The Billionaire's True Bride

OLIVIA

I was having a hard time believing what was going on right now. It was meant to be my happy moment. It was meant to be the best moment of my life, but instead, it was more than I could imagine. Mateo stared at me like I was some dirt he was just helping. We were all at an after-party organized to celebrate our graduation, and I went over to kiss him as my boyfriend, but he pushed me away, followed by a look of disgust.

"What's going on, Mateo?" I asked, confused.

"Don't call me yours, pig!" He hissed, and that stung. He just called me a pig. I'd heard that so many times, but never from him. What changed? What happened to him? What did I do wrong? I was so confused that the heartache I was feeling couldn't be explained.

"Please don't do this to me, please," I said with hot tears in my eyes. "I beg of you."

He glared at me. "I'm using this medium to break things off with you, sweetheart. You think it was easy being with someone like you? I only dated you because I was forced to. It was never by choice."

That statement stung badly. The laughter around me irked me so much. I was so embarrassed. He was embarrassing me, and he was enjoying it. I gave him a look in my state of confusion. I was lost for words. I didn't expect something like this from him, but he did it anyway.

"Please don't do this to me," I said, and the first tears betrayed me. They poured down my cheeks. He pushed my hands off him and said, "Don't touch me!"

"How do you expect me to be with someone like you? Don't you stare at yourself in the mirror?" He yelled at me.

The laughter was too much to bear. I couldn't believe this was happening in public. This was the worst embarrassment I'd ever faced. If he had just ended things over the phone, it would have been better, but he had to bring it up at a party. He knew how much I was bullied because of my weight, and here we were, he was the perpetrator.

"I don't want you in my life, Olivia. I can never be with someone like you. I was forced to be with you because of a dare. Your sister knew about it. It was all a dare, so don't take it too seriously," he said, and I felt like the ground should swallow me.

Emma walked up to him and faced me directly. "Cut it off, Olivia. No one wants you. You should be thankful that I helped you get a boyfriend. It was worth it for a while, though," she smirked.

I gritted my teeth. "Why do you have to do this to me? Why? What did I ever do to you?"

She smirked. "I was only doing you a favor. At least you felt what a woman should feel. Instead of you thanking me, you want to fight me?"

I couldn't control the tears. The torture was too much. My heart was suffering inside. I didn't want to embarrass myself more, and I didn't want to give them something else to laugh about, so I said, "I can't do this right now. I'm out of here."

I rushed out of the party house, and I could hear their laughter. It was all a game to them. They enjoyed toying with me. What have I done to deserve this? I hate my life. I hate it so bad. I should have just died with mom. Life would have been so easier. I would have been resting in heaven. The earth is a cruel place.

****

I got home and made my way to my room. I didn't want to say anything to anyone. No one cares about me anyway. They all don't give a damn about me, so there was no need to stress. I cried myself to sleep that night, hopefully, I'll be able to get a hold of myself the next morning.

***

I woke up to a knock on the door. I was grumpy and didn't want to get up. I thought it was the maid, so I answered, "Who is there?"

"Breakfast is ready. I'm sure you don't want to miss it," said my stepmother.

I took a pillow and threw it at the door. I'm sure she heard the sound because she was chuckling. This is what they do every time. She and her daughter, Emma, make it so unbearable for me to stay in this house. They make fun of my weight at every opportunity they get. They don't care about the inner turmoil they are causing. They don't care about my feelings. It's so unfair that they get to laugh about my condition.

I didn't want to be this fat.I didn't want to be this big. I couldn't control how my body changed. I'd tried so many things to help reduce the weight, but it wasn't helping. What do they want me to do? Kill myself because I'm fat? Dad doesn't even care about me. I couldn't remember the last time we spoke as father and daughter. I couldn't remember at all.

I got up and went to freshen up. I didn't want to be seen as a loser. I changed into something casual and went downstairs to have breakfast.

***

They were all seated and were already eating. No one cared about me here. Emma rolled her eyes at me when she saw me. At the sight of me, they all got up one after the other. The man I called my father also got up, but before he did, he said, "Try to lose some weight."

That statement hurt me so much. They said it so many times, like they didn't know the struggle I went through to lose this weight. Dad was aware of my condition. He was aware of what the doctor said, but still acted as if he didn't know anything.

My heart sank. I'd just gotten dumped last night, and now my own family saw me as a pig. They didn't want to be in the same environment as me. What had I done to deserve this? What had I done?

