The Billionaire's Obsession: A Billionaire's Love Story

SAVANNAH'S POV

"Don't leave this room until you're done!" My stepmother Vera McGrathy's voice split through the air, her face red with fury and disgust. "When it's time to serve we'll call you."

I stood in the dimly lit room, alone, clutching a mop stick with a bucket on another hand. My chest ached. I spontaneously wiped the hot tears gathered beneath my eyelids with my stained apron as cheers and laughter echoed from outside. How could they be celebrating my suffering? This is a nightmare I want to wake up from.

Thirty minutes later, I was finished cleaning. My stepmother's stilettos echoed in the hall, growing louder until she was right in front of me again.

"Take this," she snapped, flinging a dress at me. "Change into it. We can't have you looking like a maid in front of our guests."

I scoffed, clutching the mop stick even tighter. Of course, I was a maid-one they used however they pleased. Ever since my father died, My step mother and sister changed from the loving family I once knew to vicious witches.

To avoid punishment, I changed into the dress, picked up a tray of drinks, then made my way to the hall.

My gaze fell on Jamie and Briannah and it made my stomach churn. Briannah stood in a flowing white dress and Jamie clung onto her in a tailored black tuxedo. Watching them made my chest ache as the air in the room suddenly became too thick. The two people who ruined my life-was karma even real?

They fooled me! Not just that, Jamie told me he had been in love with Briannah the whole time. He only wanted me for my inheritance, and chose to leave me after I lost it all to my stepmother.

To make things worse, I was now engaged to Jamie's estranged cousin against my will just because my step mother couldn't pay her debt. I have never set my eyes on him but the stories I heard were brutal. He was a tyrant. Tears rushed down my cheeks uncontrollably. If I should continue, I would drown in a pool of it. I just can't marry a man I have never met.

My eyes were fixed on them for too long and I didn't even realize when I slipped. My body felt light, I faced the ceiling, the bright lights piercing through my eyes. Is this how I'd die? At least, I'd be free from this nightmare.

A pair of strong arms suddenly grabbed my waist. The hands flipped me, leaving me face to face with a handsome stranger. My tray fell, the drinks shattered on the ground.

His grey eyes locked on mine for what felt like an eternity. His jawline chiseled and firm, his hair dark as night. Everyone else was invisible. He was beautiful and unreal.

Slap! Briannah's fingers landed across my face, pulling me out of thoughts. "Are you crazy, Savannah?"

I fell to the ground, my hands rubbed my stinging cheeks. "I'm...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," I blurted out. It felt like everyone's eyes were on me and I couldn't help but hide my face in shame.

"You are so clumsy and stupid. You never do anything right," Jamie chipped in. My chest ached even more. The man I once loved and trusted, spitting such hurtful words.

Briannah raised her hands high, her fingers almost landing on my face again, when a baritone voice interrupted. "Stop!"

I raised my head slightly to see who it was. No one had ever stood up for me in front of them.

"I said stop!" the stranger said again, his voice deep and cool. "Don't lay your hands on her for a second time if you don't want to face the consequences."

"Who is he?" I wondered. "Why is he helping me?"

"You don't have the right to threaten me at my own wedding," Briannah responded, her voice trembling. "Jamie, tell your cousin to stay out of our family's business."

His cousin? My eyes widened as my pupils dilated. It can't be. The man who just saved me is my intended husband-Diego Montenegro. How come nobody told me?

"Savannah and I will be married soon so I would appreciate it if nobody destroys her pretty face for me. Understood?" He said, his eyes dangerously fixed on Briannah, an unexplainable darkness in his eyes. She trembled as her face went pale. Everyone went pale. It felt like his voice paused time and music.

He turned to me as his huge figure hovered around me, his hand stretched towards me. I placed my palms gently in his. It was surprisingly soft and he pulled me up.

"Try not to get into trouble again, little bunny," he said, patting my head lightly.

"Little bunny?" I whispered, my lips curved into a smirk. What did he mean by that?

"Mr Diego, I....I wasn't expecting you today," Vera stammered as she rushed to the scene. "Briannah sweetheart, please don't speak to Mr Diego like that," she warned.

His voice turned cold. "I only came here to have a glimpse of the lady I intend to marry and this is how you present her to me?" he growled. Vera shuddered, stepping backward. He looked like a lion ready to pounce on its prey.

