The Billionaire's Playground Bride

Chapter 1

SUSAN'S POV

"You are fired!"

Those words flowed freely from my Manager's mouth piercing through my heart.

But it was not my fault, Sir."

I refuted as tears pricked my eyes.

"Miss Susan, go to the HR department and initiate your handing over process. Do not make me loose my cool."

He seethed looking at me viciously.

My shoulders slumped in defeat as I noticed that he had a look that showed he was not going to have a change of mind and so I left his office.

I smiled sadly, sighing as I recalled the events of today that caused me to be fired.

I mistakenly tripped and fell on the dining area of the restaurant, emptying the order I was carrying on a customer.

And because of that, the customer got angry and ordered that I be sacked, so that is how I got fired.

Strolling down the road to my house, caught up in my train of thoughts, a sleek luxurious can drove furiously past me, splashing water from the potholes on me.

My eyes widened in shock as I looked at my stained dress and then at the car, which had come to a halt. Almost immediately, the van started moving again, this time slowly.

"Wow, so you couldn't even step down to apologize! Arrogant fools."

I snarled as I started following the car.

Rage built within me as it dawned that whoever drove that van was not going to step down and apologize.

"You need to feel this pain too."

I thought with a smirk as I picked up a big stone from the sidewalk and threw it on the rear window glass of the moving vehicle.

I gave a satisfactory smile when I saw that the rear window glass had shattered into small, round pieces.

The car halted as a guy came out of the driver's side and walked to the back of the car.

He stood tall with a confident posture, his features striking yet approachable. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, held a warmth that would likely draws me in. A well-defined jawline that complemented by tousled dark hair that gave him a casual, yet effortlessly attractive appearance.

I gulped down saliva as I looked away in shyness, maintaining a frown.

"What did you just do?"

He screamed in shock as his scythe-shaped eyebrows furrowed in fury as he looked at the car and then at me.

"I gave you a taste of your own medicine.

You fools go around hurting people and then go scot-free. Well, you just messed with the wrong person."

I stated stated with an indifferent shrug.

"And now you don't know the consequences you've attracted to yourself as a result of this."

He said with gritted teeth as he walked towards me. His face expressed terror.

He wore a flushed face, as his jaw clenched, his brow furrowed and his posture tensed. His eyes were glaring, and he was breathing heavily.

The sliding door of the van opened, and two men with black shades stepped out, approaching me. They were clad in dark suits and earpieces, glinting in the sunlight.

I needed no one to tell me at that point to run for my dear life, so like a flash, I took off on my heels for my safety.

Within the speed of light, I had already reached my best friend's house because I did not want them to trail me to my house.

"Ameliiiiiiiiiiiaaa"

I called out to my best friend, panting heavily.

The front door swung open as Amelia Roberts appeared at the door, folding her arms with furrowed brows.

I did not wait for Amelia to say a word when I pushed her from the door, dashed into the sitting room, and banged the door in fear of locking it.

I went on to sit on the couch as I shook visibly.

"What's wrong? Why are you breathing heavily? "

Amelia asked all at once, with panic.

"Get me water, please."

I replied, putting my hands on my chest as if to calm my heart.

Amelia Roberts rushed into the kitchen and came out with a glass of water, handing it over to me.

I took the glass of water from her and emptied its contents down my throat, and thereafter, I heaved a sigh of relief.

"I got fired today"

I announced after sometime of staring into space.

"What?"

Amelia shouted, her face conveying horror and shock.

I explained the details of the incident to her and she could not help but shake her head in pity.

"And I almost got into trouble. I bashed someone's car."

"I mean he splashed dirty water on me, and arrogantly drove past without apologizing, so I broke the rear window screen of the van."

I added trying to justify my actions.

Amelia let out a gasp as she quickly covered her mouth with her palms.

"You're wicked. Was that enough reason to bash someone's van?"

She said quietly.

"Do you know how much it costs to replace the window glass of a car talk more of a van? Is that why you ran in here panting? What if those people trace you to this place? How will I tell them that you do not live here?"

Amelia bombarded me with these questions, with panic written all over her face.

"Don't worry, they will not show up."

I assured her but she just eyed me as silence engulfed the room.

"How will you get funds to pay for your mom's surgery?"

She questioned in curiosity after sometime.

"My father wants me to get married to a billionaire who has offered to help us with funds for my mother's surgery in exchange for my hand in marriage."

I broke the news after some moments of silence, while staring into space.

Amelia's eyes widened in express shock and surprise, and almost immediately, she looked away as if trying to figure out something.

"Well, Susan you have to consider this. This is the only option you have. Or do you want your mother to suffer and die?"

She advised after staying mute for some time.

Fresh tears spilled down my eyes as I recalled my mother's critical situation and how I could not get enough money for her medical expenses.

"It's fine. If that is the only thing I can do to save her life."

I declared.

We said our goodbyes and in no time, I had hit the road, heading home.

Strolling towards the house, I froze as my eyes widened, then blinking rapidly as I tried to process the sight before me.

The car I had bashed earlier was parked in the driveway.

"How did he know that this is where I live? What's going on?"

