TAMIMG THE BILLIONAIRE DEVIL

Paige POV

Paige sighed with relief as she finished her painting. The painting has took a lot of time, attention, it was like my little baby. I had an upcoming art exhibition, and my studio was filled with the vibrant strokes of my creativity.

Taking a moment to survey my small apartment, I thought about how I was going to move my paintings to the gallery in the next two days. The exhibition held a special significance for me as the proceeds would go to charity.

With a growling and hungry stomach, I entered my bedroom and reached for my phone. Glancing at the missed calls from my best friend Kylie, I dialed her number.

"Paige, how dare you not pick up my call?" Kylie's shouted angrily through the phone.

"I'm so sorry, Kylie. I lost track of time in the studio," I explained, guilt evident in my voice.

You know how it is Kylie, ones I start painting, it's like I ascend to another realm, so I am very sorry, love.

So we both agreed to meet up at our usual cafe. I quickly freshened up, opting for a simple outfit and letting my hair down freely. I headed out, greeting my neighbors along the way.

Upon reaching the cafe, Julie, the owner, welcomed me with open arms. The rich aroma of coffee and cocoa filled the air. I shared a warm hug with Julie, apologizing for my infrequent visits.

Julie, slightly heartbroken, pouted, "Paige, I'm mad at you. You haven't visited me for a whole month."

"I've been caught up with my painting and the exhibition. But don't worry, I've booked your tickets for the event. And where's Mason?" I inquired.

He went on an errand. Julie replied me.

My eyes roamed for Kylie and it didn't take too much time because she was sitting at our usual table with her back facing me. I went towards her and propped on the seat in front of her.

"Hey Kylie." I said with a smile.

I can sense that she was really angry at me because I have been avoiding her calls for a couple of days.

"Don't hey me Paige. I have been calling you for the last two days. You didn't even attend one call. At least one call." She said angrily.

I was going to reply to her but the waiter placed our orders in our table.

I sighed. "Listen Kylie I know I have been a shitty friend. But I was been busy with my painting and didn't have the time to attend your calls nor other's. Sorry." I said showing my puppy eyes. I know she will fall for my gesture.

She smiled. "Ok I have forgiven you. But you have to make it up for me."

"Done." I smiled and agreed to her condition.

"You should come with me for shopping." She said.

She knows how much I hate shopping but for her, I will do anything.

"Ok ."I said with half mind. I hope I don't end up regretting my decision, I thought to myself.

"Yes." She shouted causing everybody present in the cafe to turn towards our direction.

Oh Kylie do not make me regret my decision. I finally said it out loud

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Dragging myself through Saturday shopping with Kylie, I wondered why I agreed to this instead of being snug in my bed. It's been an hour, and Kylie, true to form, had taken me from one shop to another without making a single purchase.

"Why do you need a new dress, Kylie? We shopped last month, and you practically bought a whole wardrobe," I complained.

"It's not for me, Paige. It's for you," she said, scanning through dresses.

"For me? Why do I need a new dress? I have plenty," I argued.

"Yes, you need it. Next week is your art exhibition. You'll be the center of attraction. You have to present yourself perfectly. So, I'm picking your dress. No lame excuses," she declared, hands on her waist, like my mother scolding me.

Unable to argue with her, I sighed. As I was about to sit on a couch, my phone rang. It was my mother.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hello, Paige baby. How are you? You didn't call me for a week," she complained.

Explaining my busy schedule with the upcoming exhibition, I asked if there was a reason for her call.

"Your father wants to discuss something with you. Join us for dinner. Logan and Rory are back," she revealed.

"What? When did Logan arrive?" I asked in shock.

"This morning."

"Why didn't he inform me?" I complained.

"Dear, you've been neglecting calls," she scolded.

"Mom, don't start again. I'll join for dinner. Love you."

"Love you too, baby."

Turning to Kylie, who was deliberating between two dresses, I pointed to the left one.

"This one."

"Okay, it is then. By the way, who was on the phone?" Kylie asked.

"It was Mom. Dinner invitation. Let's go."

We paid for the dresses and got matching accessories. Dropping Kylie home, I reached mine by 5:30. Exhausted, I decided to nap before getting ready for dinner at my parents' place at 8.

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After shopping with Kylie, I went home tired and exhausted. I called Joanna, my manager to inform her to transport the painting, to which she happily obliged.

"Thanks Joanna. Make sure that all the painting reach the venue before Thursday without any damage. I don't want any mistake to happen. I said through the phone which in between my ear and shoulder while I was putting my bracelet.

"Don't worry Paige. I will supervise it by myself. You don't have to stress yourself. Now chill and go have dinner with your family." I have got your back.

Joanna is my manager and she is in charge of the exhibition. She was the one who arranged the venue and now she is in hunt for a suitable place to start my art studio. She truly is a gem. I don't know what I could have done without her.

