The Billionaire's Contract Wife

The nervousness kicks in full time when my veil is placed atop my head. I open my eyes slowly and come face to face with my reflection in the brightly lit full length mirror. My stomach drops and I feel the tears spring into my eyes. The only thing I can think to myself as I take in my appearance is "ugly". This dress is ugly and I look ugly.

It's a pale ivory color, with a neckline so high it looks like I'm wearing a turtle neck. Layers of hideous, frothy lace line the bodice and sleeves and the bottom opens out in large swaths of even more lace. It's so heavy it's a wonder how I'm still standing. Camilla sighs from behind me and I know she's also not impressed.

"It's ugly, isn't it?". I ask, my voice thick with tears.

She looks up at me in alarm and takes in my watering eyes. "No no no.....what do you think you are doing?". She comes around to stand in front of me and yanks a tissue paper from the box on standby, pressing it gently onto my eyes to dab away my tears. "You look beautiful, Vanessa". I notice the way she avoids my eyes as she says that. She's never been good at lying. "Mum would have been proud to see you in her dress".

I doubt that, I think to myself as I glance at my reflection again. Mum had loved her dress alright but she of everyone also knew that just like the years, trends come and go. She would have wanted me to wear something very trendy this year, just like this dress had been back in the 80s.

"Dad will come and get you soon". She crumples the tissue paper in her hand and flashes me a quick, watery smile. "I can't believe you are getting married". She whispers.

I shake my head at the mirror. "I can't believe it too". And that's true. I hadn't even known I'd be getting married till three weeks ago. I had simply come down to the family house for a supposedly important family meeting and heard the news myself. I have only met my husband-to-be twice and both times, I was really not impressed. He talks with his mouth wide open, laughs like a clown, has an astonishingly shiny bald spot even though he's just 29, can't stop referring to his parents as "mummy" and "daddy", makes crude jokes about how impressive he's sure my "bedroom performances" will be.....Good Lord, I could write a whole book about everything that's wrong with Cody MacMillan. And that's not including the rumours I've heard, especially the most popular one about his erectile dysfunction. I'm not even eager to find out if that's true or not.

The door opens behind us and Dad walks in, a wide smile on his face. His eyes widen when he sees me. "Oh my.....you....you look beautiful, honey". I would have believed him if I didn't see the slight twitch of his mouth. My father has always been like this. Well built, handsome and packed with more than enough good humour to go around. He's that parent that laughs first when you fall before offering to help you up, the one who loves to play pranks, the one who laughs at your prom date's ill fitting suit right in his face.....that's until mum died. It's been almost 10 years and it's toll on him is still very clear. Even though he still laughs, his eyes no longer twinkle and more often than we would have liked, we catch him just staring emptily into space.

"Dad, not you too". I mumble grumpily.

He pauses for a little while before bursting into laughter. Even though I should feel bad, I find myself relieved that at least one person is being true to me. A small, amused smile spreads on my face too.

"Ness....Ness I'm so sorry". He's still laughing.

"Dad, you are being rude". Camilla chides. I bump her arm playfully.

"It's fine". I say, smiling. "The dress really is ugly after all".

My dad's face is red as he comes to stand before me, raising a hand to wipe away the tears on his face. "I never imagined that this same dress would look like this on you. Your mum looked so radiant when she wore it those many years ago". I smile at him. I'm happy that he now talks about mum casually more often. "I wonder what Ellie was thinking getting you into this dress. Setting up this marriage as a whole".

Dad is absolutely not impressed with this marriage or Aunt Ellie as a whole When Dad fell into a depression after mum died, Camilla and I ended up being sent to our mum's sister and she and her husband basically raised us ever since. Even when Dad had come back with the intentions of taking us back, she hadn't allowed him. I wish he had fought harder to take us. I wouldn't be here right now, marrying a complete stranger in the hopes of cementing the merger between two companies. Three weeks ago, my aunt had wasted no time reminding me of everything she's done for us and how 17-year old Camilla was still in their care and needed to be taken care of. She and Uncle's company needed the merger with Cody's parent's company and a marriage would speed up the process. So here I am, marrying to save my aunt's depreciating company.

"There was no time to shop for a dress". I say as I link my arm through dad's. We hear a small round of applause from behind the adjoining door and Camilla goes to peep. When she turns back around, her eyes are wide and her voice skippy with nervousness and excitement.

"They are calling you out". My heart skips a beat and I stand up straighter. Camilla grabs her bridesmaid bouquet and turns the door knob, flashing me a quick smile. "See you outside". She says and goes outside, launching my entrance. My father stands up straighter and with one last glance at each other, he opens the door and we step out into my wedding hall.

