The Mariage Bargain: Betrothed To Mr. CEO

Juniper's Pov

"What the fuck, did you just bring me here to see my fiancé betray me by having sex with my stepsister today that's supposed to be my wedding day with Orion?" I cried out, my body trembling in shock and outrage as I took in the sight before me - my dear fiancé Orion and my stepsister Aria naked and intertwined on the bed of the hotel suite where Orion and I were supposed to spend our wedding night.

My bastard father just stood there with a smug look on his face. "Yes, you deserve such humiliation for not doing my bidding and leaving your stepsister so Orion could marry her instead, as I instructed," he replied coldly.

I felt like I had been stabbed through the heart. The man who was supposed to walk me down the aisle today had manipulated and betrayed me in the cruellest way possible.

Aria was now on top, riding Orion vigorously as she faced me, not an ounce of shame on her face. It was like my presence only spurred her on more. She leaned down and kissed Orion deeply, purposefully putting on a show for me.

Anger and nausea rose up in me simultaneously. I spun on my heel to storm out, but my father roughly grabbed my arm. "Oh no you don't! Sit down and watch this. I want you to feel humiliated," he barked.

Tears stung my eyes as he forced me into a chair facing the bed. Orion smacked Aria's backside and she squealed in delight. Bile burned my throat.

"If you even think of leaving this room, I'll call the hospital doctor right now and have your mother's oxygen removed. You know very well what will happen then," my father threatened.

I shrank back, hating how once again my only bargaining chip was my mother's life. She had been in a coma for over a year now after her terrible accident. As her husband, my father had medical power of attorney. He financed her hospital bills on the sole condition that I do exactly as he demanded - which mainly revolved around honouring business arrangements like marrying Orion.

Over this past painful year under my father's controlling thumb, I'd done so many awful things just to keep my mom alive...but this, watching my fiancé fuck my own stepsister right in front of me, this was a whole new savage low.

My dad left, seeming very satisfied with my anguish. I turned my rage on Orion. "How could you do this to me today of all days? Have you no shame or respect?" I cried.

Orion didn't even bother pausing his enthusiastic pounding of Aria. He just shot me a disgusted look. "Why the hell should I respect you? I already got what I needed from this little arrangement of ours - half ownership of our boss's $120 million company after our merger. Now fuck off and stop your whining."

His callous words clawed out my heart. So this entire relationship had meant nothing to him after all. I was just a means to an end. He had never loved me.

I glanced wildly around the opulent suite draped with flowers and candles for our wedding night. The pain of realizing it had all been an elaborate ruse orchestrated by my father and Orion was unbearable.

"So you used me this whole year...made me fall in love with you...just for our boss's money and company? And now you're fucking my sister to humiliate me as one last twist of the knife?" I wept, hugging myself tight.

Orion shrugged, not stopping his enthusiastic pounding. "I fucked your sweet little stepsis here months ago to seal the deal with your Dad. We both wanted you knocked down a peg. Frankly, you should be thanking me for even wasting a year playing pretend with you."

His words were like physical blows. I thought back to all those tender moments we'd shared, and the future plans we'd made. My whole body shook with anguished sobs.

Suddenly Aria shrieked and collapsed atop Orion. It was finally over, their disgusting show. Aria slid off and sashayed out nude without a glance at me. Orion stood and tediously put his clothes back on as I sat there hyperventilating.

"What...what are you going to do now?" I finally choked out. "Now that you already have your precious company shares and merger money?"

Orion smiled coldly. "First I'm giving your dear old dad his cut for helping make this possible. But the bulk is mine to do as I please with. And you won't see one goddamned dime...believe me."

He ran a hand through his hair, looking utterly relaxed despite having just destroyed my entire world. I shuddered thinking back to how lovingly I welcomed his touch only yesterday.

I had met Orion just over a year ago at a business gala. My father made it very clear I was to get close to this young, handsome entrepreneur. As always, he threatened my mother's life if I refused.

