Married to the Billionaire to Divorce Him

"You have to do this, Ava. It's the only way," my mother's voice was loud and clear, cutting me off as I argued with her, insisting that I didn't agree to the sudden arranged marriage. "Your father has already spoken to them, and it's settled."

I stared at her, wondering if this was a dream. I just couldn't understand why she... they were doing this to me. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

She didn't even flinch. "No, you don't."

"Mom! You know I haven't recovered from what James did to me! You saw what I went through, emotionally and mentally!" I took her right hand and pleaded.

She looked at me, almost softening, then turned her head away. "Ava, we have concluded, and that's final." She withdrew her hand and left my room, closing the door behind her.

I fell to the floor in tears. Why was this happening to me? The words she said echoed in my head, each one sinking deeper into my chest, making me hurt even more. A proposal. A marriage. An arrangement with a man I didn't even know, to save my family from the mess my father had gotten us into. Not caring about the fact that their daughter is still traumatized.

I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to breathe normally, though it felt like I couldn't. I stood up, left my room, and went straight to my father in the parlor. "I can't believe this, Dad. You're asking me to suddenly marry a stranger."

He looked at me, tears still rolling down my face.

"Not just any stranger, Ava. His family is well-established. His company can save us. You'll be in good hands." My mother interrupted, answering instead of my dad, her eyes not meeting mine.

She didn't look at me as she spoke, she focused on some spot on the floor, like it was the most interesting thing in the room. "This marriage is the only solution."

I glanced at my father, sitting silently in the corner, his hands folded neatly on his lap. I could see the weariness in his eyes, the helplessness. This wasn't his idea. "Dad?" I said, my voice quieter now. "Don't you think this is too much? Do you even love me?"

He sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Ava, don't say that. I love you... we both love you. I actually don't want you to do this, Ava. But I can't fix this on my own. We need this."

I didn't respond. There was nothing more to say. The weight of the situation was suffocating, and I couldn't bear it anymore. I suddenly walked toward the window to escape their gazes. I looked out, my mind racing. While crying my lungs out, my younger sister Priscilia came and rubbed my back to console me.

After a while, I calmed down, wiping the tears off my face and turning to face my parents. "So, what's his name? This guy I'm supposed to marry?"

My mother hesitated. "Nathaniel Hargrave."

I froze at the mention of his name. "Nathaniel Hargrave?" I repeated. "Wait... the Nathaniel Hargrave? The billionaire heir?"

She nodded, not even looking at me. "Yes. His family owns a huge company. One of the biggest in the country."

I laughed, though it sounded more like a nervous chuckle than amusement. "Wow, just great. This is exactly how I imagined my life turning out... you guys really sold me off!"

The silence that followed was thick, uncomfortable. I could feel my frustration building, but there was nothing I could do to change what was happening. My sister couldn't say a word either.

"So, what now?" I finally asked, turning back to face them. "Do I just show up at his house, and we get married?"

My mother raised her eyebrows. "Not exactly. First, you'll meet him."

"Great. A blind date," I muttered sarcastically. "You know, it's actually funny how I didn't even realize I was in this kind of desperate situation."

My mother ignored my sarcasm, her face serious. "Yes, a blind date. But don't make it sound like a choice. You're meeting him in two days' time, in the evening. Be ready."

I didn't know what to say anymore, so I just nodded and walked back to my room, aggressively throwing myself on the bed as if it had offended me. I started thinking. What else could I do? I was trapped. Trapped in a situation where my life no longer felt like mine to control.

The fact that I didn't have a say in the man I was to marry made me start resenting Nathaniel even before meeting him. Life was easier for men. He could have me for himself without my permission simply because he was a billionaire. This thought disgusted me.

A knock on the door distracted me. "Hey! Do you feel a little bit better now?" Priscillia peeped through the small space she had opened while still holding the door.

"Oh, Priscillia! Yes, I feel better but not happy," I responded, signaling for her to come in and sit beside me.

"I'm so sorry all this is happening. I wish I knew about this earlier; I would have offered to do this instead of you," she said with a sad face.

"Oh my god! Don't say that. You're younger than me. I won't sit back and let this kind of thing happen to you." I used my hand to hold her face up and then hugged her.

"I want you to find a good man and fall in love. My love life and emotional health are already a walking disaster. I don't want the same to happen to you."

Tears started dripping down her face. "I'm sorry." I tried holding back my own tears; I didn't like seeing my little sister cry.

"Crybaby, I'll be fine as long as you come check on me, share all your gists, and we hang out together. Promise?"

"Yes... I... I promise," she said, starting to wipe her tears away.

