The billionaire bride

••••

Ariel finished brushing her teeth that early morning, she then took her bath. a few minutes later she was done putting on her clothes.

She carried her handbag and combed her hair all through before leaving her room.

Ariel walked to the sitting room and she met her mom and junior brother already eating in the dinning.

She quickly climbed the stairs.

"Hey Miguel,you know that is the only pasta we have left yet you want to finish it" Ariel yelled as she took a seat.

"Whatever. you should learn to keep up with time" Miguel rolled his eyes.

"I am older than you Miguel," Ariel glared.

"Tsk tsk sis, my ears are itching every time because you keep repeating that word" he scoffed.

"Don't fight you two, it's too early for that," Rachel said.

"Good morning mom.How are you feeling now,I hope the pains didn't rise up again" Ariel asked worriedly as she dropped her fork.

"C'mon Ariel,I told you I am fine. As long as I take the drugs there's nothing to worry about, eat up" Racheal smiled.

Though the smile was fake, she knows if she tells her kids that she is still feeling pain then they will be so worried.

"Okay mom,if you say so" Ariel smiled and Rachel returned the smile.

"So Miguel, why are you dressed like that? Going for another scholarship exam again?" she asked.

"Yeah, I hope I pass this time around," he muttered.

••

BAKERY/ EE RESTAURANT •

The bakery and EE (eat and enjoy)restaurant is the fifth most classic and expensive place in New York.They don't only make food in it,they also bake all kinds of things.

Ariel came down from the cab and rushed into the restaurant in a hurry. She was five minutes late.

she ran into the kitchen ,as soon as she got there she placed her hands on the cabinet as she tried to catch her breath.

she was so unlucky today coz madam rose entered the kitchen at that moment.

"late, again?" madam rose asked with a scoff.

"I am so sorry madam, I promise it won't repeat itself " she bowed.

"it won't repeat itself. That's what you always say but I promise you,you won't be lucky next time coz I'll make sure you get fired " she eyed her and left the kitchen.

"you're needed at table 2, Ariel "

••

•AIRPORT•

The plane landed safely on the ground and the staircase came out and Fredrick climbed down with tons of guards by his side.

Fredrick booked the plane for himself alone.

immediately he came down, Lots of people gathered him like a bee. Some were asking for an autograph, while some were asking for pictures.

"Like who the fuck told them he will be coming back today" he thought.

Fredrick is back, he looks more handsome than before.

We miss you so much

How was your trip?

Look at me for once, please.

The girls commented as they all surrounded him. The girls were too much for Fredrick and his guards. Fredrick made a call and in no time,a new set of guards came.

Fredrick breathes in relief as they escort him to his car. The angry girls started hitting the car window.

Fredrick took his air pod and placed it on both ears.

"Be fast, please," he said coldly to the driver and he zoomed.

••

Ariel and Sandra (Ariel's friend) could be seen having their lunch at the Restaurant cafe.

"Wow, he's so cute'' Sandra gushed while kissing her phone.

"Who's that?" Ariel asked.

"Fredrick Jones..he just came back from a business trip an hour ago'' she replied, her eyes not leaving the phone.

"Who's that? A k-pop idol?" she asked as she took a bit from the hamburger.

Sandra was forced to drop her phone as she stared at Ariel dumbfounding.

"Tell me you're joking? Like who doesn't know Fredrick Jones,the rich and successful billionaire,The cute guy,every woman dream" Sandra stated.

"I am a serious girl,I really don't know him.I've not even heard that name before," she said.

"You don't live in New York babe, you're too busy working your ass out that you don't know who he is" Sandra shook her head.

"how am I supposed to know him when I don't even have time for myself, don't have time for the world, always working myself out just to feed and look out on my loved ones, I wish I could live like every other teenages out there live...I wish I could" she muttered slowly.

Sandra sighed and took Ariel's hands and placed it on hers.

"I am so sorry girl for bringing that up and I think you should accept life the way you see it" Sandra said.

"Hmm...you were telling me something," Ariel said, trying to change the topic.

"Ooh" Sandra took her phone and went to her gallery and she showed her one of Fredrick's pictures.

"Isn't' he cute?" Sandra smiled.

"Cute? Is he the one you were talking about? like seriously you don't have eyes.. he's not even cute" Ariel scoffed while drinking her soda.

"Shhh.. don't let anyone hear you and don't ever say that in public else you will get killed" Sandra said In a serious tone and Ariel placed her hand on her chest, fearfully.

"what!!!?"