At first, I resented being forced into yet another of my dad's financial schemes. But Orion had been so charming. Within months it felt like we shared something real - late night conversations, silly inside jokes, whispered "I love you's."

Now I knew it was all a carefully orchestrated lie so Orion could get a controlling interest in my company. And I had fallen for it like a fool. The ultimate revenge plot against me.

I slowly removed my diamond engagement ring with trembling hands. "I take it there won't need to be any wedding announcements calling this off then?" I whispered brokenly, already knowing the answer.

Orion actually laughed. "God, you really are dense, aren't you? Why the hell would I blow thousands on a real wedding? I got some interns to photo shop some fake mockup invitations to send you and posted some bullshit on social media. But no, there was never going to be any actual wedding, you stupid bitch."

Hearing him demean me so viciously after being so loving just yesterday was the absolute final devastating blow. I literally couldn't breathe, choking on my own sobs.

Orion strode over and grabbed my hand, running his fingers almost tenderly over my exquisite diamond ring - his cruel parody of affection making my stomach turn.

"I fucked your sister on this bed today because I wanted you to fully grasp how useless you are - to me, to your family, to anyone. Consider yourself forever humiliated and dismissed, you gullible little parasite," he hissed.

With that, Orion turned and sauntered out. Through tear-blurred eyes I watched him swagger over to my father who had reappeared.

"Oh, and as for your precious cut of my hard-earned money - fuck off old man. Did you really think I would actually pay off a snake like you?" Orion sneered. I felt a tiny spark of triumph through my despair as I took in my father's appalled expression that for once his scheme had failed.

As Orion peeled off in his shiny sports car without a glance back, my father stormed over and backhanded me hard across the face. "This is all your fault! If your sister had just married him, I would have gotten my ten million easily!"

Reeling from his blow, I glared defiantly up at the man who had tormented me for so long by using my dying mother as leverage. "Well congratulations Dad - your little revenge plot failed spectacularly. Was all this really fucking worth it in the end? Does destroying your daughter make up for losing a few dollars?"

My father stared at me, his face a mix of impotent fury and what almost seemed like dawning regret over what a monster he had become. For a brief moment, I thought I glimpsed the loving father from my childhood.

But just as quickly his expression hardened into cruel resolve. "You think this is over? That I'm done with you just because that little weasel pulled a fast one on me? Oh no darling - your purpose isn't served yet."

He yanked me up out of the chair by my wrist with bruising force. Through my tears, I saw a terrifyingly familiar steely glint in his eyes that never failed to make my blood run cold.

"Daddy has arranged a little marriage for you with the disabled son of a billionaire associate of mine. At least whoring you out to be the little cripple's nursemaid might still earn me a decent return on investment. And you will go through with it or so help me God, I will pull every last cord and tube out of your comatose mother's ruined body. Understand?"

Every part of me wanted to scream and fight back. But the sincerity of his threat shone in his merciless eyes. So instead I wrenched my aching wrist away and fled to my room as he shouted after me. I had to escape this nightmare, if only for a few hours.

I frantically wiped off my ruined wedding makeup and threw on a skimpy dress. Tonight I just wanted to get drunk and pretend my life wasn't utterly destroyed. Slamming the door on my father's bellowing voice, I headed off into the night determined to lose myself in neon lights, alcohol, and throbbing music. Anything to mute this anguish, even if just temporarily.

Juniper's Pov

"Another shot," I told the bartender, tapping my empty glass on the counter.

He slid me another drink and I downed it in one gulp, revelling in the burn. I'd already had several but my mood remained sober and bleak. My mind kept replaying the horrible events of today - walking in on my fiancé with my sister, their cruel words, and my father's schemes to marry me off again against my will. Just thinking about it all made my stomach churn.

A man slid onto the stool beside me. I glanced up. He was strikingly handsome with intense blue eyes and sharp features. Confidence and authority resonated from him though he looked relaxed leaning casually against the bar.

"You seem troubled," he commented, his voice smooth and rich. "Would you like to talk about it?"

