Chapter 1

Isabella sighed as she enters the bedroom, it was already past midnight and she just got home from a shoot. Her daily routine for the past two months is to wake up early, go to work, and come back home past midnight and sleep and the cycle continues.

She puts her bag on the bed as she took a seat and massage her feet as it feels sore. She’s on the middle of massaging when the bathroom door sprang open and she found her naked husband with only a towel wrapped around his waist, standing there and sternly looking at her.

Isabella can’t help not looking at her husband, her eyes are feasting on his visuals. Until now, she still can’t believe that she married a man who is a head turner.

She secretly pinched herself, how could she admire the man who belittled her on their wedding night and leave her alone for two months? None of this will happened if only her grandfather didn’t show up and ruined her life. But surprisingly, after the wedding, Don Samuel didn’t call nor try to contact her and what he said two months ago is confusing her.

—Two months ago—

“Smile, Isabella.” Don Samuel told his granddaughter. “You should not make Tyron think that you’re against this marriage.”

“You scum! I am really against this marriage in the first place!” Isabella glared at Don Samuel. Until now, she still can’t accept the fact that she will be married to a total stranger. She has heard of Tyron Cruz countless of times and he is being link to a famous model, Reina Lambert, but Isabella never saw his face. She can easily search it on social media or any search engine but she always forgot to do it.

Isabella and Don Samuel are on a VIP room of a restaurant and is waiting for the Cruz to come and Isabella cannot stand being in the same room with the old Don.

“What is your purpose for doing this, old man?” Isabella coldly asked her grandfather. “What will you benefit from this marriage?” She asked again when the Don just stared at her. “From what I recall, the Cruz and Morgan are in dispute ever since. Didn’t you say that they are the ones responsible for Dad’s death?” Isabella noticed the anger on the Don’s face. “Then why are you marrying me to the clan you hated the most?”

“You will know soon, Isabella.” The Don answered firmly. “The most important thing for now is your wedding with Tyron.” He added making her frown, something is off and she doesn’t know what.

“If you are scheming something evil again then let me out of it.” She warned. “I will not be your pawn.”

“The moment you agreed to marry Tyron Cruz already indicates that you’re my pawn, Isabella.” The Don grinned making her clench her fist. “You don’t have any option but to follow what I say.” He added. “Remember, your career depends on me.”

“You deceitful man!” Isabella clenched her teeth. “I hope you will rot in hell!” She said as she couldn’t contain her anger. “If you’re planning something sinister, I will make sure that the Cruz family will hear about it!” She warned. “And you better keep your words not to meddle on my affairs or else I will announce it to the whole world that you, who is being respected as a business man abandoned his daughter-in-law and granddaughter the moment your son died!” Isabella saw that Don Samuel gritted his teeth.

“Behave yourself, Isabella.” Don Samuel warned when they heard a knock on the door and it sprang open. A man in a black suit with oozing confidence enters the room. Isabella is in daze for a moment as she stares at the man approaching them.

“Don Samuel.” The man said firmly as he stares at the old Don.

“Tyron.” The Don said. “It’s good that you’re finally here, I thought you will not show up.”

“Aggressive as ever, I see… Samuel Morgan.” Tyron said his tone is cold as ice. Isabella can feel the tension between them, they truly loathe each other.

The Cruz and Morgan families have been at conflict for three generations. Not only that they are arch business rivals but also Don Samuel’s only son, Isabella’s father died because of the Cruz family. That is why Isabella can’t understand why Don Samuel wanted her to marry Tyron.

“You’re not with your mother?” The Don asked as Tyron took a seat beside Isabella.

“My mother is busy so she can’t make it.” Tyron answered. The dinner went on filled with tension; Isabella can’t even taste the food.

“Are you against this marriage, Miss Morgan?” Tyron asked Isabella. They are in the middle of eating when Don Samuel received an important call and leave them alone for a while.

“Huh? What?” Isabella uttered in surprised.

“You hardly looked at me.” Tyron said staring at her with his black eyes. “I’ve never been ignored by a lady before.” He added making her arc her brow.

“He is quite a confident man, eh?” Isabella thought to herself. “I will marry you, if that’s what you wanted to ask.” She answered with a straight face.

“Even with the absence of love?” Tyron ask making her confused. “From what I’ve heard, your parents truly loved each other to the point that your father went against Don Samuel just to marry your mother.” He added making her shocked. Yes, what he said is true that is why she dreamed of getting married to a man she truly loved but right now, that is impossible—she has to marry a complete stranger.

“Yes, it’s true, my parents truly loved each other. But love is not the only reason why you marry.” She coldly said. “And this is a deal that benefits us both.” She added.

“Really?” Tyron said in amusement. “And to what extent can you get from this marriage?”

“Money, of course.” She bluntly answered making him frown.

