Ruthless Billionaire's Baby Bargain

Hazel's pov:

I stood in front of the mirror as i admired my beautiful wedding dress that had thousands of tiny pearls designed on it. It was hand made from ZIMA fashion house, one of the top fashion companies in the country and also where I work as a designer. It took about a month and lots of hardwork and money to make this perfect dress.

Beaming with so much excitement as I could remember how my mum always told me how I would look like a goddess in my wedding dress.

Well.. she was right, I did look like a goddess, except that she wouldn't be here to witness me walk down the aisle with the love of my life. She passed away years ago and I am stuck with my dad who pays more attention to my step mom and her daughter.

I am Hazel Carter, the 25 year old daughter of Bennett Carter. The owner of 'Bennets Bakery'. The best bakery in the country at the moment. I would not call us rich but least we lived in our own house and I attended one of the best universities. I would say.. uh average, yes, we were an average family that was doing well. I was always my dad's favorite until my mum died when I was ten. The doctor said it was heart attack, and I recalled myself crying my heart out until my dad introduced me to my stepmom and stepsister few days after my mum's burial.

That was where it all started. The dislike for my dad. He said that the girl, ivy was his biological daughter which meant that he actually cheated on my mum, something I didn't believe initially. I couldn't take in the news and I had an attack on that day. I was diagnosed with Anxionoma.. some sort of anxiety and panic disorder.

In my wildest thoughts, I never imagined my dad would ever do something like that and we grew apart since then.

I wanted answers but there was none. My dad never cared to explain what was going on. He didn't care about how I felt.

I hated him more after I grew up and learnt that my dad partially contributed to my mum's death.

They had a heated argument on the day she died because she found out he cheated and he left the house without any remorse leaving her all alone by herself to deal with whatever has to come.

Since then..I have worked really hard to leave this house and discard this family for good.

Anyway..I am finally going to leave this godforsaken house. I am going to get married to the director of ZIMA fashion house, Asher Williams, the handsome millionaire every woman wanted but now he's stuck with me forever.

Asher and I met when I went for my internship at the fashion house, and we didn't even start of on a good term. I thought he was arrogant and proud but eventually, we got along, became really good friends, and somehow he found his way into my heart and now we're getting married. Our relationship wasn't a secret. Everyone in the country was aware, most women infact didn't fail to hide their jealousy, as they were always writing me off in his comments or telling Asher that he deserves a much better woman, my step sister included.

I picked up my phone, took a picture of myself, and I uploaded it with the caption 'Off to steal Asher's last name'.

It wasn't even up to a minute before the comments started to flood in but It was different this time. It wasn't congratulatory messages or writing me off. It was... Wait... What the hell is happening?

What are these people talking about?

Asher breaking off his engagement to be with another woman?

I scoffed. This is ridiculous.

I stared at my phone in disbelief as I began to read the comments.

'Are you about to be the second wife?hehehe, I guess Brianna was a better option'

'I said it. Asher has finally come to his senses, he wouldn't want to marry a cheating woman"

Who cheated?, And why are they mentioning Brianna's name in all of this? That was when it occurred to me that Brianna hasn't arrived yet. I was too happy thinking about how my future would look like from now, that I completely forgot that my chief bridesmaid hasn't arrived yet.

"Calm down Hazel. It's not what you think it is" I told myself and immediately dialed Asher's number and he picked up on the second ring.

"Where are you babe?What is going on?" I asked, unable to conceal the fear and panic in my voice.

"What is happening is.. we're not going to get married anymore, you and I are done" He replied sternly

"What? What are you talking about?, This must be a joke, fine..fine you got me, hahaha, I was scared for a minute" I laughed it off and he scoffed

"When you're done thinking it's a joke, you'll wake up to reality, you think I wouldn't find out?, how you cheated on me with your anonymous lover severally? " He said and ended the call immediately not waiting for me to respond or try to explain myself.

I don't even know what I would have told him because I clearly don't understand what is going on .