The guest list is small and intentionally made so. I'm not about to marry Cody in front of a huge crowd. I keep my eyes straight forward as my dad walks me down the aisle. Cody is at the other end and as we get closer, I see how wide his smile is. It takes all I have not to break down right here. I finally get to where he's standing and the ceremony begins, with me robotically repeating the words I'm told, not once looking my husband-to-be in the eye.

"We are all here today to witness and bless this conjugal bliss". The priest's voice rings out. "If there's anyone with any objections to this union, do speak now or forever hold your peace".

I stare down at our conjoined hands and the tears actually well up in my eyes this time. This is it, I'm marrying this man. It's true. After a few seconds, the priest turns back to us, a serene smile on his face.

"I hereby pronou.......".

"I do!!!!". My heart drops to my stomach.The door to the hall has bursted open and bright rays of sunlight stream in. And right through it comes a figure. He walks leisurely down the aisle in an expensive three suit piece suit, his eyes shaded with the darkest sun glasses ever. He stops in the middle of the aisle and faces the priest and us, a small smile on his face. "I do!!! I have an objection to this union".

The crowd gasps dramatically but all my attention is focused on this mysterious man. I have never seen him before in my life.

My mouth is wide open and so is Cody's. I wonder if this is some kind of prank. I turn to look at him, the question on my tongue.

"Do you know him?". Cody asks first.

"That was just what I was about to ask you". I can't even help how accusatory I sound. I don't think this problem is from my side, so it has to be from his. The man walks forward confidently to the front pier where our families are seated. And that's when I see them. Aunty and Uncle. Their faces are as pale as a sheet and they are staring up at the guy as if they just saw a ghost.

"Ken and Ellie. Nice seeing you two again. And here of all places". He thrusts his hands into his pocket and glances around at the hall. When his eyes land on us, he pauses and even though I can't see his eyes from behind his glasses, I can tell that he's accessing us. He lets out a low whistle. "Nice couple". He says and chuckles quietly to himself as he turns around to face my aunt and uncle. The sarcasm in his voice sends my neck and face heating up. If anything, Cody and I are far from being a nice couple.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your little ceremony.....". He says loudly to the hall. He sounds anything but sorry. ".....but I was just wondering....". He turns back to my aunt and uncle, his voice suddenly so serious"....where is my money, Ken and Ellie?".

Uncle quickly pushes up to his feet, his ears extraordinarily red as he edges closer to the mystery man, probably in the hopes of getting him to a more private place. But immediately he takes a step, the door bursts open again and two pairs of huge guards dressed in crisp black suits step it. They march to the front pier where the man stands and create a solid formation behind him. Clearly satisfied with the display, the man turns back to Uncle, taking a menacing step closer, his voice dead serious.

"Where is my money, Ken?".

"Ken? Ellie? What's the meaning of this?". My father asks. He's on his feet, his eyebrows furrowed seriously. This is probably the most serious I've seen him since the last time he came to get us from Aunt Ellie's place. We are all curious too. What the hell is happening?

Uncle glances around the hall and barks a short, nervous laugh. "We are sorry for this misunderstanding. We'll just sort this out outside, right Mr. De Luca?".

The man....Mr. De Luca cocks his head. "Will we? I don't mind doing it here though".

There's a fine sheen of sweat on Uncle's forehead. "Please.... let's just step out for a while eh?".

Mr. De Luca turns around and looks at me and Cody. "Which is your child, Ken?".

Uncle hesitates a little. "The bride is my niece, sir".

He flashes a smile at me. "I'm afraid this wedding won't take place. At least...not before your uncle gives me my money".

Cody's father storms up from his seat. "What's the meaning of this Mr. Lannister?". He's addressing my uncle.

"Oh I assure you it's nothing si.....". Uncle starts.

"Ken!!!!". Mr. De Luca warns. He looks down at my aunt who's been sitting pale and quiet on her seat. "Why aren't you talking, Ellie? You seemed to know how to use your tongue well when y'all were hounding for the investment three years ago".

Aunt shakily gets to her feet. "You see, this is really not the place for this, sir. Can we....".

"Do you have my money or not?". The hall is as quiet as a graveyard. My aunt and uncle glance at each other nervously before they finally say;

"We don't".

"A-ha!!!! That was all I wanted to hear". He snaps a finger at his guards. "Take them".

Majority of the people in the hall push to their feet and begin to shuffle out nervously, refusing to partake or even witness this highly embarrassing scene. My face is hot and my head is spinning with the craziness of this situation. I grab swaths of lace and go down the stairs of the small podium that had been erected for Cody and I. The guards are already trying to apprehend my aunt and uncle and the hall is mostly empty now save for us, Cody and his shock stricken family and a few onlookers.