I lost my appetite entirely and ran upstairs, but on my way to my room, Emma blocked my path and stood in front of me.

She gave me a glare and said, "Everyone hates you. Can't you see that? The best you could do is leave this house. Everyone feels like puking when they see you. How else do you want Dad to be happy seeing this big buffalo?" she said, pointing at me.

I glared at her. "I hate you so much, Emma. I hate you. Aren't you satisfied with disgracing me? What else do you want from me? What do you want from me? I'm sick and tired of this habit of yours. I'm tired of this!"

She smirked. "It's easier said than done. Leave. When you leave, there will be peace in this house."

I raised my hand to push her, but she moved out of the way. We heard footsteps approaching us. Suddenly, Emma fell on the floor and started wailing. I stared at her, confused. What is going on?

Dad appeared before us and saw her on the floor. "What did you do to her?!" he yelled at me.

Emma held her arms and said, "She hit me, Dad. Please take her out of this house. She would kill me if care isn't taken. Please, Dad, save me from her," she said through fake cries.

Her mother came to intervene too. I was confused about what to say.

"You see what I told you. She would kill Emma if we don't find a solution. I don't want a process whereby she would smash our daughter with her weight. Please do something about it, my love," her mother said.

Emma was helped up by Dad and her mother while I watched them like the bad egg. I couldn't even defend myself.

"I'm sick and tired of this behavior of yours. I'm tired," Dad yelled at me, and I couldn't do anything.

"I didn't do anything to her," I tried to defend myself, but my stepmother intervened.

"This isn't the first time you're doing this. I've been covering up for you for a very long time, but not anymore. It's about time your father knows about your brutality," she yelled, and I couldn't believe she was saying something like this.

I shook my head at Dad. He needs to believe me. I'm his real daughter, so he needs to believe me.

"It's a lie, Dad. Please believe me. I beg of you, Dad," I said.

The look Dad gave me broke my heart. He didn't believe me. He rather believed them instead.

Dad shook his head. "I want you out of my house and family. It's about time you learn the hard way. I've been receiving complaints about all that you do, and I'm sick and tired of it. Leave my house this instant!"

"Dad, please," I begged, holding his hand desperately. "I don't have anywhere to go. Please don't send me away. I beg of you."

I went on my knees. Dad dragged his hand out of my hold.

"Leave this instant," he said.

He pushed me, and from behind, I could see the smug look on Emma's and her mother's faces. They were satisfied with the turn of events. They wanted me out of the house for a very long time, and now they succeeded.

"I'll send money into your account. That will help you survive. I'll give you just an hour to leave my house. Enough is enough," he said.

That was the last thing he said before he left. My heart was shattered all over again. This time around, I promised myself not to cry. I won't cry anymore. This is what Emma and her mother wanted. They care about Dad's property; that's what they're after.

I couldn't believe my own father would choose these two strangers over his own blood. It's so unfair that life has to be this cruel to me.

*****

TWO MONTHS LATER

Getting to a different state alone and having no one to talk to was so hard. Life has been so difficult since I got here. I've sworn not to touch the money Dad sent to me. I'd rather work hard for my own money. I don't need his money. I don't need them. They can go to hell for all I care. I don't care about them anymore. My heart has been shattered so many times that I couldn't take it anymore. It's about time I work on myself now. No one matters anymore.

****

THREE MONTHS LATER

I joined a gym close to my house. It was a surprise that the gym instructor was my neighbor, and he approached me one day with a flier of his gym work. At first, I thought it was another way of making fun of my body, but then I found out that he was being serious. He said he could help me lose weight if I was ready to join, and since I was desperate to lose all this weight, I agreed to join his class. Then I realized that it was the best decision I'd ever made.

OLIVIA

I was running late for my interview. I should be there already, but something else kept me waiting, and my friend wasn't helping matters. He kept teasing me on our way to the office. I glared at Aiden, and he raised his hand when he stopped the car.

"I didn't do anything wrong," he said, acting innocent. He knew what he did, and he was trying to get a reaction from me.

"I hate you right now," I said with a pout, and he burst out laughing.

"I love you too," he said, and I opened the door and waved at him. Aiden blew me a kiss and drove away. He had been so helpful to me since I got here. He was the only friend I had, and I had learned to appreciate him.