"Yes. He has lots of crazy female fans. A girl was killed at the subway station last week just because she said Fred is not as handsome as her boyfriend and unfortunately for her, Fred crazy fans were in the train and boom she was killed" Sandra narrated and Ariel opened her mouth in shock.

"Really?? I didn't hear any news,I should keep my eyes on my phone these days" Ariel said sipping from her soda. her phone rang and she picked the car without looking at the caller ID.

"Hello, it's Ariel speaking, who are you?" she asked.

"what!!! Where!!! How!!!. I'll be there before you know it" she hung up and stood up in a hurry and she ran out of the cafe.

"Ariel,what happened??" Sandra said, following her behind.

•

LIVE LONG HOSPITAL•

Ariel ran into the hospital crazily. She took permission from madam rose before coming here.

"What could have happened to her mom again? she said she was fine this morning" she thought.

she walked to the nurse that was standing at the counter.

"hmmm...I am looking for a woman,I got a call from this hospital that she was brought here..." she was interrupted by the nurse.

"oh,you must be the daughter of the woman that was brought here some hours ago,well she's in room 20" the lady said and Ariel zoomed off even before she could blink.

"Girls like her are rare these days" she muttered and continued with what she was doing.

••

Ariel entered the ward and she saw her mom lying on the bed with drips fixed all over her body. her eyes swelled up in tears as she rushed to her.

"mo..mma" she cried squatting beside her.

"Ariel" Racheal called weakly, using her palm to feel Ariel's face.

"Mom, what happened? You told me you were okay this morning" Ariel hiccuped.

"I'm sorry,I really am," Rachel said as tears fell from her eyes.

"why are you apologising mom? You did nothing wrong" Ariel said.

"Am not a good mom to you and your brother, when you dad left us I'm the one who's supposed to take care of you both, but no,you guys are the one taking care of me instead..I don't deserve to be called a mother"

"I am not complaining mom, am not...by the way where were you when you passed out? I remember telling you not to leave the house".

"I went to the grocery store to get some few things, yunno Miguel will still be back and he must be hungry and there's nothing left in the house..am sorry for making you worry" she apologised.

The doctor walked into the ward with Racheal's report.

"Doctor, what happened to my mom this time around?" Ariel asked.

"Her kidney is damaging slowly and She will be dying soon, she needs to undergo a surgery" the doctor announced.

"What?? how come?? The doctor we met a few days ago told us she's fine and nothing was wrong with her and she even prescribed some drugs for her. So what are you saying?" Ariel yelled.

"This is a hospital. Young girl, a lot of patients are in here. don't disturb them" the doctor eyed her and Ariel burst into another round of tears.

She bent down and held the doctor's clothes and she started dragging it.

"Doctor please,is there anything you can do?I don't want my mom to die, please do something" she begged.

"There's nothing I can do about it dear. you need money so we can start with the surgery and treatment and as for today, I'll treat her without any charges.that's the least I can do for you" the doctor said and prescribed some drugs for Racheal.

She then left the ward.

••••

FK ENTERPRISE*

Fredrick loosened his tie and sat on the swivel chair, staring at the files on the desk blankly.

The door opened and his secretary walked in with a huge file in his hand.

"Welcome back, sir" he bowed but Fredrick wasn't even looking at him.

"Does this look like your f-ck mate house?" Fredrick asked and Derick stared at him with wide eyes.

"Sir..I don't understand" he shuttered.

Fredrick raised his head from the file and he looked at Derick. Derick was shaking at where he was standing.

"Why didn't you knock? what if.... just forget about it and tell me why you're here" he said.

"I'm sorry for not knocking, sir,I was just too excited..." he bowed.

"Your schedule for today. You've a meeting with the sir willow this afternoon and miss Ciara's request for lunch with you" he said and dropped the file on the table.

"Leave..." He said coldly.

"But sir I think you should rest, you just came back...." he was interrupted by Fred who raised his hand up, signalling him to keep shut.

"Okay, I'll leave" he said and bow lightly before leaving the office.

"Ciara...is that girl still obsessed with me?" he said inwardly and rested his head on the chair.

•

EVENING, ARIEL HOME•

Ariel could be seen serving dinner at the dinning. her face was moody ever since they came back from the hospital.

"Ariel dear,are you okay..you don't seem fine?" Racheal asked as she took her seat.

"I'm fine" she replied and walked back to the kitchen.

Racheal sighed tiredly.

"She doesn't seem fine..wonder what's wrong with her" Miguel muttered and his eyes went back to his phone.

He has been checking his phone since. if he has gotten the admission for the school already.

"Did I fail the scholarship exam again?" he thought inwardly.

Ariel came back with the meal and she dropped it on the table, she then sat down.

