The Billionaire's Unwanted Bride

Chapter One

The rain fell heavily against the city as Elena Williams ran towards the entrance of Blackwood International. Panic set in as she held the brown envelope close to her chest to stop it getting wet. Her black dress was slightly damp and her shoes were worn. Her hair, which she had carefully put up this morning was starting to fall out of place.

She stopped at the large glass entrance. Blackwood International. A name known to nearly everyone in the business world. One of the most powerful corporations in the country. They were involved in multiple industries such as property, finance, technology and global investment.

Their CEO, Alexander Blackwood, was a man to be respected and feared. However, today she needed his help. She took a deep breath and stepped inside. The large reception hall was absolutely stunning. The marble flooring, luxurious furnishings and elegant decor all showed how wealth this company had. The staff moved around with confidence as they spoke on the phones and carried files.

"Good morning, how can I help you?" The receptionist smiled. "Good morning. My name is Elena Williams and I would like to see Mr Alexander Blackwood." "Do you have an appointment?" "No. However, I really need to speak with him." "I’m sorry Miss Williams, but Mr Blackwood does not see people without an appointment." "Could you please just tell him I am here?" The woman looked her up and down. "What is your last name?" "Williams."

Her expression changed. She picked up the phone and whispered into it before looking back at Elena. "Please take a seat. Someone will be with you shortly." Elena nodded and sat down.

She opened up the envelope in her lap. She double checked that everything was in there. Daniel’s medical reports, hospital bills and suggested treatments. She had carried these with her for weeks.

Her younger brother was only nineteen, but due to his illness he had to be admitted to hospital. The doctors had explained that he needed urgent treatment but it would cost a lot of money, money she couldn’t afford. She had spoken to family, friends and charities. She had sold nearly every valuable item they owned. But nothing was enough.

The hospital had told her she would need to pay a large sum by Friday. Tomorrow was Friday. She glanced at the clock. She couldn’t afford to be turned down. --- Alexander Blackwood was stood by his window in his office on the 38th floor. He was reading through a financial report. His office reflected his personality. It was very organised, expensive and intimidating. The dark furnishings, glass walls and carefully chosen art work filled the room.

Alexander was known as one of the most ruthless businessmen in the country. He was very clever, ambitious and hard to please. He was only thirty-two. "Good morning sir." Jason, his assistant, knocked on the door before stepping inside. Alexander didn’t look up. "What is it?" "There is someone downstairs who wants to see you." "Tell them to book an appointment." "They don’t have an appointment." "Then that answers that." Jason hesitated. "It’s Elena Williams." Alexander’s fingers stilled. He slowly looked up. "What?" "Elena Williams sir." There was a pause. "Williams?" "Yes sir." Alexander placed the report down on his desk. "Send her up."

Jason nodded and left. Alexander walked over to his desk with a stern expression. Charles Williams. A name that brought back memories he had tried to forget. His father had trusted Charles Williams but their business relationship had ended in scandal, loss of money and tragedy. He would never forgive him. But now his daughter was here. Interesting. --- A few minutes later, Elena stepped inside Alexander’s office. She paused. He was taller than she expected. He was wearing a well-fitted black suit. His dark hair was neatly styled and his face was so cold it made her uncomfortable. "Miss Williams." He greeted. "Mr Blackwood." "Sit." She sat in the chair opposite. Alexander stayed standing. "What can I do for you?" She opened up the envelope. "My younger brother is very ill and needs urgent treatment. My family can’t afford to pay for it." He said nothing. "I’ve tried everything I could but I just don’t have enough money. I was wondering if you could help us." He looked at her. "Help you?" "Yes sir." "Do you know who you’re asking for help from?" She hesitated. "I know there is history between our families." "History?" He questioned. He chuckled darkly. "That’s what your family likes to call it?" "I wasn’t involved with whatever happened between our fathers." "Your father didn’t have a problem destroying everything we had worked for. But here you are asking me to save yours." She gripped the envelope tighter. "My father is gone. There isn’t anything I can do to change what happened between him and your family." "Of course not. But you can definitely make use of it." She looked at him shocked. "Please don’t turn this around. My brother hasn’t done anything to you." "That’s a shame. But it’s not my problem." She swallowed. "Are you saying you can’t help me or you just don’t want too?" Alexander walked back over to his desk. "No." Elena stared. "Please Mr Blackwood. I’m not asking you to forgive my father or forget what happened. I’m just asking for you to help an innocent person." "We have nothing more to talk about." She fought back tears. "My brother is only nineteen. He has his whole life ahead of him. Don’t let two men’s mistakes decide if he gets to live." Alexander picked up a piece of paper. "Jason will show you out." Elena slowly packed up her papers. "I hope you never get into a position where the only person who can help someone you love decides the past is more important than a human life."

She walked towards the door. Alexander watched as she left with an unreadable expression.

--- When Elena arrived at the hospital, Daniel was resting in his bed. He looked up. "You’re back." She smiled weakly. "Of course." He studied her face. "How did it go?" She placed her handbag on the chair. "Not well." He sighed. "I told you not to go." "Daniel..." "I’ve done enough. You’ve been going around for ages trying to get money. I don’t want you to suffer anymore." She sat down beside him. "Don’t say that." "I’m serious." "So am I. I’m your brother and I’m not going to give up fighting for you." Daniel looked at her with tired eyes. "I don’t want you to lose yourself." She reached for his hand. "I’m not going to lose myself. I’m right here." He squeezed her fingers. "Promise me something." "What?" "Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not worth anything because you need help." She looked down. "I promise." A nurse walked in and checked Daniel’s medical notes. "Miss Williams can I have a word?" Elena followed her into the corridor. "What’s the matter?" "The consultant has looked over your brother’s latest results and he needs urgent help. We need to start the next stage of his treatment." Her stomach dropped. "When?" "We need a large payment by Friday." "Tomorrow?" She nodded. "Please go and speak to the billing department." Elena stood in silence. Tomorrow. Less than 24 hours.