My smile faded as I glanced at the phone screen. What is happening? So many thoughts ran across my head immediately.

This is not true. I refuse to believe it. I honestly don't know what all this is about but he sounded so serious and I was starting to get scared. There was no text from Brianna either and she wasn't responding to my calls but they were loads of notifications on my Instagram.

"Hazel!" I heard my dad's angry voice and I turned my head to see him barging into the room with my stepmom and sister behind.

"Dad...I " I tried to explain but he quickly cut me off, his eyes filled with rage and disappointment.

"What have you done! Do you have any idea what damage you have caused? Our name,the family name is out on the internet, how could you be so stupid and careless to cheat on your fiance a night before your own wedding"

I stood there, frozen , trying to process what I just heard.

"Dad..what are you talking about? I don't know what is happening, I don't_"

"Don't lie to me Hazel. The last thing I would want to listen to right now is your lies. " He interrupted.

"Yes sis. The video if you kissing and touching another man at the hotel is everywhere on the internet" Ivy, my stepsister said as she passed her phone to me.

I looked at everyone and reluctantly took the phone from her and watched the video she was talking about and I immediately gasped as tears filled my eyes.

It was me! With a man I don't even recognize. I held the man so tight and kissed him so hard at the hotel corridor and then eventually I was dragged into the closest room and the video ended there.

How did this happen? I remember a little bit of what happened yesterday night. I remember waiting for a client at the lounge and then I don't know how I found myself in one of the rooms almost naked in the morning.

"Dad..I can explain. I swear I didn't know what I was doing , it wasn't my fault, my drink was laced with some drugs and... and " I tried to explain but he wasn't even ready to listen to me. He shook his head in disappointment

"I trusted you. How could you do this? Asher has broken off the engagement, the family name is in the news for the wrong reasons. You are nothing but a disgrace to this family" He said sharply and I only stared at the ground in shame. I wanted it to open up and swallow me. I wanted to run.. I wanted to speak...I wanted to do something but the only thing I could do at that moment was cry

"I am so sorry.." I whispered, audible enough for him to hear me.

"Do not expect anything from me any longer" He said and stormed out of the room

"I told him you were always like this. You have finally shown how much of a bad daughter you are to him" my stepmom smiled and she went after my dad while I was left alone to deal with the only thorn in my flesh. Ivy Carter.

I am not in the mood to say anything to her right now. I just wanted to be alone at the moment and take in all that has happened.

Ivy gave a mocking smile as she walked towards me

" Awnnnn..my poor sis, you thought you were the only one that wanted something good? Of course It is Asher Williams, you didn't think I would just sit there and make you steal him from me" she sneered

I stared at her with rage, unsure of what to say to her. Is she behind all of this?

"Ivy..leave my room this instance" I commanded and she only smiled which angered me more.

"I have waited for a day like this fir the longest time. You were the perfect daughter. So how did the perfect daughter make such a silly stupid mistake?"

" Did you do this ivy?"

" Oh..sis, you think it's me? I am not your only anti-fan. Well it could be me and it could be someone else. Anyway, the best I can do is to help clear our family name but Hazel...you have lost everything that was supposed to come to me. Asher, Your best friend, your reputation, maybe your job too and dad's trust. You have nowhere else to run to now" she mocked and finally left the room.

I sank into the chair the moment I was left alone. Finally some peace and quiet and enough time to think about what really happened yesterday.

I was at the Grey's five star hotel to meet up with a client that wanted to invest and also buy some designs from ZIMA. If Brianna had not called it an emergency I wouldn't have come because it was a day to my wedding and I was supposed to be making preparations.

It was Brianna!

She set me up. She fucking ruined my life.

My Anxionoma was kicking in but I tried to fight it.

I was still trying to think when I heard my phone beep. I wiped my tears and immediately checked to see what it was.

It was an email..from ZIMA fashion house.

I clicked on the message and read it.

"Nooo no no" I muttered to myself as my trembling hands dropped the phone.

