Married to the CEO: A BILLIONAIRE unlikely Love

"You have to marry him."

The words echoed through the room like a sudden clap of thunder. Rachel froze in place, as if all the air had been sucked from her lungs and the world had stopped spinning for a moment. Her once-bright eyes now stared blankly at the middle-aged man lying weakly on the hospital bed.

"Sorry, what did you just say, Daddy?" she asked softly, her voice barely audible. It trembled, reflecting how difficult it was for her to process the reality her father had just spoken.

David offered a faint smile. His face was pale, yet the authority he always carried hadn't faded. His trembling hand reached out, trying to grasp his daughter's, as if to calm the storm raging inside her chest.

"You heard me, sweetheart. I want you to marry Lucian."

Rachel turned slowly toward the man standing in the corner of the room. Tall, neat, stiff-wearing a gray suit and thick glasses that made him look like a bookworm. Lucian bowed respectfully, saying nothing.

"Oh my God. Are you kidding me, Dad?" Rachel looked at her father with an expression close to despair.

"I've never been more serious in my life," David said firmly, though his voice was weak.

"Daddy, this is insane... I don't even know him!" Rachel nearly shouted. "You want me to marry-your employee?!"

"Lucian, would you mind waiting outside for a moment?" David cut in quickly.

Without protest, Lucian nodded politely and walked out. As the door clicked shut behind him, the silence that followed felt like it was squeezing the air from Rachel's chest.

"Have you completely lost your mind, Daddy?" she whispered emotionally.

David didn't answer right away. He gazed at the ceiling, as if speaking to ghosts from his past.

"I don't have much time left, Rachel. And the only thing I care about now... is making sure you're not alone when I'm gone."

Rachel closed her eyes. She hated hearing those words. Hated accepting the fact that her time with her father was running out.

"Don't say that," she said, choking back a sob. "You can still get better, Daddy. We can look for treatment abroad-Germany, Switzerland, Japan-anywhere. Just don't give up!"

David smiled and gently touched his daughter's hand. "I'm not giving up. I'm just... preparing."

Rachel fell silent. There was a deep sorrow in her father's eyes-eyes that had always looked strong, now appeared fragile.

"I know you're independent. Smart, brave. But the world isn't fair. It's full of traps. I want someone by your side. Someone who sees you not just as an heiress, but as a person. As Rachel."

"I don't love him," Rachel whispered.

"Love can grow, sweetheart," David said gently. "Your mother and I were arranged too. But look at us... we loved each other until death parted us."

Rachel sobbed. The mention of her mother brought back warm childhood memories. David, the man who had faithfully raised her alone after his wife passed, never remarried. All his love and life had been devoted solely to Rachel.

And now... that man was preparing to leave the world. And Rachel felt like a little girl again-too small to face the weight of loss.

"What if I say no?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"If you refuse, I've prepared another option," David replied calmly. "You'll stay with Aunt Aneta in Italy."

Rachel's jaw dropped. "Aunt Aneta? In that remote part of Italy? No, Daddy! That place doesn't even have a cell signal!"

David chuckled weakly. "Exactly. You'll enjoy life with no social media, no distractions... just vineyards and roosters crowing every morning."

"You're joking, right?" Rachel rubbed her temples. "I'd rather marry Wi-Fi than live there!"

"Unfortunately, Wi-Fi can't protect our family assets," David replied. "And I won't hand over everything to you without someone I trust beside you."

Rachel gritted her teeth. "So Lucian is your insurance for all this wealth? Am I just some business project to secure?"

David shook his head, looking deep into her eyes. "You're not an asset. You're everything. And Lucian... he's the only person I fully trust."

Rachel went quiet. Those words struck her pride, yet also melted the walls she had built around her heart.

"What if I fake the marriage... and run away later?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"You're free to choose, sweetheart. But I hope you'll decide with your heart, not just your head."

The room fell into a long silence. Only the beeping of the IV and David's breathing could be heard.

"Does Lucian know about this?" Rachel asked softly.

"He does," David replied. "And he agreed."

"Agreed to marry someone who doesn't even like him?"

"Agreed to protect and love you-even if it takes time for you to believe it."

Rachel closed her eyes again. Amid all this chaos, one thing was clear: she wasn't ready to lose her father.

"Daddy... if I marry Lucian, can you hold on just a little longer?" she asked quietly, like a child begging not to be left behind.

David squeezed her hand tightly. "If that makes you happy... I'll hold on as long as I can."

Rachel broke down in tears. She hugged her father tightly, as if that embrace could stop time. As if love could defy fate.

Outside the door, Lucian still stood, staring straight ahead. He hadn't heard the conversation inside. But in his heart, he knew... his life would never be the same.

And so it began-with one request. One decision. One marriage not born of love... but of a father's desire to keep his daughter from facing the world alone.

