A Forced Marriage to a Wealthy Billionaire in Town

At 9 in the morning, at the Saint Benilde Cathedral in the busy Suncrest City, Claire walked down the long aisles. It was her wedding day, a day supposed to be happy, but her heart felt heavy.

When the priest asked, "Claire Sullivan, will you take Joshua Cane to be your loving husband in sickness and in health?" Claire froze upon hearing those words. She wasn't sure if she wanted to marry Joshua Cane.

She'd only met him once, and it wasn't a good experience. Her grandfather recommended him, but Claire didn't trust her grandfather's choices.

However, her family had already betrayed her and refused to give her the inheritance which belonged to her so she had no choice but to accept her grandfather's wish for her to marry Joshua Cane. 

Inside her head, Claire screamed, 'This isn't what I want!' But she had to compose herself.

Under her white veil, she could see the groom's face clearly. He was handsome but not her type. She suspected his grandfather pushed him into this arranged marriage, explaining why he stood tall with a blank expression, staring at her.

"Would you need a minute, Claire Sullivan?" the priest asked.

Claire realized the priest had repeated his words, making her feel even more embarrassed. She wanted to run out, but the hall was crowded, and she'd be questioned. Her embarrassment turned into a sinking feeling.

She cleared her throat, replying, "No, thank you. I do."

The priest looked puzzled. "Do you agree to your vows?"

"Yes, I eagerly take Joshua Cane as my loving husband until death... Until death do us part," she paused, feeling uneasy.

The crowd sighed with relief. Joshua didn't react, looking annoyed. When the priest suggested a kiss, Joshua glared at him, making the priest back away. Claire chuckled nervously, wondering if everyone knew this wedding was arranged and neither of them wanted to be there.

"Claire," Joshua said her name quietly, nodding at her.

Claire was startled by Joshua's voice, realizing she hadn't noticed how smooth and silky it was.

"Joshua," she barely managed to say, avoiding his eyes.

"Entertain your guests, Claire. I'll need to settle a few things," Joshua leaned in and whispered in her ear.

Before she could respond, he left her side. Claire felt momentarily lonely before being surrounded by guests.

After the simple ceremony, which went smoother than expected, Claire was taken to the Cane Villa. It looked grand but lonely, nothing like her own home. She appreciated not having to engage much during the small wedding party.

Her new husband was absent, and people gathered around her, offering condolences and congratulating her on her marriage. They all seemed to believe Joshua Cane was the perfect match for her.

Claire couldn't believe she had married a stranger. The realization made her heart sink, and she struggled to breathe. How had she ended up in this situation she never imagined?

The door swung open as she approached the villa before she could even knock. Her new husband stood there, tall, handsome, and intimidating. With a gesture, he dismissed the driver.

"You're here," he said, his brow furrowed.

"Yes," she stuttered, avoiding his intense gaze. 

"Come in. I want us to talk."

Joshua held the door open, allowing her to enter. Claire was still in her wedding dress, unable to change. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and glanced back at him nervously.

"Have you been here this whole time?" Claire asked as she followed him.

"Yes," he answered dryly.

"You've been here this whole time?" Claire repeated, surprised.

His brows furrowed again. "Yes. Didn't you hear me the first time?"

Claire stared at him, finding him both beautiful and annoying. "How could you leave me alone back there while you were here..." She gestured towards him. "You were here and obviously relaxing."

"I have no patience for weddings, no matter how small," he said, walking over to a sofa and sitting down. "Sit. We have a lot to talk about."

Claire suppressed her anger and took a seat across from him. His sleek, black hair contrasted with her messy blond hair. He seemed oblivious to the fact that they were both now married.

Joshua leaned forward, fixing his eyes on her. "Listen, I don't know why you agreed to marry me, but I assume my grandfather must have promised you a lot of things."

"What?" Claire's eyes widened in shock.

"I mean, that would explain why someone like you would marry me," a short and small smirking briefly appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Claire's frown deepened. "Excuse me? Someone... Someone like me?" Her words were almost a growl, accompanied by sharp glares at him.

Joshua seemed unbothered by her reaction, gesturing as he talked. "I mean, anyone would jump at the opportunity, I guess. I'm rich and handsome, and I come from a family with oil money. I'm sure no one would turn down the offer... hmm." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Claire pondered his words, feeling dismayed. She realized he thought she married him for his money. Well, she did marry him for money, but not his!

"Anyways," Joshua said, clearing his throat and turning to her. 

"Whatever deal you had with my grandfather, I hope it's sorted now?"

"Yes," Claire replied. "I want nothing from you."

Joshua grinned. "Good. I want nothing from you either. We'll keep our distance until he's satisfied. I'm sure the old man is testing my patience, so understand this isn't permanent."

Claire held her broken and insulted heart together. "Yes, I understand completely."

"I'm glad we're on the same page, Claire. Imagine if you refused and ended up falling in love with me?" Joshua laughed, standing up and looking down at her. "Remember, this is all for show to prove to him that I can be responsible, okay? So let's both maintain our distance."

Claire nodded silently, unable to find her voice. Joshua gave her a small smile before turning to leave. She watched him go, feeling a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks.