The Hot billionaire's obsession

The rain poured down angrily, imitating the anger burning inside Emily. Her heart was beating like a drum against her ribs, a funny opposite to the click-clack of her shoes on the wet street. Just a few minutes ago, she received a text on her phone. It was from a secret "friend" who seemed worried. All it had was one blurry picture. A picture of Mark, her Mark, with his arm around another girl. This girl had hair like sunshine and a smile that made Emily's heart ache. Underneath, a cruel message: "The Landmark, 8 pm. Don't be late." The Landmark. Their special place.

A hidden bar nobody knew about, hiding away in a forgotten corner of the city. A place they found on their very first date. Now, it felt like a mean joke. She opened the heavy door, and a wave of warmth came over her. There were loud voices and smoke hanging in the air, thick as soup. It all smelled like cheap perfume and old beer, making her feel like she would vomit soon. Her eyes looked around the room, taking in the sight of dimly lit tables and noisy people. Then, she saw them. In the back corner, hidden in the shadows, sat Mark. His face, usually so happy when he was with her, was filled with amusement as he rested on the blonde, his hand holding hers tight. A scream wanted to come out of Emily's throat, a cry of shock and hurt. But she swallowed it back, forcing herself to be strong. This wouldn't be a fight, not yet. Not in front of everyone here. Instead, she placed on a fake smile, the kind she used for boring parties. It wasn't a real smile, but it would have to do. She walked straight towards their table. The blonde looked up, surprised. "Mark," Emily said, her voice calmer than she felt. "What a surprise to see you here." Mark's head turned around, his face filled with surprise, guilt, and something else, maybe anger? "E-Emily," he stammered, trying to leave the blonde. "What... what are you doing here?" Emily pretended not to hear him. She turned to the confused woman. "You must be..." she paused, acting like she didn't know, "Veronica? Mark's been talking about you a lot." The lie tasted bad in her mouth, but it worked. Veronica brought out her chest, a little proud of herself, not scared anymore. "Yeah, he's told me a lot about you too, Emily." Emily raised an eyebrow, still acting like the perfect lady. "Well, you two look like you're having a great time." Veronica leaned in, a sly smile playing on her lips. "We are, actually. Mark's been telling me all about that big trip to Italy you guys are planning." Mark finally found his voice again. "Veronica! No, that's not-" Emily cut him off with a cold laugh. "Italy, huh? That's funny, Mark. Because last week, we were talking about going to Greece." "What?" Veronica's face fell. "He never mentioned Greece to me." Mark stammered, caught between the two women. "I, uh... I was just trying to-" "Don't," Emily cut him off, her voice hard now. "Don't try to explain. The picture says it all." She threw her purse on the table, making a loud noise that stopped everyone from talking. "Three years, Mark," she said, her voice shaking a little even though she was trying to be strong. "Three years of stolen moments, whispers about the future, and dreams we shared. And all this time..." her voice trailed off, a sob escaping her lips. The whole room had gone quiet. Everyone was watching the drama that was going on. Veronica, seeing things weren't going her way anymore, rested back in her chair, not so brave anymore. Mark stared at Emily, ashamed and desperate. But Emily wouldn't let him see her break down. With one last look at the man who had broken her heart, she straightened her back, pride replacing the hurt that threatened to swallow her whole. "Enjoy your night, Mark," she said, her voice filled with sarcasm. "You two seem perfect for each other." Without another word, Emily turned and walked out of The Landmark, leaving the mess of her broken relationship and the silent crowd behind. The rain had stopped outside, and a clear, bright sky shown above her. As Emily walked away, tears came down her face, each one a release of the pain and betrayal. Emily looked at the steam coming out from her Hot chocolate tea,making her feel all restless and sad inside. She took a sip, but it tasted even worse than the bad feeling that she is getting in her stomach. Across the table before her, Maya, her colleague at work, squeezed her hand gently. "So, he finally admitted it, right?" she asked Emily softly. Emily's cheeks got hot with embarrassment like she was the one involved in the act. "I caught him kissing a blonde girl," Emily murmured, the memory still stinging. "Three whole years, Such a waste of time. Maya hissed. "Wasted for sure! Forget about him! You're way too awesome for him. But seriously tho , are you okay? You've been staring off into space all morning. Emily sighed, feeling all the trouble from the last week weigh her down. "Not so good, financially He was supposed to help with rent, and..." her voice trailed off, she wanted to cry so badly but she can't because of her surroundings. Just then, the bell above the cafe door jingled, and someone new walked in. Emily looked up, hoping for a break from the issues going on in her life, and nearly choked on her