Leena’s POV
“What?” I gasped in shock.
“Father, it hasn’t gotten to this,” I said seriously.
“Why? Do you have any value or worth that it isn’t time to let go of you?” My father, the man I respect so much even though he was annoying barked at my face.
“It’s an honor to get married to such a man because I doubt anyone would settle for you.” He spat on my face.
“But, this is for my brother's life and my education. You can’t tell me to marry a crippled man!” I yelled in annoyance and my adoptive mother slapped my face as she stood up.
“How dare you talk nonsense before my husband!” She hissed. “Who else should marry him if not you? Do you think Jane is worth the catch?” She raised a mocking brow.
“But the family chose Jane and not me, Father, please.” I tried to plead with them.
My brother’s life was at stake and in no time, my university certificate might be barred as I hadn’t finished my clearance. No doubt, I was at their mercy.
“I want to help you, Leena but you also have to help me too.” My father’s voice suddenly became calm. “Just get married to him and after a year as in the contract, you can divorce him.” He urged me.
“But…” I began but was interrupted.
“No buts, Leena. Your brother needs your help and we are only doing you a favor.” My adoptive mother fired at me and I grew cold.
My wet eyes fell on the hospital bills and rolled to my school fees, it was almost $450,000.
I didn’t want to do it but I was desperate and it was important.
“Just do it.” They kept on urging me.
“Dear sister, you have to help me. Do you expect me to marry a crippled man as pretty as I’m?” Jane, my adoptive parents' real daughter stepped in.
Her voice was filled with mockery.
“Just do it. Besides, you need the money. We will give you $500,000 or even more.” Jane bragged.
“Fine,” I said after a long minutes of silence. I had to give it a second thought. I would blame myself if I can’t do anything to save my brother.
“I will get married to him,” I said seriously and they exhaled in relief.
The defibrillator machines made sounds as I stepped into my brother’s hospital room. His eyes rolled over to my direction.
“Sister, I have told you not to worry about me.” I had already paid the hospital part of the money for his oxygen fee.
He was looking pale and sad. Tears rolled from his eyes and I cleaned it.
“No, Kelvin. Let senior sister take care of you.” I began.
“Remember, we have plans. We also have to find our real parents together.” I reminded him and he nodded his head firmly.
“But, how did you get the money?” He raised an anxious brow.
I swallowed hard, trying to force out a warm smile. Unfortunately, Kelvin knew when I was truly happy or sad.
“Surprise, I’m getting married!” I said enthusiastically with a smile and his eyes widened.
“What? Seriously?” His eyes were already filled with questions which I knew I wasn’t ready to answer.
The plan was after the wedding, the money would be sent to my account. I prepared for it. Wearing the low-grade wedding gown and a pale face with no makeup.
Soon, the door pulled open as Jane walked into my dressing room.
“My dear sister, I wonder how you are going to have sex with a crippled man.” She laughed and I briefly closed my eyes, trying to ignore her.
“I even heard he is not going to make it to the wedding because of his disabilities. What a poor orphan you are.” She laughed, leaving the dressing room.
I looked at myself through the mirror with thoughts in my head.
Was this the end of my hopes of getting married? Was I going to marry a crippled man?
I was worried but then it was too late to back out. I have to do this for my brother and my education.
Soon after the knock on the door, I knew it was time.
“Let’s welcome the bride!” The priest announced as I walked on the red carpet spread on the green carpet grass.
People's eyes were on me, gossiping and speaking ill of me. I lowered my head, trying not to listen to them. Alone, I walked down the aisle.
The wedding decoration was kitschy and I didn’t bother to complain about it, who was I?
Suddenly, I started hearing gasps and screaming from behind and I turned to look. It was a tall handsome man, flashing me a smile on his fitted tuxedo suit. He looked charming. His ocean-blue eyes pierced into mine and I swallowed hard.
“Is… Is he the groom?” I thought inwardly.
My eyes rolled over to Jane and my adoptive parents. I could see the disbelief and shock in their eyes.
At least it wasn’t a bad bargain.
