Billionaire's Wrong Bride

Happy Birthday to me

Mia’s pov.

My eyes widened in shock. I could not believe that I had heard him correctly. I waited for him to continue, but he remained silent. Then I took the chance to ask him, “Wasn't Kara going to marry him?”

“Oh no. I won't marry him. I can't marry a playboy like him. And also only for three years? No way!” Kara said, observing her fingernails.

“But we have to form this alliance to merge our businesses. That's why there has to be a marriage between the two families,” my stepmother, Andrea, said.

“...and why do you think we have invested so much into you? Because one day we can use you in a business deal.”

I could not believe what I was hearing from my own family. My own father wanted to trade me for a business deal. My whole life was nothing but just business for them like I was some non-living stuff in their house.

I swallowed hard before daring to say something in front of my father. I never answered him back. But this time, I wanted to pitch for my life.

“Dad, don't do this to me. I never wanted to get married to a rich family. Please, I am turning 18 tomorrow, and I will leave your house. I won't be a burden on you anymore,” I pleaded in front of him, but his cold expression didn't change.

"Decision about your life has been made. You must marry Xavier Leonardi; you have no choice. We've done so much for you. Despite this, I've harbored hatred towards you for many years. You are the daughter of that woman who ruined those years of my life. I was compelled to live with her against my will. Consider this a form of repayment and marry him. Don't worry; you won't have to live with him for the rest of your life, only for three years. After three years, the contract will expire, and you'll be free to get a divorce," my father said, devoid of emotion.

My faith in humanity had now completely vanished. If my father didn't care about my life, who in the world would? Perhaps I was born under a cloud of misfortune, and this was my destiny.

Kara was three years older than me, my half-sister. She was born out of wedlock when my father was still married to my mother. He had an extramarital affair with Andrea during that time, a fact I only discovered as I grew older.

My father had been in love with Andrea, but he was forced into marriage with my mother by his parents. He waited for my mother's death, and as soon as she passed away, he wasted no time marrying Andrea and bringing her, along with her daughter, into our home.

"You must consider yourself lucky that you're going to marry the wealthiest man in Italy. You may leave now. We will start preparations for the wedding from tomorrow onwards," Andrea said with a smug smirk on her face.

Little did she know that I never wanted to marry a rich man—never, ever in this lifetime. I had seen my mother suffer so much and die in misery.

I returned to the kitchen and saw my plate left half-eaten. My hunger had died. I looked at the wall clock; it was midnight.

"Happy Birthday to me," I told myself, as nobody would wish me. I turned eighteen. I was so happy a few minutes ago for the day that I would turn eighteen and be free from this miserable life. But now, all hell broke loose and was ready to engulf me.

I went into my room, picked up my mother's photo frame, and cuddled her picture to my chest. I cried all night long about my misfortune.

***********************************************

Xavier's pov.

I was so frustrated and upset as I headed to the club to meet my friend Matteo Romano.

"Hey, Xavier," he greeted me, but I offered no response.

"What's wrong? Let me guess. Your father?" he asked, knowing me all too well.

I scowled. "What did he do this time?" he inquired again.

"He changed the bride and wants me to marry Valerio’s daughter, Mia Valerio," I replied through gritted teeth.

"What? I mean, why? You were supposed to marry Kara Valerio. Why did they change the girl at the last moment?" he asked, his concern obvious.

I slightly rubbed my forehead and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I have no idea. My father literally threatened me and forced me to marry Mia Valerio. My life is screwed," I confessed, sitting beside him. He patted my back.

"Dude, you have no choice. But don't worry; you will get through it. Cheer up and have fun. I have a surprise for you," he said, winking at me. "Come with me," he continued, tugging my hand and pulling me up to stand.

A few minutes later, we were standing in front of a penthouse that I guessed he had booked. He knocked on the door, and a girl in a sexy short black dress, nearly transparent, opened the door. But my mood was too gloomy to feel anything.

I looked at him in annoyance.

Leaning over my shoulder, he whispered, "Have fun. I've booked her for you. She's yours for the whole night," he winked at her and left me alone with her.

I looked at the girl, and she smiled seductively, biting her lip and gesturing for me to come inside. I took a deep breath, uncertain about where to go. Glancing at Matteo's retreating back, I decided, against my better judgment, to have one last bit of fun, knowing that my life would likely turn into hell in just a week.