"By the way, do you have any idea how our parents were able to get this deal with such a wealthy family? We've never had connections with them," I asked Priscillia, knowing our mum must have spilled some tea or that Priscillia had eavesdropped-as that was her hobby.

"Actually, Mum met Nathaniel's mother recently. Turns out they were classmates in college, but Mum never told us. They hadn't kept in touch until now."

"Hmm... that sounds fishy. And they suddenly agreed to an arranged marriage?" I said, my face showing my suspicion.

"I thought so too, but I couldn't get more information," Priscillia added.

"Okay, that's fine. I will find out one way or the other." I stood up to pick a dress. "I need to prepare for an interview for an article I'm working on. I'll be going out in about an hour and 30 minutes. I don't want to be late."

"Oh, okay! I'll prepare those snacks you like so you can take them along," Priscillia said, standing up and heading toward the door.

"You know we could check online to see what your future husband looks like," she teased.

"No thanks, I'm not interested. Knowing his name is enough. Talking about it is already ruining my mood," I said, getting annoyed.

"Please, let's avoid talking about him for now. I'll know what he looks like during the date," I added.

"Oh, okay," Priscillia nodded and left the room.

I needed to focus on my work-the only thing that could keep me sane. As I was about to head into the bathroom for a shower, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. I picked it up reluctantly, expecting yet another work-related call.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Ava Collins," came a deep voice that sent an odd shiver down my spine. "This is Nathaniel Hargrave. I believe we're about to meet soon."

I froze, the phone almost slipping from my hand. The voice on the other end was deep, confident, and sent an unexpected chill through my veins. Nathaniel Hargrave. The billionaire heir. Soon to be husband and someone I didn't want to talk about for now.

"Hello, Ava Collins," his voice came again, deep and calm, like he was reading a script.

"Uh... Hello...Nathaniel," I managed to say, trying to not sound nervous, but my heart was beating so fast.

"Ava Collins," he repeated my name, as if testing it on his tongue. "I believe we're about to meet soon...Two days time...Am I right?"

I hesitated before agreeing "Yes, two days time, that's what I suddenly received as news about an hour ago"

"I understand this must be difficult for you," he said, his voice surprisingly soft, though I could detect the weight of something unspoken underneath.

I swallowed. "It's... fine, I guess. I mean, what's there to say? I'm being forced into this marriage."

He sighed, and I could almost picture him rubbing his temples, as if the conversation was already tiring him out. "I didn't agree to this willingly either. Believe me, I'm under just as much pressure."

I raised an eyebrow, though he couldn't see me. "So, what, you're just doing this because your parents told you to?"

There was a pause on the other end, like he was debating whether or not to be honest with me. Finally, he spoke, with a reluctant tone. "Yes. My mother...she's been insistent. It's not just about the marriage; it's about the company. The image. My father wants me to be in control and responsible and this... this arrangement is a part of that."

I let his words sink in. So, this wasn't some grand love story, was it? It was all about business. We both needed each other.

I let out my breath briefly, looking down at the floor. "Well, I guess we're in he same boat, then."

There was a strange quietness for a moment, like Nathaniel was gathering his thoughts. When he finally spoke again, his voice had a hint of regret. "I didn't want any of this, Ava. I didn't want you to feel like this was your only option."

I let out a bitter laugh. "You don't even know me. How could you possibly know what I want?"

"I know it's not easy. I don't expect you to just accept it," he said, his tone almost apologetic. "But we have to make it work, even if we don't like it."

A part of me wanted to hang up, to avoid this conversation entirely, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. He sounded like a good guy. I had to meet him first and perhaps see if he was worth it.

"So, what now?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Do we just show up and get married, or do you have some other grand plan for us?"

There was another pause, this time longer, like he was trying to figure out how to respond. "First, we meet... like we planned. No expectations. No pressure. Just... two people trying to figure this out. We can set rules or boundaries."

I didn't know if his words were meant to reassure me or just to make the situation feel less unbearable. Either way, I felt no better about it. "Fine. Whatever," I muttered. "Where are we meeting?"

"My mother was thinking of our place...I.."

"What?! Your place? it's a blind date for heaven's sake!...I don't agree to that. We don't need your parents up in our business during the blind date." I said without much thought, trying not to sound more frustrated than I already was.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, like he wasn't sure what to say.

"I understand your concern, but..." His voice trailed off before he tried again. "It's a formal arrangement. We should just get this over with."

I quickly cut him off. "No, I'm not meeting you at your house. I think we should meet somewhere neutral, somewhere public. How about that?" I paused, taking a breath.

