The Billionaire's Mistaken Bride

"No, I won't!" I shouted.

"Apologize!" my stepmother barked, slapping me hard across the face.

Pain exploded, but I stood my ground. "Why should I? I did nothing wrong. She did," I said, pointing at Ava, my stepsister.

Her eyes darkened with fury. "Since you refuse to accept your mistake, you won't eat anything in this house for the next three days."

"But Mom....."

"I am not your mother!" she cut me off sharply. "Your mother is dead. She's been dead for a long time."

That was it.

The tears I had been holding back spilled freely, sliding down my cheeks. What had I done to deserve this kind of life? What crime had I committed to be treated like I didn't belong?

I looked up and met Ava's eyes. She was smiling,slow, cruel, and satisfied. This was exactly what she wanted.

I said nothing.

I knew better than to argue. Her words were final. My father wouldn't defend me,he never did. Instead, he would accuse me of always looking for trouble with his precious younger daughter.

So I stayed silent, swallowing my pain, as I always did.

******

Author's Pov

She cried as she walked into her small room and locked the door behind her. Sliding down against it, Skyle buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as the sobs finally broke free. This room was the only place she could call hers,small, plain, but safe from their eyes.

Moments later, her phone rang.

She glanced at the screen and saw Clara.

Taking a shaky breath, Skyle answered. "Hello?"

Clara's voice came through immediately, warm and familiar. "Hey, Sky. I was just checking up on you. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine," Skyle replied quickly.

There was a brief silence on the other end before Clara spoke again. "No, you're not. I can hear it in your voice." She sighed softly. "I've known you since we were kids. Something is wrong."

That was all it took.

The dam broke.

Skyle told her everything,how she had been in the kitchen that morning, quietly making tea because her stomach ached from hunger. How Ava had walked in, snatched the cup from her hands, and poured the hot tea over herself. They had argued briefly before Ava began crying loudly, tearing her own dress to make it look worse.

"She did it on purpose," Skyle whispered. "She wanted trouble."

She explained how her stepmother rushed in and, without asking for any explanation, immediately believed Ava. How she had been ordered to apologize for something she hadn't done. How the slap came next. And then the words,cruel and unforgivable,about her mother being dead and her punishment of not eating for three days.

By the time she finished, Skyle's voice was barely audible.

"Oh, Skyle..." Clara said gently. "I'm so sorry. You don't deserve any of this."

Clara stayed on the phone, consoling her, reminding her that she wasn't alone and that things wouldn't always be this way. Then, after a pause, Clara spoke again,this time with a hint of hope in her voice.

"Listen," she said. "The fast-food place where I work is looking for another staff. Someone to help attend to customers who come in for drinks and snacks. The pay is actually really good."

Skyle listened quietly.

"You can work there," Clara continued. "With what they pay, you can take care of yourself. You won't have to depend on them forever. You can become independent."

For the first time that day, something stirred inside Skyle's chest,small, but real.

"I... can I do that?," Skyle said slowly.

"Yes, you can," Clara replied firmly. "Come tomorrow. I'll help you talk to the manager."

Skyle wiped her tears and nodded, even though Clara couldn't see her. "Okay. I'll be there tomorrow."

When the call ended, Skyle lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to imagine a life beyond that house,a life where she could breathe.

*****

Alexander Blackwood

The boardroom was already full when I walked in.

They stopped talking immediately.

I took my seat at the head of the table, loosening my cufflinks as the screen lit up with figures and projections. Numbers never lied. People did.

"Next on the agenda," Victor said carefully, "the Hale Group."

I glanced at the file in front of me. A failing company. Poor management. Too much sentiment, not enough structure.

"They're requesting an alliance," he continued. "Financial backing. Strategic support."

"And the condition?" I asked.

There was a brief pause.

"A marriage arrangement."

I lifted my eyes then. Not in surprise,but interest. Marriage alliances weren't unusual at this level. They were efficient. Binding.

"Which daughter?" I asked.

"Ava Hale. Publicly acknowledged. Educated. Suitable."