Normally I would have brushed off such an intrusion. But something in his steady gaze and the genuineness of his offer touched me. I found myself opening up to this stranger, pouring out the whole sordid story. He listened intently, his expression growing stormier as I revealed my family's appalling behaviour.

When I confessed my father's plan to marry me off to a disabled man just for money, the stranger slammed his fist on the bar, making me jump.

"Despicable," he growled. "No woman should suffer such degradation. Especially not one as lovely and vibrant as you."

His outrage on my behalf was startling but touching. No one had ever reacted so strongly to defend me before. I felt myself irresistibly drawn to this man and his imposing yet oddly comforting presence.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Lucian," he replied. "And you are...?"

"Juniper."

"Juniper," he repeated gently. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

I blushed under his intent stare, a welcome warmth blossoming inside me. We talked for a long time and Lucian's charming attentiveness made me temporarily forget my sorrows.

Eventually, he stood and offered his hand. "Dance with me, Juniper."

Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his much larger one. His strong grip sent a little thrill through me as he led me to the dance floor. Lucian pulled me close, one hand spread possessively across my lower back. We moved together smoothly, our bodies aligning perfectly. The outside world faded away until there was only us and the music.

I lost track of time in the haze of flashing lights and rhythmic motion. When I finally pulled back, I saw it was past 2 am. As much as I wanted to stay here in this dream world with Lucian, I knew I had to get home before my father noticed I was gone.

Lucian ran his fingers down my arm, sending shivers through me. "Stay a little longer. I have a suite upstairs where we can relax and get to know each other better." His voice was low and tempting.

Warning bells went off in my head. After Orion's betrayal, I'd sworn off men for the foreseeable future. But one look into Lucian's magnetic blue eyes crumbled my resolve. I wanted more time with him, to pretend just a little longer that my life wasn't the train wreck it truly was.

"Okay," I found myself saying.

Lucian's answering smile was dazzling. He led me upstairs to a luxurious suite with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the glittering city. My nerves rising, I perched awkwardly on a plush leather sofa.

Sitting beside me, Lucian cupped my cheek gently. "You are exquisite, Juniper. I've never met anyone like you before."

His tender words dissolved my anxiety. Our lips met, softly at first, then with rising passion. Lucian was an expert lover, his hands and mouth worshipping my body until I was dizzy with pleasure. He treated me like a queen, cherishing me in ways I'd never experienced before.

Afterwards, we lay tangled together chatting, all my problems blissfully distant. Just before I drifted off, Lucian kissed my forehead and murmured, "Rest now, my dear. You are safe here."

I awoke slowly the next morning, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar opulent suite. Then memories of the incredible night with Lucian flooded back, bringing a smile to my face.

The other side of the bed was empty - Lucian must have slipped out earlier. I felt a pang of regret that our time together had ended, but also acceptance that it was just a temporary escape from reality.

After dressing, I left Lucian a note with my name and number, thanking him for the wonderful night. I hoped we might meet again someday, but I knew my family would ensure this had to be our only interlude.

I took a taxi home, bracing myself for my father's reaction to my night out. As expected, he was waiting in the foyer, face mottled with rage.

"Where the hell were you?" he shouted.

I briefly considered lying, but what was the point? "I went to a club. Danced, and had some drinks. Met a man."

My father's hand cracked across my cheek. I reeled more from the shock than the pain. He had never struck me before.

"You little whore!" he snarled. "Out sleeping around when you're supposed to marry tomorrow! Thought you could gain some favours spreading' your legs?"

I glared at him, anger overriding fear. "I'm not marrying anyone tomorrow or ever again for your benefit. Do whatever the hell you want to me, but I'm done being your pawn!"

My father's expression turned ugly. "You'll marry the billionaire's son tomorrow as I planned, or your mother's dead. I'm still the only thing keeping her alive. Now get ready."

The fight drained out of me. I couldn't condemn my mother over this rebellion. Once again my father had backed me into a corner I couldn't escape.

I turned away so he wouldn't see the tears filling my eyes. All I could think about was my amazing night with Lucian - his kindness, his passion, how cherished he'd made me feel. A perfect memory that I would cling to in the dark days ahead. Because tomorrow, my freedom will end.