"Mr Diego. Don't worry about what just happened. I'll make sure Savannah learns how to be more respectful," Vera said, giving me a deadly glare. I trembled because I knew that look-I was in trouble. What would she do this time? Make me stand the whole night with ceramic on my palms or lock me out in the cold?

"Savannah will no longer serve at this party so if you'd excuse me, my fiancée and I have a wedding to plan," he told her, grabbing my wrists as he dragged me towards the exit. They all stood there pale and quiet. It felt like this strange man I knew nothing about was dragging me to my doom.

When we got outside, a fair distance away from the party he left my hands, turned and walked away, his wide back swaying in the shadows.

"Is...is that all?" I stammered. I didn't expect him to speak to me or turn.

"Did you expect more, perhaps, little bunny?" he asked as he turned, his long legs, striding towards me. In seconds, his face was just a few inches away from mine. "Is that how you thank me for saving your ass?"

I could feel his warm breath against my skin, a mix of mint and alcohol. His face was clearer now as the moonlight spilled on us-he was nothing like I expected. I'd imagined a rough looking man with brown teeth but he was the complete opposite. But why did he seem so familiar? Have we met?

"Please," I whispered. "I don't want to marry." I covered my face with my palms.

He paused, staring intensely at me. "Do you have twenty million then?" He finally spoke, his voice slicing through the small silence.

"No....no," I shuddered. Twenty million was the exact amount my step mother was owing him. Even if I worked my ass for three years I could never pay that.

"Then welcome to the Montenegro family. We will be married tomorrow," his deep voice rang in my ears.

SAVANNAH'S POV

Married tomorrow? He walked away without looking back, leaving me to drown in thoughts. How can he be so casual about something that could ruin my life? I can't do this! Or maybe there is no need to resist. Maybe I should accept my fate and marry him. I couldn't run away. If I did, how will I get back everything my step mother has taken from me?

I stood there as my mind pondered on every possibility. The cold air brushed on my sensitive skin and I shivered, wrapping my hands around my body.

I walked, my feet broke through the grass as I found my way to my room. In a few minutes, I was right in front of my door. I pushed the weak door wide open as I collapsed on my old and worn-out bed, drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, I was jolted out of sleep by a knock on my door.

"Come in," I said groggily, rubbing my eyes still heavy with sleep as I wondered what it was this time.

The housekeeper rushed in with a box, beaming. "This just came in for you."

I stared at the box in her hand for an unexpected number of minutes. I didn't remember the last time I received gifts, let alone a perfectly wrapped one. The only gifts I had in the last five years were hand-me-downs from Briannah.

"Who is this from and what is inside?" I asked, shuddering as I took the box from her. I quickly ripped the wrap open, flinging the box cover to the bed. What lay inside made my eyes widen in shock-a wedding dress and a note.

I picked up the note and my eyes landed on the writing-from Diego Montenegro. I should have known. A gift from him sure came as a big surprise but I couldn't reject it, could I? I had no choice.

"Your stepmother requested that you should be well fed, bathed and dressed at the main hall. Everyone is waiting for you," the housekeeper informed me, cutting into my thoughts.

I groaned, a frown formed on my face as I sheepishly dragged my feet with the big box in my hands to the main hall. There, everyone was waiting to doll me up for my big day or rather prepare me as a sacrificial lamb.

"Fix your face Savannah. You look like a monkey with that frown," my stepmother sneered, the moment she saw me, her eyes locked on me with an angry grin.

"Make sure she doesn't leave this room until she looks perfect for Mr Diego," her old voice swept the room again, followed by a laugh before she shut the door loudly.

I stared at myself in the dressing mirror in front of me as the feeling of self pity overwhelmed me. I was stripped naked, every part of my body thoroughly checked by these strange women I didn't know. I tried my best to cover some parts with my fingers as much as I could but there was no use.

"She has big buttocks, perfect to bear cute children for Mr Diego," one fat woman said, and the other two laughed. I felt stupid and weak. If I had a choice, I would barge out of there without looking back. To hell with them and Mr Diego.

"Mr Diego is so handsome that ladies all over the city are dying to be with him. So count yourself lucky, Savannah," the woman said again, plastering makeup on my face.

Lucky? I was literally being sold to this man but what was even the deal with him? They're placing him on a pedestal like he is some god.