That was enough.

I skimmed the document once, already calculating outcomes. The Hale Group would stabilize within months under my control. The rest was formality.

"Proceed," I said, closing the file.

The decision was recorded. The tension dissolved. The meeting moved on.

As far as I was concerned, the matter was settled.

Ava Hale

I sat on my bed, smiling to myself, letting the quietness of my room wrap around me. Life was good. Perfect, after all.

"Yeah, I know she's the eldest," I muttered under my breath, pacing slowly. "But I hate her with passion. Why is she even here? Why does she eat with us? Why is she so beautiful? Why does she have everything... except me?"

I laughed softly, the sound sharp and satisfied. "Thank goodness for Mom. I'm the only recognizable daughter. No one knows her, and everyone thinks I'm the only Hale. I love it that way."

I twirled a strand of my hair, admiring my reflection in the mirror. Power, recognition, admiration,it all belonged to me. And Skyle... well, she was just a shadow in my perfect life. A shadow that was about to stay exactly where it belonged.

Skyle Hale

I woke up very early, but lazily. My body ached, and my stomach growled with hunger. Still, I forced myself to get up.

I brushed my teeth, took a quick bath, and packed my hair into a simple ponytail. I slipped into a crop top that revealed my belly button, paired it with my jeans and sneakers, and applied a touch of lip gloss. I looked... okay. Hot, even. But inside, I was heavy with pain.

I tried my best to forget everything that happened yesterday, but every memory came rushing back like a storm I couldn't escape.

Once I was done, I headed to Clara's place. I needed to eat something before facing the world, even if just for a few hours of peace.

Clara Benelt

"Where is Skyle? I've been waiting... she said she'd be here by 7 a.m.," I muttered to myself, pacing the living room.

I was still contemplating whether to call her when I heard a knock at the door. Guess she's here, I said under my breath.

I rushed to the door and swung it open. Skyle stood there, tired but trying to look put together. Without a word, we hugged each other tightly, letting the comfort of familiarity wash over us.

"Clara... hope there's some food in the house," Skyle whispered, rubbing her stomach.

"I met your mom downstairs," I said with a small smile. "Come, I made breakfast for the both of us."

I led her to the kitchen where the smell of freshly cooked food made her eyes widen. On the table, I had prepared:

Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and herbs

Buttered toast with a drizzle of honey

A bowl of fresh fruits, strawberries and bananas

Hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon

"Wow... thank you," Skyle said softly, her voice tinged with relief.

We sat down, eating in companionable silence for a few moments, letting the warmth of the kitchen fill the cracks left by yesterday's pain.

*******

As we finished eating, I leaned back and looked at Skyle. "Listen, I know things at home are... impossible right now. But I have an idea that could help you start being independent."

Skyle's eyes lit up faintly, a mix of curiosity and hope.

"There's a fast-food place near my street," I explained. "They're hiring someone to attend to customers ,serve drinks, take orders, keep things organized. It's not glamorous, but the pay is good. Enough for you to live on your own, even save a little."

Skyle leaned forward, listening intently.

"The hours are flexible, too. You can start early, finish early, or even pick shifts that work with your schedule. The manager is nice and understanding. And honestly... with how responsible and smart you are, you'd be perfect for the job."

I smiled at her, trying to make it sound encouraging. "I can even take you there today. You'll see the place, meet the manager, and if you like it, you can start immediately."

Skyle's lips curved into a small smile, but her eyes still held the weight of everything she had endured. "Today...?" she asked softly, almost as if testing herself.

"Yes," I said firmly. "No more waiting. You deserve this chance."

She took a deep breath, sitting up straighter. "Okay... I'll go today," she said, her voice trembling slightly but carrying determination. "I'll do it. I can't stay at home anymore."

I reached over and squeezed her hand. "Good. You'll see, it won't be as scary as you think. You've got this."

For the first time in days, a sense of control settled over Skyle. Today, she would take her first real step toward freedom, even if just a small one.

