The Billionaire Playboy's Bride

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this story's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Do not copy paste my story or publish on your own. This is my book and before you ask let me tell you I don't allow any translations.

People might not like my characters, some weak, some arrogant but whatever. That is how I have created the character to make my story. If you do not like weak characters or mature scenes, then I might have to warn you this is not the book for you. I encourage all kinds of comments, whether it be good or bad. I believe criticism helps in getting better.

There might be many grammatical errors, but I will be editing the book after I complete it. If you do not mind the slight errors, then you may continue. Thank you! :-)

Before 5 years

EVELYN KATHERINE LINARD'S POV

"Mom, will you just stop this? I've had enough! All you want is your son, other than that you don't find happiness in anything. I'm just so done with you."

"Why? Why should I? All you do is sit at home and enjoy your father's money. You just want to go to some university in NYC, against all our wishes for what? Just to sit at home like this or to live with your Dad's money like always?" My said bitterly, like always. Why does she hate me so much? Am I her daughter or...?

"Why is it bothering you so much that all I do is sit at home or waste your husband's money? Because if I remember correctly, it was him, your husband who doesn't want me to study any further because I'm a girl and I need to get married soon!" I said mockingly with clenched teeth.

Yes, you're right. I'm sure you would have guessed by now. I'm eighteen. I want to go to New York to visit my old friend Caroline. University? Well yeah.... That's just a reason. I just want to go as far as possible from this woman. And her husband. And her daughter. And her son! Argh! Why can she not get her eldest daughter married first? Why me? So yeah.... Caroline has been my best friend since ever. My only best friend. My only friend. But we moved out here to Greece because my Dad suddenly decided to move his business here. Strange! But we kept in touch. The thing is I can NOT tolerate these people anymore. I want to live my life on my own terms. So I'm going to New York, may be there's no relative I have there. Nor do I have many friends. But I'm sure I can create a life for myself there. Because once I'm settled, I won't come back here. I won't even show my face to these people. You might be thinking why I hate my family so much? Wait and watch you'll get to know yourself.

"I don't know anything. That's between your Father and you. But we both have promised this one friend of ours that we'll get you married to their son. Be ready by... 7? Anyways you only take 5 minutes to get ready but please make yourself look presentable." She said ending with a sigh.

"OK. I will be ready. But why not Rosie? Why me? She's the eldest" I argued.

"That is mysterious to me as well. They didn't want anyone else but you. I just don't understand why. Their son is so handsome, rich, who deserves so much better. Don't mind me darling, but you are in need of a serious make over. But they want you just like you are, they say they love you just like you are" She closed her eyes as though it burnt her saying that. She thankfully left.

Marriage? It doesn't sound so bad. You know why? I always had such big dreams about marriage and my husband. I felt like he was the one who could get me out of this hell. The one who will love me. Me ONLY! If I can't escape to New York, then this marriage proposal is really my final escape. And if that person says that he likes me the way I am then I'm sure this is one true love. Cause believe me there's not one guy who has taken a like towards. Guys! All they do is throw nasty looks at me. I'm sure I'm not that bad looking right?

OK. I need to get ready quickly. I should wear a simple skirt, right? Gown would be too much. And just as Mom said I don't take too much time.

I went with a Blue skirt, a brightly dark red lipstick with too much of gloss. Thank god! My braces are gone, just not my glasses. I chose lenses today though they cause slight irritation in my eyes. But I want to look pretty for my to-be husband. I'm not looking fat, am I? A bit plump? Oh God I hope I'm looking pretty! By the time it was 7 I was ready and waiting for them to arrive.

I heard some shuffling downstairs followed by my Mom's voice "Evelyn! Come down! They're here" She said in a fake cheerful voice.

I quickly trailed down the stairs but slipped on the floor, I tried to hold on to the person in front of me, but he moved away and yes, I fell I on my butt. Shit! I quickly scrambled to my feet and came in contact with a pair of beautiful deep blue eyes who didn't catch me! I couldn't even take my eyes off him.... So handsome and so tall.. Is he going to be my husband? But then the softness they held suddenly vanished. All he had in his eyes was anger and betrayal. I couldn't take it that his narrowed eyes were pointed at me, so I quickly looked down.

"Oh my God. She's all grown up and so very pretty" Aunt Nina hugged me tightly choking me to death.

"Oh dear. You're suffocating the poor girl. Let her go...." I heard a man's voice that's Uncle Nathaniel. And the women let me go immediately. Both of them smiled at me and then looked at son. Look? Nooo.... Glare is the right word. And all this arrogant hunk in front of me did was to smirk at them. Hmm.... He knows how to rile his parents.. I should learn too..

