The Billionaire's Bride: Our Vows Do Not Matter

The Jackson Group was hosting a grand bachelorette party in the picturesque garden of the Knight International Hotel. The elegant hotel sat nestled on the rolling slopes of the Yamhill Mountains, surrounded by tranquil countryside dotted with carefully tended vineyards and towering peaks. This particular hotel was just one gem in the vast collection of hotels owned by Knight Group International around the world. Excitement vanished in Avery, the bride-to-be. Avery dashed into the lobby of the hotel to make a quick call to her mother and share the news that they had caught the wrong man.

Rich furnishings and sparkling chandeliers that glistened off the marble floors greeted Avery inside. The faint scent of freshly cut flowers lingered in the air, adding to the luxurious atmosphere.

At first, Avery and her mother were happy to claim Finn as their ticket into the world of wealth and power. But as Avery delved deeper into Finn's background, she discovered that Finn was not actually the heir to Knight Group International. Instead, it was his mysterious uncle who held all the riches.

Avery struggled with conflicting desires-to marry for love or for money? She knew she couldn't continue with the wedding, knowing Finn was not the wealthy man she had believed him to be. She wanted to marry the richest man in the world, and Finn was far from that. He was just a lap dog.

She pushed herself to keep running, her feet pounding against the immaculate marble floors of the opulent hotel. The glittering chandeliers and extravagant decor seemed to mock her as she searched for her suite. Finally reaching it, she shut the door quickly and dialed a number, her heart racing with conflicting emotions. The person on the other side of the line picked up immediately, but Avery hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Dora: Hey, baby. Are you enjoying your last day as a single woman?

Avery: Mother, not anymore. We've got the wrong man.

Dora: What do you mean, we've got the wrong man?

Avery: Mother Finn is not the owner of Knight Group International.

Dorah: What!

Avery: Yes, Mother, I just found out.

Dora: Who gave you such information? What do you mean, Finn isn't the owner? Wait, then, who is the owner?

Avery: Mother, that's not important. The heir to all the riches is Old Mr. Knight's son. But how come I never knew the old man had a younger son?

Dora: Oh my God!

Avery: I don't know his name, but rumor has it that the man doesn't like the spotlight.

Dora: Disappear from that party and come back after a month or three weeks. I will make Cathleen marry Finn. After all, he was her fiance in the first place. She might have run away from home, but your father would be left with no choice but to make her marry Finn because that man wanted this alliance. Wait, a minute... Avery, did you sleep with Finn?

Avery: Yes, Mother, that is why he loves me.

Dora paused a little. She was disappointed but then answered.

Dora: It doesn't matter; get away from that party. Your father needs this union, so he will make Cathleen marry Finn. You are supposed to marry the owner, not some stupid lap dog. Run; I will make a scene in an hour.

Avery took her passport and fled the party immediately after talking to her mother.

Dora Jackson bursts into William Jackson's office with a wild look in her eyes, shocking him with the news that his daughter has vanished without a trace. Enraged, William hurls objects across his study in a fit of fury. The union between the Jacksons and the Knights could solidify his status as one of the most powerful families in all of New York, and now it was falling apart before his very eyes.

Fingers trembling with rage, he frantically reaches for his phone to call Avery, but the phone doesn't go through. The gravity of the situation hits him like a ton of bricks-this wedding was crucial for the success and reputation of both their families, and now it was potentially ruined. Panic rising in his chest, William slams his phone down and storms out of the room, determined to find his missing daughter and salvage their future. But he returned to his study since he didn't know where she went or where to start looking.

"Let's wait till tomorrow," William said, and Dora nodded in understanding and excused herself. The man desperately tried to reach out to his daughter, but she seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Amidst the chaos and clamor of the bustling New York International Airport, Cathleen pushed her way through the throngs of people in search of the exit. Finally breaking free from the crowded terminal, she was greeted by a flood of warm sunlight that enveloped her skin like a comforting embrace. The brisk breeze that swept through the city stirred her ponytail ever so slightly, giving her an ethereal look. She stood tall and confident, and her long ponytail continued swaying in the breeze. The bright city lights reflected off her sunglasses, giving her an ethereal glow. Everyone around her seemed to fade into the background as she held onto her goddess-like presence.