Skyle Hale

The walk to the fast-food place felt longer than it really was. My stomach fluttered nervously, but the morning sun warming my face gave me a tiny spark of courage. Clara walked beside me, chatting casually to calm me down, but I was quiet, lost in my thoughts.

When we arrived, the building was small but clean, with a bright sign and the smell of fresh fries and coffee drifting through the open door. Customers sat at tables, chatting and laughing, completely oblivious to the storm waiting for me back home.

"Here we are," Clara said softly. "You'll see, it's not so scary once you get in."

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The bell chimed, and the manager looked up from the counter. He was kind-eyed and had a warm smile that immediately made me feel less like an intruder.

"Hi sir," Clara said. "This is my friend Skyle,I told you about, She's interested in the position?"

The manager nodded. "Of course. Come on in, I'll show you around."

I followed him into the kitchen and work area. He explained everything in detail:

How to greet customers politely and take their orders

How to handle the drink station efficiently

Basic cleanliness rules for the tables and counters

Safety measures for hot drinks and cooking equipment

It sounded simple, but I felt a flutter of excitement. I could do this. I had to do this.

"Do you think you can start today?" the manager asked kindly.

I nodded immediately. "Yes. I... I'll do my best."

Clara smiled at me, pride shining in her eyes. "See? Told you you'd be fine."

My first customers came in slowly at first. I smiled nervously, repeated the manager's instructions in my head, and began to serve them. Each time I handed someone their drink or smiled politely, a small part of the fear inside me faded.

By the end of the morning, I was tired, sweaty, and my feet ached,but I had done it. I had survived. And more importantly, I had taken the first real step toward independence.

As I looked at Clara, who was watching me with encouragement, I realized something,for the first time in a long time, I felt... capable.

Hale's Mansion

"Where is Skyle?" Vivian asked sharply.

"I don't know, Mom," Ava replied, shrugging. "Are you calling her to eat?"

"No, dear," Vivian said coldly. "Has the house been cleaned? Have your clothes been washed?"

Ava shook her head. "No."

Vivian's lips tightened.

"Why is she always so lazy?" Ava scoffed, rolling her eyes. She turned and called out to one of the servants. "Go and call Skyle."

The servant bowed and hurried away.

Minutes later, she returned, her head lowered. "Ma'am... I've looked everywhere. Skyle is nowhere to be found."

Vivian's face darkened instantly. Her calm snapped.

"Where did that girl go off to this morning?!" she barked, slamming her hand on the table. "I will deal with her myself!"

Ava's lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile.

Alexander's POV

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers steepled as a slow smirk curved my lips.

So... she agreed.

Despite all the rumors. Despite everything she must have heard about me.

Gold diggers were always the same. They pretended to be brave, pretended to be different, but in the end, they all wanted one thing,my name, my money, my power.

"Ava Hale," I muttered, glancing at the file on my desk.

The woman was either desperate or greedy. No sane woman willingly walked into my world without expecting something in return. And if she thought marrying me would be a fairytale, then she was in for a rude awakening.

I stood and walked toward the glass window overlooking the city. From this height, people looked insignificant. Easily controlled. Easily replaced.

I reached for my phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Ethan," I said the moment the call connected. "Send a message to the Hales. Let them know I accept their offer."

"Yes, sir," he replied promptly.

"And draft the contract," I continued coolly. "Make it clear that this marriage will be strictly contractual. One year. No emotions. No expectations beyond what's written."

"Understood."

"Send it to them tomorrow," I added. "They'll sign it."

I ended the call and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

I hope you're ready, I thought, a cold smile tugging at my lips. Because I won't make this easy for you.

Marriage was nothing more than a business deal to me. And if Ava Hale believed she could buy her way into my world, she was about to learn just how unforgiving it could be.

"Let's see how long you last," I murmured.

Hale's Mansion

Richard paced the living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, worry etched deep into his face.

"Our shares are dropping fast," he said, his voice tense. "If this continues, the company won't survive another quarter."

Vivian sat upright, her fingers folded calmly, though her eyes revealed concern. "That's why I sent the proposal to Alexander Blackwood. If he agrees to marry Ava, the Hale Group will be saved."

