The Billionaire's Wife And His Ex Girlfriend

Donald Caldwell and his mother, Margaret, sit tense and uneasy.

Margaret clasped her fingers tightly around the edge of her purse. Donald sits across, his fingers drumming nervously on the arm rest, his eyes flickering from the lawyer to the closed envelope on the table. His jaw tightening with uncertainty as they awaited the reading of his late Father's will.

Mr. Davidson, their family's lawyer was ready to read the will out loud.

I, Edward Caldwell, Mr. Davidson started, being of sound mind and body, hereby state the following conditions for the inheritance of my estate, assets and fortune. Mr. Davidson's voice carries through the room, emphasizing the gravitas of the moment. The family listens, hanging on each word.

Donald's eyes narrow as he listens, trying to discern any clue in his father's words. He had thought he knew everything about his father's business dealings, but this was new and unexpected.

Mr. Davidson paused, then continued:

"To my son, Donald Caldwell, I leave my fortune and the rights to Caldwell Enterprises under the condition that you marry Anna North, a woman of my choosing, and remain wed for no less than one year. Only then shall you have access to the entirety of the inheritance and assume full control of the company."

The room goes silent.

Donald's face pales, his breath catching in his chest as his mind races to process the words. This is not what he expected.

"What... what the hell is this?" Donald said, his voice shaky as he muttered to himself.

Margaret's eyes widen with disbelief, her lips parting as she turns to Donald, her face a mix of confusion and anger.

"Is this a joke? Did your father really put this in the will?" Margaret whispered to Donald.

"I assure you, this is the exact wording of the will. The marriage must be completed, and only then will Donald gain access to the inheritance and assume control of the company. The terms are clear." Mr. Davidson said calmly.

Donald stares at the lawyer, his chest tight, the world spinning around him. His mind races. Anna North? A woman he has never even met. What could his father have been thinking? How could this be real? Why would his father, on his deathbed, leave such a cruel, unrealistic demand?

Donald eyes widened, his voice trembling with disbelief

"What? No... this has to be some sort of joke. You're telling me I have to marry some woman I don't know, and stay married for a year to get what's rightfully mine?"

"That's correct. Mr. Davidson nodded solemnly. The terms are non-negotiable. If you fail to comply with this condition, you forfeit all rights to your inheritance."

"No! This is absurd. He can't possibly have meant this. Margaret said raising her voice in anger

Donald stands abruptly, the chair scraping harshly against the floor as his frustration bubbles to the surface.

"This is insane. This doesn't make any sense," Donald said, his voice barely contained.

His hands curl into fists at his sides, his body rigid with tension. He feels a sharp sting of betrayal. His father had always been a man of strict rules, of cold calculations, but this... this felt personal. It felt like a betrayal. And worse, it felt like he was being trapped in a cage he couldn't escape from.

Donald gritted his teeth, "Then why someone I've never met?" Donald asked.

As per the agreement made between your father and Mr. North, this marriage was to secure the North family's future. The North family is in significant debt, and their financial situation has been a cause for concern. Your marriage to Anna North will ensure their debts are paid off, and your inheritance will be secured, "Mr. Davidson replied.

Donald's gaze turns to his mother, both of them equally stunned. His mother's face is pale, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. She had known of the North family but never in such a direct way.

"So... this is about money. His debts...?" Margaret asked her voice trembling.

Mr. Davidson nodded, looking at the papers in his hand. "Exactly. The marriage will not only pay off the Norths' debts but also solidify the Caldwell family legacy. Your father believed it would be mutually beneficial for both families, strengthening ties between the two companies. If Mr. Caldwell's wishes are fulfilled, you will inherit everything after one year of marriage."

Donald turned to his mother, eyes searching her face for some kind of answer, but she only shakes her head, her lips trembling in disbelief. She reaches out to take his hand, gripping it tightly as if to ground herself.

"How could he do this to us, Donald? How could he do this to you? Margaret asked, her voice soft, but sharp with disbelief.

The marriage, while legally binding, is seen as a necessary transaction to ensure the future stability of both families. Without it, the North family may lose everything. This was your father's plan to help both families survive," Mr. Davidson added as if trying to comfort them.

Margaret eyes narrowed, a look of concern creeping in as she turned to Donald. "What about Megan? What does this mean for Megan? She asked.

The mention of Megan stings. His stomach turns. He's already committed to her, already promised her they'd marry once he took control of the company. This wasn't just a blow to his family-it was a betrayal to Megan too. He had promised her a life together, and now, he's trapped in this absurd contract.

"This is so unbelievable." Donald whispered, rubbing his temples.

Mr. Davidson finally folding the will and looking at them both. "I'm afraid there's no changing the terms, Mr. Caldwell. The marriage must take place within the next month. You are both free to seek legal counsel, but I must stress that your father's will is absolute."

Donald looked down, feeling defeated "Megan will understand. She has to. This isn't about love. It's about business."

