The Billionaire's Drunken Bride

Lily couldn't believe it, that the man she had been dating for six years was going to break her heart on their wedding day

She was on her way to their venue, when she got a call that her fiancé had been seen in a hotel with another woman. At first, she didn't want to believe it, she wanted to shake the feeling off, but she just couldn't.

She decided to go see things for herself. He had called earlier that he would be late because he had important business work to do, but he never said it was going to be in a hotel with another woman. She was stunned when she opened the room and saw her supposed groom on top of another woman.

" Ryan!" she called out.

"Lily... I can... I can explain" he said, adjusting himself while the other woman tried to cover her face.

She stood there shaking and speechless for a minute.

" How could you, Ryan, I loved you and this is what I get in return". Tears flowed from her eyes.

He tries to reach her, but she hurriedly left the hotel with tears in her eyes.

She wanted to be left alone, so she took a cab and went straight to the Standard hotel.She thought about all the things they had been through together, and she just couldn't figure out where she had gone wrong.

She took the bottle of champagne that was supposed to be their celebratory drink for her wedding day and now turned her coping mechanism. She stared numbly at the champagne glass in her trembling hand.

"How could he do this to me?" she mumbled , tears spilling down her flushed cheeks. Lily downed the last of the bubbling liquor for courage before stumbling out of the hotel room.

She staggered into the lobby, her long ivory gown dragging behind her. Lily had no destination in mind, she just needed to get as far away as possible. Her mind was blank, full of hatred and regrets.

That's when she spotted the Brioni Vanquish Ii Suit through her fuzzy eyes. It was a sharply dressed, handsome man in the lobby. In her drunken state, Lily had no idea this was James Watson, the city's youngest multi-billionaire real estate mogul.

"You!" she pointed an accusatory finger at the dapper stranger. "You're going to marry me right now!" she said with so much audacity.

James regarded the drunken, desperate woman with mild confusion. He was supposed to be meeting his bride here, the one his grandmother and parents picked out through their elite matches.

"I'm afraid, you have the wrong person madam," James stated plainly, trying to rescue himself from whatever drama this was.

"Oh yeah I did right?!" Lily went on, jabbing him in the chest with her finger. "My scumbag fiancé just cheated on me, and you're going to do it right, so you're going to do as I say, OK?!"

James realized this was simply a case of mistaken identity for the rumpled, jilted drunk bride-to-be. He ought to politely remove himself before things escalated further.

But before he could, Lily grabbed his arm with surprising strength for someone so inebriated. "This is your chance to be a decent human being! You're marrying me tonight, mister! I promise you, you will never regret it!"

" Louis! Do something" he called to his best friend and secretary, who just stood there watching and laughing at the whole scene.

"What am I supposed to do?" he gave a questioning look.

"Ma'am, you're in no condition for this sort of thing," James pulled back, but Lily's grip was vise-like.

"It doesn't matter what condition I'm in! Let's go, we're doing this!" She started dragging the flabbergasted billionaire toward the ornate wedding hall nearby while his secretary followed behind in amusement.

As they entered the lavish hall, a grey-haired man in ceremonial garb rushed overlooking them concerned. "Mr. Watson, your grandmother explicitly hired me to handle your wedding ceremony this evening. Is...everything all right?" he said, looking at Lily.

Before James could protest or extract himself, Lily swayed in front of the minister. "Hi there! We're here to get married - me and this handsome guy!"

She threw her arms around James, who sighed in frustration. This woman was completely delusional, a drunken force of nature. But also...strangely enthralling in her audacity.

The minister blinked in surprise. "You're... Ms. Adams then, I presume? The bride that was arranged for Mr. Watson?"

"Never heard of her!" Lily giggled, barely able to keep upright. "Just call me the new Mrs...?" She looked up at James expectantly.

Part of him knew he should put a stop to this nonsense immediately. But another part was morbidly curious about this wild creature of a woman. A break from the gilded, overly regimented life mapped out for him.

"Watson. James Watson," he replied with a rakish smile. "And why not? Let's get married, my unexpected bride."

" Hold on... you ain't doing this right? " Louis asked and James, enigmatic.

"What do you think?" he turned to the man. "Let's do this."

"I ain't going to stop you either" Louis raised his hand in surrender while stepping backwards.

Lily squealed in delight, throwing her arms around his neck as the minister gestured for them to take their places. As ridiculous as this all was, James had to admit he was intrigued by this firecracker.