My mom as usual trying to change the topic said that dinner is ready. I didn't even look up from my plate because that man sitting opposite me didn't take his eyes off me. I just knew it; I could feel his eyes on me the entire time. When they were finally leaving both my parents ordered me to just go in since they wanted to have some private talk. I went inside my room which upstairs at a corner, but the good thing was that I could see anyone coming in or going out. It felt like the son was having some argument with his parents so I opened my window so I could hear them. But I shouldn't have done that..

***

"Have you even seen that girl properly? She's just not my type. I don't know what you even saw in her, she's just so boring. All I saw her doing the entire time was eat! That clumsy.... uneducated, illiterate girl is never going to be my wife. And I told you I can't get married, at least not now, not in this age. You called me back here urgently from different country only so that I could meet this girl?! I'm already against this marriage and this girl was a bonus... I definitely am not agreeing to this shitty proposal." he screamed.

"Nick!" his mother yelled at his name.

"You do remember that I said we'll disown you, remember? You will lose your inheritance!" His father reminded him cruelly. Nick stood there for a minute thinking about I don't know what and then he went around the car to sit in and slammed the door hardly.

I didn't know I was crying until I felt something warm drop on my hand and I closed my window. I thought when Mom said that they like me the way I am, it meant that he liked me. But he is blackmailed to marry me. He or me can never survive this marriage. It's going to keep both of us unhappy. But there's no choice now, he definitely will say yes because he needs his inheritance and me? Well my parents will force me to and they will never allow me to go to New York now. Only choice that's left is to run away.

NICHOLAS PERKINS'S POV

The car was facing away from their house and I could see her face in the rear-view mirror. I said all kinds of hurtful things purposely so that she'd listen and reject my parent's proposal. But I thought why would she do that? I mean she's behind me money as well. I didn't need my father's inheritance, I could build a company on my own, a successful one! But I feel so guilty now.

I would never treat a girl like that..... and I never thought that she'd take such a drastic step. Sure, I'm a playboy like everyone says but I know I really hurt the girl. The first time she saw me, she looked into my eyes, I saw trust and hope in her eyes. And now Mom gets a call by Uncle Gregorios and Aunt Elena, her parents saying that she left.. she just left with a note saying 'Don't try to find me'. I broke her trust and hope. I need to find her!

***

It's been a month and there's still no news about that girl. I don't even know her name. When I asked Dad, he said he and Uncle Gregorios will take care of it. I don't think Uncle Gregorios even worries about her, he spoke so carelessly. I just don't understand what to do. I feel like I'm the reason. Of course, I'm the reason why all this happened. I need to return to New York next week....... But will she be found? Will I ever see her again?

Current time

Evelyn's POV

"Hey Carr.. come on girl cheer up!" I said to my best friend. Uncle Roger died in a mysterious accident. I don't know how. Of course, we all know that it's not just an accident. But then it's been a month. She was the one who brought me out of that shitty life. It's my duty to bring her back to life. Why does God have to do this to all good people.

She has always been the lonely girl since that guy left her and now this. I seriously don't know how aunt Sophie is coping with it. After I ran away from home, I came straight to Carr's house hoping that she'd help me. We both got into the same business schools together. Of course, it was Uncle Roger who helped me through out. I have a house now all because of this family. And now that they don't have one, they don't want to stay in this house. It's not mine but their house. I agree I paid for my university myself, had to take up multiple jobs but without them even I wouldn't exist. I wish I could help them......

Aunt Sophie won't agree to come home with me. At least I could take Carr out somewhere just to get her refreshed.

So here we are, I have got her dressed up like a doll. Of course, she has a sexy body so yeah... she looks beautiful. I tried to wear as much less clothes as I can. Cause I want to give out that impression like I'm a bitch. See if you're a bitch, guys come behind you but mostly they won't try to mess up or get serious with you. That's how I have saved myself for my husband. I don't know who that unlucky man is.

Soon as we enter, I tried to look around for some.... oh my god! My eyes stopped at two handsome guys. One of them..... Shit! It's Nick!

I see them coming towards us. Nick said something to the other guys making that guy look angry but then the guy followed Nick's gaze towards me and smiled looking at Carr beside me. As though Carr recognised him, she gave him a broad smile.

"Hi" I heard Nick's voice. It's him. Just the better and even more handsome version of him. I didn't know that my hand was already in his. I only realised it when I started walking along him to the bar. "Can I buy you a drink?" He asked.

