Mr. Billionaire Salvation

"Are you excited?" My best friend Nora asked. It was my wedding day, a wedding I willingly agreed to as that was the only way I could get my rights back and save my father's company because I was his only biological child.

"Yes, very." I rolled my eyes, sarcasm dripping from my voice as I spoke. Nora rolled her hazel eyes on me fixing my blond curly hair which I didn't bother looking at. I couldn't care less about this marriage to the Hidalgo family. It was even worse because I had to get married to him a few days after I arrived back in London with my mother.

Agreeing to this marriage was something I never saw coming but then I knew it was the only way to get what rightfully belongs to me and I would not want to lose my rights to my bastard step-sister Valerie.

Over the seven years I lived with my mother in Paris, she taught me to work hard and fight for the life I deserve, and this marriage was one way of making sure it happened. Staying in an arranged marriage with a man I don't know is something I can do as long as I get what I want.

"Remember why you are doing this, you are the heiress to the Cruz empire and my only biological child." My father's voice repeated in my head. It hurts like hell, and my heart aches every time I think about it. But I knew why I was doing this, not just for me, but also for my mother so I will not give up until I get what I want.

"Come on Ariana, he's hot. Plus he is the heir of the Hidalgo empire and I am sure he will fall for you the moment he lays his eyes on you." Nora said, smiling. I can't blame her for being as excited as she was. She had always believed that my father would come back for me someday.

'Come on, Ariana, let's get going. The guests are already waiting, and the groom is also around,' my mom said as she came into the dressing room to take me to the altar.

"You can do this!" She said as she could sense my fear and was giving me some hope.

"Wait! your flower bouquet." Nora said, handing me the white flower bouquet. I smiled and raised my dress, careful not to step on it.

I walked out of the bedroom with my mother, heading down to see the guests and the groom, who were waiting for me to walk down the aisle. To them, I was the beautiful and dutiful bride who was getting married to Ares Hidalgo. But to me, signing that wedding paper today was my first step to getting back my rights at the Cruz Empire.

****************************

The doors opened, revealing my husband too who stood at the end of the aisle, looking at me. His piercing blue eyes met my hazel ones, and my heart raced as I knew what was to come.

This was a loveless marriage and I didn't know what the outcome would be, but I am sure that I would achieve my purpose for agreeing to this marriage in the first place.

I watched, with a raised eyebrow, as I walked down to the aisle with all eyes on me including my Jezebel step-sister, and my stepmother nowhere to be found. I avoided everyone's gaze as I looked sternly until I got close to Ares and I smiled. That was the least I could do, smile at him and he did an excellent job as he reciprocated it but we both know that it was all pretense.

We had too many eyes watching us, and failing this would be bad for both parties. He took my hand in his as I stood in front of him. Our vows were said, and people watched in awe at the "in love" couple. We were both great actors. If anything, the last thing I want to do is get married. I don't believe in love anymore.

His eyes were fixed on mine as he said 'I do", and I echoed the same. He leaned in, cupped my face in his hands, gently pressed his lips against mine in a small peck, and then smiled at me. As I studied his features, I could see him more clearly.

Neat scruff, a muscular body that was visible under his designer suit, and a deep voice that would make any girl swoon at his feet. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes on him and the side talks made it all easy for me.

"Well, it seems like Ares is in love already and the two look perfect together." I heard my father-in-law comment with his face beaming with joy. The click of Valerie's heels was so loud that anyone could tell that she was not happy with what was happening.

I was not expecting her to be, though. She wouldn't have expected that my father would find out the truth about her, and her mother had to leave the Cruz mansion out of shame. But then I wondered what Valerie was still doing around.

Not that I cared, though. There was no way she would defeat me, especially after I agreed to this marriage with the Hidalgo family.

"I need to use the restroom," Ares said as he exited the hall even before I could utter a word to him. I was not bothered, I just wanted to face whatever came after the wedding and start working on the Cruz empire.

"You should follow your husband." My mom whispered into my ears as I tried to greet each of the Hidalgo family with utmost respect.

"Mom, he is not a baby, and besides, who both know this is a loveless marriage." I said, reminding my mother why I am getting married to him.

