Chapter 2

'I totally underestimated her. She has such fire in her eyes that I never thought was there, but I won't let that get to me. Oh no, I can't do this again, not with her.'

Alexander Hartman thought as he stared into her eyes and immediately let go of her chin.

Hilda was surprised to see him having such a warm part of him and in a second it immediately flickers back to his normal cold looks or demeanour.

Alexander Hartman has always been known for his cold and bossy personality and thus, he is dreaded by many.

Hilda doesn't seem to be scared of him, which was something that amused him.

He thought she would be an easy push over, someone he can order around. But she was more like a female aquaman that he wants to tame, but would he be able to?

"Like I said, do not be late for our wedding or else you will watch your father's company crumble to the ground. Have a good day Ms. Hilda Thompson."

Hilda for the first time became silent; she had no come back and so Alexander used that opportunity to walk away smiling to himself.

All he ever wanted was to be in control. Either it was towards others or his soon to be wife he surely wouldn't want something he can't tame. He walked towards his car and his bodyguards bowed.

He certainly didn't want to scare his bride by bringing other men into her apartment.

"Let's go." He ordered they opened the door for him and he left in his car.

Hilda stayed in her room dejected she was sad and wished she could talk to someone.

Somehow she felt her entire life had already been lived. Going to high classed parties, smiling even when she's angry. Being the perfect wife of a billionaire and making sure there's no scandal related to her or her to be husband.

She cursed her father deep down it was all his fault.

How could he sell his daughter at such a young age? He gave her off to the wealthy and he didn't even bother to tell her about the past and now reality came crashing down on her.

*Two months ago*

Hilda was in her apartment when she received a call from her father.

"Hilda come to the company." Albert said.

"What for dad?"

"Just come I have something important to discuss with you."

"Okay." She replied.

Soon she arrived at the company.

"Welcome Miss." Her Father's secretary greeted.

"Thank you. Is my dad here?" Hilda asked.

"Yes miss his waiting for you."

~knock~ knock~

"Come in." Albert said signing a few documents he immediately dropped his pen as he saw Hilda.

"You wanted to see me dad?" Hilda asked.

"Yes please sit, I have a lot to discuss with you." Albert said.

"Okay." Hilda said, taking a seat.

"Sweetie what I'm about to say it's really serious but I don't want your mom to know."

"Is something wrong?" Hilda asked not wanting her mom to know was something she didn't expect him to say.

"Yes with the company." Albert said.

"Why? What happened? Did the stock plummet?"

Hilda asked.

"Yes. Also, I think we'll go bankrupt at this rate."

"What bankrupt?" Hilda asked surprised.

"Yes bankrupt. But it all depends on you child."

"On me?" Hilda asked surprised she wasn't sure what her father meant.

"Yes, sweetie it all depends on you."

"But... Dad I mean how is it up to me to save the company? I can do my best though."

"Sweetie there's something I should have told you a long time ago." Albert said.

"What is that?" Hilda asked.

"When you were born your mom and I promised you in marriage."

"What?" Hilda asked like she didn't hear her father's words.

"Yes, you were betrothed when you were five."

"Betrothed to whom?" Hilda asked with a shocked expression.

"Alexander Hartman."

"Are you kidding me?"

"No sweetie it's a serious issue."

"Dad, this is absurd. I can't just marry a man I don't know this isn't the twentieth century. I don't know him and I don't love him."

"And this isn't a fairytale either Hilda this is real life. You don't need love to make the marriage work."

"Dad! Do you understand what you're saying?"

"Yes I do and it's for your own good."

"My own good? I never asked you to get me engaged to a demon."

"Mind your words Hilda he is your husband to be."

"Dad this isn't happening." Hilda a said angrily.

"Yes it is sweetheart. And just so you know, if you don't agree things would be worse than they already are. The Hartman's are not people you'd want to get angry."

*chuckles.*

"What's so funny?"

"You are dad? If they are as deadly as you make them out to be then how did you get me engaged to their young master?"

"It's a long story."

"Then make it a few sentences."

"I used to be friends with his parents so that's how you got promised."

"But dad..."

"Hilda do you want to see your father beg on the streets? The mighty Thompson's family living in shambles? Because I, Albert would not let that happen."

"Of course not but..."

"Then don't be selfish."

"Dad this isn't about being selfish. I don't know him neither do I love him you'd be sending me to hell."

"Hilda if you marry him you would live a comfortable life and you wouldn't have to worry about anything."

"Except being hurt by him." Hilda said sarcastically.

"I'm sure he would treat you well."

"How do you know that?"

"Hilda please, I'm sure he would take care of you and love you as long as you do as he says."

"So I'm going to be his prisoner?"

"No his wife."

"I want to go home."

"Sweetheart, think about it." Albert said, and Hilda walked out of his office, without a word returning home.