Richard sighed deeply. "I just hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava. He's our only chance now."

They were still discussing figures and losses when the front door opened.

Skyle stepped inside quietly, exhaustion weighing heavily on her body. Before she could say a word, Vivian's sharp gaze snapped toward her.

"So you've finally decided to come back," Vivian said coldly. "Where have you been all day?"

"I was...." Skyle began softly.

Before she could finish, Vivian raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face. "Useless girl! Neglecting your duties like this house means nothing to you!"

Skyle staggered but said nothing, lowering her head.

"Go and finish your work," Vivian ordered. "Clean the house, wash the clothes, and don't expect food until you're done."

She moved to block Skyle when Richard suddenly spoke.

"That's enough," he said. "Let her go."

Vivian turned to him in surprise.

"She's of marriageable age now," Richard continued. "There's no need to treat her like a child."

Vivian studied him briefly, then smiled faintly. "Fine," she said. "She can continue her job,but on one condition."

Skyle looked up cautiously.

"She obeys without question," Vivian added coldly. "And remembers her place in this house."

Skyle nodded silently and turned to leave.

Just as she took a step away, Vivian spoke again, her tone casual.

"Ava will be getting married very soon."

Skyle froze.

"Married?" she whispered.

"Yes," Vivian replied. "I only hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava."

Skyle's heart tightened painfully.

*****

Ava lounged on the couch, flipping through channels absentmindedly when a familiar face appeared on the screen.

"...Alexander Blackwood, officially ranked as the richest man in New York," the news anchor announced. "His empire spans real estate, technology, and global investments."

Ava's eyes lit up instantly.

"So rich..., so powerful," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. "Imagine being Mrs. Alexander Blackwood."

Her smile froze.

"...however," the reporter continued, "sources have allegedly confirmed rumors that Mr. Blackwood is gay, a speculation that has followed the billionaire CEO for years."

Ava's face twisted in disgust. She grabbed the remote and switched off the TV immediately.

"Gay?" she scoffed. "Never."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Annoyed, she stood up and opened it,only to freeze.

A tall man in a neat suit stood outside, his expression professional and unreadable.

"Good afternoon," he said. "I'm Ethan, Mr. Alexander Blackwood's manager. Please call Mr. Hale."

Ava's heart skipped.

She quickly called out to her father. Richard appeared moments later, followed closely by Vivian.

Ethan wasted no time. He handed over a brown envelope. "This is the marriage contract. Mr. Blackwood has agreed to the alliance."

Vivian's eyes gleamed. Richard's hands trembled slightly as he opened the document.

Ethan spoke calmly, firmly. "The marriage will be contractual. One year only. No emotional involvement. Both parties must comply strictly with the terms."

Richard barely finished reading before signing. He didn't hesitate for even a second. Vivian added her signature immediately after, her lips curved in satisfaction.

They handed the document back to Ethan, who signed his own copy, nodded once, and turned to leave.

The moment the door closed behind him-

"I'm not marrying him!" Ava burst out.

The room went silent.

"What?" Vivian snapped.

"I refuse," Ava said firmly. "Didn't you hear the rumors? He's gay! Do you think I'll waste my life in a fake marriage?"

Richard frowned. "Ava, this marriage will save the company"

"I don't care!" she interrupted. "I won't do it."

Vivian opened her mouth to argue, but Ava's eyes suddenly lit up with a wicked idea.

"Besides," she added slowly, "no one knows the Hale family has two daughters."

Vivian stiffened.

"Ava..." Richard warned.

"If we send her instead," Ava continued smoothly, "he won't even know. Skyle looks presentable enough. She'll do."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Vivian's gaze shifted thoughtfully.

Slowly... a smile spread across her face.

"You're right," she said softly. "No one knows about Skyle. And Mr. Blackwood won't question it."

Richard hesitated. "But...."

"The deal matters more," Vivian cut him off. "Skyle owes this family everything."

Ava smiled in triumph.