I rushed into the company. The interview would start within ten minutes, and I was told to head to the last floor. I knew I had to run. I jogged to the elevator. Just when I thought I was going to get inside, another person walked out of the elevator and crashed into me. I almost fell to the floor, but their grip held me tight.

I let out a gasp at the sudden clash. I thought I was going to hit my head or something. I opened my eyes only to be met with grey eyes that would make any lady weak in the knees. I couldn't believe I was being held by a gorgeous man right now. I lost focus.

When he realized he was holding me longer than necessary, he let me go and cleared his throat.

"Next time, watch where you're going," he said.

I scoffed. Why was he so rude all of a sudden?

"You're the one at fault," I retorted.

He didn't wait to hear my feedback before leaving. I glared at his retreating back, annoyed.

I could feel eyes on me, but who cares? He made it look like I was the only one at fault when he was also at fault.

I scoffed and went into the elevator. I met some people inside, and they kept giving me disbelieving looks. I didn't know why they were staring like that. He was also at fault. He caused it. If he wasn't on his phone, he would have been able to prevent it.

Okay, maybe I'm being mean here, my subconscious scolded.

I heaved a sigh and hugged my file closely. He might also be here for the interview, I guessed. Maybe he didn't get the offer, and that's why he's angry at me instead.

I rolled my eyes at the thought.

The elevator finally opened, and I was surprised to see lots of people seated on chairs in front of the interview room. The funny part was that there was no empty seat for me. That meant I'd have to stand until someone went inside for their interview.

This wasn't how I pictured my day. I had thought it would go smoothly, but the turn of events wasn't making any sense at all.

I tried to be positive. I'll try my best to be positive.

From the company's profile, I found out that they needed only two people. They needed a secretary and an accountant. Comparing that with the whole crowd outside, would I get the job offer? There were a lot of us. How am I going to do this? This is going to be a hard competition.

Above it all, I came late. What in the world is going on right now? It's all Aiden's fault. He promised to come pick me up early, but he had to forget. He forgot the time he was supposed to come.

A lady came out, and she kind of looked sad. That was my cue to sit. I sat down, and the line moved. I waited for hours until it reached my turn. I was the last one after all.

I heaved a sigh and went inside the office. I met a lady seated, holding a file. I greeted her politely, and she answered with a stuck-up nose.

"Have a seat," she said, and I did as I was told.

The fact that she didn't even raise her head up to look at me made me angry. At least try and be nice, but she was kind of bitchy.

"I heard what you did downstairs," she said all of a sudden, and I was confused. "Excuse me?"

That was when she raised her head up to give me her attention. "You want to deny what you did?" she said.

What is she talking about? "What are you talking about, ma'am?" Then realization dawned on me.

"If I may ask, are you referring to the little crash downstairs? He caused it. He was on his phone while he walked out of the elevator. The least he could have done was to pay attention to his surroundings, but he didn't."

She rolled her eyes. "I bet you don't know what you did then."

She should be straight with what she meant. I don't understand her talking in parables.

We did the interview, and I was proud to give her my best answers. I made sure I practiced well before this day. I don't want to lose any opportunity that comes my way at all.

After the interview came to an end, she dismissed me to leave the office. "Why is she so rude?" I asked myself the moment I stepped out. No one was outside. I guess they all left. We were told a message would be sent to the selected one. Now I'm having doubts if I'll be amongst the lucky ones, but my fingers are crossed. I won't give up.

*****

On getting home, my phone made a sound. I didn't want to get it, thinking it was Aiden. I was still angry at him. I collapsed on the couch and let out a tired sigh. Today was hectic. Another sound was heard, and then I grew angry. I retrieved the phone out of my purse to see who was sending a message. I furrowed my brows when I saw that it was a mail, not a message. I clicked on the button, and the message came into view. I read the content and almost dropped my phone. I couldn't believe my eyes. I don't know if what I read was real, but that's exactly what I'm seeing right now. My hands were shaking. I don't know whether I should scream or maybe I should run mad, joking. I just got myself a job. That was what the message was all about. I've been selected. I couldn't hold it in, so I squealed loudly. I was so happy. I don't care what the neighbors think must be happening over here. I'm super happy, honestly. I had to call Aiden. Now I guess I can forgive him.

***

Aiden didn't waste any more time. He was wearing his singlet and pants. I gave him a look, but then jumped on him. "I just got myself a job!" I said to him.