A silence falls over the room. Donald and Margaret sit, stunned, as they both absorb the weight of what has just been placed before them. The air in the room feels thick, heavy with the unspoken truth that their lives are about to change forever.

Donald doesn't know how to respond. His entire life has just been upended, and there's no going back now. The only thing he knows for certain is that he's tied to this woman, Anna North, for the next year-a year that will define everything.

At Anna's home.

Anna," Mr North began, his voice low and filled with an unusual tension, "we need to talk about something important."

Anna looked up, her brow furrowing as she met her parents eyes. There was a weight in their expressions, a solemnity that made her uncomfortable. "What's going on?" she asked, already sensing that something wasn't right.

Her father exchanged a glance with her mother before he spoke again. "We've received an offer, Anna. From Caldwell family."

Her heart skipped a beat. The name Caldwell was enough to make her blood run cold. She had heard rumors about their wealth, their business empire, and the power they held. But what could they possibly want with her?

"We're in serious debt," her mother said, her voice trembling slightly. "Your father's business-it's all in jeopardy. We've exhausted all our options."

Anna's eyes widened. "What does this have to do with me?" Her voice came out sharper than she intended, her confusion mounting. "Why do I need to get involved in this?"

Her father's face tightened, his gaze falling to the table before meeting hers again. "The Caldwell family... they're offering a way out for us. They want you to marry their son, Anna."

Anna blinked, the words taking a moment to settle in her mind. "Marry their son?" She shook her head, the absurdity of it almost making her laugh. "I don't even know him. Why would I?

Her mother placed a hand on hers, her grip firm but pleading. "We don't have any other choice. This marriage, it's our lifeline. The debts will be cleared, Anna. Everything we've worked for, it'll be saved."

Her father's voice broke in, rough with emotion. "This is the only way. If you don't do this, we lose everything. I might lose the company, and your future... everything will fall apart. You have to understand.

Anna sat back in her chair, her breath catching in her throat. The weight of her father's words pressed down on her, and she felt the walls of the room close in. The thought of marrying someone she didn't know, someone she'd never even met, felt impossible. But as her parents' desperate eyes met hers, she knew. She could see the fear, the uncertainty in their faces.

"Please, Anna," her mother whispered, her voice cracking. "It's only for a year. Just a year, and then you can go back to your life. We'll pay off our debts, and you'll be free."

Anna's hands clenched in her lap. The thought of marriage, made her feel like her future, was slipping through her fingers like sand. She had no say in this. No choice.

Her father leaned forward, his voice low and steady, yet full of sorrow. "We don't ask for much, Anna. This is the only way we can survive. Please understand, we're doing this for you, for all of us."

Anna swallowed hard, feeling her heart twist in her chest. Her family's future rested in her hands. She could feel the responsibility pressing down on her, suffocating her.

She closed her eyes for a moment, her mind racing. Could she really sacrifice everything for this? For them?

When she opened her eyes, her parents were still waiting, their hope hanging on her response.

"I'll do it," Anna said quietly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. She didn't want to, but there was no other way. Not if she wanted to protect her family.

Her mother's face softened, tears welling up in her eyes as she reached for her hand. "Thank you, Anna. Thank you."

Anna forced a smile, but inside, a storm was brewing. What had she just agreed to?

Back at Donald's house.

Megan's footsteps echoed down the hallway as she entered Donald's home. She had been pacing in front of the building for what felt like hours, her frustration growing with every second. She stormed inside, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and hurt.

"Donald!" she snapped, her voice sharp, cutting through the calm atmosphere.

Donald, sitting at the polished, glass-topped dining table with a stack of papers in front of him, looked up. His face immediately stiffened, the calm demeanor he usually wore replaced by a subtle tension.

"Megan...!" he started, his voice soft. He pushed the papers aside and stood up, a deep breath escaping his lips. "What are you doing here?" He asked.

But Megan wasn't listening. She was already crossing the room, her heels clicking loudly against the floor as she moved toward him. She stopped just a distance from him, her arms crossed tightly in front of her chest.

"So, this is what it's come to?" she said, her voice laced with disbelief. "What is this rumors I'm hearing, that you're getting married?"

Donald's gaze faltered for a moment, and he sighed deeply. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to keep his composure.

"Megan please listen. It's my father's will. I didn't have a choice." He took a step closer to her, trying to offer her some kind of reassurance. "It's just a business deal. That's all it is."

Megan's eyes burned with frustration, but she let out a sharp laugh. "A business deal? You expect me to believe that?

"Yes," Donald replied quickly, "Look, My Dad Will all my inheritance to me on the condition that I had to marry some Anna girl, to save them from their pending debt or something."

Donald eyes scanned Megan's face, it seemed his words fell flat. He leaned closer to Megan, "Look I know, how you feel. I wasn't happy about it either."

Then why didn't you tell me sooner, Donald? Megan asked.

"I couldn't bring myself to tell you," Donald replied calmly. "This is just temporary. Once the year is over, everything goes back to normal. You and I... we'll get married. You've always known that."