And I only managed to nod. He is the one... the one who would've been my husband, but who selfishly rejected me. If he'd have told me himself that he didn't want to go with this marriage then I would've happily agreed. Why did he have to insult me, break me in a way that I could never be fixed.

I asked the bartender for a stronger drink making Nick raise his eyebrows at me. Drink after drink. Drink after drink. Every drink reminded me about his every word. Doesn't he recognize me? Remember me?

Of course, he wouldn't. I was a nerd back then.. with conservative clothes. Now I dress up like a bitch. There's not a single similarity, how would he recognize.

He was only looking at me since I started drinking... with a smug look. Looking smug Huh? I got up trying to sway my hips but ended up falling into his arms, but I pushed his arms away and got up.

I looked towards the dance floor trying to find a hot guy. But none. Isn't there any guy who is more handsome than Nick?! I entered the dance floor and pulled the guy next to me by his shirt collar and pulled his hands around my waist moving my ass up his..... you know what I mean.. my entire body weight was on him. But suddenly I was pulled roughly, and I fell into familiar hands. His touch creating a vibration in my entire body. My heart doing a flip flop, like it's pounding against my chest.

He held me by the waist and punched the guy on his face. "Why the fuck would you do that?!" I screamed at him hitting his chest, but he picked me up, onto his shoulders.

"Nick!" I whined.

"How do you know my name? I never told you?" He asked with suspicion in his voice. Fuck! "Uff...." he said and sat me on his car seat. "Now tell me how you know?" He asked.

"You did. You told me" I said leaning into the seat and closing my eyes trying to neglect his question.

"Hmmm....." I heard him sigh and he got up only to come to the other side on the driver's seat. Why can this man not leave me alone?

Fifteen minutes later, we were In front of a large black gate. "Where are we?" I asked him. The gates opened itself. "How did it open?" I asked.

"I have a remote" he said laughing at me. Why am I here? What was I thinking coming here with a stranger? Ok I know him. But....... 'What if he rapes me'

"Fuck no!" I heard him scream beside me.

"What?" I asked. 'Did I say it out loud?'

"Yes, you did. So, you better stop thinking while you're drunk. And for fuck's sake no. No, I'm not going to rape you." He said glaring at me.

As soon as the car came to a stop, I got out trying to handle myself, stop myself from falling. When he tried to hold me, I moved away from him. Cause one, his touch did things to me... things that I never felt before. Two, I don't want him to touch me anymore. This handsome man makes me feel good about myself but at the same time it reminds me of the old times. That if I was still the old me, would he have asked me for a drink like today? I guess not..... maybe he still would've insulted me like before...

"What happened? Why are you walking so slowly? What are you thinking about?" He asked carefully as though I'd snap at him any moment.

"Where's your bed?" I asked him. I'm feeling too sleepy.

"Aww. You're too fast babe. Let me kiss you first, then I'll lead you to my room, then let me strip you off your every garment and then-" I quickly put my hand against his mouth making him laugh at me.

"Sex crazed pervert!" I said and went into the room that was right in front of me. But I want to go home. "Why did you bring me here? I want to go home!" I said looking at him.

"Yeah.. you can. But not today. Not now. I'll take you tomorrow." He said while I looked at him suspiciously. "I'm not going to RAPE you!" He said and I slipped into the bed under his warm blanket without any question. At least I trust him on that. That was my last thought before I went into a deep slumber.

***

When I woke up, I felt a heavy body upon me. Face near my neck and hands around my waist. "Nick... Nick..." I said trying to wake him up. And thankfully he grumbled to himself and moved away from me.

Wow! Did I really stay here last night? I really didn't panic seeing Nick after 5 years? I just can't believe it myself. I need to get out of here soon.

I got up and picked my heels and phone in my hand. By the time I found the main door I was already tired. It really is a big house. Right when I opened the door, I saw a lady who also was trying to open the door. She looked.... kinda familiar.

"Mom?" I heard Nick's voice behind me. Aunt Nina.. oh Shit! She looks old but still pretty. "What are you doing here?" He asked her rudely. Rudely.. so rudely that I was still blinking at him. And if I remember correctly he hated his parents then too.

"Oh my. Who is this pretty girl?" She asked with a smirk similar to Nick's. I patted my hair to see that if it's fine. I should've looked at myself in the mirror before I left the room. "Why don't you join us for breakfast sweetie?" She asked.

"Mom...." I heard Nick groan. May be he doesn't want me here.

"Oh, it's OK. I need to leave. I have to pick my friend" I lied. Obviously! "Next time?" I said so that she'd let me go.

Nicholas's POV

I don't know why but the moment I saw her, I was captured by her eyes. Those hopeful, shiny, bright, innocent eyes. But I hated the way they were accusing me of something.

