the ruthless billionaire

Take that stupid frown off your face and wear a better smile," Albert yelled at Belle as she sat on a chair in front of a mirror. Her makeup artists and servants stood at a side to give the father-daughter privacy. "I can't force a smile when I'm not happy," Belle replied, fighting back the tears in her eyes. "Do you think I care about your happiness? Do not think that you'll become free because you're getting married. You're far from it. I keep your secret so you can live.

Now make me a proud father and smile at your groom when you show up at the altar," Albert spat while feigning a smile to the servants so as to cover up for his unruly attitude. "Stepfather. You're not my father," Belle replied then wore a weak smile. "Whatever. Keep that smile on. This wedding must go as planned," Albert said and exited the room. Without a warning, tears dropped from her eyes and she tried to wipe them off. "Don't worry, Madam. I'll redo your makeup. Don't hesitate to express your feelings," the makeup artist said and gestured to the others to leave the room. Belle broke into tears as soon as they stepped out and cried her eyes out. It was her wedding day yet she felt nothing closer to happiness. She was getting married to Ethan Wilson, a very ruthless and one of the most feared men in New York city. He was an extremely wealthy man, a billionaire who had other rich men in the city in his grasp. Belle had never met him before the wedding. Although she knew that he was a very handsome man, she could not tell if he would fancy her. After all, it was an arranged marriage. As they exchanged vows and their wedding rings, she noticed that he avoided her gaze and whenever their eyes met, he had a fearful glint in his eyes and an overwhelming aura. "You may kiss the bride," the priest said after the exchanged vows. "Is that necessary," Ethan blurted out. Belle felt awkward and her eyes quickly scanned through the crowd. They wore surprised expressions as well as she did. The question simply meant that he wanted nothing to do with her. "Yes, it is Mr. Ethan. You do not want to keep your bride and guests waiting," the priest replied. Ethan stared at her which made her uncomfortable and she avoided his face. Then he tilted her chin up and kissed her. Their guests applauded them as they were pronounced husband and wife. Belle could tell that she was in deeper trouble than she had ever been with her stepfather and his friends. Ethan had whispered to her after the kiss. "You just lost your freedom today. Henceforth, you're my slave," he said with a wicked grin. She kept thinking about his words till she arrived at the huge mansion of the Wilsons. They had the west wing while Ethan's grandmother, Olivia and his twelve years old younger sister, Vera had the East wing. She sat on the bed in their spacious room and remained quiet. Her heart was beating fast as she wondered what Ethan meant. Had she suddenly become a modern day slave? Did her stepfather actually sell her to the Wilsons? All these questions seeking for answers ran through her mind. Then the door suddenly opened and Ethan walked into the room. He stood at the edge of the bed and stared at her for what seemed like hours. "Since we haven't met, we could have a proper introduction now," Belle said, trying to make conversation. "My name is Belle Brockman," she added and extended her hand for a handshake. Ethan said nothing as he continued staring at her. He placed his hands in his pocket and walked over to the closet. While he took off his clothes in the bedroom, Belle stood up from the bed immediately and made to leave the room but he grabbed her hand all of a sudden. "I'm giving you privacy. Don't you want that?" she said. Her voice was cool due to the fear she felt whenever she was in the same space with Ethan. It all started during their wedding and she did not know if she could ever get rid of that fear. "Slaves never leave their masters. You're not going anywhere," he said and grabbed her hand violently. He moved towards the bed and flung her on it. "What are you doing?!" Belle exclaimed but he said nothing like he had always done since they met. He climbed the bed and pulled her heavy weight over her. He tucked at her dress and pulled at it but when it would not come off, he tore the chest area of the gown. "Stop! Please!" she screamed as she tried to kick him off. "Would you stop screaming?! Nobody can hear you," Ethan replied with no expression on his face. He held both her hands over her head with his hands and kissed her all over. "Please, don't do this," she cried but he would not listen. He tore the rest of her gown with his bare hands and pulled down his trousers. He was too strong for her but she gathered all her strength and pushed him off but he pulled her back and pinned her to the bed. He overpowered her and she grew weak. As he kissed her neck down to her chest, she wept silently, knowing it was a lost battle. She shut her eyes while Ethan fed on her soft body till day break. "Good morning, Mrs. Belle. We're pleased to serve you. How can we help you," four maids echoed as they stood at the edge of the bed. She got to sleep in the early hours of the morning after Ethan had forcefully slept with her over and over. It was around 9 am and she was alone in the room when the maids came in. "My head. It hurts," she said and sat up straight on the bed and yawned. "I'll be back shortly," one of them said and left the room while the others helped her fill the bath and dress into simple yet expensive wear. Her clothes were nothing compared to the new wardrobe which was already made ready for her. She was escorted to the dining hall where Vera and Olivia were already seated. After they had exchanged pleasantries and she sat down, Ethan walked in. "You went to swim?" Olivia asked. "Yes, grandma," he replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Join us for breakfast. I know you don't have much planned for your honeymoon since the wedding was sudden so I hope you two get to know each other," Olivia said. "I don't have time for such frivolous activities. I'm going to the office after taking my bath," he said and climbed the stairs. "You cannot do that. Your honeymoon officially starts today. Do not go around spoiling our reputation. We're known to be a morally sound and respectable family. I won't take such nonsense from you," Olivia said even though she hesitated to say most of the things she said. She had little control over Ethan's personal life after his parents' untimely death and he kept his feelings and thoughts private without sharing with anyone. "The family reputation has nothing to do with my marriage. I don't have time for this. It's too early," he said and continued climbing the stairs. Then Vera ran over to the end of the staircase. "Can you please spare today to stay with us? I just got a new aunty. At least, we can all have a little bit of family time like other families. I'd like to know what it feels like," she pleaded. "Fine!" Ethan replied and sat opposite Belle. She avoided his eyes and stared at her hand. Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes as she recalled how he had raped her the previous night. "Hey! Pass the juice," Ethan called at her but she was too deep in thought to hear him. He grabbed the jug himself and glared at Belle as he ate while she sat with her focus on her hands. "Is everything okay, my dear?" Olivia asked which jolted her out of her thoughts. "Everything is fine, ma'am. I mean, grandma," she replied and picked at her food. When she looked up, her eyes met Ethan's face which made her cower in fear. After they all had breakfast, Vera clung to Belle and began to ask her loads of questions. "How did you meet Ethan? Was he also cold to you like he is to me and grandma? What do you like about him? Do you…" Vera asked in one breath but Ethan cut her off. "You should stop following us now. We've had family time as you requested. Head back to grandma's. This is my side of the house and you know I don't appreciate intrusion," he sternly said. "You don't have to be so harsh to pass a message," Vera cried and ran back to the East wing of the house. Belle stood behind him so he wouldn't notice her but he did as he grabbed her hand like he did the previous night. He pulled her into the large living room which led to the spacious hallway. "I want everyone out!" he yelled and the maids and security men around the area scrambled out of sight. "I warned you, didn't I? I told you that this is not a husband and wife relationship. You are my slave and I am your master. I literally bought you from your father in exchange for shares so don't you dare sit around a table with my family to eat breakfast!" he shouted. "But the maids…" Belle tried to explain and without warning, a dazing slap landed on her face.