tea. Walking towards them, looking straight for a table in the back, was this handsome guy with a strange aura surrounding him. He was tall and wore fancy clothes, moving like someone who always gets what he craves for no matter what the cost is. A shiver ran down Emily's spine, a mix of fear and... something else that she can't explain. Emily's breath caught when he saw her and everything stopped for a second. For a moment, it looked like he... cared? Probably wondering why her face was puffy, But then his face went back to normal. He fixed his tie, like everything always had to be perfect, and then kept walking to his table. Emily watched him go, her head tilted sideways cause she was curious. "Who's that?" She whispered to Maya. "Alexander Steele," Maya whispered back, a strange mix of fear and excitement started bubbling inside of Emily. "The super rich one?" Maya answered by nodding slowly. He strolled towards the counter, exuding out an aura of confidence. "Double Espresso Black" He demanded , his voice having a slight edge to it that made Emily shiver. "Coming right up," she managed to stutter, her usual cheerful greeting replaced by a funny whisper. Her hands shaked slightly as she poured the espresso, amd Emily felt his piercing gaze burning into her. The machine sputtered as usual and she fumbled, hot liquid pouring on the counter and the man's hand. Owww!" he hissed, taking back his hand with a grimace. "Oh my god, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to..." fear and panic started surging through Emily. He looked at his stained hand, then looked back up at Emily. His expression was unreadable, a mix of annoyance and something she couldn't quite grasp. "It's fine," he finally said, his voice clipped. "Accidents happen."he said Relief washed over Emily at this moment, momentarily erasing the memory of the day she caught her ex, Mark, with her friend, Sarah. But just as quickly, the man's next words shattered her minutes of peace. "However, accidents have consequences," he started saying, his gaze sharpening at her. "And yours will involve a little... compensation." Emily's heart skyrocketed . Compensation? Did he think she did this on purpose? "Sir, I assure you-" "Don't worry, it't won't be a burden on your... financial problems " he interrupted her , a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Financial problems ?" Emily's voice rose a bit. This guy had no idea what "financial problems " meant. He probably paid for his coffee with an hundred-dollar bills. His smirk grew wide. "Indeed. Let's just say, your clumsiness will be a rather... expensive attempt " Before Emily could say anything, he wrote something on a napkin and carefully placed it on the counter. "This is my number. Call me when you've figured out how to 'pay back for my ruined suit and scalded hand." With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Emily staring at the napkin with a very painful tightening in her stomach. What did that note even say? Her curiosity argued with her fear. Finally, she picked up the napkin, the neat handwriting sending a cold wave of fear all over her body, "Alexander Steele. Steele Enterprises." The name sent a jolt of recognition in Emily's head. Alexander Steele, the billionaire CEO whose ruthless business tactics were legendary. And here she is, a small-town café worker, about to be entangled in the world of this powerful, intimidating man all because of a spilled Black espresso coffee!. Her phone started ringing on the counter, startling her. It was Mark, probably calling with another apology that wouldn't clear up the betrayal she felt. Emily switched off her phone. No. She would not allow this arrogant billionaire, or anybody else,to control her life. This was just another obstacle in her life , one she'd overcome eventually . But as Emily squeezed the napkin in her hand, a tiny line of fear remained. How exactly was she supposed to "pay back" for Alexander Steele's ruined suit and scalded hand, How!!? Tears started forming up in her eyes, blurring the expensive logo that was engraved on the napkin. The weight of the situation finally dawned on her and then it settled on her shoulders, suffocating and heavy. Emily's palms were already sweaty, she felt trapped, like a fly that was caught up in a web spun by a powerful and terrifying spider. The bell above the café door jingled again, but she barely took notice of it. Her mind was racing, replaying the encounter she had with Alexander. Emily heard his words in her head again: "Financial Problems." He had no idea. Her apartment was a shoebox, her bank account almost on the edge of becoming empty, and the only luxury she had was the occasional latte, which, funnily enough , had just become the source of her current doom!

The day continued still, a very slow, and painstaking torture. Every customer interaction that is going on in the cafe, every sounds of spoons against mugs, felt so loud because of the weight of Alexander Steele's threat. Emily dug the expensive napkin from her apron pocket, a constant reminder of the hard situation she found herself in. Finally her shift ended, she hurried out, the crisp autumn air offering little help. The short walk to her apartment was a moment of worry, Never had she felt such fear.