Her flawless, milky face was accentuated by the golden rays of light as if she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine cover. Dressed in sleek blue jeans and a tucked-in black turtleneck, she strutted confidently in black pencil-heel boots that elongated her legs. A long red coat hung loosely over her shoulders, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.

Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, showcasing her sharp jawline and full lips. Despite her fashionable appearance, she grumbled under her breath as she struggled to drag her suitcases behind her while balancing her handbag in one hand.

"Welcome back, Cathleen." With no one to welcome her, she strides forward on her own, dragging her heavy luggage behind her like a badge of honor. People stop and stare in awe as she passes by, exuding confidence and strength with every step. Someone suddenly ran into her with such force that it caused the other person to fall over. As she looked down at the person sprawled before her, Cathleen let out a cruel smirk.

Cathleen's mocking smirk grew with each second as she realized that the person on the ground was her cruel stepsister, Avery. A wicked grin spreads across Cathleen's face as she tilts her head and gazes down at the woman who once tormented her, now reduced to a mere fallen subordinate. The look of shock and admiration on Avery's face only fuels Cathleen's sense of power and dominance. Cathleen flashed a grin and cocked her head as she looked at the woman, who was now seated on the ground. Avery was staring at her in awe.

'Avery, your rightful place is under me in this hierarchy.' She appeared to be grinning as she whispered those words to herself in her brain. Avery, who was lying on the ground at the time, was awestruck by the beauty that was in front of her. Cathleen kneeled down to Avery's height and helped her pick up her items after she had fallen. She did so with a grin on her face before picking up Avery's passport. Cathleen couldn't stop smiling as it dawned on her that Avery didn't recognize her. So Cathleen decided to act as if she didn't know who Avery was. Cathleen looked at Avery's passport and smiled.

"Avery Jackson." Cathleen read the name aloud. Avery looked like an idiot as she smiled and nodded her head multiple times in response to Cathleen's comments. Cathleen then got up and apologized, "I sincerely apologize to you, Miss Jackson, for what has happened. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Sorry once more."

Cathleen's head dipped in a small, remorseful bow, a gesture of contrition that was both graceful and sincere. Her eyes reflected the apology as she exhaled a sigh, her voice soft with regret. It was a simple but heartfelt display of her true remorse. Except it wasn't. This was just the beginning.

Avery cracked a smile and stared blankly at the woman standing in front of her.

"Ma'am, please What do you use on your face?" Before Cathleen could answer, Avery remembered that she was on the run. She threw her bag over her shoulder and started running as quickly as she could in order to get to the next flight.

When Cathleen's cab arrived, the driver assisted her with loading her bags into the trunk of the vehicle. She slipped in and provided the driver with her address. While traveling abroad, Cathleen stumbled upon a grand mansion in the bustling city of New York. Despite its size, she was immediately drawn to its elegant architecture and rich history. Excitement filled her as she envisioned making this place her own. And so she purchased the mansion, determined to turn it into a home that reflected her style and taste. But that wasn't all Cathleen did in the Big Apple. She also had a secret company, hidden from the public eye. Only her father knew about her successful law firm, which she had built from scratch and managed on her own. To outsiders, Cathleen may have seemed like just another girl, but in reality, she was a driven businesswoman with a sharp mind and impressive accomplishments.

She had worked tirelessly to build a successful life for herself. As the sleek black car pulled up to her luxurious home, her trusted helper, Anna, was there to greet her and assist with her belongings. But even as she smiled and exchanged pleasantries, she could feel the weight of exhaustion bearing down on her. Without wasting a moment, she rushed inside and headed straight to the shower, the hot water washing away the grime and stress of the day. Collapsing onto her bed, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, hoping for some much-needed rest before tackling another demanding day tomorrow.