In the whirlwind of the next hour, there were makeshift vows, signatures on a marriage certificate, and the sealing kiss between the drunken bride and her billionaire groom. Just like that, their outrageous stunt was official.

" Louis, take care of Miss Chloe Adams when she comes... I wonder who will come late for their wedding. Meanwhile, I'm going home with my wife" he smiled.

"You got it boss!" he said, throwing him a salute.

As the newlyweds stumbled out, James pulled Lily close with his firm grip around her waist.

"Get ready for the wildest ride of your life, Mrs. Watson," he murmured, wondering just how this rash decision would change everything, and they got into the car and drove to one of his villas.

Lily's eyes fluttered open, squinting against the bright rays of the morning sun streaming through the panoramic windows. She gasped, taking in her surroundings... this was most definitely not the budget hotel room she had rented. She tried to recall how she ended up there. She felt a headache as she tried to think straight.

The beautiful colours on the walls, the plush king-sized bed, the vaulted ceilings, the pristine modern furnishings, everything screamed opulent wealth and riches. Then something caught her eyes, it was the glittering diamond ring on her left hand that made Lily's heart stop. She held her hand upwards, staring at it in shock.

"What the hell did I do last night? Where am I ?" she croaked out, looking around, cradling her pounding head as flashes came back in fragmented memories.

There was drinking...so much drinking to erase bthe pain of catching Ryan with another woman. Then the unexplainable urge to get back at him, the thought of killing him or putting a ring on her own finger out of anger. And then, the mystery man in the brinoi vanguish she had accosted and all but forced to marry her.

"You're finally awake, I see."

Lily turned her head toward the deep voice. She felt a sharp pain in her head. There stood the man from last night, leaning against the doorframe in an expensive-looking robe. Her eyes widened as she saw him.

"Don't worry, sweetheart, I can have the staff bring you some water and painkillers and probably tea to keep you still " James said in a low, smooth rumble. "The tea will help you with your hangover."

"Wait...you're...we're..." Lily's eyes widened in panic as it all came crashing back, she bit her lower lips.

James chuckled dryly. "Indeed we are dear. I believe the Rev congratulated us as 'Mr. and Mrs. James Watson' last night." he chuckled again.

"What the hell!," Lily groaned, burying her face in her hands. This can't happen right, it's a dream. Sure, her last memories involved her drunkenly demanding this total stranger marry her on the spot. But she never imagined he'd actually go through with it, she never imagined it was even real!

"I know this is...unorthodox," James started, moving to take a seat on the edge of the bed. "But we're both adults here. We'll figure this out."

" Figure this out!... why did you agree with a drunk woman?" she started narrowing her eyes in disbelief.

" I'm sorry... I... just..." he took a deep breath. "But sorry to disappoint you, there is actually nothing we can do now" he said.

Lily peeked at him warily through her fingers, realization hitting her once more at how insanely wealthy and powerful her new "husband" seemed to be. Just who had she gotten herself tangled up with?

"Well, I guess we should start with introductions," James went on, holding out his hand. "While I know you already drunkenly proposed and married me all in one go...perhaps we could do this properly?"

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

She reluctantly took his hand, giving it a weak shake. "Lily. Lily Walker."

" You can call me James" he smiled.

"Charmed, Lily," he gave her hand a lingering squeeze before releasing it. "Though I imagine you're hardly feeling that way currently," he laughed.

"You think?" Lily snickered, falling back against the pillows. "I basically just wrecked my entire life Damn!".

"Don't be so hard on yourself. You were a nonstandard bride, sure, but I did agree to take those vows with you, whether you forced my hand or not". James smirked.

Lily felt herself getting flustered under his intense hazel-eyed gaze. The man certainly cut an intimidatingly attractive figure, even rumpled from sleep and wearing that sinfully luxurious robe. He was definitely charming and good with words.

Sensing her discomfort, James adjusted to a more businesslike tone. "Look, I don't make a habit of drunk weddings to strangers. Believe me, I have a strict personality, and I'm not the one to play around. But you were in a compromised state and I felt it was best to remove you from that situation. I'm not always like that."

"And marrying me off to you was somehow the solution?" Lily replied in disbelief.

James shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm a billionaire, Lily. With endless resources. If this temporary arrangement can provide you with a soft landing while you get back on your feet, I'm happy to help. In return, you will be my woman."

Lily opened her mouth to protest, but James raised his hand to stop her.