I started to feel dizzy and my breath shortened. I wanted air. I couldn't breathe. I clutched on my chest as I immediately ran out of the room and I didn't stop until I was outside the house. I lifted my dress higher and ran faster into the next street.

I could faintly hear my dad call my name as he ran after me but I didn't respond.

I just wanted to leave.

No one would believe me

I have lost everything and everyone. There's no point waiting or trying to explain anything to anyone. All I feel this moment is pain, hurt and betrayal. My chest was hurting really bad and I didn't stop to even catch my breath.

I wanted to escape from this harsh reality.

My Anxionoma kicked in again and I stopped at the spot and held my chest tightly. The tears that clouded my eyes made my vision blurry that I didn't even realize I was at the middle of the road. I only heard car horns and the next thing I heard was a car screech as the car headlights flashed to my face.

I tried to move but it was too late as I felt myself fall with a loud thud on the floor.

Finally. I am free.

"Hazel!!" I could faintly hear my dad's voice and the next thing that clouded me was darkness and silence.

Hazel's pov:

Beep. Beep. Beep

I heard the beeping sound of the monitor and my nose was instantly filled with the smell of antiseptic. I forced my eyelids open and tried to adjust to the very bright light that shines directly on my face. Where am I?

"Miss Carter, " I moved my head a little to see a young looking man in a long white coat staring directly at me "How are you?" He asked placing his index finger on one side of my neck.

I didn't respond.

Although it was hard but I still managed to move my head to look around my surroundings. A hospital ward. I tried to recall how I got here and my eyes met with the other people in the room. My dad stood at the edge of the bed along with Ivy and her mum who had this indifferent look on their faces.

Although, I could picture worry and pity on my dad's face but there was also a look of disappointment and mild anger. What are they all doing here anyway?

Are they here to mock and scold me again?

"I_" I tried to say something but my throat felt dry. I also tried to move my hands and body but it was impossible. The only thing I could move right now was my head.

"It will take you some minutes before you get to use your voice " He assured and I gave a light nod.

"Miss Carter, " He started again "you have been in coma for a month now and due to how fatal the accident was and the situation you were in before the accident, we have some bad news" He announced, making my heart pound faster than usual. The doctor took his eyes to the monitor and noticed the change in the sounds. He gently placed his hands on my shoulders trying to calm me down I suppose and then continued

"Calm down miss Carter, as I was saying, due the the fatality of the accident, your lower spine has been damaged and you'll not be able to make use of your legs temporarily,"

Wait what?

I tried moving my legs but i couldn't. I realized how much pain I felt in my lower back down to my feet and tears gathered in my eyes immediately. He's saying the truth.

"But don't worry miss Carter, we have tried our best to come up with a solution. For you to be able to make use of your legs again, you'll have to undergo surgery to remove the damaged discs in your spine " He said with a very hopeful look and I gave a sigh of relief but his next sentence made me scream in my head.

"The only problem is that if we don't perform the surgery right away, you might not be able to make use of your legs again"

I will not be able to make use of my legs again?

That must be a joke.

"No. Th_that.. is not possible!" I spoke for the first time as I tried to process what the doctor just said.

I would loose my legs forever?

The doctor looked at me with pity and placed his hand on my hands.

"If there's any news, I'll let you know. But for now, the only thing you have to think about is your surgery" He stated and went straight to my dad, said some inaudible things that I didn't hear or pay attention to and then left the ward.

Now I was left alone with these people. My dad came over to where I was and placed his hands in mine. He had this look of compassion and guilt written all over his face.

I wasn't ready to listen to whatever he had to say but I had no choice. I just wanted the assurance that everything has been sorted and everything will be fine.

"Hazel," He called staring deep into my eyes . He could clearly see the fear, the sadnesses the hopelessness in my eyes.

"I'm sorry..." He apologized.

