Bound To My Billionaire Rival (A Contract Marriage)

Marina leaned against her desk, exchanging laughter with her favorite colleague as they watched Alton Dewey pass by. "Ugh, seeing that guy just turns my stomach," she remarked, a smirk playing on her lips.

Alton caught wind of their laughter, his jaw tightening as he overheard Marina's comment. "I hope you're not talking about me, you jerk," he shot back, his voice flushed with irritation.

Marina didn't miss a beat, rolling her eyes and retorting, "And what if I am? You're hardly a sight for sore eyes yourself."

"Come on, Marina, not today," Janet interjected, pulling Marina away from the brewing confrontation.

"He's lucky we're at work. Let him try that outside, and I'll show him what I'm really made of," Marina muttered to Janet, her frustration evident.

Alton despised his father's decision. Despite being the son of Harrison Dewey, one of Crescent City's wealthiest billionaires, Alton was sent off to learn about work ethics in a corporate setting. All his life, Alton had only known the comfort of formal education. Now, he found himself toiling away as a lowly staff member at MetroPulse Group of Companies, keeping his true identity hidden.

A whole year had passed, but peace remained elusive for Alton, especially whenever he crossed paths with Marina. Eager to escape the tension, Alton focused on finishing his tasks for the day and heading home. Marina had already soured his morning enough.

Janet, however, had a different perspective. "You know, that guy is actually pretty good-looking. It's obvious he's the most handsome guy in this office," she remarked, her cheeks flushing as she glanced at Alton.

"Handsome? Who cares? And even if he is, it's not like I give a damn. And why are you even bringing this up, Janet? Don't tell me you've got a thing for that pain in the neck," Marina snapped irritably, causing Janet to burst into laughter.

Janet's laughter echoed through the room like a cascade of bells, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she teased Marina mercilessly. "Come on, Marina, don't be ridiculous! I already have a boyfriend. It's you who needs to find someone because, let's face it, you're the one who's single and ready to mingle," she chided, her tone laced with playful sarcasm as she leaned in closer to her.

Marina recoiled in disgust. "Are you out of your mind? I wouldn't date him if my life depended on it! I've got enough mouths to feed! I won't add that poor guy to the list," she retorted, her expression twisted in distaste.

Before Janet could reply, their supervisor, Richard, entered the office with news of an emergency meeting. "Everyone, we need to gather for a meeting in 20 minutes. It's urgent," he announced before leaving, leaving the office buzzing with speculation about the reason for the sudden meeting.

The meeting hall filled quickly as everyone gathered for the announcement. Thomas Wayne, the manager of MetroPulse Group of Company, took the stage, offering a greeting before diving into the main topic.

"In a few months, we'll be welcoming a new director as our current one plans to take a break," Thomas announced, sending a ripple of surprise through the room.

Alton's heart sank at the news. His father hadn't mentioned anything about stepping down.

"Why does my own father despise me so much? He won't even involve me in important decisions, just treats me like a pawn in his game. And now, a new director? What was I even working toward?" Alton's thoughts churned painfully.

"The purpose of this meeting is to emphasize the importance of staying focused and doubling our efforts to maintain our position, even under new leadership. If we slack off, many of you could lose your jobs," Thomas continued, his words heavy with urgency.

Alton trudged back to his desk after the meeting, feeling betrayed and lost. He had hoped to take over his father's company after the two years of training, but now it seemed like an impossible dream.

Marina's mood shifted as well. Despite being one of the company's top performers, the threat of losing her job loomed large. She decided to work even harder, determined to get a promotion for the sake of her family.

Alton's heart was filled with so much grief as he couldn't wait to finish working before disappearing home to challenge his Dad; he had made up his mind to stop working and maybe go back to the United Kingdom he schooled if he didn't get a reasonable response on why he isn't made the new director.

When he got home, he met Harrison, sipping a glass of red wine in their big, gigantic living room. Without hesitation, he walked up to Harrison, who was giving out an unprecedented smile.

"Dad, we need to talk," he said, his tone tense.

"Ah, Alton, welcome home," Harrison greeted warmly, gesturing for his son to sit.

Alton stood firm, his stance unwavering as he faced his father. His voice quivered with frustration and hurt, his unpleased emotions were glaring.

"Dad," Alton began, his words laced with bitterness. "Why do you seem to have it out for me? You promised that after two years, I'd have my chance to lead the company. But now, before even reaching that milestone, you're ready to pass the torch to someone else. Do you really hold such disdain for me?"

Harrison's grin was unnerving. "Oh, son! You've heard. I was just about to tell you. Yes, in a few months, you'll be the new director. Congratulations, son!" he exclaimed, opening his arms for a hug.

Overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, Alton embraced his father tightly. "Dad, this is incredible! Thank you!"

But then Harrison's smile faltered as he added a condition. "However, there's a condition. You need to get married. I've already found a wife for you. Without it, you'll remain just an employee."

Alton's joy turned to dismay. "No, I have to be the director. And Marina... I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of her," he vowed silently.

"Dad, when is this marriage supposed to happen?" he asked, feeling trapped.