"He is now your husband, and besides you still have an engagement party in the next thirty minutes. Everyone should see you clinging to your husband. Remember, this marriage has to work out." My mother insisted.

"Fine, I will go look for him," I said as I walked away with a smile on my face.

I could not find him in the restroom and one of the maids around showed me the way to his room. I was reluctant to go at first but I knew that if I did not go, my mother would nag at me.

"Yes baby, that is the right spot! Don't stop Ares, I love you!"

My feet came to a halt when I heard a very familiar voice moaning Ares's name, as I moved closer to his room. My husband, the one with whom I got married a few minutes ago!

I held my breath as my feet took me in the direction of the moans as they became louder and I stopped at the door of the room. My fingers trembled as I pushed the door slightly thinking of who his mysterious mistress might be.

I have thought of many problems that I might encounter in my marriage with Ares but I did not think of a mistress being a problem.

My eyes widened to the point of coming out of their sockets when I found my husband kissing my step-sister and caressing every part of her body, undressing her slowly as she giggled.

*****Flashback*******

I froze, staring hard at the number calling me. Never in my wildest dreams have I thought that my estranged father would ever call me again. It's been eight years since I last spoke with him.

I frowned and ignored the call thinking it was a mistake or something. The number called again and I knew that something was up. Something so urgent that he had no choice but to call me after eight years of abandoning me and my mother.

"Hello?" I answered, sounding indifferent.

"Ana..." said the voice from the other line. It was not my father talking and hearing someone call me that name sent a shiver down my spine. It's been so long since someone else called me that name except my mother.

"Ariana," I corrected him. "May I know who this is, please?"

"This is Robert. I am calling on behalf of your father. I am his secretary." He replied.

"What's wrong?" I immediately knew something was wrong. My father was the only one who knew my number, but he had not contacted me or my mother since we left London. That is why getting a call from his secretary after all this time means one thing: something is wrong.

"He suffered from a heart attack, and he requested your presence and that of your mother. If you could both come to the house...:

"We will be there. Send me the address." I answered without hesitation. No matter what he has done to me and my mother and how peaceful my life is here, I can't just stay here and ignore my father. He might not be the best husband for cheating on my mother and marrying the woman he cheated with. But he has been good to me until seven years ago when he stopped it all.

"Is everything Okay, Ariana?" My mother inquired as soon as I hung up the phone.

"It's D-a-d, he had an attack and he has requested that we come..."

"I am not going back to him, so just forget about it. Not after everything he did to us, so I don't care if he dies!" My mom interrupted just before I could finish what I was saying and I could see the flick of pain in her eyes as I was sure that I had brought back memories she had buried a long time ago.

"Mom please, I beg you this one time. I know he caused you so much pain like he did to me but he is still my father and I am sure that he called because something is wrong and the only way to find out what the problem might be is by going to see him." I pleaded with my mom hoping that she would listen to me this one time.

She was silent for a moment like she was trying to process all I had just said. I could not stop thinking about what made my father have a heart attack. He was the strongest man I had ever known who did not joke with his health.

"Okay fine, I am coming with you on the condition that we will return tomorrow." She agreed as she wiped off the tears in her eyes.

"Thanks, Mom!" I said, sounding relieved because I knew whatever the reason might be for this urgent request, I would be able to handle it with my mom by my side.

"Nora! Thank God you are here. I have to leave for London urgently." I informed my best friend who came in right after I finished talking to my mom.

"Where is the fun in going to London without me?" Nora said with a smirk on her face.

"You don't have to and besides we will be back before you know it." I said, trying to convince her otherwise. The last thing I would want is to drag her into my family problems. Nora has been nothing but a blessing to me since my mom and I moved to Paris seven years ago.

"Okay fine! Let's go." I said knowing that Nora would not take a 'no' for an answer.

We got to London sooner than expected and went straight to the hospital to see my Dad. I could feel my mother palpitating but I knew I had to be strong for her.

"Dad?" I said as we entered his ward. All eyes darted at us including my stepmother and step-sister. From their reaction, I could tell that they were not expecting our presence.