"Mr. De Luca". I come to stand beside the man and he looks down at me, an eyebrow raised in mock surprise. He's much taller than I am and stands at probably nothing less than 6'1. My measly 5'4 doesn't even stand a chance. "Please let's not do it this way. This can be sorted out differently please". I hate how weak my voice sounds but that's what it's always like when I'm nervous or scared.

"Yes!!!!!". My aunt screeches from the confines of the guard's invasive arms. "Yes, let's handle this another way sir. Let's make it up to you. We'll work hard to pay you back, all of us". I glance at her nervously. I don't know what she means by all of us but I hope that doesn't somehow include me. I know literally nothing about this situation and I'm nor interested in getting involved anymore than I can help.

"Oh yeah?". Mr. De Luca says dryly. "And what could you possibly offer me, Ellie?".

"Her!!!!!". My aunt screeches. It takes me a little more than a second to realize it's me she's talking about. Eyes wide and heart in my throat, I turn so fast to face her. "My niece has a business degree sir!!! She'll help you in any way you....".

"Auntie!!!!".

"Ellie!!!!". My father shouts at the same time as me.

"What what?". My aunt's hair is disheveled and her eyes wide with mad energy. She looks crazy. She raises an accusatory finger at me and my dad. "You abandoned them, didn't you? I had to care for them. Didn't I raise you for the past 10 years, Vanessa? Everything we do for money we do because we want to take care of you and Camilla better. What's this little favour that you can't do for me now?".

I hate how she throws this at my face everytime because it really does put me at a loss. Truly she cared for us but not as much as she likes to claim!!! Camilla and I never even got new clothes till our old jeans were well past our ankles. And then she would get us a new pair or two and with each minute, remind us of how "privileged" we are to have her. Usually, we'd spend the next week or more still thanking her for her kindness. I don't even know the amount in question but considering I moved out 5 years ago, I bet my teeth a fraction of that money wasn't ever spent on me. But I still can't bring that up. Because then, she'd throw Camilla at my face. If I didn't spend out of the money, well my younger sister did.

"Auntie, that's not the po.....".

"Mr. De Luca". She's looking at him wide-eyed. "We'll work hard to pay up. My niece will contribute to this cause too. Let her work for you, please".

I glance at the man and I hate to see that he's not talking. Does that mean he's contemplating it. I ask the most important question yet. "How much is the debt?".

They are both quiet for a while. And finally, "Five million dollars". Uncle mumbles. My eyes nearly bulge out of my head.

"Five million dollars!!!!". I screech. "How the hell am I supposed to work for that?".

Mr. De Luca chuckles dryly like I've said something funny and in that moment, I consider the possibility that he just really enjoys watching other people suffer. "This is getting fun. So you'll be working for me.....miss. But how do i know you won't escape?".

I want to tell him that I haven't even agreed to this but my aunt quickly chips in. "Let me handle that, Mr. De Luca. I will......".

"Actually....I have a much better idea". I hate the glee in his voice. I look up just at the same moment that he whips off his glasses, revealing his face. If I wasn't in such a mess right now, I'd have definitely taken a moment's pause to appreciate his looks. His eyes are the most beautiful honey brown shade ever and his nose lies a bit crooked on his face, almost as if it's been broken before. The beard has always been there but I didn't fully appreciate the precise sculpt till he took the glasses off. His hair is thick and black, carefully styled up, his fuzzy undercut a much needed improvisation. This man is drop dead gorgeous. And sadistic, I add quickly in my head. His eyes are still twinkling as he stares down at me, a small smirk on his lips. "There's only one way to make sure you don't run away. Let's get married".

"Let's get married".

That actually shuts everyone up, even my aunt. My jaw is wide open as I stare at Mr. De Luca like he's stupid. Because he really is.

"Are you crazy?". I ask.

"Vanessa!!!!". Auntie calls out in warning. Fine we don't hold any cards here but this man is clearly mentally deranged and we can't let him have all the say. Who the hell offers to marry a girl on her wedding day?

Dad storms forward. "Okay, Ellie. I don't know what you think you are doing but this man can't.....".

"Stay out of this, Bryan". Auntie snaps.

"Vanessa cannot marry a stranger!!!!".

My aunt jerks her head towards the podium. "Cody was more or less a stranger anyways, and she was still going to marry him". Poor Cody. I turn back and glance at him for the first time since this drama started. He's still standing by the podium, now joined by his younger sister who glares at us hotly. His face is as red as a tomato and he looks a bit lost as he continuously glances between us and his parents.