"Thanks Joanna. I owe you one. "I said thanking her.

She giggled. "Make sure that you look presentable on your big day."

I smiled. "OK. Gotta go. I will call you on Monday before shifting the painting."

"Take care."

I ended the call and I looked myself on the mirror. I wore a white sleeveless crop top and a cream skirt with flowers which had a slit on my left thigh. I paired it with a matching heels.

I put my hair in a mid-pony with a few strands left out.

Satisfied with my look I decided to step out before it become too late. I don't want to face my mother's wrath. She really hate when we get late. She is a very punctual person and value's time.

I left my apartment and entered my baby. Yes my baby is my car .She is my love. It was a black tesla which was a gift from Logan on my 22 birthday and she is 2 year old.

I am 24 year old still single not ready to get hitched any time soon. Since I love my independent life I would rather be single and not dependent on any male species.

The gates of our Robinson mansion opened upon seeing my arrival. The mansion was not a big one because my mom always like things that are simple, Just like me. I parked my baby on the porch and got down carrying the cupcakes that Julie baked since it was my Mother's favorite. I rang the doorbell and it was opened by our maid and my nanny Catherine.

" Catherine!!!How are you??"I asked while crushing her with my hug.

"I am good Ms. Paige and it's good to see you. "She said with a big smile plastered on her face.

"How is Aiden? "Aiden is her husband and my Dad's driver.

"He is doing good. Thanks for asking."

"Where is my mom and dad?"

"They are in the living room, unaware of your arrival. I will inform them right away Ms. Paige."

"No no. I will inform them myself."

I went to search for my parents and it didn't take any time since they were sitting in the sofa in the living room. My mom's head rested on dad's chest while his arms around mom's shoulder holding her close to him while watching a program on the television. I always envied their relationship because they are like each other's oxygen. They can't live without one another. Maybe one day I will also find someone who will love just like my father loves my mom.

"Mom, Dad I am here." I announced my presence known interrupting their moment.

Hearing my voice my mom jumped from my dad's arms and crushed me in a bone hug."

"Can't breathe mom. "I said

"Oh so sorry my baby. It's just that I got excited seeing you because I missed you a lot baby. "She apologized and kissed both of my cheeks.

"Apology accepted. Here is your favorite vanilla pastel cupcake with strawberry toppings made by Julie." I said while handing her the cupcakes.

"Thank you so much baby, " She kissed my forehead.

"If your mother daughter moment is over can I have my daughter's attention please Celine. "My father's voice echoed interrupting our session.

"Daddy I missed you so much and I love you so much. More than mom." I said while giving him a hug and whispering the last part in his ears. He laughed while mom give me death glare.

"I heard that. "My mom glared at us. My father stuck his tongue towards mother. My father pulled mother for a group hug and kissed both of us on the forehead.

"Looks like someone has forgot about the son." A voice boomed in the hall.

"LOGAN....." I ran towards my brother who was standing at the doorway with his open arms for a hug. I jumped in his arms automatically wrapping my legs around his waist.

"Oh Paige you have gained so much of weight." He said putting me down on my feet.

I stomped on his feet and muttered "Idiot". He groaned in pain.

"Stop doing that women. It hurts."

"Oh stop you two. Fighting like teenagers. Where is Rory? Didn't you bring her with you Logan? "My mother asked interrupting us.

Right on cue Rory entered holding Luke in her arms. My mom and dad did a marathon race to see who shall take him first. Unlucky my mother failed and my dad was holding Luke like he had won an Oscar. My mother pouted. We all laughed looking at their attics. I went up to Rory and pulled her for a hug.

"Let's start dinner. You guys must be already hungry right?" My mother asked referring to the three of us.

PAIGE POV

"No No Luke. Don't pull Paige's earrings baby." Rory while prying Luke's hands from my earrings. He is little bit fond of pulling earrings. He thinks that it is some kind of a toy.1

We were having our dinner with my dad sitting in the middle, mom on his right side with Logan next to her. While me and Rory was on his left side and baby Luke in her arms, dying to snatch my earrings. My mom has prepared her signature pasta for dinner. I must tell you that she is the best cook in the world.

Dad and Logan started to talk about business while Rory and mom were talking about the new boutique that had started recently, and there is me, trying to distract Luke from pulling earrings. Much to my dismay he was still focused on my diamond stud earrings.

"Paige how is your work going? My dad asked.

Is the paintings and all completed?" Logan asked remembering about my upcoming exhibition.

"So far good Logan. All the paintings are complete. Next step is to shift them to the gallery." I smiled.

"Good to hear that. Do you need any help with that baby sis?"

"No. Thank you Logan. But Joanna will manage it."

" I am sure it will be a huge success." Rory said and patted my shoulder.

"Of course. After all she is my daughter. Nobody can't beat her. "My dad said with a proud smile.