"Ariana, Rebecca, I am sorry for how I treated you both in the past. The truth is finally out at last." He said as he sat up with remorse and guilt washing over him.

"What truth?" My mom inquired curiously.

My stepmother looked away and I could tell that whatever the truth might be had something to do with her.

"I found out that Valerie is not mine! Her mother brought another man's pregnancy and pinned it on me all these years." My father explained with his eyes already bulged out. I have never imagined my father crying but I could tell that he was feeling betrayed.

"So what does this have to do with me and my daughter?" My mother shot back and I could tell that she was still mad at him. That was the same question running through my mind but I was more focused on my father's health at the moment.

"Because Ariana is the true successor and the heiress of the Cruz empire and she needs to take over as soon as possible but only on one condition." He said.

"Father!" Valerie said and I could sense her displeasure over his decision.

"Don't you dare interrupt me when I am talking? You should be happy that you are still here with your good-for-nothing mother!" He shot back at her.

I watched the whole scenario and I knew immediately that I did not want to involve myself with any of the Cruz drama, not anymore.

"What if I don't want the position?" I asked which made everyone look at me in surprise.

My mom moved closer to me, signaling me not to say anything further. "What is the condition?" She asked, looking at my Dad sternly.

"Ariana would have to get married to Ares Hidalgo. The heir of the Hidalgo empire." He said.

"W-h-a-t! You also want me in an arranged marriage with Ares Hidalgo? Someone I don't even know?" I asked while still trying to wrap my head around the whole situation.

"Dad, No! You can't do this to me." Valerie said fiercely.

"I want you and your mother out of here!" My dad ordered leaving the room to just the three of us.

"Ariana, I know all of this is sudden for you because I was not a good father to you. But, you are my only daughter and I will never let Valerie and her mother take that away from you. You have to get married to Ares Hidalgo." My father said as he held my hands softly with tears in his eyes.

"Dad, I can handle the company on my own. I don't have to marry a stranger to do that." I said making him see that I am not that weak girl of seven years ago. I am capable of handling anything that comes my way, that is why I have survived for this long with my mother.

"I know you are a strong girl Ariana but this is necessary. The company is facing some loss at the moment and your stepmother knows too many secrets about the Cruz empire which she might want to use against us. The Hidalgo empire is strong enough to help you through that and that can only be possible if you marry Ares. he is the heir of the Hidalgo empire and I trust him." My father explained with so much pain in his eyes and I could tell that he was begging me not to say no.

"Once you have achieved the purpose for getting married to him, you can decide to divorce him but till then, you have to stay in the marriage and get what you want from it. I cannot wait to see you as the heiress of the Cruz empire before I die." he added.

"You will not die, father." I said, rebuking it immediately.

"Ariana, this is the right time for you to fight for your rights and become the heiress you truly are. I am sure you would not want to let those losers win right?" She asked, referring to Valerie and my stepmother.

"Do I have a choice here?" I asked knowing my stay in London would be longer than expected. I have a wedding to plan with a man I don't love.

"Thank you, Ariana, I knew you would not let me down." My father said, sounding excited at my decision.

***************************

I had a sudden short intake of breath as I gasped in horror. I could not believe what I was seeing and I had to practically press my palms tightly against my lips to stop myself from making any sound. The clicks of my heels must have interrupted their intimate moment as I overheard Ares telling Valerie that he was sure that I was not the one spying on them.

"Go check who it is!" She said fearfully.

I walked as fast as my legs could go but Ares held my hands just before I could exit the room hall.

"Ariana?" He called out.

"Thumph!!!." I gave him a resounding slap for even thinking he could lay his filthy hands on me.

"I hate you, Ares! Of all people, my sister? And to make matters worse, on our wedding day! You couldn't control yourself, Ares! Anyone could have seen you," I said, with tears already forming in my eyes, helplessly struggling not to show my weakness in front of him.

"I mean, I get it that this marriage is just laced with benefits, and we don't like each other, but the least you could do is show some respect. We are married for fuck sake! And we still have an engagement party to attend to and here you are cheating on me on our wedding day!" I added looking at him with disgust.

