THE BILLIONAIRE'S OBSESSION

LOGAN'S POV

"What is it, father?" I asked, annoyed.

My father and I had never been on the best of terms and I always had the notion that he was only using me as his heir to the company.

"The Velvet Lounge has finally agreed to collaborate with us so they can expand their business with us." he said.

"That's some great news!" I said.

"But in return, the owner asks for something from us." he said.

"And what is that?" I asked.

"To take his daughter's hand in marriage." he answered.

I froze for a moment, my mind racing to process what he had just said. Marriage?

The idea felt absurd, like something out of a business contract, not a personal decision. I turned to face my father, a mix of confusion and anger bubbling up inside me.

"Wait, you're telling me that in exchange for a collaboration with The Velvet Lounge, I have to marry their daughter?" I asked, my voice tight with disbelief.

He nodded, his expression cold and calculating, as if this were just another business arrangement— something to be signed off on and sealed with a handshake.

"Yes, it's not uncommon in high-stakes deals like this, Logan. Marriage has always been used as a tool for strengthening alliances. And this is a significant opportunity for us."

I clenched my fists at my sides.

"You want me to marry a woman I don’t even know, just to secure a deal?" I could feel my pulse quicken as frustration took over.

"What happened to the idea of making decisions that are good for the company, not just for your own d*mn plans?"

My father didn’t flinch, his gaze unwavering.

"This is good for both the company and for you, Logan. You're the heir to Liberty Enterprises. These things matter. You should learn to make sacrifices for the greater good."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. My whole life had been one business deal after another, each one designed to secure my place in the company.

But this? This was something entirely different. My personal life, my choice in who I marry, was being bargained for like a commodity.

"And what if I refuse?" I asked, my voice suddenly calm, though the storm inside me was far from settled.

"What happens then?"

His face darkened, the faintest trace of irritation crossing his features.

"You’re not in a position to refuse, Logan. This deal is too important. The Velvet Lounge has connections that will take Liberty Enterprises to a level it’s never reached before. If you refuse, it could ruin everything."

I felt a knot form in my stomach. It wasn’t just the company at risk—it was my future. I had spent years trying to prove myself worthy of taking over Liberty Enterprises, but now it felt as though all my efforts were being overshadowed by a decision I had no say in.

"And what if I don't want to be your pawn anymore?"

I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them. It felt like a moment of rebellion, something I had been too afraid to voice until now.

My father’s eyes narrowed.

"You don’t have a choice, Logan. You’re not just representing yourself. You’re representing the entire legacy of this company, and our legacy has always been built on alliances like this one."

I was seething inside, but I bit back the sharp retort that was ready to spill out. This wasn’t just about me—it was about something bigger than I could control.

The fate of Liberty Enterprises had already been decided for me, and it was clear that my father wasn’t interested in hearing anything that contradicted his plans.

"I’ll meet her," I said, standing up straighter, trying to mask the frustration in my voice.

"But don’t think for a second that I’m going to just accept this without question."

His lips curled into a faint smile, the kind of smile a man gives when he knows he’s won.

"Good. I’ve already arranged for the two of you to meet. The Velvet Lounge is hosting a gala next weekend. You’ll have the chance to get to know her there."

I turned to leave, desperate to escape the suffocating conversation.

"Fine," I said, my voice low. "I’ll play along."

As I walked to my office, my mind churned with thoughts I couldn’t quite sort through. Who was she?

The daughter of The Velvet Lounge owner. Would she be like me—forced into something she didn’t want? Or was this what she had always expected?

The idea of marrying someone just because it was good for business repulsed me, but I had no idea if she felt the same way.

I ran my hand through my hair, staring out the window. My father might have seen this as a mere transaction, but I knew it was so much more than that.

This wasn’t just about a partnership—it was about my future, my happiness, my freedom. And I wasn’t sure I could sacrifice it all just for the sake of a deal.

But what choice did I have?

ISABELLA'S POV

He sauntered over, hands tucked in his pockets, radiating a presence that was both aggravating and… intriguing.

“Ah, so we meet again,” he said, his tone as smooth as before.

I straightened my shoulders. “You’re Logan Mathews?”

“In the flesh,” he confirmed. “And you must be Isabella.”

I crossed my arms.

“You could have introduced yourself properly earlier instead of nearly making me drop my plate.”

His smirk deepened. “I didn’t realize we were being graded on first impressions.”

I scoffed. Unbelievable. This was the man I was supposed to marry?

My father chuckled beside me, clearly oblivious—or perhaps amused—by the tension crackling between us.

“I see you two have already had a little introduction.”

Logan’s gaze never left mine as he raised his glass.

“To new beginnings, then?”

I narrowed my eyes but clink