"At the very least, let me have my butler bring you some proper clothes and breakfast before you decide if you'd prefer to leave." His expression softened. "No matter what, you're safe here. "

Something about the tender glint in his eye made Lily's defenses lower slightly, she felt submissive to this stranger. As if he truly wanted to care for her, despite this madness.

Before she could respond, there was a light knock at the door. "Pardon me, sir. But Miss Adams has arrived and is quite...insistent on speaking with you."

Lily's brow furrowed in confusion as James pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling impatiently.

"Very well then, let her wait for me in the parlor, I will be down shortly. This... is about to become even more complicated..."

" Let's go" he urged her. Before she could say a word, he was already at the door.

Lily trailed hesitantly behind James down the winding marble staircase, tugging self-consciously at the fancy silk robe he'd loaned her. Even among the mansion's opulent splendor, an impeccably dressed blonde stood out like a sore thumb.

She whipped around as they descended the last step, eyes blazing with fury when she spotted the rumpled Lily.

"James Watson, what in God's name is the meaning of this?" the woman spat out angrily.

James sighed heavily. "Yes, beautiful morning to you too Chloe. Do come in please."

He guided Lily swiftly past the seething blonde and into what appeared to be the living room.

"I believe some introductions are needed," he began in a soothingly crisp tone. "Lily, this is Chloe Adams. Chloe, this is my wife, Lily Watson."he smiled.

Lily felt her stomach drop at those last two words. Wife. She was this billionaire's actual, legally-wedded wife now. Unbelievable.

Chloe sputtered in outraged disbelief. "Wife? James, I misheard you right. Because there is no way this..." her eyes raked over Lily's rumpled appearance with scorn, "...waif of a woman could possibly be your wife, James!"

"Oh, sorry, hello, well I am". Lily surprised herself by piping up with a weird smile. Something about this Chloe's snide, superior attitude struck a nerve. "We got married last night," she said, flattering her ring.

Chloe opened her mouth, then closed it abruptly as the realization hit her. She turned back slowly to James, who simply gave a curt nod of confirmation.

"So after all the years our families cultivated this arrangement...you went and married a complete stranger?" Chloe's voice dripped with icy venom. "Good God, James, how could you be so reckless and impulsive?" she said, trying to hold back her tears.

"Sorry" Lily whispered.

"I appreciate the dire situation this puts you in, Chloe," James' tone remained measured. "But I'm afraid my hands were tied last night. You can either accept the circumstances, or-"

"You arrogant ass!," Chloe cut him off, jabbing a perfectly manicured fingernail into his chest. "If you think I'll stand idly while you disrespect me like this...then you have to think again James."

With that, she spun on her heel and stormed toward the entrance.

"This isn't over, James Watson!" she called out over her shoulder furiously. "And as for you..." Her eyes narrowed to slits as they landed on Lily. "I'll make you regret the day you ever dared to cross me bitch!."

Then she was gone, leaving an unsettled silence in the atmosphere. Lily looked over at James, suddenly very aware of what she'd gotten herself into.

"Damn!" she said.

Lily let out a shaky breath once Chloe had disappeared. "Well, she seems...lovely".

"Don't worry about Chloe's threatens", James waved a dismissive hand. "She's all bark and no bite most of the time. Everything will be fine."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that."

James and Lily turned to see a stylishly dressed man strolling into the living room, a bemused smirk on his face. He had an easy, laidback demeanor about him.

"Louis, my own very voice, what's up" James gave him a sardonic smile. "Coming from someone whose faith in me is staggering as always"

Louis clicked his tongue teasingly. "You know I've got your back, J. But you also know the Adams crew aren't to be underestimated."

He looked over at Lily with an appraising glance. "No offense to the newly wedded wifey, but getting drunk-married to some random bird has properly stuck a hornet's nest with that insufferable Chloe".

"Watch who you're calling a random bird, Mister," Lily arched an eyebrow. Even rumpled in James' borrowed robe, she tried to radiate confidence. She can't be insulted by anybody.

Louis held up his hands in mock surrender. "My humblest apologies, Mrs. Watson. I only wish to speak only with James' best interests at heart."

James chuckled, tapping his best friend and secretary on the shoulder. "Which is why I have kept you as both my secretary and keeper of my sanity. But have a little faith man, I know what I'm doing with this one... Trust me in this." he gave a pleading look.

He pulled Lily close against his side, that devilish gleam returning to his hazel eyes. "Marrying this fiery creature promises to be one hell of an adventure... But don't forget, I had a choice."