"There's no money for your surgery at the moment. The bakery is currently under a huge debt and even if we decide to sell off the bakery, the money will still not be enough for your surgery coupled with all the debt we have to pay_"

"What are you.. saying?" I asked confused, my voice already breaking. I could burst into tears any moment from now and I was trying so hard not to do that In front of them. I don't want to look weak.

"It's what I have wanted to tell you for a while now Hazel. I am sorry. I promise I would find a way, anyway to make sure I get the money and you get the surgery done" He assured but it looked like he wasn't so sure about it.

Countless times, this man has disappointed me. He's doing it again. Why is he just telling me now, that the bakery is under a huge debts? He doesn't expect me to trust him now, does he? I might never be able to make use of my legs again if he doesn't get anything done on time.

I moved my gaze to my step mom. She should be able to help right? She's definitely not going to watch me loose my legs because I am her stepdaughter and she doesn't like me.

"what, don't look at me like that. I also don't have any money right now. And what makes you think I'd ever spend a dime on you if I have?" She scoffed and my dad glared at her telling her to stop.

" Maybe if you weren't so stupid to have made a mess of yourself, maybe you wouldn't have been in this situation" she hissed and then dragged her daughter and together they left the room.

" I want to be alone" I said the moment they left and my dad nodded and stood up.

I wasn't going to breakdown Infront of him. I looked away, to the other side of the room waiting for him to leave.

"Hazel_" He called.

Now, what the fuck does he want from me again? I still didn't look at him. I couldn't bring myself to. The shame, the disappointment, the hate and anger I felt wouldn't let me.

"Hazel... I know how much of an irresponsible and bad dad I have been to you. All of this is not your fault. It has never been your fault. I'll try to ask whom I can for help. I'll take all the blame if anything happens to you, and I wouldn't let that happen. I love you too much Hazel " He said and finally went out.

I gave a sigh of relief the moment he left and I burst into fresh tears.

The craziest thing was that I don't still remember what happened that night. I only have tiny memories that wouldn't make up anything in my head.

I would loose my legs if the surgery isn't done on time and my father cannot do anything about it because he's in debt. His wife is clearly not bothered about it at all. I have invested my whole income into an incoming project at ZIMA and Asher is in charge of that. I certainly cannot ask him for help.

But then, this was the only option. He wouldn't let me loose my legs because of a rumour that isn't even confirmed yet right? I managed to stretch my hands towards where my phone was, it's been three weeks and the whole news should have gone down by now. I switched it on and almost immediately, fresh news started to pop in. It was about my accident, Asher's engagement to Brianna and some revelations from Ivy Carter my sister. I didn't even know the one to click on first but the 'Ivy Carter's revelation' piqued my interest and just as I was about to click on it, the door creaked open.

I lifted my eyes up to see who it was and I immediately felt like I couldn't breathe for a second.

It was someone I have never seen before. Very tall, with dark hair and eyes that had no light in them. The Black shirt and pants he wore looked crazy expensive. His physique made me swallow hard as I just kept staring at him, wondering how someone like this could exist in this country and I have never seen or heard of him, not even on the internet. I know I shouldn't be saying this in my state but this man is gorgeous, and asides the fact that he was handsome, he also had this look of arrogance as he glanced at his watch every second like he had no time to waste here.

He walked in slowly and stood behind the door.

"Who..who are you?" I asked awakening myself from the lustful thoughts I have of him already.

He took a glance at the paper in his hands and then moved closer to me.

"Hazel Carter..." He called, his voice sounding so deep. I listened attentively and waited for him to complete his sentence.

"I am here to propose a deal. I'll pay all the expenses for your surgery, and give 1 million dollars if you agree to get married to me and give me an heir"

Wait what? What the hell?

" What are you talking about?" I asked unsure of what I just heard.

"I don't like to repeat myself. You can go through this when you're able to move your body and brain too. You can reach out to me through this if you finally consider it.." He said and dropped the paper he was holding along with a card on the table beside my bed and without even waiting for my response, he walked out.

I stared at the paper and card and I started wondering where the hell this rude and arrogant jerk appeared from.