"Thanks dad. I will make both of you proud. But will you all guys be there at the event?"

"Can't miss it for the world baby sis." Logan said with a huge smile. My mom and dad nodded their head with a big smile plastered on their face.

"Thank you guys. It means a lot to me."

Dinner proceeded with all of us talking about business, sports, gossips with lots of laughter included. When desserts arrived dad cleared his throat to gain attention of ours.

"I have something important to disclose to guys." Dad said with seriousness itching in his face. My mother nodded her head encouraging him.

"Miles and I have decided to merge both of our companies." What? Miles, as in Miles Walker, but why are we merging? We are like rivals right? Thousands of question bombarded in my mind. As I open my mouth to ask why but Logan beat me in.

"Why dad? We have been rivals for decades. It is not like that we are in need for another partnership nor are we bankrupt." He breathed out.

My dad rubbed his forehead and my mother placed her left hand on top his and faced us.

"Logan Robinson just listen to your father first. Don't interrupt while he is trying to say something." My mother said slightly raising her voice

Oh no my brother is in a deep trouble. My mother only uses our full name when she is mad at us. My brother sighed and nodded his head.

"Yes we were rivals. It doesn't mean that we should let this rivalry to continue. And I don't want to happen in between you and Charles or Nolan. I was the one who proposed this partnership."

My head snapped towards his direction with wide eyes. I looked at Logan, he had the same expression of mine and this time he didn't interrupt.

"I know I should have discussed with you guys before talking to Miles and I also know that you would never agree to this Logan." He took a deep breath and continued. "Look children, Miles and I were good friends in college but due to certain circumstances we parted our ways. That doesn't mean we should be enemies for our entire life. And I don't want to pass this rivalry to my children. I hope you guys understand." He finished his speech and I noticed that Logan was in a deep thought.

I picked up my courage and asked, "Dad what's this partnership about?" I asked

He was first reluctant to say, "It's a marriage deal."

"What?" Logan yelled. "You can't be serious."

"Logan, please. Let him finish." Rory pleaded.

After a moment of silence my dad continued, "I know it may sound crazy, but I have to give my daughter's hand in return of this partnership."

No no....This can't be happening. Arranged marriage? How come dad agreed to this? I haven't even had a boyfriend let alone didn't think about marriage. Ugh!!! There were thousands of emotion swirling in my mind. But I kept my cool. But Logan couldn't control his anger anymore. He slammed his hands on the table knocking of some plates. Luke started to wail at the sudden outburst of his father. We all had a horror expression.

"How could you do this dad? My brother yelled out angrily.

Selling your daughter for some stupid business deal. You very well know the relationship status of the Walker brothers. They are very well known players. I don't want my sister to get heartbroken." He yelled at dad. Rory was trying to calm Luke who was continuously crying. Mom was pulling Logan's hand indicating to stay calm.

"I very well know Charles and Nolan's reputation when it comes to women. But there is no other way than to accept it."

Logan scoffed. "There is no other way???. Then drop this stupid deal. I won't allow my sister to act like a puppet wife while her husband is sleeping around with other women."

"Don't say such things to your dad. I am sure there is some solid reason behind this and that's why your father agreed to it." My mother interrupted.

My father rubbed his face with his hands. "Logan I know that you just looking after your sister. But trust me Charles is the best choice for Paige. If you are forgetting, I am her father, not you and I suggest you to obey my orders. I only choose the best for my children. Remember that."

"Oh best!!! Do you think that Charles is the best choice for my baby sis. Then you are wrong. I know him more than you dad. And I am telling you that he is the worst choice for Paige. You will regret it later dad. Just don't do this. This is our Paige's life. Don't play with it dad." He pleaded.

The whole room turn into silence. Only the ticking of the clock could be heard. I was contemplating here whether to agree with Logan or not. Hey!! I am only 24 and I have so many responsibilities to do before getting tied down. On the other hand, my father, who only supported in my up's and down's. I neither want dad to get upset nor hurt Logan. What should I do. I am here standing in between the devil and the sea. After calculating all the pros and cons, I opened my mouth at last.

"I WILL MARRY HIM DAD."

AUTHOR'S POV

Logan paced by the backyard pool, frustrated by the situation. Rory, holding their sleeping son Luke, tried to calm him.

"Logan, chill. Think about it. Dad just wants what's best for Paige," Rory said, attempting to ease his anger.

But Logan, stubborn and hot-headed, wasn't having it. "No one gets it! Charles is trouble. I don't want my sister suffering because of him."

Rory sighed, "Come on, Logan. What the media says isn't always true. Remember what you were like before we met? You were a player, just like him. I gave you a chance, and look at us now."

"Don't compare me to him. I'm not like that. I admit I was a playboy, but I'm nothing like Charles," Logan protested.