Every bill of debt notice plastered on her door seemed to scream at her, a constant reminder of her financial situation. Unlocking the thin door, she was greeted by the familiar warmth of her tiny apartment. The worn furniture and tiny carpet made her feel even more wretched than usual. How could she possibly afford to "pay back" Alexander Steele for something that was clearly an accident? Exhaustion finally took hold and Emily collapsed on the couch, burying her face in a pillow. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a mix of grief because of Mark's betrayal and fear of the unknown future Alexander had thrust on her. Sleep offered little help that night. She woke up at intervals all through the night. Her phone silent, no missed calls, no text messages. Yet the dread got to her, a constant presence in the back of her mind.. Halfway through her shift at the café, a sleek black car pulled up outside. Emily's heart started beating against her ribs as a man in a sharp suit came out of the car. She knew it was from him, Her Nemesis. It wasn't Alexander, but someone with the same air of quiet authority. He walked into the café and approached her directly. "Emily Grace?" he asked, his voice clipped but polite. "Yes, that's me," she responded , her voice tight with apprehension, her heart beating very fast at this point. "Mr. Steele has requested your presence at his office," the man informed her, handing her a business card with the Steele Enterprises logo written on it. "He expects you at 2 pm sharp, he also said I should tell you not to keep him waiting". A wave of dread washed over Emily and her blood went cold immediately right there on the spot. This was it. Her palms started turning sweaty once again , a familiar shiver running through her hands. An office meeting with a billionaire? This was not how she envisioned spending her Wednesday afternoon. The fear of what could go wrong, the knowledge that plenty things could, was unbearable. As the intimidating man left, Maya rushed to Emily's side. "Tell me, what did he say"? Maya pressed. "He said the main Mr scary face wants to see me by 2pm on the dot!, what conversation could I possibly have with a billionaire"? Emily responded, her voice barely above a whisper "Maybe he wants to teach you the ways of the rich, or probably how to use the cutlery"Maya reassured her. They both fell into a series of laughter.

"But seriously tho, just stay calm, you would be fine eventually." She said, as she took a turn back to her post.

"I really hope so"Emily murmured. The rest of the day passed by quickly in a blur. Serving coffee and pastries felt funny, the customers a blur of faces, Fear had a chokehold on her throughout the day.

At precisely 1:45 pm, Emily finished off her shift, her legs trembling very much as she walked out the door.

The journey to Steele Enterprises was a blur of towering buildings and bustling city streets filled with people that were just minding their businesses. Inside the imposing glass and steel building, a nice and pretty receptionist greeted her with a smile that seemed practiced. "Mr. Steele's office is on the top floor," she informed Emily, her voice smooth and professional. Emily entered a high-speed elevator, her stomach was growling with every floor that it climbed.

When the doors finally opened, she saw a breathtaking view of the city sprawled out below. Following a stern-faced assistant through a series of beautiful offices, Emily finally reached Alexander Steele's office .

The mahogany door stared at her, heavy and imposing. Her hand trembled as she reached for the doorknob. Taking a deep breath, Emily pushed the door open as gently as possible.

The office was a vision of masculine luxury. Leather armchairs was set on a plush carpet, and a panoramic window showed the city skyline that gave it a very beautiful look. Behind a massive oak desk sat Alexander Steele, looking even more imposing and scary than he had in the café.

He gestured to a chair in front of his desk. "Miss Grace," he greeted her, his voice lacking all warmth. Emily sat down, her back straight, feeling like a mouse facing a lion. "Mr. Steele," She replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's cut to the chase," he began, his gaze not wavering. "Your little accident yesterday caused some... inconvenience." "I apologize again, Mr. Steele. It was completely unintentional," Emily stammered. "Apologies are not enough," he countered, leaning back in his chair. "My suit is ruined, and my time is valuable." He took a folder from his desk and slid it across the polished surface. "This is the bill for the replacement suit and cleaning." Emily opened the folder, dread pooling in her stomach. The amount listed was mind blowing – a sum that would take her years to pay off, if ever. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the numbers on the page. "I can't afford this," Emily said out loud, her voice thick with emotion. "I barely make enough to live by." Alexander looked at her for a long moment, she could not read his expression . Then, a flicker of something resembling amusement crossed his features. "Don't worry, Miss Grace," he said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "I have a proposition for you." Emily's heart sped up once again . Could this be a way out? A chance to avoid drowning in debt? "What kind of proposition?" She asked.