Lily felt her cheeks warm at his boldness, that dizzying chemistry quickly resurfacing between them. She couldn't deny the inexplicable thrill she got being so near James. Her heart beat against her chest, she somehow felt comfortable beside him.

Louis eyed them both skeptically. "If you're sure about taking on this level of drama, then. Just don't come crying to me when Chloe inevitably goes nuclear and remember you're not only going to face her alone"

"I know," James said dryly. "Now if you'll excuse us, I'd like to properly welcome my new wife to the family."

He looped his arm possessively around Lily's waist, steering her from the room with Louis shaking his head in amusement behind them. As they headed back upstairs, Lily couldn't fight the excited flutter in her stomach.

"Honestly, I feel pity for her. It feels I'm doing the same thing my ex did but in a different war" she gave a worried face.

"Don't worry, it's not the same... we weren't in love or anything, it was just a business deal... which I guess, I just broke."

She sighed.

This life with James was sure to be wild, scandalous, passionate...and she didn't want it any other way.

******

It was a sunny Monday morning. James had insisted that the driver take her to work even if she didn't want to.

Lily trudged through the lobby of her office building. It was definitely going to be another long day at her marketing job. She couldn't stop replaying the traumatic events of the weekend in her mind over and over.

Alison, her best friend and coworker, gasped audibly when Lily entered their modern glass-walled office space. "Lil? Oh my God, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

Ducking her head, Lily tried to ignore all the stares from their confused colleagues as Alison ushered her into a private side room.

"It's...it's a really long story," Lily stammered as she hugged Alison before sinking into a chair. The complete upheaval in her life had finally caught up in a crushing way.

Alison's eyes went wide with concern. "Wait...did this have something to do with your meltdown after that scumbag Ryan cheated? Please don't tell me you did something crazy!"

"Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it, it's more" Lily muttered darkly. "I...I got married, Ally."

The words hung dead in the air between them. Finally, Alison released a nervous giggle. "Okay, very funny joke about hitting the sauce too hard and doing a drunken City thing! Seriously though, what's going on with you?"

When Lily didn't laugh or react at all beyond staring at the floor listlessly, Alison's jovial expression slowly drained into one of pale shock.

"Hold on, you're...you're not joking, are you?" she whispered. "Lily, what did you do?!"

"I don't know Alison... I..." Before Lily could answer, her phone started buzzing urgently in her jacket pocket. She blinked, puzzled, before reading the caller ID - it was her cousin Maggie.

"Oh god, I completely forgot about everything going on..." Lily gasped, quickly answering. "Mags? Is it Dad? Is he okay?"

Maggie's quavering voice came through the line sounding strained and frightened. "It's not good, Lil. You need to get down to the hospital right away. Dad had another heart attack, the doctors aren't sure if...come please"

Lily felt her stomach plummet to the floor as everything spun around her. Sweet, hardworking Mike Walker, her devoted single father, is clinging to life after suffering from chronic heart issues the past year. She had to go to him right away.

"I'll be right there," she choked out, ending the call and turning numbly back to a bewildered Alison. "Ally, I need you to cover for me. It's...it's an emergency."

Minutes later, Lily rushed through the hospital entrance, having swung through her apartment to change into fresh clothes.

Maggie spotted her and pulled her into a fierce hug. "Thank god you're here, sis. They've got him stabilized in the ICCU for now."

"I came as fast as I could," Lily sniffed, fresh tears stinging her eyes. The whirlwind of marital chaos with James and the Adams family was temporarily shoved aside by this crisis.

"Watch over him while I go get something" she hurriedly left.

Lily walked directly to the elevator and was about to press the button when she startled slightly as a hand came to rest protectively on the small of her back. Turning, she saw James beside her looking concerned.

"I'm so sorry about your father, darling," he murmured. "Louis informed me right away. Let's go be with him, hmm?"

"Did..." she paused. Lily could only nod, allowing James to steer and comfort her as they headed for the elevators. His solid, reassuring presence was so at odds with the upheaval surrounding their ill-conceived marriage.

At that moment, she was just grateful to have him anchoring her world, even if she didn't fully understand why yet. The battle with Chloe, the future of this outrageous marriage...it could all wait, she had got some more important things to deal with.

Right now, Lily needed to draw strength to face this personal crisis. And somewhere deep down, she had a feeling James would ensure she didn't have to go through it alone.

" Thanks" she said as they got into the elevator

"You're my wife, your happiness is my happiness and your worries are my worries", he gave a reassuring smile.