With the morning sun pouring through the thin gap in the curtain, Cathleen slowly stirred from her slumber. The warm rays gently kissed her face, coaxing her awake. She slipped out of bed and into the shower, relishing the hot water cascading over her tired muscles. After getting dressed, she made her way down to the kitchen, where Anna, an exceptional cook, had prepared a delicious breakfast tailored to Cathleen's tastes. Savoring each bite, she fueled up for the day ahead. Exiting the luxurious mansion, Cathleen climbed into her sleek Maserati and hit the road. As she neared her law firm, her phone rang incessantly; the name "Father" flashed on the screen, but she simply ignored the call. Her father, William Jackson, knew all too well that his headstrong daughter was not one to easily be swayed. Frustrated, he decided to send a message instead, hoping it would get through to her stubbornness.

William Jackson: Cathy, Grandma is critically ill.

Cathleen loved her grandmother so much. Her heart raced with worry as she sped towards her grandmother's home. She wanted nothing more than to see her beloved grandmother, but a nagging feeling of unease gnawed at her mind. As she entered the familiar gates and rushed to her grandmother's room, she was met with an empty bed and a heavy sense of dread. Her stepmother and father greeted her with grave expressions, confirming her worst fears: her grandmother had been sick, and they had kept it from her. Conflicted between anger at their deception and sadness for her grandmother's illness, Cathleen struggled to keep her emotions in check.

William's heart was torn as he contemplated his plan. He knew Cathleen would never agree to marry Finn, but he also couldn't bear the thought of losing the alliance with the Knights. He knew he had to lie to Cathleen to get her to marry Finn. It pained him to deceive her, but he believed it was the only way to keep her by his side. He also knew Finn was dead to Cathleen the moment he cheated on her with his other daughter, Avery. The memory of Finn's betrayal and the guilt of involving Avery in their complicated love triangle weighed heavily on him. But William couldn't let go of Cathleen, even if it meant sacrificing his own integrity.

"You are getting married today?" William declared, and his words hung in the air, causing a chill to run down Cathleen's spine. Cathleen looked at her father with an icy, questionable face. She couldn't help but raise her eyebrows in silent challenge, waiting for him to clarify his words.

She was a lawyer, so her every move was calculative. William then continued, "Avery ran away last night. We need the Knights to help us with Grandma's medical bills. Our family business isn't doing well, so we need this alliance in order to save Grandma." The man declared.

"And you expect me to believe that excuse of a lie, Father?" Cathleen asked softly.

William gulped hard as his daughter asked the question.

"Why would I lie to you?" William asked.

"How much do you need, and who is the man you want me to marry?"

As William's eyes bore into his daughter's, he could see the same fire and determination that had driven him to success reflected in her gaze. He knew her very well, so he decided to tell her a large amount that he knew that not even her firm could raise at the moment. She was a well-known lawyer, and she was young and intelligent. William had been following her every move when she was abroad, and he knew she had made a name for herself even though she cut ties with him.

"3 million dollars." The man didn't mention Finn was the man she was going to marry, as he knew his daughter wouldn't marry him; he just had to make her agree to the union.

Cathleen closed her eyes. She didn't have the money, but she knew that with time, she might be able to raise the money. William also knew that her daughter was always fully booked, so she might raise the funds in 6 months if given a chance.

"We need to have the funds by tomorrow, and right now only the Knights can help us," William added.

"Who is the man I'm going to marry?" William wanted to avoid this question, but right now, Cathleen didn't ask so many questions at once; it was unavoidable.

The name caught in the man's throat, making it hard for him to swallow. He took a long sip of water, trying to calm the sudden tightness in his chest. He knew he had to say it, but every fiber of his being resisted. With a deep breath, he finally forced out the words in a strained voice: "Finn."

"I can give you 1.5 million. And you can try to raise the rest. I am not marrying that cretin." Her voice dropped to a low, steady tone as she spoke. Her eyes narrowed with determination, and her mouth formed a thin line. Cathleen behaved more like William, but unlike Avery, she wasn't a spoiled brat. Her unnerving composure sent shivers down William's spine as he braced himself for her to explode in anger. Instead, she spoke with cold precision, delivering her words like sharpened daggers that cut through the tension in the room.

"Marrying Finn is our only option for Grandma's survival. Baby girl, please. Grandma is counting on you." Grandma's name triggered a range of emotions within her. She couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and nostalgia, but at the same time, there was a tinge of guilt and regret. Her face betrayed these conflicting emotions as she let out a heavy sigh.