Megan clenched her fists at her sides, trying to keep her voice steady. "And what about her? You're going to live with her for a year. What happens if maybe you start getting attached to her? What if things change, Donald

Donald took a step forward, placing his hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her down. "It's not going to happen, Megan. You know that. My heart belongs to you. It always has. Anna is just... a formality. A way to keep my family's legacy intact. This marriage, it's for my father. For his will. Nothing more."

Megan's expression softened, but there was still a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "I don't trust her. She's a stranger, Donald. And she's going to be in your life for a whole year. I don't like it."

Donald's jaw tightened as he looked at her, a flash of frustration crossing his face. "You don't have to trust her. It's not about her, Megan. It's about me fulfilling my father's wishes. And once that year is over, it's you and me. We'll be together. I promise."

He took a deep breath, his tone softer now. "Just... wait for me. This is temporary. Everything will be fine."

Megan nodded slowly, her mind still clouded with uncertainty. She forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'll wait. But the idea of you being with her, even if it's just for a year, doesn't sit well with me."

Donald stepped closer, his hand resting gently on her arm. "I'll never let anything change between us. Not for Anna. Not for anyone."

Megan gave a brief smile. "Promise?"

He leaned closer and gave her a warm kiss on her forehead. "I promise."

The day of the wedding finally came. The ceremony was held at a private estate, far from the lavish grandeur one would expect of a family like Caldwell's. Only a few close family members were present, seated in an elegant but subdued arrangement beneath a white canopy. The air was thick with tension, not the warmth and joy that should have accompanied a wedding.

Anna stood before the officiant, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, the weight of the moment pressing against her chest. She wore a simple ivory gown, modest yet graceful, with delicate lace sleeves. But the dress, no matter how beautiful, could not disguise the emptiness she felt inside. She stole a glance at Donald, standing beside her in a sharp black suit, his expression unreadable.

She barely knew him. And yet, in just a few moments, they would be husband and wife.

Donald clenched his jaw as he stared straight ahead. This wasn't the life he had envisioned. He had always imagined his wedding to be grand, surrounded by loved ones, laughter filling the air. Instead, he was bound by his father's will, forced into a union with a woman he barely acknowledged.

The officiant's voice broke through the silence.

"Do you, Donald Caldwell take Anna North to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

Donald hesitated for just a fraction of a second before responding.

"I do."

His voice was steady, but it carried no emotion.

Anna swallowed hard as the officiant turned to her.

"Do you, Anna North, take Donald Caldwell to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

Her fingers trembled slightly. This was it. There was no turning back.

"I do," she whispered, barely hearing her own voice over the pounding of her heart.

Rings were exchanged, cold metal sliding onto their fingers-symbols of a bond neither of them wanted.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

There was a beat of silence. Then, the officiant added, "You may now kiss the bride."

Donald hesitated again. He turned to Anna, and for the briefest moment, their eyes met. There was no warmth in his gaze, no affection-just the silent acknowledgment of a deal sealed. He leaned in, his lips brushing lightly against her cheek instead of her lips, a formality more than a gesture of love.

A few quiet claps followed, but the atmosphere remained heavy and somber. Anna felt like she had just signed away her freedom.

As they moved inside for the legal formalities, Anna's parents watched with relief, while Donald's mother kept her distance, her displeasure hidden behind a cool expression.

The contract was placed before them.

"Sign here," the lawyer instructed, sliding the document across the table.

Anna took the pen, her fingers tightening around it as she stared at the paper. Her name was already printed beside Donald's.

With a deep breath, she signed.

Donald followed suit, his signature bold and final.

It was done.

They were married.

Yet, as Anna stole another glance at the man who was now her husband, she had never felt more alone.

The grand entrance of their new home appeared before Anna as she stepped inside. It was a vast, modern house, with perfect white marble floors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and sleek, expensive furniture. It was perfect in every way.

Donald walked ahead without a word, his long strides carrying him toward the grand staircase. He didn't wait for her, didn't turn to see if she was following. He simply moved like a man going about business. Because that's what this was, a business deal.

Anna swallowed, gripping the small suitcase she had packed. This wasn't how she had imagined stepping into marriage. Not that she had ever dreamt of a fairy tale wedding, but even the coldest expectations she had couldn't compare to this.

Halfway up the stairs, Donald suddenly stopped. He exhaled, as if debating whether to say something, then finally turned to face her.

"There are a few things you should understand," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. "This marriage-it's a contract. Nothing more. You don't ask questions, you don't act like my wife, and you definitely don't expect anything from me."

Anna stiffened at his words, gripping the handle of her suitcase tighter.

Donald's gaze was sharp, unwavering. "We live separate lives. You have your space, and I have mine," he added.

She nodded slowly, her throat dry. "I understand."

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Good."

Then he turned, taking the last few steps up. But before disappearing down the hall, he added without looking back, "And one more thing, You'll be in the guest room," Donald said over his shoulder as he reached the top of the stairs. "Second door on the left," he gestures.

Guest room?