--- Later that evening, Alexander was going through some papers when Jason walked in. "I have the information you wanted sir." Alexander looked up. "Tell me." "Elena Williams is 24. She graduated a few years ago but is currently unemployed. She lives with her younger brother Daniel. Their father passed away a few years ago and they have had some financial issues." "What about her brother?" Jason opened another file. "Daniel is 19 and in a critical condition. The doctors have advised immediate treatment." Alexander took the report. He read through the medical notes and what the hospital needed paying. "How much does the treatment cost?" Jason replied. Alexander didn’t change his expression. "Have they asked anyone else?" "Yes sir. Our research shows that Elena has asked a few people and organisations. She has sold most of the valuable items her parents left." Alexander shut the file. "That’s all." Jason was about to leave but then remembered something. "There is something else sir." "What?" "I looked through the old company files and there was a financial agreement between your father and Charles Williams." Alexander looked up immediately. "Charles Williams?" "Yes sir. It was signed three days before your father’s accident."

Jason placed a photocopied document onto the desk. Alexander looked at it. He recognised his father’s signature. Underneath was Charles Williams’ signature. "What was the agreement about?" "The original document is missing. This was the only copy I could find." Alexander stared at the signatures. He had always believed Charles Williams had betrayed his father but this document suggested they had been involved in an agreement just before the accident. "Find the original." "Yes sir." "And don’t mention it to anyone." Jason nodded and left.

Alexander sat in silence looking at the document. Something about it didn’t sit right. He shook the thought from his mind and picked up the phone. "Jason. Come in." Jason walked in. "Sir?" "Call Elena Williams." "Why?" Alexander leaned back in his chair. "Just tell her I have changed my mind and would like to see her tomorrow morning." Jason looked surprised. "Should I tell her you’re going to help with her brother’s treatment?" "Tell her I have a proposition."

--- Elena was stood outside Daniel’s room when her phone began ringing. She looked at the unknown number and answered. "Hello?" "Good evening. Is this Miss Elena Williams?" "Yes." "My name is Jason and I’m calling from Mr Alexander Blackwood." Her heart raced. "Mr Blackwood?" "Yes. He would like to see you tomorrow morning. He has a proposition regarding your brother’s treatment." Elena gripped the phone. "So he’s agreed to help?" "I can’t tell you the details but he would prefer to explain everything himself." "When can I see him?" "Tomorrow at 10 o’clock." "I’ll be there." She hung up. She walked back into Daniel’s room. "What’s the matter?" He asked. She sat down beside him. "Mr Blackwood has agreed to see me again. He has a proposition regarding your treatment." Daniel looked relieved. "Thank goodness." Elena smiled slightly. But she had no idea what the proposition would involve.

--- The next morning, Alexander was stood behind his desk. He had everything set up by his legal team. All he needed was 1 year. 1 year of marriage to Elena Williams. In return, he would pay for Daniel’s treatment, pay off the hospital bills and give Elena 1 million dollars. It was generous. But it wasn’t kind.

He wanted to bring Charles Williams’ daughter into his home and make her feel the effects of his hatred. He had no intention of falling in love with her. There was a knock at the door. "Come in." Jason walked in. "Miss Williams is here sir." "Send her in." Elena walked in and sat opposite. "Good morning Mr Blackwood." "Good morning. I have thought about your situation." He slid the document across the desk. "I have a proposition." Elena picked it up and started to read. Her eyes scanned the page. She paused.

"Marry me?" Alexander clasped his hands together. "Yes." "Are you proposing to me?" "I’m offering you a contract. You will be my wife for 1 year. During this time you will live in my home and attend public events with me when necessary." "In return?" "I will pay for your brother’s treatment, pay off his hospital bills and give you 1 million dollars." Elena stared at him. "Why would you want to marry me?" "Do you really care why? All you care about is the money." "I do." Alexander leaned forward. "Your father left things to sort out with my family. This is your chance to pay off part of your debt." A shiver ran down her spine. "So this is about revenge?" Alexander said nothing. She looked down at the contract. 1 year of marriage. 1 year with a man who hated her family. 1 year in a house she may never be welcomed in. But Daniel needed treatment. She looked up at Alexander.

"I have conditions." His expression turned stern. "You don’t have any leverage." "Maybe you should find someone else to marry." For the first time, Alexander looked surprised. "I need my brother’s treatment to start straight away. Everything related to his medical needs must be paid for. Even if something happens between us before the end of the contract. I also want it stated clearly that neither of us can pressure the other into doing anything we don’t want to." Alexander studied her. "Fine. My lawyers will add those conditions." Elena took a deep breath. She knew she was about to make a life changing decision but Daniel’s life was more important. She held out her hand. "We have a deal." Alexander shook her hand. "Welcome to the Blackwood family Elena." He didn’t smile.

Chapter Two

Elena stared down at the contract in front of her.

It was several pages long and included a lot of legal jargon but every sentence reminded her of yesterday.

She was about to marry Alexander Blackwood.

Not because she loved him or believed in him, but because her brother needed to live.

Alexander was sat comfortably in his chair at the other end of the table scrolling through his phone.

"Finished reading?"

"Nearly."

"Good. I have a meeting in forty minutes."

"Does it really sound like I'm signing for a delivery?"

Alexander finally looked up.

"Do you want me to organise a romantic meal?"

"I'd like you to remember that this is a marriage, even though it means nothing to you."

Alexander put his phone down.

"Let's get one thing straight. This isn't a love story. I get what I need and you get what