My Billionaire Husband or my Foe

Kimberly POV

People often claim that money makes life simpler. Maybe it's true if you are born with money, but when you are thrust into wealth without choice or control, it is nothing more than a golden prison. I should know. I was not always Kimberly Robert's, the polished daughter-in-law of the wealthy.

Before all this, I was just Kimberly David, the daughter of Veronica, a hard-working but loving Mum who worked tirelessly to provide for me. I didn't have a father, I lost mine 15 years ago.

Now I live in a society where power governs relationships and riches define love. But what good is all this luxury if I feel stifled and continuously transformed into someone I don't recognize?

Ariel flourishes in this world. My foster sister, the ideal daughter of Robert's family, is the socialite who wears expensive labels like second skin and can always turn a discussion to her advantage.

She basks in attention as if she was born for it, but here I am, the wife of the heir, yet still feel like an outsider when I'm with her and everywhere I go.

Anyway, back to tonight's party, I'm not just all about venting my wrath. I came to locate Ariel, to compel her to recognize anything other than her high-society affairs.

Our mother-my original mother and her foster mother, is dying. And Ariel, for all she cares, isn't concerned. The hospital bills were outrageous, the least she could do as a daughter was show some support. Now that she was reunited with her rich family, it shouldn't be a problem for her.

The party is in full flow when I arrive. The estate is enveloped in luxury, with music playing through crystal chandeliers, and people everywhere, feeling the vibe of the party.

Men in neat suits holding pricey glasses of wine, while women in silk and sequins lay themselves over velvet sofas. It's the type of gathering Ariel enjoys.

I see her near the balcony, dressed in a scarlet gown that clings to her like a second skin, her laughing a symphony made to fascinate anyone who came close to her.

I took a deep breath and pushed through the mob.

"Ariel," I called. She turns, her gaze skimming over me with studied indifference.

"Kimberly. What are you doing here?"

"As if you don't know," I responded with a strained voice.

"You already know about Mom. She had been ill ever since you moved out 1 year ago but it's getting worse. She..."

"Oh, Don't even start," Ariel moans, swishing her wine glass slowly.

"I've already visited the hospital. What more are you expecting me to do?"

My hands twist into fists.

"Maybe you could be there for her? And assist with the hospital bills? She is your mother remember?"

She laughs as if I've told her the funniest joke.

"She's not my mother Kimberly, she lost that title when she failed to understand what it meant to be a Robert."

Anger builds in my gut. How could somebody be so heartless?

"Excuse me, ladies" The voice is deep and silky, a low rumble that breaks through our strain. My head turns towards the source, my lungs, almost forgetting how to breathe.

This man is tall, brown-skinned, and downright gorgeous, with the type of easy assurance that makes people stop and gaze. I think he's Ariel's Elder brother. I've only met in

passing, never up close. And now, with those penetrating grey eyes fixed on me, I feel vulnerable, as if he can see beyond the polished image I wear and into the parts of myself I attempt to conceal.

Ariel takes an instant step forward, batting her eyelids back and forth at the scene.

"It's good to see you Matteo, I had no idea you'd be here tonight.

"He casts a quick peek at her. His attention is focused on me.

"You must be Kimberly," he comments.

My name flows off his mouth like a secret. I clear my throat.

"How do you... How do you know who I am?"

He smirks, tilting his head slightly.

"I pay attention to things that interest me."

My heart sank in my chest, skipping a beat.

Ariel notices. Of course, she does. And she doesn't like it. She slips an arm around Matteo, her red-painted nails tracing the sleeve of his suit.

"Kimberly has always been different. She doesn't fit in our world and class, you know?"

Matteo doesn't react the way she expects. Instead, he watches me closely, as if piecing something together.

"Different?" he repeats, almost to himself. Ariel pouts, feeling her grip loosening.

"Anyway, we were talking before you interrupted, Matteo. A private discussion," Ariel sneered.

Maybe I should leave. Yes, I should go before Ariel finds another way to embarrass me.

But I refuse to.

Because, it's the first time in years, that someone is looking at me-not through me, not past me, but at me. And that sensation is exciting. For the first time since mom fell sick, I was glad I put effort into my dressing. I was wearing a long floral halter neck dress in the color blue, and my blonde hair was curled and flowing over my shoulders. Matteo is studying me, taking in every detail.

Then my phone vibrates. I blink, attempting to break free from whatever spell

Matteo has cast over me, When I see the caller ID, my stomach drops.

"Kimberly?" An unfamiliar voice crackles across the speakers.

"It's about your mum. She is back in the hospital. She's begging to see you"

The air in my lungs has vanished.

"I have to go," I say quietly. Matteo observes me with an inscrutable face.

"Do you need someone to drive you?"

Ariel clicks her tongue.

"Oh, please. She is used to walking wherever she wants to go. Let her handle it"

I ignored her. Without saying another word, I turn and hurry out of the party.

The hospital smells like various things at once; antiseptic, sterile, drugs. At last, I'm standing in my mother's room, my chest clenching as my eyes landed on her.

She appears much weaker than before, with her once lively face hollowed down by anguish. She was on bed rest and couldn't walk, the arthritis was getting worse and I knew she was in severe pain.

"Kimberly," she murmurs. I ran to her side, grasping her little hand in mine.

"I am here, Mom. I am here.

"Her lips quivered as she attempted to say something.

"There is... something I need to tell you."

"No Mom, you need to rest. Save your strength, "I said, fighting back tears.

She shook her head.

"No. You need to know. It is about your future.

"Dread builds in my gut.

"My future? what are you talking about?" She draws a big, trembling breath.

"You're getting married, Kimberly.

"The entire world seemed to have stopped before me. I pull back, blinking quickly.

"I-I don't understand.

" She squeezes my hand lightly.

"An Arranged marriage With Sir Gregory's son. It has already been decided"

Shock numbs my entire body. "Decided by who?"

"By the Roberts and your late dad," she whispers.

"It's the only way they'll assist with the hospital bills. And this arrangement will protect your future."

I shake my head, my mind racing.

"No. No, this is not occurring. This cannot be happening."

Tears run down my cheeks. My mother is dying, and instead of spending her moments getting better in peace, she informs me that my life is no longer mine.

Once again, I have no control over what happens to me.

I feel like a caged bird. Forced to bend to the will of the rich.

That is all I have ever been.

And now the door has been permanently locked.