A few minutes later, I was done getting ready. My fingers grazed the wedding dress sitting perfectly on my body as I wondered how Diego knew my exact size. I looked like an entirely different person with all the makeup. The tight corset squeezed my belly with no space left for air.

"Everyone is waiting for the bride," the housekeeper announced, rushing in. "Hurry," she added, throwing her fingers in the air.

"Before I forget, mints," the fat lady said, pushing a round thing into my mouth. "For when you kiss your husband."

The thought of kissing Diego clouded my mind. I could faint in front of everyone.

"Don't forget the perfume. Mr Diego's favourite scent," the other lady said, handing her a small, fine designed bottle. It was a replica of my perfume. Mr Diego's favourite scent is my perfume? I stood confused. Before I could say a word, the liquid was all over me. A small cough escaped my lips as they dragged me outside the room.

Reaching the hall, my eyes ran through every face present. My stepmother's eyes locked on me with a "don't ruin it" look. She had already warned me not to spoil things or she would make my life a living hell.

I walked in the middle of the crowd, squeezing the bunch of rose flowers in my hands and forcing a smile just as my stepmother had ordered me to. As I got closer, my eyes locked on Diego. He stood in a well tailored black tuxedo, a satisfied smile tugged at his lips. In a few seconds, I was right in front of him.

"Do you Diego Montenegro take Savannah McGrathy as your lawfully wedded wife?" The priest asked Diego.

"Yes I do," he replied, staring deep into my eyes. I wanted to remove my gaze, but I just couldn't. He pulled me in.

The priest placed a tray in front of me and I picked a ring, fixing it on his large fingers.

"Do you Savannah McGrathy take Diego Montenegro as your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest asked, turning to me.

I paused, deep in thought, wishing someone would barge in and stop the damn wedding. But who? My stepmother stood at the corner urging me to say yes, but the words couldn't come out. Hot tears welled up in my eyes, my throat tight with no space for air. I realised there was no one coming to save me and I had to do what I had to do.

"Y....ye...yes, I do," I stammered. Diego took my palm in his soft and large palms as he fixed a ring on my finger.

"Pure diamond," I scoffed, staring at the ring adorning my finger. I had never worn anything as expensive as this ring but it was of no use to me.

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced. My heartbeat increased as my legs began to shake. This was the part I dreaded the most.

He brought his face closer to mine, his warm breath against my veil. His hands rolled up the veil as our eyes locked. His fingers grazed my face as he placed his lip on mine. He kissed me with so much passion that I shut my eyes tight. It sent adrenaline rushing down my spine. What was this strange thing I was feeling? I wanted more.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered in my ear, breaking the kiss as I froze. I was still recovering from the shock, my fingers clenched my flower even tighter.

"T...thank you," I muttered, still in shock. I was finally married to Diego-the famous tyrant.

"Let's go make beautiful babies, little bunny," he whispered again, staring deep into my eyes and I froze again.

SAVANNAH'S POV

Babies? My life was literally slipping from my hands but his concern was making babies. I gulped hard because it felt like a threat only to look down to see his palm stretched proudly towards me.

He led me to the car outside as guests tagged behind us. Congratulations flew past my head but I didn't care. My stepmother watched me closely from the stairs as a satisfied smile tugged at her lips-she had won. As we entered the car, I stared out the window, observing the crowd and saying goodbye to my old life. There was no going back now.

We arrived at his mansion after a long drive. Stepping out of the car, my eyes widened in shock. A large beautiful building was in front of me, draped in hyacinths and had a water fountain in the middle. Three maids lined up to welcome us, their hands folded in front of them.

"Welcome to your new home," Diego's voice rang from behind me. My new home. I would have to adapt to a new life, a new name and that ridiculous pet name-little bunny.

He led me inside the house, straight to his bedroom. My eyes roamed everywhere as its beauty was unlike any I had seen. Then it dawned on me. I would have to spend the night with him as my husband. My heartbeat increased as I trembled. By tomorrow, I would have lost my virginity against my will.

"You should take a bath. You must be tired from everything," he said with a deep sigh, cutting into my thoughts.