"There's a restaurant called Savoir downtown. It's quiet and private. I'll feel more comfortable there."

I could hear him take a deep breath, almost like he was getting annoyed. "Alright, fine. I'll be there in two days - That is on Friday. I'll expect you at 7 PM."

"Good," I said, my voice low. "I'll see you then."

"I'll see you then, Ava," Nathaniel said quietly, and before I could respond, the line went dead.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in my hand, trying to process everything.

Was this really happening?

Priscilla's voice came through the door and brought me back to reality. "Everything okay?"

I walked over and opened the door, forcing a smile onto my face. "Yeah. Just... just spoke to him."

Priscillia looked at me, eyes wide. "Him? Nathaniel Hargrave?"

"Yep," I said unconcerned, stepping aside so she could enter. "We agreed on where to meet....and no, I'm not looking forward to it."

She sat down on the bed next to me, her eyes full of concern. "You're still going through with it, though...the marriage?"

I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair. "What choice do I have?"

Priscillia nodded slowly. "I'm really sorry, Ava. I wish things were different."

"Me too," I whispered, putting my hands on my waist. "But this is my reality now. It's what I have to do. For everyone."

She didn't say anything else, but I could feel her sympathy. It wasn't just my choice-it was the family's, too. And that thought made everything hurt a little more.

I needed to get through this. For my family. For Priscillia. But I didn't have to like it.

I quickly took my bath and dressed up in my comfy wear - a hoody and jeans with sneakers. It allowed for easy movement.

"Here! don't forget the snacks I made for you." Priscilla stretched out a neatly packaged bag to me as I headed out the door.

"Thanks, my love" I blew her a kiss and went straight to my car. I needed to get to the interview location early.

As planned, I got there early. The interview was as exhausting as I expected it to be. I tried to focus on the article, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Nathaniel and the inevitable meeting that awaited me. My phone notifications came up several times, and each time I glanced at it, I felt like another surprise bomb would be delivered to me again. It was almost like my whole life was spiraling out of control.

As soon as the interview ended, I rushed back to my car. The cool breeze hit my face as I stepped outside, and I sighed, wishing I could escape everything, even if just for a moment. I started the car, and drove off, making my way through the busy streets.

But still, my mind wasn't on the road. It was on the marriage, the blind date, on Nathaniel, on the pressure my family had put on me. I was so lost in my thoughts of how my mom managed to get this deal, I barely noticed the car ahead of me slowing down.

Suddenly, there was a loud screeching noise, followed by the sound of tires skidding. I slammed on my brakes, but it was too late. My car collided with the back of an extremely expensive black sports car, sending me jerking forward in my seat.

"Dammit!" I muttered, rasing my head up, hands gripping the steering wheel as I tried to steady myself.

I got out of my car, angry and pumped up. "Are you out of your mind? Can't you see the road?" I snapped, storming over to the driver's side, my frustration being obvious.

The door of the sports car opened, and out stepped a man in a black suit, a major part of his face was hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. I couldn't see his whole face clearly, but the way he looked calm, made me angrier.

"Maybe if you weren't driving like a reckless teenager, this wouldn't have happened."He adjusted his cufflinks, his tone was cold.

My jaw dropped. "Reckless? Are you serious? you are the one who stopped out of nowhere!"

He stepped closer, his broad shoulders and towering frame casting a shadow over me. "Stopped out of nowhere? If you'd been paying attention, you would've noticed." He said sarcastically.

I crossed my arms, not backing down. "Oh, I noticed. I noticed your oversized ego taking up the whole damn road!"

He arched an eyebrow, and then his lips curved to the side slightly. "Oversized ego? That's funny coming from someone who can't even manage to hit the brakes in time. Maybe driving isn't your thing, sweetheart."

I reacted at the way he said sweetheart, like he was mocking me. "Don't you dare call me sweetheart. And don't try to turn this around on me. You're the one who stopped out of nowhere!"

His smirk faded. "You clearly have no idea how to take responsibility for your actions, do you?"

I stepped closer, pointing a finger at his chest. "Oh, I take responsibility when I should. But this? This is on you, Mr. Fancy Car and Expensive Suit. What, were you too busy looking at your own reflection to drive properly?"

"Oh at least I have a face that the mirror can appreciate unlike yours" He snapped back.

I gave a small laugh.

"Ohh.....ohh...you did not just!.....Well! There is nothing even special about your face. What? is it made of gold?

Without a word, he took two slow steps toward me, closing the distance between us. I instinctively stepped back until my back hit the side of my car. Now he was in my personal space, he was too close.

For a moment, I was stunned into silence, caught off guard by the intensity of his gaze. He put one hand on the roof of my car, his other slipping off his sunglasses.

