face must have shown my disappointment because he quickly corrected his statement.

"I mean I am willing to give you that amount and even more if you agree to marry my son. He means the world to me, and I don't want him to end up bitter and alone." Well at least it was for a good cause.

"Who are you? And who is your son? Why do you want me of all people to marry him? Does he have a problem marrying or what?" I bombarded him with questions because none of it was making sense to me. Although the man before me looked old, he had striking features with a sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes and a mix of grey and white hair scattered attractively around his head and jaw. Any offspring he has would definitely be handsome.

"Let's just say he has some issue with liking women." I raised a brow in question

"You mean he's gay?" He chuckled at my question, but I was being serious.

"He has had women in his life that hurt him badly, and it has been hard for him to move past it. I need someone that can help him deal with that part of his emotions and help him open up." I looked at this man like he had grown two heads. Can he hear himself? I just cried my heart out to him about how I had not moved on from my past and he was asking me to help someone with theirs?

"I know what you are thinking, but I am a very good judge of character, and I think that you are exactly who he needs. You are not afraid of your feelings, you were sad earlier today, and you came to a place where you can find happiness in others and let your emotions out, that is exactly what he needs" I stared dumbfoundedly at the man. How was he able to put all that together just by one conversation? What shocked me the most was the fact that he is right. I wouldn't have seen it that way, but I understand him. I did come here because I get to see other people experiencing happiness. I may not have the same experience, but it feels comforting to watch other people have it.

"So, what is it going to be?" The heartbeat quickened and I started feeling sweaty. I am not a gold digger, and I shouldn't agree to marry someone because of money. On the other hand, I really do need the money, besides, it's not all about the money, it's about saving a life, right? I sighed, knowing there's no point trying to excuse the motive, it was still wrong.

"I am sorry, I know I really need the money, but I can't make such a compromise. I really wish I could help." I smiled politely at the old man. He looked disappointed, but he wasn't angry.

"It's okay. I don't know why I thought I could convince a random stranger to marry my son. I just don't want him to end up alone as the heartbroken and bitter man that he is now. I just felt deep down that you are the one for him, but I guess I was wrong." I could hear the disappointment clear in his voice, and I felt a bit sorry.

"Regardless, I want to help you." I stopped what I was doing and glanced at him. He was joking right? He can't possibly mean what I thought.

"What do you mean?" I asked to clear any doubts. I was already packing my personal items and preparing to say goodbye when he dropped such a big bomb.

"You remind me of my daughter, and you have been through so much as such a young age. You have had to grow up early, and without much help. I can't leave you like this after our conversation. Let me pay for your dad's surgery, and I don't expect anything in return. Consider it as an act of my gratitude." Gratitude? What is he grateful to me for? I haven't done anything for him.

"I had a daughter once, and I lost her. I have three more now, but I still think of her every day, and of what I could have done differently to make things not end up the way they did. You reminded me of her and helped me see that I also should forgive myself for situations I couldn't control, as they would always come." He was the one that told me that, yet he was thanking me for it.

"Don't think too much about it my child and just let me help you." Tears of joy sprang to my eyes, and I didn't stop them as they flowed. I held in a sob and hugged him, and he hugged me right back. How lucky I am to have met this man! Who would have thought that I would get the help I need by pouring out my heart to a stranger at Central Park. I was moved by the fact that he didn't expect anything in return. Although he wanted something from me earlier, but he also genuinely wants to help me, and I think the best way to show my gratitude is to grant his request. But there was one piece of the puzzle that had not fit in yet, and I needed to figure it out.

I pulled back from the hug and smiled at him amidst my tears. I couldn't think of the words to express my gratitude.

"You are such an amazing person. You don't know me, and yet you want to help me. I am forever indebted to you for this, so please, let me start from this point." I paused and smiled at his expectant reaction.

"I will marry your son. But first, who are you?" I asked the question that had been burning in my head ever since he spoke to me. I saw his expression change from shock to happiness, and he smiled joyfully as he answered me.

"My child, I am Daniel Douglas." I gasped as I realized something I didn't before as recognition set in, I just agreed to marry the son of the richest businessman in the world, Nathaniel Douglas.

I stared at the surgery schedule in my hand, unable to believe it was real. He did it, he paid for everything. The surgery, the after treatment and anything we may possibly think of needing. He even paid a deposit for future use and asked that my father be admitted in a vip ward. I couldn't stop my tears. I've cried so much today; I'm surprised I still have more tears left to cry.