I quickly agreed because I needed to be alone for a while. I needed some time to process everything-to come to terms with this new beginning. I dashed into the bathroom and thankfully it was a peaceful place, peaceful enough for me to think. I quickly took off the heavy wedding dress, freeing myself. I poured cold water on my body and it made me feel a bit relieved. When I was done, my eyes searched the bathroom and my gaze fell on a night dress neatly arranged by the side. I wore it without hesitation as I stared at myself in the mirror. It was short, exposing my thighs. The upper part exposed my arms and partly my chest. I was me again without all the makeup.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I saw Diego sitting at the edge of the bed without his shirt. My eyes fixed on his body as I observed his muscular and firm figure. A lion head tattoo plastered on his chest. He was undeniably very beautiful. I gushed over him unknowingly and I hated myself for it.

"Come here, little bunny," I heard him say across the room. My breath hitched as my chest thumped even louder. The way he said little bunny this time was more intense and somewhat sexy. I walked slowly towards him, my legs shaking until I got to where he was.

"Sit," he said, tapping the space near him. I immediately wanted the floor to open and take me. I sat, not saying a word. His eyes went from my face, down to my palms as he took them in his.

"Look at your hands," he said, lifting my fingers. "How could they do this to you?"

I knew what he meant-the scars on my palms. The ones I got from excessive punishment and work from my stepmother. But why did he care? Didn't he also want to make life miserable for me?

"I promise, no one will ever hurt you again," he said, his lips brushed across my knuckles. I was confused. He was supposed to be a monster. But the way he touched me-was he just being kind or maybe he was waiting for the perfect moment to reveal his cruel intentions?

He stared into my eyes like a hungry lion ready to devour its catch. His fingers found their way to my thighs as he caressed them softly. It felt like he was igniting a fire in my body. What was happening?

His other hand cupped my cheeks, as he planted a soft kiss on my lips. It felt better and more intense than earlier. I still wanted more. He deepened the kiss, swaying his head left and right as I placed my tightened fists on my thumping chest.

"You smell like flowers. My favourite scent," he spoke, breaking the kiss. I didn't understand his obsession with my perfume. He sniffed my neck, inhaling more of it as his fingers trailed my neck down to my chest. I shut my eyes tight, waiting for whatever will happen.

His fingers found their way inside my nightwear as he brushed his thumb against my nipple. A soft moan escaped my lips as I hurriedly covered my mouth with my palm.

"Shhh.... don't," he said, taking my palms off. He wasn't joking when he said he wanted babies earlier.

I tried to resist and he stopped, releasing me from his grip.

"If you don't want this, I will stop," his voice broke through the small silence as his grey eyes locked on mine.

Why did he care? Wasn't he supposed to forcefully get on with his thing whether I wanted it or not? On the other hand, my stepmother's voice rang in my head. "Offer yourself to him willingly. Don't resist him or I'll make this city a living hell for you!"

I shuddered. "Don't...don't stop," I managed to say. I could see the spark in his eyes ignite. It felt like my words unleashed an inner demon. He gulped down hard, licking his lips as he wrapped his arms around me.

The kiss came with full force this time. It was hot and I couldn't resist him. I wrapped my arms around him as his hands caressed every part of my body. I could feel my night wear leaving my body as I surrendered to him. I was completely bare before his eyes now. I didn't hide, I let him see everything.

But his breathing became slower and hesitant. "Have you done this before?" He whispered into my ears. Doing so, his voice ignited more fire in my body.

"No..no," I whispered back. Why did he ask? Didn't he already know what he was coming for? Didn't she tell him?

His brows furrowed, his gaze turned cold. The spark in his eyes disappeared. Did I do anything wrong?

He quickly pulled away from me, creating a barrier between us.

"Go to bed," he said, not looking at me. One minute his gaze was all over me, and another, he didn't even want to spare me a glance. He sounded cold and detached, rubbing his palms on his face aggressively. Did he not like my body?

A surge of embarrassment overwhelmed me. How could I look at him now? Without hesitation, he rolled to the other part of the bed, far away from me. I slipped my night wear back on as I occupied my own side of the bed.

My mind was filled with different thoughts. I consistently stole glances at him to see if he would turn and say something but it was all the same. I rolled on the bed, each time, in a different position. What if he tells my stepmother he wasn't satisfied with what he saw? I would be dead. I hoped and wished it was something else.

My gaze landed on his back as he was facing the wall now. Multiple scars lay around his wide back. Each of them, a different shape and different story to tell. I was about to look away and sleep when one caught my attention.

No way! Why did it look so familiar? The shape. The angle. I could swear I'd seen that scar somewhere on someone else. But who?!