Alexander rested back in his chair, turning his fingers in a way that spoke of power and control. "Let's call it a mutually beneficial arrangement, Miss Grace." Emily's mind started racing.

This could not be good, Infact any offer from a billionaire with a ruthless reputation can never be a good sign. But the crazy large bill for his ruined suit was still there, a very obvious evidence of her current predicament. "What are you aiming at?" Emily asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.

A slow smile spread across Alexander's face. "Simple. You become my wife." The words struck her like a physical blow. His wife? The whole situation left her speechless. Marrying a stranger, a powerful, arrogant man she barely knew, to escape a financial burden?

It seemed like something out of an extremely funny fairytale. "Marriage?" Emily finally managed to blurt out, her voice strained. "Are you serious?" "Perfectly," he responded , his gaze unwavering. "A marriage of convenience, of course. You'll have a place to live, financial security." He paused, then with a mischievous grin in his eyes. "And I'll get... certain benefits."

The implication was clear. She wasn't just marrying him for his money; he expected something in return.

But what? Companionship? A wife to show off? The uncertainty stared at her. This could not get any worst. "Benefits?" Emily echoed, her voice barely audible. "Let's just say," he continued, his smile turning mischievous , "you'll be confided in the full meaning of 'wifely duties.'" Emily's cheeks went red. Was he implying... no, it couldn't be. She was very sure it's not the activities going on in her head that he is implying to. Not in this modern age. But the way he looked at her, a mix of amusement and something she couldn't quite place her hands on, sent shivers down Emily's spine. "I can't possibly consider this," She managed to say , her voice rising up a bit "Marriage is a serious commitment, not a business transaction." He chuckled dryly. "Love and happily-ever-after are fairy tales, Miss Grace. Reality is a series of calculations,I expect you to know that, a game of power and influence." His words got to Emily a bit, mirroring the betrayal she had felt that had seeped into her heart after Mark's saga . But did she really want to trade one kind of heartbreak for another, a loveless marriage built on convenience and unspoken desires.? This is not how Emily planned her life, Things are definitely not going according to plan. There was silence for a long while, thick with tension. The luxurious office seemed to shrink around her, the city lights outside reminding her of the world she could never truly afford. "Think about it, Miss Grace," Alexander said finally, his voice softer now, almost as if he was begging her. "The alternative... well,let's just say the cleaners won't be happy with the state of their expensive equipment after they're done with your burnt coffee pot." The threat was so obvious. He is definitely threatening her. Despair washed over Emily. She was trapped, caught between an impossible debt and a marriage that is screaming manipulation. Days fell into one another.

The threat of the cleaners and the ever-present image of the large bill haunted Emily . Sleep offered no escape, her dreams filled with sude shadows and Alexander's steely gaze. Finally, broken and desperate, Emily made her decision. She called the number on the business card, a knot of fear tightening in her stomach.

A shrilly voice answered, "Steele Enterprises." "This is Emily Grace," Emily murmured, her voice shaky. "I... I want to accept Mr. Steele's offer." There was a moment of silence, then a satisfied chuckle. It felt like the person on the line actually knows about all this.

"Excellent decision, Miss Grace. Mr. Steele will be delighted." The man on the phone gave Emily instructions on where to meet, and she hung up, her heart getting so heavy in her chest. She was walking into a cage, a prisoner of circumstance and a desperate need for security.

The following day, Emily sat in a taxi, on her way to a luxurious mansion on the outskirts of the city. Every fiber of her being fought against this situation, but she had nowhere else to turn. Stepping out of the cab, Emily was met with a big estate that spoke of unimaginable wealth.

A uniformed maid took her little belongings, and Emily followed her into the imposing mansion.

Inside, the luxury was overwhelming. Marble floors gleamed under crystal chandeliers, and priceless artwork adorned the walls. Every detail screamed of wealth and power, and a wave of loneliness came over her immediately. The maid led Emily to a spacious bedroom, complete with a walk-in closet and a bathroom that looked like a spa.

It was beautiful, but it felt cold, a stark contrast to her cozy, albeit cramped, apartment. As Emily unpacked her little belongings, a knock on the door made her jump.