I thought as my heart pounded fast and heavily.

I stood there for a while wandering in deep thoughts till I heard a creaking sound from the door.

"You're finally back"

My father said as he stepped out of the house, but I was too horrified to look at him, nor reply.

Beyond him stood the guy who confronted me when I bashed the van, with a surprised look, followed by a long stare and another man with a stoic, emotionless face.

The Man who seemed like their boss had the kind of face that stopped one in her tracks. He must have gotten used to that, the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way followed by overcompensating with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile.

The two men who seemed like bodyguards stood behind them.

It seemed they were about to take their leave, before I showed up.

Once inside the house, I stood nervously at the center of the living room as six pairs of eyes peered upon my body.

"Well, you'll pay for the damages and cost you caused us."

"I'm so sorry, sir. I regret my actions."

I gulped looking at the man with shades whom I figured out to be the owner of the van.

"She's coming with me"

The man said with a stoic face and with that, stood up.

"Who? Coming to where? Have you no prestige? Because how would you just show up in my house for the first time and now you want to go home with me just because I bashed your car."

I said, tilting my head with my brows furrowed in disdain as I looked him up and down.

"Shush!

"This is Mr. Liam, the man who has offered to help us with the funds, so if he says you are going with him, then so be it."

My father said, and my eyes widened in shock.

I had wanted to check Liam Anderson on Instagram but kept procrastinating.

Had I known, I would not have allowed my temper to put me in such a mess.

I shut my eyes, hitting my forehead in realization that I was in hot soup.

Rage welled up as I looked at my Dad smiling sheepishly at the acclaimed Mr. Liam.

I hated him the more for not taking responsibility for his family. The fact that he had a mistress, whom he took orders and advice from hurt me the more.

His wife was lying helplessly, battling between life and death, and instead of going out to source funds for her medical expenses, he gave out his daughter like a commodity in exchange for money.

Well, I only accepted this offer because of my mother.

My mother pulled me into a hug as she broke down in tears.

The pain of seeing me go through so much difficulty just for the family tore her. I knew this because she used to tell me.

I know that she wished she could help, but here she was down with kidney problems.

"I'm so sorry Susan"

She whimpered as her grip on my shoulders tightened.

Blinking rapidly to prevent my tears from falling off the corners of my eyes, I pulled away from the hug with an expressionless face.

"I'm going in to pack my things."

I announced in defeat.

"She won't be needing any of that. I've had enough of your drama, and I'm leaving right away. I have many things to attend to. We'll go shopping for everything she needs".

The man Liam said as he stood on his feet, making his way to the door.

The other guys followed suit.

"Can I at least say goodbye to my Friend?"

I asked with my shoulders helplessly slumped in defeat.

"No"

"Do not keep me waiting.

He added.

I looked at my mother as she wailed till I could no longer hold mine.

I ran back into her embrace as we both wept.

"Go my child, I'll put you in my prayers."

She nudged me to go.

"I promise to make you smile again with everything in me."

I said as I walked out through the door.

More tears rolled freely from my eyes as I entered the already ignited van.

Recalling all the memories I had in there, I took one last glance at the house as the vehicle zoomed off.

I kept looking at the house as the van drove off till the house was out of sight.

I gave a heavy sigh at the thought of leaving everything that mattered to me behind including my friendship.

"You know you have to brace up for the life ahead and stop wailing for what's already in the past." A cold, husky voice said beside me, startling me.

"Mr Man, please keep quiet and mind your business. You have no idea what I have been through and so, you have no right to tell me what I should think of"

I rebuked him sharply.

"You know for someone who bashed someone's car and is at his mercy, I didn't expect this from you. "

He said after a moment of silence, lighting a stick of cigarette, took in a mouthful of smoke, and puffed it on my face.

"What is the meaning of this you Bastard. Your mother must be ashamed of the kind of son she birthed right now?"

I howled at him in disgust.

Within a split of seconds, Liam held me by the neck as his eyes flared up, his face now constricted in a frown. His fist were tightly clenched on my neck, his eyes now dark.

"Let this be the last time you'll ever you utter such. Next time you try that, I'll strangle the life out of you."

He roared as he tightened his grip around my neck, causing me to tap his hands violently as I choked.

Visibly scared, and taken aback, I pulled off from his grip eyeing him, while he looked at me viciously.

The next few minutes of the ride was a really silent one. Each person minding his business.

They van drove into Liam's Mansion.

My jaw dropped as I got a clearer view of the premises when I stepped out of the car.

It was a luxurious mansion.

I pinched myself to be sure I was not daydreaming.

"Welcome home, our wife"

Liam Anderson said from behind me, and then moved ahead of me.

I exhaled deeply, mentally preparing for what fate had in store for me, and with that, I trailed behind.

I trailed behind Liam into the house, taking in the beauty of the edifice of his mansion. This house was way bigger than my father's former mansion. For a moment, I was excited.

We entered the sitting room and I was awed at the sight before me.