The sky was shrouded in gray clouds, and heavy rain poured down, drenching the rows of silent gravestones in the cemetery. Grief hung in the air, clinging to everyone dressed in black and dark glasses. Among them, Rachel stood tall-her body trembling, yet she didn't move. She clenched her fists tightly, struggling to contain the storm of emotion threatening to erupt.

Even as others began to leave her father's grave, Rachel remained. Her eyes were fixed on David's freshly placed headstone. Her heart felt colder than the rain that soaked her skin. Her world had collapsed. She had lost the only person who had ever loved her unconditionally.

But David hadn't left her empty-handed. He had given her one final gift-someone he believed could protect her: Lucian.

The man stood two steps behind her, silent as ever. He didn't dare hold an umbrella over her-only stayed close in quiet companionship. When Rachel finally staggered, her body weakened by grief and unrelenting rain, Lucian was quick to catch her.

"I'm fine," Rachel whispered, gently pulling away from his hold and turning to walk away from her father's grave. She knew this wasn't the end of her life. It was the beginning of a new chapter-one her father had asked her to face with strength.

Lucian opened the car door for her and soon took the driver's seat. Rachel didn't look at him once. She kept her eyes on the rain sliding down the window, as if avoiding the truth that the man beside her was now her husband-even if only in name.

When they arrived at the grand house that now felt unbearably empty, Rachel was about to step inside when Lucian's voice stopped her.

"In that case, I'll be leaving now."

For the first time since the funeral began, Rachel spoke to him.

"Where are you going?"

"To my apartment."

"You don't agree with Daddy's request?" Rachel asked, lowering her sunglasses, her gaze cutting through him.

"I don't have the right to refuse his request," Lucian replied softly.

"Then why won't you stay here? Isn't that what Daddy wanted?" she said, this time with more certainty.

Lucian froze. He hadn't expected Rachel to ask him to stay. He had assumed the marriage was just for her father's sake. He thought she would send him away the moment David passed. But he was wrong.

"I was afraid it might be inappropriate."

"You're supposed to live with me, aren't you? But I won't force you if you don't wish to honor this arrangement. If you're uncomfortable, you can tell me now," Rachel said, her voice firm. But again, Lucian shook his head.

"I have no such intentions. I accepted his request with an open heart," Lucian replied, assuring her that he wasn't fulfilling David's wish out of obligation.

"In that case, good. I don't have to feel guilty for letting you stay," Rachel said. She turned again to open the large door in front of her, but once more, Lucian stopped her.

"But for now, I need to return to my apartment," Lucian said, prompting Rachel to look back at him again. Before she could speak, Lucian continued, offering his explanation before she misunderstood.

"I need to collect my belongings before moving into this house. That's why I'm asking your permission," Lucian said respectfully-like a secretary speaking to a boss-leaving Rachel speechless for a moment. Then she nodded silently, and Lucian returned the gesture.

He waited until Rachel entered the house before driving away to retrieve his things-ready to begin their new, uncertain life under the same roof.

As the door creaked open, David's scent welcomed her. It was still the same, as if he had never left. Rachel stepped in slowly, her fingers brushing over her father's favorite chair before she sat down. Her hand traced the edge of his desk, now neatly arranged with files and a laptop-everything untouched.

And there, in the stillness of that room, Rachel finally broke down. The tears she had held back since the funeral now flowed freely. Her sobs filled the study-one of the last places where she could still feel close to David.

"I miss you, Dad. I love you," she whispered. Rachel wept uncontrollably, hugging her father's desk as if she could embrace the man who was no longer there. She remembered all the dreams they once wove together-of a joyful marriage, a small happy family, and grandchildren to brighten David's old age.

But those dreams had become nothing more than memories. David had left too soon, leaving Rachel with just one final wish-that Lucian would take care of her.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I failed. I couldn't hold back these tears..."

It took a long time for Rachel to let her sorrow spill completely. She no longer had the strength to even sit upright. She leaned against the desk, letting the memories of David wash over her.

Her childhood moments flashed before her eyes, offering the smallest comfort. Her father's warm smile slowly soothed the pain in her heart, until her eyes grew heavy and everything went dark. The beautiful memories of her time with him gently lulled her to sleep.

Minutes passed in silence before the door creaked again. Lucian, still drenched from the rain, stepped inside and quietly approached her. He draped a warm blanket over Rachel's delicate frame, her body now seeming so fragile.

"I'm only following his wish... but I don't know how long I can keep holding myself back," Lucian murmured softly, brushing his hand over her head.

Rachel stretched her arms as she sat up, still wearing the nightgown that clung softly to her figure. Her tousled brown hair did nothing to diminish her beauty. She reached for a glass of water on the nightstand and drank it all in one go. Then, her eyes fell on the clock-it was 7 a.m.