Racheal stretched her hands forward and placed them on Ariel's own, caressing them.

"It will be fine baby, it will" Racheal smiled and Ariel forced out a smile.

"I know, don't worry about me,I was just thinking about something" she replied with a short smile.

"Okay, let's eat" Racheal smiled and grabbed her spoon.

"Miguel, eat up.. your food will get cold" Racheal said.

He wasn't even paying attention to what they have been saying since. He was still expecting a call from the school.

"I think I failed, again" he sighed and dropped his phone.

His phone shone brightly and he hurriedly held the phone, it was a message.

He just got accepted to his dream school.

"Omg..I passed. I knew It" he smiled and Ariel ruffled his hair.

"you pass? Am so happy for you brother" Ariel smiled and Miguel arranged his hair.

"Mom your son passed, I'll start going to school like my mates now" Miguel said.

"Am so happy for you son," Racheal said.

"But if Miguel starts going to school now, who's going to take care of mom?" Ariel said and Miguel nodded.

"Ariel not now please...you both should be happy for your life for once, you guys have lives to live too.. I'll be fine on my own, okay" she smiled.

"But..."

"Shhhh.. I'll be fine on my own, I promise" she smiled.

"Let's eat.. it's late already" Racheal said.

•

NEXT MORNING, RESTAURANT•

Ariel dropped the food In front of the girl who ordered cinnamon bread and a cup of cold coffee.

She smiled and started walking away. The girl held the cup and immediately she drank the tea she spit all the content out.

"what the f-ck!!!!" The girl gasped and stood up from the chair.

Ariel turned to her and tried holding her back but the lady slapped her.

"My colleagues told me this restaurant is among the best here in New York but what I am seeing here is the complete opposite!" She yelled.

Ariel immediately went on her knees.

"Miss, I'm sorry, it was a mistake.. don't worry I'll get you another one but please don't tell the manager" Ariel begged and the girl's anger increased.

Serve her right!

She loves acting smart but she knows nothing.

She should get sacked, I am tired of seeing her face.

"In Fact I need to see the manager of this restaurant right now!" she yelled.

"Miss, please!!" Ariel begged.

She can't get fired now. If she gets fired, how is she gonna provide for Miguel and mom?

Few minutes later, madam rose came in. She was hearing noises from inside and she came to check.

"What's going on here?!" she asked as she eyed Ariel.

"Are you the owner of this restaurant??" The girl scoffed and madam rose nodded.

"Yeah and what's the problem Ariel?" She asked.

"madam this girl ordered for...."

"Let me talk you punk!!!" The girl snapped.

"Young lady, don't use offensive words on my girls. I won't tolerate that," Madam Rose said.

"Oooh,Is that it? i am making a call and this restaurant will close down soon,mark my words" she said and picked her phone from her bag and dialled a number.

Gasps....

"hey....it hasn't gotten to that, please state your complain"

"I ordered a warm coffee and she brought me a cold, icy one," she said.

"Am so sorry and am also sorry for jumping into conclusion," Madam Rose pleaded.

"I am out of here and am never coming here!!" she said and carried her bag, ready to leave but madam rose held her back.

"Don't leave miss, I'll talk to her and don't worry I'll ask another waitress to serve you.."

"No need" she scoffed and left the restaurant.

Madam Rose eyed Ariel and she proceeded to her office. Ariel followed behind.

MADAM ROSE OFFICE•

"This will be the first time I am hearing such complaints from my customers,what the hell is wrong with you?" she yelled as she used fist to hit the table, loudly.

"I am so sorry ma,I promise it won't repeat itself again" she bowed and she scoffed.

"you've been spacing out lately, what are you thinking about?" she asked.

"Nothing!"

"Are you married?"

"no"

"Do you have kids?"

"No ma"

"Then what the hell are you thinking about??"

Ariel quickly burst into tears.

"What's the matter Ariel?"

"my mom..."

"what happened to her??"

"Yesterday she passed out and she got admitted to the hospital and the doctor said she had kidney failure,ma I need money.. Please help me!!" she begged.

"I see,so this is the reason why you've been acting weird?" she asked and Ariel nodded.

"I can't help you," she said, plainly.

"please!!!,I promise to pay you back when all this is over," Ariel said.

"I can't help you dear, but I know something that can help you" she smirked.

"what's that??"

"I have a friend who works at a bar and she's in need of a stripper and you fit one" she smiled and Ariel eyes widened.

"A stripper??"

"Yes dear,my friend will introduce you to a client and if you do your job well you will be paid twice the money you asked for" she said.

"So you mean I should sell my body to a random guy... like losing my virginity" she whispered.