I don't let anyone sleep in my room! In my bed! I just feel dirty. But I let her. I'm not the cuddly type who hugs and showers light kisses after sex. But I didn't even have sex with her. I didn't persuade her to. I mean I never had to persuade anyone. But I felt different and I cuddled with her. I thought she'd be right next to me this morning. But she just had to run away. Thank God I found her by the door but with my mother. That women! I don't like it when she's talking to my mother. Because I can never like a girl who's liked by my mother or father! I need to get her away from her.

"How are you going?" I asked her.

"I'll catch a cab" she said with a smile. Oh no. Dressed like that? Neither do I trust her nor the men.

"No.. I'll ask my driver to drop you." I said. And I also need to know her address. I called Mark on his phone and told him to get the car ready.

"You sure. I'll be fine" she said.

"No. I said you'll go in my car with the driver" I said a bit too harshly and she frowned but nodded anyway. She gave a smile to my mother and said something lightly in her soft voice which I couldn't hear and gave me one last glare before she was out of the large door.

"She really is a nice girl. She looks pretty and has a beautiful heart. I can say just by having a look at her. You know a women's instinct" she said with a bright smile.

God! She's got her eyes on the poor girl now! Girl? What's her name? I never got her name... Shit! I texted Mark asking him to get to know her name.

"Son. You should think about getting married. Your father and I are getting worried now. You haven't even dated anyone since the last five years. Just your one-night stands! Among them the only girl I saw you being a bit serious with is this girl. And I liked her too..." she said.

"More reason not to meet her again" I muttered. Okay. That was a complete lie.

"I'm serious Nick! You never come home. You never attend your father's calls. What is this? You're twenty-eight now. Soon to be twenty-nine! Come home after a week or so. We need to have a serious talk" my mother said leaving. Thank god! She left soon this time.

Talk? Hmmm.... I wonder what this talk is all about.

Evelyn's POV

Shit! Yupp... that's my first word! That's my first word after I saw Nick's text for the umpteenth time on my cell. First, he gave me a missed call and I foolishly let him know that it's me. I never told him my name. How the hell did he even find out. And then call after call. And here I'm trying to solve Carr's problem. God! She met with this asshole's friend and he got her to sign some stupid papers. Such a cheat! No.. poor guy. Why should I blame him? This woman didn't even take a look at it.

'Meet me at the Barista near your house sweetie. Otherwise..... I already know where you live ;-) '

WTF! That's just pure invasion of my privacy. This man is going to get it from me. When he was supposed to marry me, he just pushed me away with his hurtful words and now he wants me back! I can't even remind him of the past.

I was busy typing a reply when I heard Carr scream "KATHERINE!" Obviously annoyed by my lack of interest.

"Chill babe! There's nothing to worry. Say that your moving into your boss's building since it will be easy for you to work. And you can be called into work anytime. Like even in the midnight. So just say that your boss insisted. She'll understand" I said. Though I don't know what topic we are talking about, I know Carr is probably bragging about how will she lie to her mom and how could he cheat. Well ask me. I'm the queen of lies. You ask me and I'll already be ready with a lie. Since I've been running away from everyone all my life. Five years actually. But I did try to stay away from everyone since ever. So, I have a whole lot of practice.

"But remember to say 'building', don't mention his room or his house." Said Sam, short for Samuel, Daniel.... I mean that guy's bodyguard obviously, who has already become like a best friend to me and Carr. I think he might be in his late twenties.

Carr was busy waiting for the Daniel guy and I busy thinking how I'll reply. I don't want him know who I am. Cause..... I don't know. It's just too embarrassing.

I can't handle all the drama at the same time.

'Fine meet me at the Barista. In half an hour. That's your only chance. You will not contact me through any other way after that!'

I sent and looked up. Looks like Carr is in trouble. I hate people who can't lie. But she's my best friend, of course I went to her rescue.

And aunt Sophie turned towards me to greet me forgetting Carr "Awww how's my child Katherine? It's been a long time since I've last seen you child" she came and gave me a tight hug. To her I might have been Carr's friend but for me... I respect her more than my own mother. Well you can say the difference!

"I'm fine, my dearest Aunty Sophie" I said while hugging her back. "But we're going to miss Carol now" I said making Carr narrow her eyes at me while I made a fake sad face to convince Aunty.

"Why? Are you leaving somewhere Carol?" Aunty asked her noticing all the bags.

"Actually yes" we all whipped our heads to a high-pitched head. There stood a..... oh he is Daniel. I thought and smirked at Carr who looked spell bound.