"6 months. I will marry that jerk for only 6 months, and we will be done. Do not expect me to have children with that fool. Do not expect me to appear on public occasions with him because I feel nothing for him and I am not an escort. Call him and tell him my condition. If he agrees, then we can go ahead." Cathleen's gaze turns cold as she looks at her father, finally realizing that she has no place in this family. Their constant lack of love and never-ending attempts to humiliate her boil over inside her, pushing her to cut all ties with them once and for all. She sees them for who they truly are: manipulative and toxic, and she knows it's time to break free. Cathleen's lips curl upwards, revealing a flash of white teeth, but her eyes remain cold and distant. "Oh, and father, there is another condition." William slowly lifts his head, locking eyes with his daughter. His face remains hardened and stoic, and his emotions are guarded behind a wall of steel. But then, unexpectedly, Cathleen smiles at him, her bright expression penetrating through his defenses like a ray of sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

"What condition?" William's voice trembled as he finally mustered the courage to ask, but his words were cut off by the sharp glint in his daughter's eyes. She pinned him with a sly grin, causing his heart to race and his palms to sweat. He could feel her power over him, like a predator toying with its prey.

"You and your wife have always used every opportunity you have to embarrass me. You lie to the public that I am an adopted child. You never acknowledge that I am your first child or that you were previously married to my mother before marrying Dora." Cathleen has never called her father's wife by her name; she has always called her mom, but today the girl just called her by her first name.

"I have nothing against Dora, and I respect her, but she has never considered me a member of this family, and you, Father, have allowed all of this to happen under your roof. I have been bullied in this house and turned into a slave all these years, and you never did or said anything. So since I am an embarrassment and you have no intention of telling anyone I am your daughter, I want to cut all ties with you and your precious family."

"No, you are doing this for Grandma, remember, and since when did you start calling me by my first name?" Dora's voice drips with desperation as she plots to use Cathleen as a pawn in her game to uncover the elusive owner of Knight Group International. She schemes and manipulates, hoping that by marrying Finn, Cathleen will lead her straight to the source. But as Dora's conniving words spill out, Cathleen's gaze hardens into a piercing stare, like a wolf ready to pounce on its prey. No longer willing to be a victim of Dora's cruel games, she stands tall and fierce, unafraid to speak her truth. The once meek and timid girl has transformed into a force to be reckoned with, shocking Dora, who never expected this fierce defiance from someone she had always seen as weak.

"I wasn't talking to you, Dora." Cathleen's voice dropped to a low, commanding pitch that sent shivers down Dora's spine, making her want to leap out of her seat. Gone was the timid girl, now replaced by a force to be reckoned with.

"How dare you call me Dora? I am your mother!" Dora's face contorted with rage as she yelled, her eyes bulging and red, like a wild animal about to attack. Meanwhile, Cathleen's smile was sly and knowing, her eyes glinting with determination and defiance.

"Listen, your name is Dora; you have one child, not two. Never think you can walk all over me; I am not a pushover." Cathleen says this as she now turns to face her father. "Grandma is your mother, not mine, Father. Do you think I don't know that you are lying about her health? Well, if anything, I know for a fact that this union is not about grandma's medical bills; it's about the both of you feeding your egos and you." She said, pointing a finger at Dora, "Stop daydreaming; never will I call a dog like you, Mother! Get that!" Her words hung in the air like a heavy stone, each one a sharp and deliberate attack. William's blood boiled as he fought the urge to defend his wife's honor, knowing it would only push Cathleen further away. He clenched his jaw in frustration, feeling powerless as she continued to raise her voice, her disdain and disregard for his wife cutting deep. But he stayed silent, knowing that if he spoke out of turn, she might walk away from the marriage, leaving him with no status in the city.

"Why are you giving us conditions? We raised you. You owe us." Dora ranted, her voice rising to a fever pitch as she spewed venom at Cathleen. This was her tried-and-true tactic, one that never failed to get her way in the past. And Cathleen, always feeling indebted to them, would do whatever it took to keep them happy. But this time, something inside of Cathleen snapped, and she refused to be a puppet any longer, standing up for herself with a ferocity that shook Dora to her core.