"What does virginity do for you, fool?"

"I...''

"Get out of my office, when you're ready you know where to find me" she said and Ariel bowed and left the office.

**Noon**

"Ma'am, here's your meal" she bowed and she wanted to leave but the lady called her back.

Mrs Jones brought out her phone and started pressing it.

"Hmmm...can I talk to you?" She said and Ariel stared at her weirdly.

"Me? Do you want to talk to me? oh geez what did I do wrong?" she said hurriedly and Mrs Jones chuckled.

"That's not it baby girl, that's far from it "she smiled.

"you're scaring me with your smile Ma," she said.

Mrs Jones is Ariel's regular customer, there's no day she won't stop here.

She's a nice lady and she treats Ariel well unlike the other servers.

"I like you" she spoke and Ariel blinked.

"You like me?"

"Yes I do and I want you to be my daughter in-law" she said and Ariel broke into laughter,Mrs Jones joined the laughing too.

"I'm serious, " she said, breaking the laugh.

"Ma I still don't understand you, please explain" Ariel said.

"Seat," she said.

"Should I sit close to you?" she asked and she nodded.

Ariel looked around and her eyes met with her colleagues staring at her with jealousy written on their faces. She however took a seat.

"My son is a workaholic, he doesn't even have time for himself...he doesn't even associate with girls and I'm so scared I don't know if he's even a gay. Can you believe he has a female bestie but he had not even for once hugged her...I am getting old and I need to see my grandkids before I breathe my last breath" she said and held Ariel's hands.

"You said he has a female bestie right?" Ariel asked and she nodded.

"Okay,why don't you set both of them together and why me of all people?"

"I don't like her and the reason I chose you is because you're the kind one here and you also have a beautiful heart and I know you will make a good wife for my son.... please do this for me" she begged, caressing Ariel's hands softly.

Ariel released her hand and stood up.

"I can't do it ma,am sorry" Ariel muttered.

"Don't worry, take your time to think about it...I promise to give you anything you want and call me when you made up your mind..this is my card. am always available anytime" she smiled and dropped the black card on the table and walked outside.

Ariel watched as the car drove away and she picked the classic black card.

"I should marry her son..is she joking or what?" she thought as she turned the card, checking it out.

"Too bad I'll be dumping it in the trashcan" she scoffed and put the card in her pocket and went back in.

••••

HAYES HIGH SCHOOL•

Miguel held his back as he approached the big building. He's so Lucky to be among those who passed.

"Gosh...this school is too big. how am I going to find my way to my class" he thought as soon as he entered the building.

Wow, he's so cute

I hope he's in the same grade as us.

The female students commented as they all stared at Miguel.

Miguel sighed as he kept looking around.

FREDERICK MANSION•

A black Lamborghini drove into the luxurious mansion. The guards came down from the car and they walked to the back and opened the door. A pair of black neat and polished shoes came down from the car.

He marched towards the huge down and even before he could reach the door,his guards already opened it.

Immediately he walked inside, the smell of baked potato hit his nose,his favourite.

"Mom," he muttered and walked towards the kitchen.

He was right...Mrs Jones was the one cooking.

Immediately she sensed someone was looking at her, she turned.

"Mom, why are you doing the cooking? where are all the maids?" He asked.

"Son you're back" Mrs Jones smiled and hugged him tightly. Fredrick didn't hug her back,his hands were in his pocket.

"See, I made your favourite for you, come see" she smiled and turned to the cooker and before she turned back, Fredrick already left.

"What are you doing here mom?" Fredrick asked.

"I came to visit my son who came back from a trip yesterday" she said and Fredrick sighed.

"Okay,now you've seen me,you should leave already" He scoffed and started climbing the stairs.

"I thought you will be bringing a wife from your trip but I guess I was wrong" she said they finally got to his room.

"Is this wife of a thing still going on?"

"Yes it is... I can't wait to see your wife" she smiled.

"Wife?? Am not getting married anytime soon, keep that in mind" he said.

Mrs Jones fell on the bed and started crying, Fredrick pinched his nose and sighed heavily.

Is this woman serious right ?.

Fredrick sat beside her and hugged her.

"I'm sorry" he said and Mrs Jones pushed him away.

"Get away, you're not my son," she said.

"Okay, what do you want me to do now?"

"Get married,is that too much to ask?"Mrs Jones said slowly.

"I am too young for that," he scoffed.

"How old are you?You will be 27 this year and you're saying you're too young...how sure am I that you're not even a gay" she said and Fredrick gasped.

"A gay?" He asked and she nodded.