**********

The morning of my unwanted wedding arrived far too soon. As my maid helped me into the elaborate white gown I'd been fitted for weeks ago, my father burst into the room.

"It's time. Get that sulky look off your face and let's go," he barked.

I regarded him coolly in the mirror. "I'm not putting on an act for you. This wedding is a sham and you know it."

He grabbed my shoulder roughly, glaring at me via the mirror. "You'll walk down that aisle with a smile, or else. Your husband-to-be is on his way to meet you. Don't embarrass me in front of everyone."

With that, he dragged me out to the foyer to await the man I was being forced to marry. Bile rose in my throat as I pictured some decrepit invalid hobbling up the aisle with me. All for my father's financial gain. He nudged me to stand up straighter as the doors opened.

A handsome man in a sharp suit wheeled himself towards us. My heart dropped into my stomach. It was Lucian, the captivating stranger from the club. The one bright spot in this nightmare.

I struggled to reconcile the vibrant, passionate man from two nights ago with the wheelchair-bound person before me now. He showed no flicker of recognition, calmly greeting my father then focusing those intense blue eyes on me.

"You must be Juniper. I'm Lucian, your husband-to-be. I look forward to getting to know you better." His tone was polite but distant.

I managed to mumble something appropriate in reply, my mind spinning with questions. Had our encounter just been a vivid dream? No, it had felt far too real. Could he be pretending not to know me for some reason? Nothing made sense.

As we proceeded towards the chapel, I couldn't help noticing my sister watching Lucian intently. Was that...longing in her eyes? Lucian's gaze slid over her once then away, his jaw tightening subtly. It seemed there was history between them too. What the hell was going on?

The traditional vows and rituals passed in a blur. I responded automatically though my mind was far away. At last, Lucian took my arm saying, "Let's talk privately for a moment."

Numbly I helped wheel him down the hall to an empty sitting room and closed the door. His posture changed instantly, shoulders straightening and piercing eyes intent on my face.

"Forgive the spectacle, Juniper. I realize you must have questions, but please just play along for now. All will be explained soon, I promise."

His intense, commanding presence was exactly as I recalled from the club. He was no frail invalid. But why the act?

"Who are you really?" I asked bluntly. "The other night..."

"I know. And I assure you I never expected you to be my bride. Quite a surprise for both of us." Lucian gave a wry smile. "Just trust me a little longer. After the ceremony when we are away from prying eyes, I will tell you everything."

His steady blue eyes radiated reassurance. I decided to suspend my disbelief and go along with this bizarre charade. For now.

The rest of the wedding and reception proceeded smoothly. If anyone noticed the tension between myself, Lucian, and my sister, they didn't let on. Finally, it was time for us to leave for Lucian's home. His father clasped my father's hand, thanking him effusively for the match. My skin crawled at their smug satisfaction. They saw me as just a business transaction, a bargaining chip.

At last, we pulled away, the elaborate wedding decorations receding into the distance. I sat rigidly on the plush leather seat beside Lucian. He reached over and squeezed my hand.

"I know you have no reason to trust me. But give me a chance to explain everything once we're in private." His eyes implored me to be patient.

I managed a taut nod. Inside I was a mess of nerves and questions. But Lucian had an air of command that compelled obedience. All I could do was wait.

We drove for some time before turning down a long, tree-lined driveway. I gaped in awe as a sprawling mansion came into view, ablaze with lights. So much for Lucian being an impoverished invalid.

He grinned at my obvious shock. "Surprised? I promise it will all make sense soon."

Once inside, he dismissed the servants and wheeled himself to a cosy study with leather couches and a crackling fireplace. After settling myself nervously on the edge of a couch, I turned to him expectantly.

Lucian rose smoothly from his wheelchair, standing tall and strong before me. Comprehension began trickling in.

"So...you're not actually disabled," I stated.

He laughed. "Astute observation. No, I'm perfectly fit as you experienced the other night." He gave me a meaningful look and I flushed.