“With all your family’s wealth and your fame as an actress, you still want money?” Tyron asked.

“It is money that we are talking about, Mister Cruz.” Isabella coldly said. “So, of course, you can never have enough.” She added. “Oh please! Stop asking further questions.” Isabella thought. It is a good thing that she can use her acting skills to make it more believable.

“You’re interesting, Isabella.” Tyron smirks and stared at her and the way he said her name send chills to her spine. “I will marry you, Isabella.” He said firmly after a while. “To have Don Samuel’s company and to end this feud once and for all.” He added, but Isabella can sense that there is much more to it.

Their wedding is made private and only their family and close friends were invited. Isabella only invited her manager, Hal and she requested that the wedding should be kept secret.

Tyron’s mother wished that the wedding will be known to the world as it will serve as an announcement that the feud between the two families is over, but Isabella requested not to. She reasoned out that her career is only starting and she wanted to be known as who she is rather than to be labelled as Tyron’s wife.

“It never once crossed my mind that this day would come!” Tyron’s older brother, Miguel said happily. “I am deeply moved, Tyron. I am sure that dad is happy now that the feud ends.” He added.

“But I think there’s something going on behind this marriage.” Tyron sighed.

“You’re so suspicious, Tyron.” Miguel sighed and slightly shook his head. “Look at the Don Samuel Morgan,” he added and they both look at the old man’s direction. “He is an old man! Maybe he realizes that it is better to have a peaceful life and have a great grandchild than carry this family feud until his last breath.”

“I really hope so. But my instinct has never been wrong.” Tyron thought to himself.

“I’ll go and entertain the other guests; you wife is done talking to her manager.” Miguel said and he nodded.

He heard her sigh when her manager leaves. He wanted to talk to her when his mother came.

“Oh, Isabella!” Tyron’s mother, Ivy hugged Isabella. “You are so beautiful! There is no wonder that my son got smitten by you.” She said with a wide smile on her face. “I am really a huge fan of yours, that is why when I heard from Tyron that he will marry you, I didn’t bother saying no.”

“Thank you, Auntie.” Isabella shyly said.

“You can call me mom, ma, or anything that suits you. From now on, you are my child.” Ivy said. She really is such a sweet and warm person. “If only your late mother can see this…” She added making Isabella remembered her mother. “It was a hard time for you, losing your father at a young age and now, you have lost your mother. From now on, you have us, your new family and we will always be here for you.” Ivy gently told her daughter-in-law.

“Thank you, mom.” Isabella answered with a gentle smile on her face.

“Well, I really can’t wait to see my grandchildren!” Ivy suddenly said making Isabella flinch and glance at Tyron.

“There is no rush, mom.” Tyron butted in. “Isabella just recently establish her career and she’s very busy.” He added.

“Oh, that’s a shame!” Ivy said. “Why don’t you quit show business and just be a full-time wife?” She suggested making Isabella shocked. “As far as I know, you’re not bound to any network, so it is easy to quit. If you don’t want to stay at home, we can put up a business that you want.” Ivy suggested.

“Ah, about that, Tyron and I haven’t talk about that.” Isabella answered. “But I’ll consider it, mom.” She politely said.

“Is that so…” Ivy seemed not to be convinced. “Anyways, you should drop every now and then at the house. Tyron here, seldom visits. I’m glad that Miguel and his family decided to stay with me so, I have someone to talk to.”

“I’m very busy, mom.” Tyron said.

“I know, I know.” Ivy rolled her eyes. “I just hope that you set your priorities right now that you’re married.” She added making her son sigh. “I’ll see you later, I will go and check on the other guests.”

“You seem uncomfortable.” Tyron said to his wife as soon as her mother left them alone.

“No, I’m fine.” Isabella said and took a sip on the wine. “Thank you for not involving the media.”

“Of course, you’re still at the peak of your career, so we cannot suddenly throw a bomb to your fans.” Tyron said and stare at his bride.

During the wedding ceremony, Tyron can’t help his self not to admire Isabella’s beauty as she walks down the aisle. The white wedding dress compliments her beauty. He may not want to admit it but his bride is really the most beautiful person he ever set his eyes to.

“So, you now have the company.” Isabella said.

“Yes, but I still have to review the company and all of the employee’s performance. That is why our honeymoon will be postponed.” He said.

“Honeymoon?” Isabella blurted out and her cheeks are burning red.

“Disappointed?” He teased.

“In your dreams!” Isabella glared. “W…what are you doing?” She uttered in surprised when he stood up and grabbed her.

“I spent a lot of money on you, and even my entire fortune is at risk. So, I can treat you however I want.” Tyron whispered as he pulled her closer to him.

“I don’t belong to you!” She firmly whispered.

“No, you belong to me, my dear bride!” Tyron firmly said with disgust in his eyes. “Every inch of your body belongs to me. I bought you in contract, Isabella!”