"Don't do that. This should be a no tear moment." Daniel put his hand on my shoulder from behind. I had underestimated his height until he stood up from the bench after our conversation at the park. He looked like a giant, or maybe it's just that I'm too small with my 5"4 height.

"I'm just really happy and grateful." I smiled at him. I still couldn't believe that the biggest businessman in all of America was standing in this room with me and treating me like I was his own daughter.

"I know my dear. Anything to make you happy." It warmed my heart to feel cared for. I have always had to look after myself for the longest time, it felt nice to have someone look after me for once.

"Thank you. Very much." I still hadn't gotten over the fact that he was Daniel Douglas, the Daniel Douglas, and that I agreed to marry Nathaniel Douglas. I've only ever heard about how mean a person he is, and I'm a bit nervous about meeting him but I don't plan to back down.

"My pleasure. But one thing Myrabelle, I hope you aren't saying yes to marrying Nathaniel because you feel like you owe me or something." He looked at me skeptically which made my heart warm. He just really cared. We were on first name basis now, but he was still surprised I agreed to marry his son.

"I am doing it because I can see how much you care about your son, and I know it would really make you happy." I took his hands and explained to him. He seemed to be satisfied with my answer, but I was nervous about the situation.

"He would be here any moment; I beg that you just take time to get to know him better. He's not as bad as he portrays."

I opened my mouth to respond but my mouth was stuck open when the man of the hour walked in hastily.

"Dad, what happened? Are you okay?" I wanted to say hi to him but he walked right past me like I was invisible, which immediately trapped my greeting in my mouth.

"Do I look like there's something wrong with me? No right. Come son, I want you to meet someone." I stood rooted to my spot as they approached me. My heart was beating loudly in my chest.

"Nathaniel, meet Myrabelle. Myrabelle, Nathaniel." Daniel said excitedly but Nathaniel just stared. The atmosphere became tense as we were both expecting his next move. I decided to make thing lighter by stretching out my hand for a handshake.

"Hi. It's nice to meet you finally." I smiled politely but he just stared unimpressed. He looked from my hand to my eyes then back to my hand before he rudely turned away and aced his father. A pang of disappointment ripped through my chest, and I slowly retracted my hand.

"Dad, is this a joke? Who is this? And what are you doing in a hospital?" He completely ignored my existence, and it hurt. At least he looked handsome. He had a striking resemblance to his father, just that in place of grey hair and beards, he had jet black hair, and he was even taller than his dad, and his dad was very tall. I felt very tiny beside both of them.

"I just told you who she is son, and instead of acknowledging her presence, you just ignored her. Where are your manners?" He rolled his eyes at Danies antics and turned to me. There was a glimmer of hope in my chest that we could have a conversation, but that hope was soon crushed when he opened his mouth again.

"What happened to my dad? Did you do something to him? I swear if you hurt him I will......."

"Hold it with your empty threats." I held a hand up to him and rolled my eyes. The guy is unbelievable. Every ounce of respect I had for him earlier flew out the window.

"You may be capable of hurting a nice old man, but I am not you. Not everyone is like you. We are here because your father......."

"..............felt dizzy at the park and needed some assistance, so the kind woman help to the hospital." Just then, a nurse brought over Daniels reports and handed it to him. He thanked her and she walked away. I was confused about why Daniel decided to hide the truth from his son. Yes, he did get a checkup when we came because he said he was feeling unusually tired, but that's not the full truth.

"Is this true?" He faced me again. I wish he hadn't asked because I was a terrible liar. Why could he not just stick to his fathers' words.

"Daniel has given you a response, I don't know what more you expect me to say." I tried to stop my body from fidgeting. He seemed to notice this as his eyes narrowed at me as if throwing daggers, and I tried not to squirm under his gaze. If he saw through my lie, he didn't probe further as he let it go and turned his back on me.

"Dad, are you okay now?" He asked in a softer voice, and I could tell he actually cared. His large, muscular back ripped as his deep voice resounded in the hall and I couldn't help but admire him. He looked flawless in the tailored grey suit he was wearing, and the movement of the muscles in his back made my mind wander to places it shouldn't be. He is the most handsome man I had ever seen on planet Earth. I mean, I knew the name, but he wasn't very present on social media so I couldn't see his face clearly anywhere, just pictures with other people shaking hands or giving some speech.

"You know I'm fine. We can leave now, but there's something about Myrabelle you need to know." The two men turned to me, and I visibly shrunk in my spot.

"Son, say hello to Myrabelle Pierce, your new fiancée."

"Whattttt?"