"Then why the wheelchair and act? Why did you agree to this marriage?"

Juniper's Pov

The drive to Lucian's home took us deep into the countryside. As we turned down a long driveway, I expected to see an imposing mansion suited for a billionaire's son. Instead, a modest two-story house came into view. The paint was faded and the landscaping overgrown. Hardly the palatial estate I anticipated.

My doubts grew as I followed Lucian inside. The decor was decidedly shabby, with threadbare furniture and dim lighting. Not at all the environment of the wealthy, sophisticated man I knew from the club.

Lucian noted my critical gaze and gave a rueful smile. "Not quite the splendour you expected? I promise there are reasons for the illusion."

I bit my tongue, deciding to reserve judgment for our private discussion. But the contradictions were really nagging at me.

After dinner, Lucian dismissed the house staff and wheeled himself to a small study. I perched nervously on the edge of a lumpy couch facing him.

"I'm sure you have many questions," Lucian began. "Please, ask me anything."

I decided to start with the most obvious. "You're clearly not disabled as you pretended. Does your father know that?"

Lucian chuckled. "No, the old man still believes I'm a helpless cripple. I made a full recovery but kept up the act for certain...advantages."

I cocked an eyebrow curiously. "What advantages?"

"Freedom and power," Lucian said bluntly. "You see, my father and I have a difficult relationship. He wanted a perfect heir to groom. Instead, he got me - an unwanted child without a mother in sight."

Bitterness edged Lucian's voice. "He married again years ago and ever since, my stepmother has filled his ear against me. They've tried to strip me of any role in the company or independence."

I listened intently, fascinated by this glimpse into Lucian's hidden past.

"So when I had my accident," he continued, "my father saw it as the perfect excuse to banish me completely. He thought I was helplessly paralyzed and decided to just tuck me away out of sight." Lucian's jaw clenched at the memory.

"That must have been awful," I said softly, aching for him.

Lucian nodded. "It was hell, but it motivated me through a gruelling recovery. I learned to walk again through sheer determination. But I kept it secret and continued pretending weakness. It was my only way to gain some freedom and autonomy."

I was beginning to understand the larger picture now. "So if your father knew you weren't actually disabled..."

"...he would try to control and exploit me again," Lucian finished grimly. "He'd feel entitled to swoop in and claim everything I've built for myself."

My head spun as I struggled to process everything. Was he telling the truth? Or was this just another manipulation, another layer of deception? I wanted so desperately to trust him, to feel that connection again... but I couldn't shake the lingering doubts that weighed on my heart.

"And what about Aria?" I asked abruptly, thinking of her odd reaction to Lucian. "What's the story there?"

Lucian grimaced, clearly reluctant to broach this subject. "Aria and I... had a relationship, before my accident. After I became disabled, she promptly left me. She saw me as useless, a burden."

Bile rose in my throat as I remembered Aria's betrayal with Daniel. Could I truly trust Lucian's words, after all his lies? Perhaps he and Aria had conspired together, feeding me false narratives to manipulate me.

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" I whispered tremulously. "How can I trust anything you say?"

Lucian's expression softened, and he reached out to take my hand, squeezing gently. "I know I've given you ample reason to doubt me, Juniper. But believe me when I say that I only want what's best for you. I wish to protect you, to cherish you as you deserve."

I stared at our joined hands, my heart pounding. A part of me longed to accept his words, to surrender to the tenderness in his touch. But the wounds of past betrayals still ached, making me skittish and wary.

"You don't have to decide anything tonight," Lucian soothed, sensing my inner turmoil. "Take all the time you need. Truly, Juniper, I only want you to be happy. The contract we signed means nothing - I won't bind you to me against your will."

He paused, searching my face. "In fact... if you'll have me, I'd like to formally court you. Start fresh, with honesty and openness. Will you allow me that chance?"

My breath caught in my throat as his words hung in the air between us. Could I risk opening my heart again, after the betrayals of the past? A voice within me screamed not to trust him, to protect myself at all costs.