“Hey, I’m James Wellson. I guess you are the bride.” His husky charming voice brought me out of my reverie and I nodded sheepishly.
“Yes, I’m,” I said.
“Let’s proceed with the wedding?” He said rhetorically before facing the priest.
“We are here to witness the matrimony of Miss. Leena Martins and Mr. James Wellson.” The priest began as we faced him.
“Do you, Miss Leena Martins accept Mr. James Wellson as your lovely husband?” The priest questioned me.
I exhaled deeply. This was it. I had to do it since I had nothing to lose.
“Yes, I do,” I said confidently and I saw the sign of impression in his eyes.
“Mr. James Wellson, do you accept Miss. Leena as your lovely wife?” The priest hadn’t finished his sentence when he nodded impatiently.
“Yes, I do.” For some reason, I smirked.
“Is there anyone against this union? Speak up now or forever hold your peace.” We faced the audience and there was an awkward silence. My heart beat rapidly.
“I’m not in support with their union.” I heard Jane’s voice as she walked out of the crowd. My jaw dropped.
I thought she wanted this. Why was she trying to ruin it?
Leena’s POV“What are you doing?” My adoptive mother tried to stop her but she refused.“And you must be the real daughter, Jane.” James curled his lips, his hand waiting for a handshake which she impatiently shook.“Yes. And I’m the one you are supposed to marry.” Jane rambled with words.“Jane, what are you doing? I thought we had an agreement?” My father shunned her.By this time, the audience was already wondering what we were discussing about. I stood like an idle dummy.“But, you aren’t in your wedding gown. Does that qualify you to be my bride?” He smirked. I found him interesting at first sight,He returned to my side.“I’m here to marry the said Leena Martins, so please let’s respect ourselves.” He said strictly before signaling the priest to continue.Jane was so annoyed that she couldn’t stay till the end of the wedding. She went away while my adoptive parents’ stayed for formality's sake and also because they hadn’t concluded terms with James.As soon as the wedding ended,
Leena’s POV“What?!” The news I heard on the phone startled me as I stood up and grabbed my handbag. I checked through the cabinet for the contract but couldn’t find it.“I... I will be with you shortly, please bear with me and don’t ignore him.” I rushed out of the room and almost bumped into James.“Whatsup? Why are you in a hurry?” He gave me a long look.“I... It’s none of your business.” I brushed him aside and left through the door.In the garage, I saw different colorful cars parked. I wondered who they were as I tried to book a ride with my phone.Soon, I saw three sets of different women approaching our mansion. They look so hot in their sexy tight skirts.“What are you doing here?” Absentmindedly, I questioned them.“What does it look like, bitch? James is done with you so screw off, it’s our turn.” One of the ladies hissed.“Do you know who…?” I hadn’t finished my statement when another shoved me aside and went away.I gave them a long disastrous look, feeling helpless and
Leena’s POVThis was the only option I had left.I exhaled heavily before pushing the door open with my hand on the doorknob.As the gentleman saw him, he sighed and concentrated on what he was doing with his laptop.“Sir….” I lowered my face.“You are here again, how can I help you this time?” He snorted, looking displeased.“I thought you saw my message last night.” I began but he didn’t respond to me. “Well, I’m here to ask for a loan. I promise to pay back before the deadline.” I said impatiently and he smirked in mockery before standing from his seat.“Leena, I know how I forced you last time before I could get my money back. The company almost fired me.” He grumbled, approaching me. I stepped backward.“Something came up last night which I explained to you,” I mumbled with a shaking voice.“And you are saying that thing won’t come up again?” He raised a scornful brow and I swallowed hard.“Mr. Mike, it’s just $500,000.” I spilled bluntly as his action was beginning to get me ann