"I am not a gay mom am not, believe me," he shook his head.

"I want grandkids,ever since your dad left me I've always been lonely.. don't you feel pity for me,I need someone to call my daughter in law" she Said, wiping her eyes.

"I don't have anyone in mind, give me more time to look for one" he lied and Mrs Jones smiled.

She stood up and smirked.

"Don't worry,I've found one for you," she said.

"you have?" Fredrick asked in shock

"Yes son... expect her soon.. I'll be in the living room,freshen up and come meet me" she said and left the room.

"Hope it's not what am thinking" he thought and walk to the bathroom.

•

EVENING,7 PM•

Fredrick just woke up from his nap,he came out of his room, dressed in only his robe. He then proceeded towards the kitchen.

The maid bowed on seeing him. His mom has left already.

Some were admiring his look.his face...and down to his lips.they won't stop staring.

He walked towards the tea can and he poured himself some tea.

He licked his lips, removing the stains from it. some maids almost fainted.

"Get back to work.. I'll be having a guest soon" he said and left the kitchen.

The maids bowed.

Few hours later,

The door opened and some guards escorted a young girl in.she was dressed in a very skinny gown and a big black jacket ,a pair of Heels and a classic purse beside her.

Fredrick climbed down the stairs. He was dressed already in his casual outfits. He received a call some minutes ago, saying she had just arrived.

Immediately the guards saw him, they bowed and walked outside.

The girl stood up at once and ran to him.

"freddy!!...." the girl smiled and spread her hands widely, hugging him.

Fred stood still without hugging her back. The girl reluctantly pulled from the hug and walked back to the couch.

"Ciara...what are you doing here?" He spoke and sat on the opposite couch. Ciara stood up and walked to him and sat beside him.

"Bestie, don't be like that...I came to see you" she said and took the remote control.

"I am not sick as you can see,so you should leave" he replied coldly and Ciara hugged his arm.

Ciara and Fredrick are both childhood friends. They've been friends since kindergarten. Their parents are rich and business partners. It makes their friendship stronger.

Ciara started having feelings for Frederick when they were in highschool. Ciara makes sure she deals with any girl that comes close to Fredrick.

Fredrick knows she has feelings for him but he keeps pretending he knows nothing.

"I don't want to leave...how was your trip? I wanted to come see you but I was so occupied with work yesterday. Can you believe I got a contract from different biggest modelling agencies yesterday..who won't choose a beautiful and gorgeous girl like me?" she flipped her hair proudly.

Fredrick dipped his hand into his pocket and he brought his phone out and he started pressing it.

Ciara stared at him, hurtfully.

She looked at him and smirked before taking off her jacket. She then tied her hair in a bun.

Fredrick wasn't even looking at her.

"hmmm... I'll be sleeping over at your place" she said and Fredrick turned to her.

"why?" he managed to ask.

"It's late already and I think it's gonna rain..I can't drive in the rain..so I am sleeping over" she smiled.

"Okay...you can sleep on the couch or in the guest room, it's left for you to decide" he stood up and started walking away.

"Fred..."

"I'll ask the maids to prepare something for you" he muttered before climbing the stairs.

•

ARIEL HOME•

It's raining heavily outside and Ariel stood close to her window, staring at the rain. she hugged her arms around her body,coz of the cold.

she sighed heavily and left the window and she sat on the bed.

she dipped her hands into her pocket and brought the card outside. she didn't throw it in the waste bin, she probably forgot.

"marry my son" she laughed.

"But she's a kind lady..won't I do her a favour" she said and fell on the bed.

"I am not ready for marriage now nor do I want to be a stripper" she muttered.

By now the rain has gone down a Little.

"Ariel!!!!! it's mom!!!" She stood up immediately and she heard Miguel's voice.

"What happened to her again?" she said and left her room.

She found her mom laying on the ground with Miguel beside her,he was shaking her nonstop.

Ariel quickly rushed to them and she squatted beside them and hot tears left her eyes.

"What happened?" Ariel asked.

"She was trying to go to her room but she fainted even before she could throw a leg," he explained.

"Let's take her to the hospital," she said.

"what!!! with which money?" Miguel asked as he burst into tears.

"Money... money.." tears fell from Ariel's eyes as she held the card tightly in her hand.

Should she listen to madam rose and become a stripper just for one day.

It's her virginity anyways... and it's just for one day and the pains will reduce before the end of tomorrow.

Or should she call Mrs Jones and accept the deal to marry her son. She hasn't even seen her son yet.

What if he's a devil?

Marriage is not something for one day you will get to live with the person for the rest of your life.

"what am I going to do?" she cried the more.