The room was bathed in soft, golden light streaming through expansive windows draped in rich silk curtains; their deep burgundy hues complemented the gleaming mahogany paneling that lined the walls. A crystal chandelier hanged from the ceiling like a cascade of diamonds, casting prisms of light across the room and reflecting off the polished marble floor.

The seating arrangements exuded comfort and sophistication: plush velvet armchairs in shades of deep amethyst and emerald were arranged around a low, intricately carved coffee table adorned with art books and delicate silver trays bearing petit fours and exotic teas. Silk-upholstered sofas with golden trim offered a luxurious retreat, each cushion plumped to perfection, inviting one to sink in and lose track of time.

Every corner of the sitting room told a story of wealth and refinement, from the gilded mirrors reflecting the room's beauty to the antique sculptures that stood as silent sentinels in the corners.

"This is your room. Freshen up and come downstairs for dinner. We'll have a proper conversation tomorrow.

Liam said, as he pointed to a door and walked away.

Slowly, I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me.

With each breath, I absorbed the essence of the room, its quiet elegance and timeless charm enveloping me.

The centerpiece of the room was a grand canopy bed, draped in sumptuous satin and adorned with intricately embroidered pillows. Its carved mahogany posts rose majestically towards the ceiling, where they met a canopy of sheer silk that billowed gently in the soft breeze from an open window.

On the opposite end of the room, an antique writing desk gleamed under the soft light, its surface adorned with a quill pen in a silver holder and a leather-bound journal. A delicate scent of roses lingered in the air, emanating from a crystal vase filled with fresh blooms atop a polished mahogany dresser.

I felt happiness swell in my stomach.

"At least I'm not going to suffer like in my late father's house.

I thought to myself as I jumped on the king-sized bed.

The ambiance was one of serenity and indulgence, where every detail spoke of wealth and taste.

I closed my eyes, listening to the rhythmic hum of the house settling into sleep. Uncertainty still lingered, but excitement stirred in my heart, whispering promises of adventures yet to come in this new chapter of my life.

-----------------------------------------------

The soft tendrils of sleep were just beginning to wrap around me when a loud knock on the door startled me awak

Confusion clouded my mind as I glanced at the clock-morning had barely broken, the sun's golden rays timidly peeking through the curtains. With hesitant steps, I approached the door.

As I opened it, there stood Liam in all his glory. His expression was a blend of solemnity and curiosity.

"I wonder why you should still be sleeping by this time when you're not sick." He spoke with the calmest voice I had ever heard, with his hands in his pocket.

"Anyways, follow me. I have to get you acquainted with the rules here."

He said this as he walked away.

"That can wait. I have to complete my sleep before doing anything else."

I objected as I closed the door.

Before one could say Jack, the door flung open, and I was roughly dragged downstairs by Liam.

"Do you want to detach my hands from my arms?"

I yelled as I massaged her already-red wrist.

"Sit."

He pointed to the sofa, totally ignoring my questions.

"No."

His brows furrowed in anger as he yanked me by the shoulder and roughly pushed me onto the sofa.

"I own you now, so you must do as I say."

He snickered.

"I'm human, and I deserve to be heard too. I'm not a possession."

I fired back in defiance.

"I see."

He said he was a bit taken aback by my outburst.

"You've really got some nerves right there.

After a moment of silence, he spoke.

"I brought you here to inform you of the rules in this house. So listen carefully, because you will not be spared if you flout any.

He said as picked up his phone and looked into it, gesturing his bodyguard to read the content of the document he was holding.

"First, we are Couple on paper and housemates in private. So respect yourself and your boundaries.

If we are to be housemates, why did you marry me?"

I cut in, interrupting the bodyguard.

"To help your poor family to pay your mother's expensive medical bills, of course. Do you think I'd leave all the classic ladies I have met just to stoop for a pauper like you

Definitely not

You're not even close to my specs."

Liam retorted.

My countenance fell at his outbursts

"You mean, you hadn't admired me from afar before asking for my hand in marriage?"

My voice broke.

"Admire? All the way from this town to the trenches to admire someone like you? Come on, be realistic."

He responded, his voice laced with disdain.

"Why then did you go through all that stress to marry a pauper like me when you could have just used your money for something more meaningful?"

I asked, feeling hurt for bruising my ego.

"Well, you see, I needed a bride, and your family needed money, so I guess that completed the transaction.

He said this as he stood up, pacing around.

"You are not permitted to fall in love with me."

"I don't even like men like you."

I thought in my mind.

"You are not permitted to enter my room."

The bodyguard read on.

"As if you have anything valuable in there."

I thought, rolling my eyes.

"You bashed my van. I am going to make you pay for the damages you caused to my van."

His cold, baritone voice interrupted my thoughts, with him walking towards me

I shuddered at his outbursts, looking dumbfounded.

"I don't have any money to pay."

I stuttered.

"You will work for it. You will do anything I say." He said with a scowl on his face.

I nodded my head in fear, for his aura was intimidating, and I dreaded him to get more closer.

The doorbell rang and Liam gestured me to answer the door.

Scampering to the door, I pulled the doorknob and a lady appeared.

"Hello."

I said trying to initiate a conversation, but the lady looked at me disdainfully and shoved me to the side."