But even as doubts swirled, I couldn't ignore the faint flicker of hope that his sincerity had kindled. Perhaps Lucian truly did care for me. Perhaps I had finally found someone who could give me the cherished love and protection I craved.

"Alright," I said haltingly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll give you a chance, Lucian. But no more lies, no more manipulation. I can't bear to have my heart broken again."

Relief flooded Lucian's features, and he squeezed my hand once more. "You have my word, Juniper. Only truth and openness from now on."

I nodded shakily, praying I wasn't making a terrible mistake. For now, I would play along, and guard my heart while gauging his sincerity. If Lucian proved himself false, I knew I would never recover.

"I'll be traveling to Houston for a few weeks to finalize some business arrangements," Lucian informed me. "While I'm gone, make yourself at home here."

I nodded again, a numbness settling over my senses. So much had happened in such a short span of time. I felt adrift, unmoored.

"When I return, perhaps we can discuss... taking our relationship to the next level?" Lucian suggested hopefully, his thumb caressing my knuckles. "If you're amenable, of course."

The flirtatious words jarred me from my daze. I pulled my hand from his grasp, schooling my features into a mask of neutrality.

"We'll see," I replied evasively. "I'm still processing all of this."

I couldn't reveal my lingering discomfort, my deep-rooted fears of abandonment. If I pushed him away now, he might seek retribution by exposing the truth to our families. And I couldn't risk my father's vengeance, not while he held my mother's life in his hands.

No, for now, I would feign compliance, and keep Lucian at arm's length while gleaning his true motivations. Only then could I decide if he was worthy of my battered heart.

*********

The next two weeks passed peacefully as I settled into domestic life with Lucian. I missed him terribly but kept busy tending the house. One day as I chopped vegetables for dinner, a loud knock interrupted my solitude.

I opened the door to find my ex-fiancé Orion, my sister Aria, and Orion's lawyer on the doorstep. Shock rooted me in place.

"What are you all doing here? How did you find me?" I demanded.

The lawyer stepped forward. "Let's skip the questions. We have an important matter to discuss." He handed me a document.

I scanned it quickly, confusion turning to anger. "This says I have no claim to the profits from the business I started with Orion. On what grounds?"

"Your partnership with Orion is void," the lawyer said smugly. "Sign the form forfeiting your interests."

"Absolutely not!" I retorted hotly. "That business was half mine. I won't forfeit anything without a fight."

The lawyer smiled coldly. "We hoped you'd resist. It will make the $7 million lawsuit we've prepared much easier to win. With your crippled husband, you have no chance. Save yourself the trouble and comply now."

I trembled with fury. How dare they try to steal what I'd worked for and threaten me this way? Lucian and I weren't helpless like they assumed. If only I could reveal his strength and success...but his secrecy still bound me.

Reluctantly, I knew proclaiming the truth wasn't an option yet. I'd have to handle this carefully. "Get the hell off my property," I snarled. "I won't sign anything. You'll be hearing from my lawyers."

I slammed the door on their surprised faces, fuming. Striding to the phone, I called Lucian and rapidly explained the situation.

"Don't worry, my love," he assured me. "I'm boarding the next flight back. We'll settle this together."

True to his word, Lucian arrived the very next day. I collapsed into his embrace, breathing in his comforting scent. "I'm so glad you're back. With you by my side, I feel like I can face anything."

Lucian tipped my chin up. "No one will ever hurt or take advantage of you again. That, I swear." He kissed me tenderly.

A few days later, Orion and his lawyer returned at Lucian's request. I gripped Lucian's hand tightly as we sat across from them.

Orion's eyes widened in surprise seeing Lucian upright and imposing. I held my breath nervously.

But Lucian simply smiled. "Orion, old friend! It's been too long." To my shock, they greeted each other warmly. Lucian turned to me. "Juniper, Orion's the business partner I told you about."

I gaped in disbelief. The man who had callously used me was the partner helping Lucian achieve his huge success? It made no sense.

"What the fuck is going on?" I shouted angrily.