Chapter 1 Prepare to be a Billionaire's wife

Rebecca point of view.

I can't believe I'm finally going to meet the man who's supposed to be my husband.

I've heard so many terrible things about Cameron Braxton, but there's nothing I can do about it.

I signed a contract, after all, and if I don't show up today, I'll be breaking it. Not only will I be violating the agreement between my father and Cameron, but my sister will lose everything she has in return.

I step out of the car in front of Cameron's office building, trying not to let my nervousness show. I don't want to give this man any reason to judge me poorly. After all, I'm already at a disadvantage.

He's rich, powerful, successful... everything I'm not. I'm just a poor girl from a foster home, a burden to my father and sister.

The contract I signed guarantees that they'll be taken care of for as long as I do what I agreed to do: marry Cameron and let him... do whatever he wants with me.

It's not a pleasant thought, but I have no choice. I have to do what I have to do.

I step inside the lobby, looking around at the fancy decorations. Cameron Braxton certainly knows how to show off his wealth.

My eyes land on a painting that looks like it was done by one of the masters, and I gasp softly to myself.

"Miss Kinsley?"

I turn my head to look at the woman who's addressing me, nodding stiffly.

"Yes, that's me," I say. "Where is he?"

"In his office," the woman replies, smiling sweetly. "Would you like to be shown up?"

I nod again and follow her towards an elevator. We go up a few floors until the doors slide open again, and the woman leads me towards a large wooden door at the end of a long hallway.

I see Cameron's name printed on the door in black letters, and swallow hard.

This is it.

The woman knocks on the door lightly, and then opens it.

I step inside, feeling my pulse quicken as I take in the man standing behind Cameron Braxton's desk.

He's more beautiful than I expected.

My heart flips over inside my chest as his eyes narrow on me, his blue gaze assessing me thoroughly. He stands up, his thick muscles rippling with movement. He's tall, at least six feet... probably closer to six and a half. He looks strong and charismatic.

I swallow hard, trying to get rid of the lump in my throat.

"You're Rebecca," he says, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. He comes around his desk, crossing the room to stand in front of me.

He's even more handsome up close. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too," I murmur. My heart is racing now.

He studies me for a long moment, then speaks.

"So... you're going to be my wife?"

"Yes," I say stiffly. My cheeks are burning hot now. "We have an agreement, after all."

"Yes, we do," he murmurs, frowning. "You're very young, aren't you?"

"I'm eighteen," I say, trying to hold my ground. "I'm an adult."

"Still..." He frowns. "I never thought your father would send his daughter to me. I thought he was supposed to be rich."

"He is," I reply, bristling with pride. "But he wants what's best for his daughter, so he chose to give me to you."

"Why?" I demand. "Why did you agree to this arrangement?"

I look up at him, trying to read his expression.

He's good at hiding his emotions, though.

"I guess I just wanted a wife," he says with a shrug. "And the thought of a girl who depends on me for everything is appealing."

I frown at him, feeling a lump of fear growing in my belly. "What do you mean?"

"You'll be dependent on me for everything," he repeats, staring down at me. "You'll live in my house, eat my food, have my children... and you'll do everything I say."

"Wait," I breathe, taking a step back. "I didn't agree to all that."

"You signed the contract," he reminds me. "Surely you read it before you signed?"

"No," I admit. "My father didn't give me a chance. He just told me to sign."

"Well, if you hadn't signed," he says quietly, "then your sister would have been kicked out on the street and your father would be in jail. I think you made the right choice."

I stare at him for a long moment before turning my back on him. "I'm going home now," I say quietly.

"No," he growls, grabbing my arm. "You're not going anywhere. You're not backing out of this contract now. We'll be married in two weeks, Rebecca, and then you'll do what you're told. Do you understand me?"

"I understand," I whisper, looking over my shoulder at him. I'm shaking now, my heart racing with fear. "But I'm going to go back to my apartment and pack my things. I'm not coming back to your house until the day we get married."

Cameron frowns at me. "Rebecca..." he starts.

I cut him off, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll come back," I promise him. "But I want to spend a little time by myself before I do."

"Fine," he says finally. "I'll have a car pick you up in two weeks."

"Okay thank you, I will prepare for our wedding in weeks."