"Okay. I am not comparing you with anyone. But I am sure your dad must have something in his mind. Otherwise Rory ran her hand through Luke's back and said, "He wouldn't have even considered a deal with the Walkers."

Logan sighed, rubbing his face, "That's what I'm thinking." He regretted snapping at Paige after she agreed to the deal.

"I can't stand this," Logan fumed.

"You know, you shouldn't have said those awful things to her," Rory interrupted his thoughts.

Sitting beside her, Logan looked at his peacefully sleeping son. He kissed Luke's forehead and wrapped his arm around Rory. "I know, and I regret it," he admitted.

"You should apologize," Rory suggested, and Logan nodded. "It's just that I can't see her suffer. When she was a kid, she had trouble reading. Everyone thought she was rebellious. I helped her with homework, and I was the one who realized she had dyslexia. I always had her back, got detention for beating up bullies. Our parents didn't know. I even asked them to homeschool Paige," he smiled, reminiscing about their childhood.

Logan and Rory break apart when they heard a large sob from behind. Logan looked behind and saw Paige with tears falling down her eyes. Rory stood up and with Luke in her arms.

"I will just put Luke in his crib and come." Rory said to them and motioned Logan to go Paige. She walked past Paige not before patting her shoulder and giving her a small smile.

After Logan had marched out of the dining hall Paige had started to cry. Maybe her decision will may her lose her brother, but she was doing it for her father who was always there supporting her, she was in a deep dilemma. She had to choose between her father and her brother. She stood up from her place and moved around to come behind Paige and put both of her hands on her shoulder.

"He will come around. Don't worry. And I am sure he didn't mean anything he said. He is just disappointed." Her mother tried to reassure her. But she shaked her head.

"No mom. I can't loss my brother. I said yes only because for dad's happiness. Because I am not a perfect daughter. I can't help him in the family business. Look at Logan, he is a successful CEO, dad's descendant. While I am only an artist. You guys should be ashamed of me." Paige cried harder. Her mother enveloped in her arms.

"Don't ever think like at baby. You and Logan are equal in front our eyes. No one is more or less. Understood?" Celine asked.

Paige nodded. Her father was silent throughout her breakdown. He didn't know that Paige always felt inferior in comparison to her brother. Of course, he loved her more than Logan. But little did he know, Paige considered herself as a bad luck. Due to her dyslexia, he made sure that she didn't faced any media trial. It will only affect her badly.

"Pumpkin, I am sorry I didn't know that you felt like that. We are not at all ashamed of you. In fact we are proud, how you are independent and a known artist. I am sorry for compelling you for an arranged marriage. " Her father apologised.

"No dad, you don't have to say sorry. I just wanted to do something for our family and our company. It's my decision to get married. And I assure I will never let you go down." She tried to convince her father.

"Thank you pumpkin. It means a lot to me." Leonardo patted her daughter's hand. "Now go and make up with Logan."

Paige nodded and stood up. She went in search for her brother. She was determined to change Logan's mind. Later she found herself eavesdropping Logan and Rory's conversation.

She always thought that her parent's were just ashamed of her that she was dyslexic. That's why she was home schooled. She always envied Logan got the opportunity to go to school while painting and music was her only outside world. It was one of the reason she distant herself from media. But after hearing Logan's confession she felt bad for herself. Actually her dyslexia had changed into her biggest insecurities.

She couldn't control herself. She lounged herself in her brother's arm and started to cry harder.

"I am sorry Logan, I am so sorry." She apologized through her cries.

"Why are you apologizing Paige? It's me who should apologize. Not you. I am sorry my baby sis." Logan said to his sister while caressing her hair.

" No, Logan. I always thought I am a bad luck to you and that's why you guys didn't send me to a proper school. I didn't know that you loved me that much. I am sorry."

Logan made her sit on the pool chair and sat beside her. He wiped her tears and kissed her forehead.

"Paige, I'm sorry I snapped earlier. I was just disappointed. If marrying him is what you want for Dad's sake, I'm all in. Just promise me something, okay?" Logan apologized.

Paige nodded, "Sure, what is it?"

"Promise you'll tell me everything, good or bad. And if you ever feel unsafe, just call me. Deal?" Logan insisted.

Smiling, Paige agreed, "Deal, Logan."

"Great. You have my blessings then," Logan said.

Meanwhile, Leonardo and Celine observed their children from the balcony, expressing concern about the arranged marriage.

"Do you think this is a good idea?" Celine asked.

Leonardo sighed, "I don't have a choice. I promised to protect Charles at any cost."

"But marrying him could endanger Paige's life," Celine worried.

"Paige is smart. She'll handle Charles. He's the right choice for our princess," Leonardo reassured.

Celine remained anxious, "What if Charles doesn't agree?"

"Miles knows how to make him agree to this arranged marriage," Leonardo assured her."I hope so."