Mr. De Luca cocks his head as he peers at me. I watch his eyes travel down my height, right from the top of my head to the bottom of my dress. My cheeks heat up in embarrassment at the not-so-conspicuous assessment. Finally, his eyes travel back up my body again.

"Good. We are already at a venue. Let's get married right now". He doesn't even sound like he's joking and that's giving me serious chest palpitations.

"Sir, I'm not going to.....".

"Vanessa". My aunt chips in. She grabs my upper arm like her life depends on it. "Please give me five minutes sir, I'll just talk to her".

Mr. De Luca cocks an eyebrow. "It's funny that you think I have five minutes to waste".

Auntie's face heats up. "Please, just two minutes sir".

The man sighs and glances at his watch impatiently. "Two minutes, Ellie. Or I'm leaving this place and you are your husband are coming with me. And not in the nicest of ways".

"Yes, sir". My aunt drags me off haphazardly towards the other end of the pier. I glance behind me and see that my uncle is moving to the MacMillans who are still staring at the whole scene like it's a movie. And then the man.....Mr. De Luca. His eyes are fixated on me as I'm dragged off and for a moment, I think to myself, what a shame. Outside of these circumstances, I would have definitely swooned in 5 seconds for this kind of man. He obviously looks rich, his black tuxedo fitting perfectly and an expensive watch hanging off his wrist. His body does all the justice to his height. I can't see his arms but I bet they are as a toned as I think they are. Not to talk of that ginormous confidence and ego. That man is a man that has money and isn't afraid to show it.

Auntie spins me around to face her, her eyes wide and crazy. "Vanessa, look at me. What the hell are you trying to do?".

"How could you agree to that? That's the most.....".

"I did it for you*. I see the tears spring into her eyes and I nearly roll my eyes at this ancient manipulative technique of hers that still never fails to make me feel guilty. "I did it for you and Camilla. You people needed to be taken care of".

"Auntie, I had definitely moved out before all of this happened".

She realizes I'm right and I almost see the engines whirring in her head as she thinks of what to say next. "But Camilla was still with us". As expected.

I actually roll my eyes this time. "Camilla couldn't have even....".

"Pay back Camilla's share then".

"Auntie!!!!".

"Yes, pay back your younger sister's share. Work for him and pay him back".

"I don't have much of a deal about working for him but marrying him... ".

"Don't you see". She leans in conspiratorially. "You could get him to fall in love with you".

I glance at Mr. De Luca and grimace. "No, thanks".

"He's rich, Vanessa. Filthy rich. You won't suffer. And you both can get it anulled after you pay up".

I sigh softly and look down at my hands. Can it really be so bad after all?

"Auntie.....".

"You'll do it, Vanessa. That's the only option".

She doesn't even wait for me to respond before spinning around and walking towards Mr. De Luca a tight smile pasted on her face. "Let's have the wedding sir".

My father glares at her from where he's standing and then turns to look at me, his face questioning if I had really agreed to this. I can't even look him in the eye. Robotocially, I step forward my eyes cast down.

"You might want to hurry up. I have a business meeting in 40 minutes". He glances at his watch anxiously and turns and walks to the podium. Cody is still there, looking like a confused dog and when he sees Mr. De Luca approaching him, he shuffles away, clearly intimidated. The man doesn't even spare him a second glance as he takes the spot Cody had been occupying and glances back to see my progress. There's a small ruckus going on in the left pier where uncle and Cody's family are getting into it but I make myself as small as possible and slink past them, climbing the podium and taking the position I had been in earlier, except this time, the man in front of me is different. The priest had stayed back too to witness the scene and when his eyes land on me, my cheeks burn uncontrollably. Mr. De Luca pays no mind. He turns to the man and jerks a head cockily.

"Let's begin".

"B...but....". He tries to say.

"Your duty is to officiate a wedding". Mr. De Luca says, his voice hard and ungiving. "So please do so".

The priest's face remains confused but he opens his book and begins to recite the same lines he had read out for Cody and I earlier. I hear stamping feet and turn to see Cody's family storming out angrily, dragging their son after them. I feel bad for them but there's really nothing I can do here. I'm literally a pawn in this game too.

"Don't bother asking if anybody objects". Mr. De Luca interrupts the priest. "I'm pretty sure everyone here does".

The priest looks at him strangely before continuing to read. "Where are the rings?". He asks when it's time.

"There are no rings". Mr. De Luca chips in again impatiently. "Just round this up, will you?".

Highly uncomfortable by the situation, the priest's brows remain a bit knitted as he waves a hand at us. "I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride".

Mr. De Luca doesn't even wait to hear the last part. He's already going down the stairs, his guards instantly forming a perfect alliance behind him as he marches out of the hall. I stare at his disappearing back. This is it. I'm married.