He carried me up and swirled me around. I laughed so happily. "This is great news," he said and finally dropped me down. The smile on my face never wavered.

"Why are you putting on just a singlet?" I had to ask.

"I was in the gym when you called. What do you expect? I thought something bad happened to you or something," he said sincerely, and I chuckled.

"I'm so happy, Aiden."

"I'm so happy you aren't angry at me anymore. This calls for a celebration," he said and lifted me up once again.

I shook my head. "I don't want to be drunk. I have to resume tomorrow," I said, and he nodded understandingly.

"Okay, then I'll cook for us. I know how bad you are in the kitchen, so I'll cook," he said, and I was glad he said that. I was craving some home-cooked food, and since I'd been so lazy, I couldn't make myself one.

Aiden went to the kitchen and began work.

****

I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the car. Aiden gave me a thumbs-up and drove away. I made my way to the company. Now I'm a staff member of my dream company. I've waited so long for this day. The A&A Group of Companies. This has been my dream company all along. It's my time to rise now.

With a smirk on my face, I went inside and approached the receptionist. I was told to meet the receptionist so she could give me my ID tag. I did exactly that, and she handed me everything I needed. I was given the number to my new office.

I made my way to the elevator and got inside. I went out immediately when the doors opened. I walked along the hallway and found the door to my new office. I was told I'd be working for the CEO. I'd be his secretary.

I raised my hand and knocked on the door. I heard a slight "come in." I pushed the door and went inside, gently handling the door to avoid making a disturbing sound. I turned, and my eyes widened in shock when I saw who was seated on the high chair.

My eyes were wide with surprise. There, sitting on the chair, was none other than the man I stumbled into by the elevator.

"YOU!" I said in disbelief.

ADRIAN

I stared at her shocked face with a smug look on mine. "Why are you still standing there? You better cut it off and start your job."

She adjusted herself after my words. "I...I'm sorry, sir. Please forgive me for..."

"Enough," I said, interrupting her. "Here are the files I want you to go through. I want them arranged alphabetically," I said, pointing at the rolls of files waiting for her.

These were files that hadn't been checked for a while. I guessed punishing her this way was a start. She didn't complain. She nodded. Of course, she couldn't complain unless she wanted to lose her job.

"Okay, sir," she said and went towards the shelves to begin work. She seemed so determined to do her job.

I watched her carefully as she went through some of the files. "I didn't ask you to snoop. I said arrange," I snapped at her, and she almost lost her balance at my sudden scolding.

"I...I'm sorry, sir," she said with a small voice.

"Now, get to work," I warned her, and she did as she was told.

***

It had been an hour now since she started arranging. I noticed her stretching. There were lots of files. She dragged a chair to sit on, so I intervened.

"Don't you dare sit on that chair. You are here to work, not to sit down and enjoy," I said.

I could see a frown forming on her face, but she was finding it hard to express herself because I was there. I smirked, enjoying the fact that I got to irk her.

***

OLIVIA

I wanted to scream at him. I really wanted to say what was on my mind, but I couldn't because I might lose my job. I knew he was doing this on purpose. He was punishing me. He knew what he was doing.

If I had known that he was the boss, I wouldn't have crossed the limit. I wish I knew who he was beforehand. But wait! Why didn't he give the job to someone else if he was angry at me? He would have just given the others the position. Why me?

I wiped off the sweat that fell down my cheeks. I was really tired and needed some break. I had spent hours doing this, and he didn't even have mercy on me. I needed a break, but he wasn't giving me that.

"What are you doing?" I heard him ask.

Since he had his back turned to me, I rolled my eyes at him.

"I saw that," he said, and I widened my eyes, realizing that the office had glass walls all around. I'm doomed!

"I...I'm sorry, sir," I said, not knowing how to defend myself because he already caught me red-handed.

He rolled his hand. "Come," he ordered.

I rushed to the place. "Yes, sir," I said when I got there.

"Where is your notebook?" he asked.

I quickly retrieved it from my back. "It's here, sir."

He heaved a sigh and said, "I have a meeting in the morning tomorrow. Also, I'll be having dinner at Square House at four o'clock. Make sure you make the arrangements, and I hate to be late. If anything goes wrong, you'll be held responsible," he warned.

I jotted down what he said and nodded my head. "Yes, sir."

"Now, go ahead and continue what you are doing," he ordered, like I was a dog.