"Y-o-u, you slapped me, Ariana?" Ares said in shock that I was that audacious to do that.

"And I will do it again if you lay your filthy hands on me!" I shot back at him angrily.

"Do you know who I am? And what I am capable of doing to you?" Ares said with his eyes glaring angrily at me.

"Do I look like I care?" I asked, completely unfazed by his threats and anger.

"I am your husband, show some respect!" He said as he held my hands fiercely closing up the distance between us.

"You don't deserve any respect from me, Ares. I HATE YOU!" I frantically jabbed my back at the wall.

"Oh, just say you are jealous of your step-sister." He said deliberately pissing me off.

"You must be shallow-minded to think I am jealous of you and Valerie," I said with a scoff under my breath as I was about to leave.

Ares reached at me, wrapping his hand around my biceps. He spun me around, eyes glaring with anger and a flicker of pain. Seeing him this close again, with his hair disheveled from his busy moment with Valerie, reeking of her perfume on his body threatened to break my hold on my emotions. Not because he is cheating, but because he is in an illicit relationship with my step-sister who would stop at nothing to bring me down.

I refused to break down in front of him, yet the pounding pain in my chest rapidly grew.

"What were you thinking? That I was going to love you? He asked, looking at me intently.

"Oh please, spare me that bullshit! I would not be in this marriage with you if I had a choice!" I said.

"I don't want this marriage either!" He said and I could see the frustration on his face.

"As long as this marriage gives me what I want, then I am willing to do whatever it takes, even if it does mean marrying you. Oh well, we are married," I said, glaring at Ares who frowned at me.

"What is going on here?" Valerie said as she joined us in the hallway. I was expecting her sooner but I guess she could not hold it anymore.

"Speaking of the devil." I scoffed under my breath.

"We have a party in a few minutes from now. Except you want to explain to your father what the hell you are doing with Valerie, I suggest you join me soon," I said as I impatiently walked away. The last thing I want is for Valerie to see me helpless.

"Do you think they don't know?" She said which made me stop halfway puzzled as to what she meant by what she just said.

"Know what precisely?" I asked, turning to face her.

"Dad knows it all. He knew Ares was in love with me and the plan was that we would be getting married and I would succeed the Cruz empire." Valerie explained.

"Not until you showed your face again bitch!" She added, which made me furious. It was time to give her the befitting reply she deserved.

"How is it my fault that you are the bastard daughter of the Cruz family? I am sure your biological father would be grateful wherever he is right now." I replied smiling at her confidently knowing fully well that it would piss her off the most.

"You bitch!" She said raising her hands to slap me which I held onto firmly before she could do it.

"Don't you dare raise your hands at me ever again Valerie? My name is Ariana Cruz, I am not the girl from seven years ago who you think you can trample on. I will put you in your place without thinking twice." I warned her sternly as I dropped her hands off which made her gasp in shock.

I bet she was not expecting that I would be audacious enough to talk back to her. Seven years of growing up alone with my mom and surviving out there in this harsh world has taught me a very hard lesson to fight for myself and it has shaped me into who I am today.

My two-year failed relationship with Ethan had made me stop trusting men or trusting love again. I have no idea why I was so pained with Ares cheating on me but I know that his relationship with Valerie would only bring me trouble.

I could see the expression on Ares's face and I knew he was enraged by the whole situation.

"Valerie, you don't have to worry yourself about this. I got this under control." He said as he tried to calm the situation down upon hearing the sound of footsteps approaching.

"We both know the last thing we want right now is for others to start asking questions. Once we are done with the wedding today, I will put her to order." Ares said while looking at me ferociously.

"Listen to me Ariana Cruz, Ares is never going to love you. He is mine and his heart belongs to me! Married or not, It's only going to be on paper! You have no idea what is coming for you!" Valerie said as she looked at me one last time and walked away.

"I don't care!" I shot back knowing fully well that she was cursing at me as she walked away. My sister is at war with me and there is no way I am losing. I will do everything to get what I want even if it means being the dutiful and loving wife to Ares in public.

"Ares?" I called out but got no response from him. Where could he be? He was just here with me before Valerie left. The party had started already.