Few weeks later...

Hazel's pov:

I watched them from afar as they all danced and cut Ivy's birthday cake and my fingers tightened in annoyance. Since the payment for my surgery has not yet been made, I stayed at home. I wasn't allowed to remain at the hospital because the bills were piling up and my dad has refused to pay. I was now confined to a wheelchair waiting for my surgery, if I'm going to get any at all. My dad employed a local nurse to check up on me from time to time, at least he could afford that.

They threw a party in my absence. It's not like I can do anything, I can only sit here miserably and watch. It was ivy's birthday party and she was also celebrating her graduation. They decided to have a big party at the backyard with beautiful decorations and plenty of food. My dad stood at a spot with my stepmom watching his beautiful, able bodied daughter with a smile as she flaunts her new found boyfriend to the guest. I am not surprised though, she's the perfect daughter, with the perfect relationship.

Everything I felt was just pure hate for every single one of them. They had the money to throw a party but they don't have the money for my surgery. They didn't care that I would loose my legs in two months if the surgery isn't done. I am so sure that my dad who claims to be in debt would also contribute a lot in the party. He doesn't care that I am not part of his daughter's party, he didn't try to look for me either and he isn't bothered that I was at the corner where no one could see me, feeling left out.

I knew better than trusting him anyways, he has been like that ever since I lost my mum and he brought in that cruel woman. I was still so deep in thoughts when I suddenly sighted the two people that ruined my life and turned me into this. Asher and Brianna.

They came in holding hands as they greeted ivy and my dad who openly welcomed them.

Why are they all acting like nothing happened? These people ruined my life and put me in this position. Not only that, they have refused to pay me or explain anything.

Did ivy invite them here to make me look more pathetic in front of them? Well I understand she's friends with Brianna and Asher but she had no right to invite them over after everything they did to me. I wouldn't remain here and watch them ridicule me in front of all these people.

I turned my wheelchair and prepared to leave when I suddenly heard Brianna scream garnering the attention of all the guest.

"Hazel!"

I didn't respond, I was trying to move this chair very fast and leave before anyone could notice but it seems to be stuck or something.

"Stop Hazel" she called loudly again.

I shut my eyes, and slowly turned back around. Everyone's attention was on me now and I could see Asher looking intently at me, probably wondering how and why I am in a wheel chair.

"I haven't seen you in such a long time. Since your failed wedding I think " She said sarcastically and I rolled my eyes. If I could stand right now, she would be on the floor

"Hazel.. what are you doing? What happened to you? " Asher asked staring curiously at me, he had this look of pity in his face which annoyed me.

I called, I sent texts , I sent emails but it looks like I was blocked everywhere and now he has the nerves to ask me what happened?

"I don't have anything to say to you both, just leave me alone"

" Hmm. I guess this is what you get when you cheat on your fiance a day to your wedding with your long time lover, I heard he's just a janitor at the hotel. How could you stoop so low?" Brianna stated and smirked, as she flicked her hair making me see her ring, indicating that she was now engaged to Asher. I could hear tiny murmurs from the guests. Why are they all murmuring now? It's in the news already. They should not act surprised.

How could Brianna act so cruel? How could she set me up again in front of everyone.

She connived with ivy and her step mom and they both deceived me into meeting that stranger that night.

"Didn't you want Asher? Now you've gotten him, why don't you leave me alone or get the hell out of here with your trophy husband?" I said blatantly, not mincing my words and that earned me an upset look from her.

"The audacity you even have to face me after all the lies and after everything you both have done to me. You put me in this position, I am sure you both enjoyed seeing me miserable. " I continued

"Hazel, it's your fault, you hurt me–" Asher started but I cut him off almost immediately

"Shut up! No, you hurt me. Brianna, Asher you both hurt me" I screamed.

Since the accident, this was the first time I'm setting my eyes on both of them and this was my chance to express myself to them.

I could feel the tears incoming but I didn't mind. I wanted them to see me in the state they put me , if at all they should have a feel of what they both put me through.