"He's the man right?" I screamed and Daniel chuckled at it. And everyone started laughing. What's so funny!?

"Oh dear! You should've told me you wanted to move in with your boyfriend" aunty said with fake hurt and smiling all the way. I was trying to hide my laugh.

"Oh no! He's the boss" I said in a singsong voice. Trying to tease her.

"Yeah! She's right" Carr said. Yeah right!

"So you're saying he's not your boyfriend?" Aunty asked.

"Of course not. We thought, now that we'll be working together. Staying together will make it much easier." Said the guy and so started the introduction. But I gave Carr a hug and moved out of the place. I still need to meet that ass and finish it forever!

By the time I reached there he was already waiting!

Nicholas's POV

I regret coming back here. OK after so many days I decided to follow my dear Mother's orders and meet them. Here I'm waiting for them to say something. And my younger sister, Isabella laughing at me.

"Nick" finally.

"Father." I replied.

"We have decided that you will get married"

"No, I won't" I said automatically.

"Wait" my mother held my father's hand and looked at me. "You will have one chance to choose your bride. The girl I met that day. Someone like her.... you have one-month time" she said with a smug look.

Katherine.. Katherine Evelyn.. that is what her name is right? Mark said so. Whatever. Now how do I get her to agree to this marriage proposal? Because I sure as hell am not going to marry any girl they suggest.

"Ok. Agreed!" I said getting up to just get out of this house. My sister looked shocked, but I could feel that she followed me out.

Annoying siblings! At least she's better than my parents. There is this one problem I have that I can't express my love and care in a certain way people expect. So, we are just not too close. I love her. I care for her. I love to protect her, but I don't know if she knows that.

"Brother!" She said halting me in my steps. "Stop! You know I'm following you! And and... what is wrong with you? How could you agree? Brother...." she trailed off and hugged me suddenly surprising me. Nope shocking me! She never does that. OK she kicks me but a hug?

I wrapped my one arm around her and the other on her head. "Why? Why shouldn't I get married?" I asked her instead.

"Bro.. if I had any boyfriend or anyone. I'd first come to you. Cause you can understand my feelings and still take the right decision for me. Why are you even considering what those two want? They will just spoil your life" she said looking at me in the eye. Never knew my baby girl thought so good about me.

"I'm not agreeing to what they said baby girl. I still have the right to choose my bride" I tried to justify.

"That's impossible. In a month? And remember brother. No such contract marriage. I don't know about you but I, I don't believe in divorce. So, think about it" she said. Contract marriage? Where did she even get that idea from?

"I'm not going to take any divorce. Even I don't believe in divorce. Cause even I have a sister. I don't even want to think about all this happening to you. And me doing this to another girl is the same." I said

"No brother... you're not understanding. I want you to marry someone you love. And that can't happen in a month!"

"I might not love someone. But I'll choose someone who I can learn to love-" but I was interjected by her again.

"And who will also be liked by our parents. Remember? Even they should like that any girl you choose." Good that she reminded me. Cause I have one chance. One girl. And if they don't agree. It's my life that's on stake.

"Don't worry baby girl. I know one girl who mother likes and someone I like as well" I said smirking to myself.

"I hope she's not one of your whores!" She said rolling her eyes.

"No, she's not. But now I've to go. I've got only one month remember" I said kissing her forehead and left.

***

113 missed calls 57 messages. That's how many times I've called and texted her. I don't know why? Why she hates me. But then I didn't know she'd agree to meet me at Barista. But now she wants me to be there in half an hour. I have to cancel my meeting.

Evelyn's POV

I found him sitting near the window, fidgeting to himself. Fidgeting? And him? Strange. But he still managed to look like a Greek God!

"What do you want?" I asked as soon as I sat in the chair opposite him.

"Oh hi. Coffee?" He said now looking up at me.

"I've not come here for coffee!" I said through gritted teeth. "Come straight to the point. If someone doesn't pick your call, if someone doesn't reply to your messages, then it means that, that person is not interested in talking to you!" I said my voice raising as I finished.

"Why do you hate me?" He asked with an amused smile plastered on his face!

"What's so amusing?" I banged the table with my fist. This man is getting on my nerves.

"What? I just asked you a simple question and I asked first so you answer first!" He said.

"I don't have time for this nonsense. I have better work than chit chatting with you!" I said getting up to leave.

"Didn't know that my Bride's such a wild cat" he said making me gasp and turn around to look at the fake frown on his face and finger on his chin.

Did he get to know that I was the one he was supposed to marry. "What?" I asked. Hoping I misheard.

"Oh yes! I forgot. Will you marry me?" He asked.

What the.....?