Taking a deep breath, Rachel exhaled slowly before finally stepping out of bed. Today was her first day at the office, where she would be taking over the position her father, David, once held. The thought alone made her feel nervous and unsure of herself. Could she truly fill David's shoes, someone so trusted by the company's board? Of course, it wouldn't be easy. Surely, there would be those who doubted her, especially with her limited experience.

"Think positive, Rachel," she murmured, trying to calm her nerves.

She made her way to the bathroom, determined to prepare herself as best as she could for this important day that would shape her future within the company.

They say first impressions matter-Rachel believed that. She wanted to leave a strong impression on the board of directors, even if some of them might already be against her. Her preparation took longer than expected, not because of vanity, but because of the anxiety that continued to weigh her down.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, Rachel saw her reflection-neatly dressed in business attire, her makeup subtle yet enhancing. She looked perfect in her tailored blazer, but inside, her heart remained restless. Doubts clouded her thoughts until a knock on the door snapped her out of her daze.

"Come in," she called, prompting a maid to enter with her head bowed slightly.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. Sir has been waiting for over an hour," the maid informed her, causing Rachel to frown. The next second, she slapped her forehead.

She had completely forgotten-she wasn't just the new head of Carson Corporation. She was also the wife of the man her father had trusted the most.

"He's been waiting that long?" Rachel asked, and the maid nodded.

"Alright, tell him I'll be down in five minutes," she replied quickly. The maid exited quietly.

Rachel grabbed her phone, scanned through a few messages, then gave her reflection one last look. Satisfied, she stepped out of the room.

Her steps slowed when she saw Lucian already seated at the dining table, a tablet in his hands-a scene that had begun to feel strangely familiar in the mornings. He was dressed in his usual crisp office attire, his serious expression framed by the glasses he always wore.

Rachel's footsteps drew Lucian's attention away from the tablet. He placed it down on the table and looked at her as she took the seat across from him.

"Next time, you don't have to wait for me this long. If I'm late, you can start breakfast without me," Rachel said, reaching for a slice of toast and spreading peanut butter on it.

"Perhaps I came to the table too early. Going forward, I'll adjust to your wake-up time," Lucian replied in his usual formal tone.

Rachel glanced at him briefly before taking a bite of the toast she had prepared. Breakfast passed in silence. Every now and then, she stole glances at Lucian, who seemed to be deliberately matching the pace of his eating to hers. Feeling awkward, Rachel quickened her movements, finishing her toast and downing the orange juice beside her plate. As if understanding, Lucian followed suit, finishing his breakfast shortly after-like a subordinate adjusting to the rhythm of his superior.

After that, Lucian walked behind Rachel and opened the car door for her before taking the driver's seat. Lucian now wore many hats at once: secretary, chauffeur, and personal bodyguard to Rachel Carson. Yet he never complained. He carried out all his roles with quiet acceptance, as though God had assigned this path for him, and he had chosen to walk it without question. God had given him a stable job-and now, even a wife. To him, it was a blessing worth cherishing.

"What's on my schedule today?" Rachel asked suddenly, causing Lucian to glance at her through the rearview mirror.

Their eyes met briefly before Lucian returned his gaze to the road.

"You were scheduled to attend your first board meeting five minutes ago. At ten, you have two client meetings back to back until just before lunch. After that, there are a number of important documents left by Mr. David that you need to review-which will likely take up the rest of the workday," Lucian explained smoothly, without needing to look at any notes. Rachel's schedule was clearly embedded in his mind.

Rachel fell silent, processing the information. A few seconds later, she burst out, "What?"

"Shall I repeat your schedule for today?" Lucian asked calmly, prompting a quick nod from her.

"At 8:30 a.m., you were scheduled to attend your first board meeting. Then, at ten-"

"I'm already almost ten minutes late! Why didn't you tell me earlier?!" Rachel cut him off, her voice rising as her eyes widened in shock. Lucian immediately looked at her through the mirror, his expression tinged with panic.

"There's no need to worry too much. A superior arriving slightly late is often acceptable," Lucian replied, trying to remain composed. But his words only made Rachel more anxious. She shifted in her seat, her whole body tense.

"How can I not worry? It's my first day on the job! I wanted to make a good first impression, and now everything is ruined because you didn't tell me the meeting started this early!" she snapped, her voice shaking between panic and frustration. Her face flushed red, and her jaw clenched as she fought to keep her emotions in check.

Her original plan to appear professional in front of the board was quickly falling apart.

"I'm sorry. I'll be more careful about managing and reminding you of your schedule in the future," Lucian said sincerely, his tone filled with remorse.

"Forget it," Rachel muttered sharply. "Just drive faster. I don't want to be even later than I already am."

"Yes, Ma'am." Lucian nodded and gently pressed harder on the gas pedal, quickening the car's speed.

"And from now on, tell me my schedule for the next day the night before. I want to manage it myself," Rachel added, her tone calmer now, but firm.

Lucian only gave a small nod, fully aware of how important this day was for her.