"You didn't believe me. You didn't even let me explain myself. Not only did I find out that you have been dating Brianna behind my back, you went ahead to announce your engagement on the day of our wedding. That wasn't enough, you made sure ZIMA cut all ties with me. They have refused to respond to my emails asking for my earnings. That wasn't even enough, you both connived with Ivy to set me up and spread lies about me on the internet,you never checked up on me at the hospital. You didn't even call or send texts. You didn't care if I had died from the accident. That must be your wish I guess. You would have felt much better if I had died" I said, my voice cracking as tears fell of my face, then I turned to Brianna. She still looked defiant, no remorse on her face at all.

"Brianna... How could you? You were supposed to be my bestfriend. If you wanted him, why didn't you just tell me. How could you hurt me this much just because of Asher? I had nobody else, nobody to call family but I had you. I regret it. I regret every single moment we've spent together as best friends. If I survive this, I don't want to see you both anywhere close to me again. The both of you are dead to me. And Brianna, I hope he was worth it..."

"Hazel! Enough. You shouldn't speak to our guests that way" I heard my dad's voice and I turned to him, wanting to give him a piece of my mind too but suddenly, I felt a heavy gust of wind and the the wine glasses on the table fell.

The sky darkened and a tiny drop of water dropped on my shoulder.

Rain. Without any warning at all, it started pouring heavily. The lights at the yard flickered and went off. The wind did not spare the decorations, it started to scatter all of it while the guests ran inside to avoid getting drenched. Brianna held Asher, covering her head with her handbag as they both ran inside.

Ivy tried to carry her cake that was already destroyed but her mum stopped her and dragged her in, while my dad followed behind them leaving me all alone by myself. Great, I didn't expect anything less.

I waited at that spot for a minute, thinking they would finally remember me and come get me. But they didn't. I also didn't make any attempt to move either.

I stared at the already destroyed decorations and I gave an inward smile. There would be no party again. It seems the heavens finally understand my distress and they had to send down rain to wash away all of my pains and then make my enemies bitter.

The rain poured heavily on me , making me shiver but I still didn't move. If the cold could kill me, it's nothing bad. I was ready for it.

I was still wired deep in my thoughts when I suddenly felt the rain stop right above my head. I looked up only to see an umbrella over my head. Oh... They finally remembered that they've got a daughter.

"Do you wish to die?" I heard that cold icy, familiar voice but my blurred vision and the umbrella above my head didn't let me see who it was.

"Sir, you're going to get wet" I heard a voice behind and turned my head to see someone running towards me holding another umbrella.

"Get her out of here" The person holding the umbrella above my head said again and walked under a shade close to the backyard. The other person who must be his servant, since he took instructions from him. He bowed and wheeled my chair to where his boss stood, waiting.

The moment I got under the shade, I looked up at the man who had now dropped his umbrella. I gasped the moment I noticed who it was. The arrogant stranger at the hospital?

"You? What are you doing here" I asked looking around, trying to make sure no one else can hear or notice us but that is impossible since it is raining heavily. His servant was the only one present.

"I am here again, to propose the same deal and offer twice the amount"

I laughed not believing my ears. He's still onto all that?

"There are thousands of girls in this country that you can choose from, why would you choose me and what makes you think I would accept your offer just like that?"

"Because you can give me what I want and you need this offer more" He stated, sounding so arrogant and cold as usual. I nodded my head and turned to leave when he suddenly stopped me.

"Do you wish to live like this forever? Without your legs, you'll be miserable for the rest of your life, you'll not be able to do any work and you won't be able to get your revenge on your ex fiance, your stepmom and sister and..." He paused, and then he walked and stopped right in front of me. " You certainly won't find out what happened at Gray's hotel, who the man is and what he did to you that night" He said staring deep into my eyes making my heart beat faster than usual. I looked at him for a while thinking about all of it .

"It's fine if you don't...."

"I'll do it" I cut him off and he smirked.