That was the moment I saw him fully-sky blue eyes, a chiseled jawline, and dark, perfectly styled hair. He was handsome in the most infuriating way, like he knew exactly how good he looked and used it to his advantage. The kind of handsome that was unfair because it came with an attitude too.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. But then his smirk returned, tilting his head slightly.

"You're awfully quiet for someone who was just shouting that there was nothing special about my face" he whispered into my ears. "Maybe next time, think before you speak."

His words snapped me out of my daze. "Think before I-?" My voice shook with anger. "You arrogant-"

Before I could finish, I shoved at his chest, but it was like pushing against a brick wall. He didn't budge. Instead, he laughed softly, clearly amused by how mad I was.

I glared at him, anger bubbling from within, my cheeks turning red. "You're unbearable."

"And you're annoying," he shot back before finally stepping away. "But I'll let you off...for now."

I clenched my fists as he walked back to his car without another word.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll remember this!" I shouted. "And your license plate too!"

He stopped and looked back at me, then had all the audacity to wink at me with a stupid smile. "I'm sure you will. I'm hard to forget."

I was fuming as I walked to the front of his car, pulled out my phone to take a picture of his license plate. But just as I aimed the camera, the unthinkable happened.

His car reversed back straight into mine. A loud thud echoed as metal hit metal.

We both froze.

For a split second, there was silence.

Then I snapped. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

He let out a long sigh, and came down from his car. He brushed his hair with his hand before slowly turning to face me again.

His expression? Completely unfazed.

His response?

"Your car was too close to mine...what did you expect?"

I stood there, gripping my phone so hard my fingers started to hurt. It felt like I was going to lose my mind and pluck out someone's hair strands to the last one.

"Did you just-" I pointed at my car, then at him, my brain struggling to form words. "You-your car-"

He barely glanced at the dent before turning back to me, his expression still completely uninterested. "Relax. It's not that bad."

Not that bad?!

I took a deep breath, trying-really trying-not to scream. "Not that bad? Are you blind? You just made it worse!"

He sighed like I was the one being dramatic. "It's just a small accident. Nothing a little repair can't fix."

Oh, he did not just say that.

I let out a sarcastic laugh, more out of disbelief than amusement. "Wow. Unbelievable. First, you nearly get us into an accident, and now this? You are officially the most careless driver I have ever met!"

He raised an eyebrow. "You mean the worst one after you?"

I gaped at him. "Are you serious right now?"

He just shrugged. "Look, if it bothers you that much, send me the bill."

I blinked. "The bill?"

"Yeah." He pulled out his wallet, flipping it open like this was the most normal conversation ever. He looked at it, then at me before closing the wallet, and shoving it back where it came from.

"Give me your number, and I'll take care of it." He stretched out his phone to me.

I crossed my arms, my jaw tightening. "Oh, so now you want to be responsible? What happened to 'it's not that bad'?"

His lips twitched like he was holding back his emotions. "I'm just trying to save us both some time."

"Oh, now you care about my time? Because I clearly remember you wasting it just a few minutes ago."

He slipped his phone into his pocket and tilted his head. "So what do you want then? You want to stand here all day arguing? Or do you want to fix your car and move on?"

I wanted to throw something at him. Preferably something heavy.

I took another deep breath, my patience hanging by a single thread. "Fine. Give me YOUR number, Mr. In a Hurry."

He smirked. "Finally..thought you'd never ask."

I rolled my eyes as he rattled off his number, and I quickly typed it into my phone, labeling him as The Worst Driver Alive. Then I flashed his number.

I didn't care to ask of his name, of what use was it to me.

As soon as his phone rang he stepped back, slipping on his sunglasses again. "There! you have my number and I have yours. Now if you'll excuse me, I actually have places to be."

"Oh, don't let me stop you," I said sweetly, stepping aside. "Drive safe, or at least try."

He gave me a mock salute before getting into his car. Within seconds, the engine came on, and he sped off, leaving me standing there with my heart still racing from sheer frustration.

I let out a deep breath and turned back to my car, running a hand over the damaged part of my car. This was not how my day was supposed to go.

As I climbed back into the driver's seat, I received a notification on my phone.

I frowned, opening it.

The Worst Driver Alive: Try not to crash into anyone else today, alright?

My jaw dropped.

He didn't.

He did. How petty was he?

I glared at my phone before furiously typing back.

Me: Try not to ruin anyone else's car today, alright?

I hit send, shoving my phone into the cupholder.

I started the car and drove off. I was never going to see that jerk again.

At least, that's what I thought.