The Billionaire 's Musical Bride

Lily's POV

The moment I heard my dad's trembling voice, I knew something odd was about to happen, I just had that feeling that my life was about to change forever.

"Lily honey, please sit down.Dad said.His eyes were red and a bit swollen. Mom stood next to him wringing her hands.

I sat uncomfortably on our old, confy couch. My heart was beating very fast, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Dad took a deep breath. "Sweetie, you know our family business has been struggling lately, and you know what we have been going through since then."

I nodded.Of a truth, things had been tough for a while now. "Well," he continued, "we've found a solution. But it's not easy to say this..." He trailed off, looking at Mom for help.

Mom sat next to me and took my hand. "Lily, you're going to get married." I laughed.

This must be a joke mom,am only 22. And I 'm not even dating anyone." "It's an arranged marriage," Dad blurted out. "To Mr. Blackwood."

My laughter died instantly. Mr. Blackwood? The billionaire who owned half the city? For God's sake, that man was old enough to be my father!

"You both can't be serious," I whispered almost in tears." But their faces told me they were dead serious.

Dad clarified further, "if you marry him, his company will rescue ours.It's the sole solution to prevent us from losing all we have, Lily dear. If you don't make this sacrifice for us now, we could soon be homeless, with no roof on our head, and I'm sure you would not allow that to happen to us, right?"

I felt as though I couldn't catch my breath. I was unable to talk. When I tried to speak, I ended up crying out. "But... but what about college? My friends? My whole life is here!"

Mom squeezed my hand. "I know it alot to take in, sweetie. But Mr. Blackwood can give you a life we never could. And I promise you, you'll lack nothing."

Except love, I thought bitterly. Except freedom.

"When?" I managed to ask. "The wedding is in two weeks," Dad said softly. "You'll move into his mansion right after." "Two weeks!" I screamed in shock.

In fourteen days, my entire world would change. I'd be married to a stranger and living in a new house. It felt like a bad dream.

"Can I at least meet him first?" I asked. Dad nodded. "He will be coming for dinner tomorrow night" I stood up, with a shaky legs. "I... I need some time alone." I dashed into my room and forcefully shut the door. I collapsed onto my bed, burying my face in my pillow while letting out loud sobs.

This couldn't be happening. It was unfair! I eventually sat upright and scanned my room with my eyes. All my memories were stored in this place, gazing at pictures of my friends, posters of my top bands, and the guitar I was practicing with.

Do I need to abandon everything? I picked up my phone, wanting to call my best friend, Sarah. But what would I even say? 'Hey girl, guess what? I'm getting married to a guy I've never met!' It sounded insane.

Instead, I opened my laptop and searched for "Mr. Blackwood." Dozens of articles popped up. I clicked on one with a photo. There he was – tall and dark haired wearing an expensive suit. He looked stern and serious. Not a single picture showed him smiling. Was this really going to be my husband? I read about his business empire, his charity work, his massive fortune. But nothing about his personal life. It was like he was a robot, all work and no play.

A knock on my door interrupted my research. "Lily?" Mom called softly. "Can I come in?" I sighed. "Yes.okay" She perched on the bed's edge. I know This comes as a shock. "I apologize for surprising you in this way." I brought my knees up to my chest. "Mom, is it absolutely necessary for me to do this?" "Is there a different option available?"

She caressed my hair just like she did when I was little. "I wish there was my dear. However, your dad's business is facing serious financial difficulties. If this merger doesn't happen, we will lose it all – the house, the business, everything your grandparents put so much effort into creating.

Guilt washed over me. How could I be so selfish? My parents had always given me everything. Now it was my turn to help them. I know this was not what I wanted, but yet, I would do anything as the only child of my parents, to make sure they don't suffer. And if marrying a total stranger would be the sacrifice I would have to make, then so be it.

But, "What if... what if he's mean?" I whispered my biggest fear.

"Mr. Blackwood is a respected Billionaire" Mom said. "I'm sure he'll treat you well. And who knows? Maybe you'll grow to care for each other in time." I doubted it, but I nodded anyway. "I'll try, Mom. For you and Dad." She hugged me tight. "That's my brave girl.

Now, why don't you start packing? We can go shopping for some new clothes tomorrow before dinner." After she left, I looked around my room again. How do you pack up your entire life? What would I need in my new... home? The word felt wrong. This was my home.

As I retrieved my suitcase, realization began to set in. In a fortnight, I would become Mrs. Blackwood. I would reside in a large house with a man whom I have no familiarity or affection for.

I pondered on my aspirations of completing college, exploring the globe, and experiencing love. Had all of them left at this point? No, I decided. I'd find a way to make this work.

Maybe I could convince Mr. Blackwood to let me finish school. Maybe we could become friends, even if we'd never be in love. I had to stay positive. This was my new life now, wether I like it or not. As I observed the moon glow coming in through my window, I made a promise to myself.

No matter what happens, I will always stay true to who I am. I would determine how to discover happiness and capitalize on this situation.

I never knew the challenges, that fulfilling that promise would present.

The next day, I woke up with the hope that everything from the previous day had been merely a nightmare.

However, the partially filled suitcase on the floor confirmed that it was not.

As I got ready to go shopping with Mom, I wondered what sort of person Mr Blackwood would be. Would he be as cold as he looked in photos? Or maybe he'd surprise me and be kind?

But I know, one thing was was for sure, tonight's dinner would change everything.

And as I left my room, I couldn't shake the fact that I was taking the first steps towards a future I never wanted and couldn't control. 

Mom and I got back from shopping very late at about 6pm.We hurriedly put everything together as we got set for dinner.

It's was already 8 pm and Mr Blackwood Has not showed up for the dinner.

I couldn't even tell if I was happy or not.

My parents were worried, because his number was not connecting.

Has he changed his mind about the marriage? Oh heaven please, let him change his mind. I prayed.

A knock on the door made my heart skip.mom ran to open the door. A tall, dark haired man walked in, it wasn't Mr Blackwood. I let out the breath I never knew I was holding.

"Good evening everyone,I am Steve,Mr Blackwood's personal assistant. My Boss Mr Blackwood said he won't be coming to the dinner tonight, because of his busy schedule.He also said I should inform you all that the weeding would be taking place tomorrow, at the courthouse.

"Ok , no problem, thanks for coming, and send our regards to him" dad said forging a smile.

Immediately he l