I mentally rolled my eyes and went back to what I was doing before he called me.

I was really sulking inside. I wanted to be out of there. I wanted to have some coffee. I hadn't had anything to eat before leaving the house. I was super hungry. My growling stomach betrayed me. I thought I had control of it, but it had to make a sound.

I heard him clear his throat. "I'm sorry, sir," I thought, thinking I was disturbing him. He didn't even say anything to me. He is so rude and arrogant. Why can't he just let me go and have some break and then come back? You need to calm down, Olivia, I tried telling my inner self. Calm down. I took a deep breath and continued what I was doing.

I was halfway done, but I couldn't finish this today. Unless he wants me to collapse. I heard the sound of the chair. Since I had my back to him, I'm sure he stood up or something. Then I heard him walk towards the door and leave the office. I rolled my eyes and stopped what I was doing to catch a break.

He is the worst. He had the gut to go and have a break, and I won't get one? How cruel can he be? He is the worst ever. He is an animal. I don't want to be with someone like him. He irks me. Maybe I'm only exaggerating, but that's what he is. He should have some mercy, but he doesn't want to have.

The rest of the day went by like that. He finally came back, and then I continued from where I stopped.

****

I got back home at 10 pm. I still hadn't had anything to eat. I was so angry because I had a serious headache. Whenever I don't eat, I always get headaches. I had to call Aiden to come get me. He is the only friend I can call for help.

Aiden brought me home and got me something to eat. I ate it while he was driving to my house. We got inside my house. The first thing I did when I got inside was lay on the couch. I was so drained. I really felt so tired.

"Do you need some massage?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I can manage, I think."

Aiden also sat down. He had a frown on his face. "Why is he being mean to you? Did you do something to him? This is like your first day at work, so why does he have that cold blood towards you?" he had to ask, confused.

I told him what happened when we first met. I told Aiden about our first encounter, and he raised a brow. "Is he for real? Why does this sound childish? Why is he being childish? But it was a mistake. You both were wrong, why hold only you responsible? Why?"

I shrugged. "Maybe he wants to take his anger out on me. I guess that's why."

Aiden huffed. "You know you can ask for my help when he takes this too far. I know you won't leave the job even though I ask you to leave, but don't do anything that will cause harm to you. If he is being too harsh on you, I think you should voice it out."

"I can't do that. I need this job badly. I really need this, please," I said.

"Okay, fine. Just be careful," he warned.

"Don't worry too much about me. I'll be fine. What about you? How is work? Are there any new members?" I asked.

"It's fair. We have a few members today. It's better than yesterday," he said, and I was glad there was good news.

Aiden complained about the lack of new members, and I really felt sorry for him. This is his only source of income. Being a gym instructor is something he loves doing. He helped me a lot with my weight. Aiden is like God sent.

He made my dreams come true. I thought I wouldn't be able to lose this weight, but I did with his help. He kept pushing me until I achieved my desired weight. Since I lost the excess fat, I've been able to enjoy my life to the fullest.

I have so many admirers. A lot of people want to be close to me. Some even see me as a model because I have the physique to be a model. It's really silly, honestly. When I was fat, they didn't want to be close to me, but now they do? It's never going to happen. This is why I have only Aiden in my corner. He is the only one who matters. He is the only one I want to be friends with.

Soon after, Aiden had to leave. I kept him up so late, and it's unfair to him because he has to be at the gym as early as 6 a.m., and this was just 12 a.m. I know he isn't complaining, but I still felt guilty. I took a shower and went to bed.

***

I was dressed for work. I made sure to wear my favorite corporate outfit. I looked so neat and flashy. I smiled while staring at my reflection in the mirror. I took my bag, and then I heard the sound of the doorbell. I rushed down to get the door. I knew who it might be. I opened the door and saw him staring at me. He gave my outfit a once-over, and there was this look of satisfaction on his face.

Adrian stepped closer to me. He leaned closer and claimed my lips in a soft kiss. "Sophia... wake your ass up! You are late for work," I heard a voice say from afar. "Sophie!" I felt them sprinkling water on my face. I snapped my eyes open, only to see Aiden's worried eyes staring down at me.

Did I just dream that I kissed my boss? No! This can't be happening right now. This can't be happening! I jumped out of bed and ran to the mirror. I touched my lips. It felt so real. What is wrong with me?

"Are you sure you're alright?" I heard Aiden ask.