Leena’s POV“Leena, Leena..!” He tried to get a hold of me but I quickly walked out of the living room. The ladies he wasted himself last night were still lying drowsily on the armchair and ground.“Please, let me explain myself.” He grabbed my hand.“Explain yourself? Why?” I scoffed, looking at him with disinterest.“What happened last night? I’m really sorry.” He lowered his head, feeling guilty and I smirked.“You have nothing to apologize for, Mr. James. We already made ourselves clear.” I spilled bluntly.“Someone spiked my drink last night, that was why I brought them home. I had no idea that I was home with them…” He paused. “Checking the CCTV camera, I’m dimwitted towards my action.” He said dolefully.“You know you are good at playing this game. But you owe me no apology and I don’t believe you. Live your life as you please and don’t disturb me.” I shunned him.“Trust me, Leena.” He didn’t let me go and I turned my back on him. “Yeah, I’m a cheating husband but after our wed
Leena’s POV“I asked you a question, Leena. What did you say?” He turned, facing me and I cleared my throat awkwardly.“I…I didn't say anything. Honestly.” I lied with certainty and he smirked.Inwardly, I felt he heard what I said because it was somewhat loud.He sighed softly and narrowed his eyes back to the mall attendant.“What are you waiting for? Package the shoe for my wife.” The sound of his last words ‘my wife’ caused my heart to shiver.“You don't have to do this.” He ignored me as we walked to the cashier point.All eyes were on me. They never believed that I was married to a rich handsome man. Besides, my dressing was way out of his league.He leaned on the counter, giving me a sexy stare as he flirtatiously winked.He was making things hard for me on my own end as my cheeks were burning hot.“Do you want anything else, sweetie?” He curled his lips.Oh goodness, he was truly a born player.I swallowed hard, shaking my head.“No, I'm fine. This already is too much.”Sudden
Leena's POV“Doctor, I got your call.” I ran into the hospital like one whose world was about to crumble.The doctor lifted his gaze and returned it to the file he was reading.“You are here.” He grumbled.“My apologies, I left my phone on silent all through the night. “ I began.“I came here as soon as I saw the missed calls. Is everything okay?” I rambled with words impatiently and he sighed heavily.“Mrs. Leena, it's about your brother.” He said and my gaze became intent and anxiety lingering in them.“What about him?” I asked.“He hasn't been responding to treatment since yesterday, the first and second surgery we did wasn't successful. We tried to suppress his bleeding but his condition isn't good. And you know you haven't paid any money in yet, we might close the case.” After he calmly explained to me, his voice grew cold.“Please bear with me, Doctor. I'm supposed to make another payment but funds aren't forthcoming.” I began dolefully.“This is not my hospital, Leena. I only a
Leena's POV“James, how about you go ahead while I finish my business with him.” I suggested, curling my lips.“And you think I will foolishly leave you with another man?” He snorted in annoyance, making me astonished.“But… this has nothing to do with you.” I stuttered, trying to remind him.“It seems you have forgotten that you're my wife.” He walked over to me and grabbed my waist, my neck bone straightened as his touch sent sharp jolts of shivers up my spine.I tried to hide my flustered cheeks.“Young man, what does my wife owe you?” He asked Mike seriously and Mike rubbed his chin.I tried to signal him not to say a word but unlike anyone, Mike loved money. He knew I might not be able to pay him immediately but seeing how influential my husband was and the kind of building we are living in, it was easier and faster for him to get his money back with enough interest.“You see… the thing is… your wife here is owing me the sum of $500,000 making it a total of $650,000 including int
James POV“You did the same thing again, didn't you?” Harry, my personal assistant said as soon as I stepped into my penthouse.“Why? Is it bad?” I raised a brow, turning the wine into the glass.“Well, she might be getting it all wrong again. I mean, no one will believe that video calls are fake. I doubted it the first time you showed it to me.” He shrugged.“Let her think whatever it is but I don't want her to rely on me first nor do I want any vulnerability.” I informed him coldly.“Boss, Miss. Leena needs to know who you really are, and your true nature so she wouldn't get the wrong details about you.” He said dolefully.“Harry, are you in love with Leena or something?” I intentionally tried to tease him, curling my lips.“Of… of course not, boss.” He rattled out, stuttering and I laughed.“I'm only concerned about her. Right now, she thinks you're a playboy.” He frowned.“Do I look like I care?” I drank from the glass, nodding my head as I walked to my study room.“Back to busine