The Billionaire's Hidden Bride

The Billionaire's Hidden Bride

last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-15
By:   Ulo Shine  Updated just now
Language: English
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Freda Lewis has spent her life fighting against the odds, scraping her way through college with nothing but grit and determination. But when the world outside proves just as unforgiving, a desperate leap of faith lands her in an unexpected arrangement—a five-year contract marriage to the enigmatic billionaire, Williams Franklin. Williams needs a wife to secure his position as the rightful heir to the Franklin family empire. Freda needs an escape from her toxic past. It seems like the perfect deal: no strings, no emotions, and a generous payout. But the deeper Freda steps into Williams’ gilded world, the more she uncovers the cracks in his armor—and the secrets that threaten to tear them both apart. When a shocking revelation exposes Freda’s true identity as the long-lost heir of the powerful Harrington dynasty, she finds herself at the center of a dangerous game of power and betrayal. Torn between her growing feelings for Williams and the family that abandoned her, Freda must decide where her loyalty lies. But just as Freda begins to carve out her place in this treacherous new world, an unexpected betrayal leaves her questioning everything—and everyone. Who can Freda trust when her life has been planned from the start? And as the lines between love and duty blur, will she fight for her heart or risk losing everything? *The truth about Freda’s past is about to change everything… and Williams might not survive the fallout.*

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Chapter 1: Fatal Collisions

The rain that drenched the evening turned everything into a swirl of city shadows and headlights. I gripped the shabby strap of my purse tighter as my heels clicked on the damp sidewalk. The cold was biting, but I felt trapped for more reasons than the weather. Tonight served as yet another reminder that life has a humorous way of leading you into traps. "Hey, take a look!" As I staggered back, the man's voice was piercing, a howl of frustration. He had bumped into my shoulder as I ran to stay out of a puddle. As I struggled with the strap that had fallen off my shoulder, I murmured, "Sorry," without raising my eyes. "And you have a great ability to ignore your surroundings." Irritation surfaced as my head surged upward. I anticipated a conceited urbanite who believed that their exquisitely fitted coat was the centre of the universe. What I saw was worse: a man with a jawline carved from arrogance, dressed too sharply for his own good. He didn't appear to mind that his umbre...

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20 Chapters
Chapter 1: Fatal Collisions
The rain that drenched the evening turned everything into a swirl of city shadows and headlights. I gripped the shabby strap of my purse tighter as my heels clicked on the damp sidewalk. The cold was biting, but I felt trapped for more reasons than the weather. Tonight served as yet another reminder that life has a humorous way of leading you into traps. "Hey, take a look!" As I staggered back, the man's voice was piercing, a howl of frustration. He had bumped into my shoulder as I ran to stay out of a puddle. As I struggled with the strap that had fallen off my shoulder, I murmured, "Sorry," without raising my eyes. "And you have a great ability to ignore your surroundings." Irritation surfaced as my head surged upward. I anticipated a conceited urbanite who believed that their exquisitely fitted coat was the centre of the universe. What I saw was worse: a man with a jawline carved from arrogance, dressed too sharply for his own good. He didn't appear to mind that his umbre
last updateLast Updated : 2024-12-14
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Chapter 2: A Too-Good Offer to Turn Down
There was an overwhelming quiet in the room. I tried to take in what I had just heard as I looked at him. What would you think about marrying me? Absurd and unreal, the words replayed in my mind like a nightmare I was unable to wake from. "Pardon me?" I succeeded, speaking hardly louder than a whisper. Leaning back in his chair, Williams Franklin's eyes were composed and strategic. "I think I was explicit. I'm proposing to you—under a contract, of course. A bitter, disbelieving laugh rose up in my throat. "Is this a joke of some sort?" His face remained unwavering. "Joke is a waste of time for me." As a reaction to protect myself from the situation's utter ridiculousness, I crossed my arms. "You're not even familiar with me. Why would you— "Are you not present here? at *Love Affair*. With an irksomely matter-of-fact tone, he said, "That tells me everything I need to know." My cheeks became heated. "You know absolutely nothing about me." "I know enough," he shot back. Y
last updateLast Updated : 2024-12-14
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Chapter 3: The Agreement Is Reached
In the faint light of my small flat, I gazed at the sleek black card on the table, its letters etched with silver. I could recite them in my sleep since I had read them so many times: *Williams Franklin*. A moniker that sounded as alien to my reality as the moon was to the ocean. Three days had passed since the offer. I spent three days trying to persuade myself that it was the right decision to walk away. However, since this was my sole remaining lifeline, I couldn't just up and leave. My bank account was dying, my rent was due tomorrow, and the job interviews I had been frantically pursuing had all dried up like the end of a summer rain. Then came the man from the alley, whose cryptic warning kept repeating itself in my head. There is always a cost associated with Franklin's bargains. But at what cost? Furthermore, didn't I already pay one for simply living in a city that ate up and spewed out people like me? I dragged my palms down my cheeks and moaned. The decision wasn'
last updateLast Updated : 2024-12-14
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Chapter 4: Initial Thoughts
The moment we stepped out of the car, it seemed as if a hundred eyes were watching me. Flashing cameras looked like fireworks, as the rapid shutter sounds merged into a unified, chaotic hum. As we ascended the marble steps of the Astoria Grand, Williams' fingers tightened slightly on my arm, a small but reassuring touch that I held onto. The smell of ambition and money filled the air within. A sea of expensive dresses and well-tailored suits was illuminated by the golden glow from the brilliant chandeliers. The gentle tones of a live orchestra blended with the sounds of conversation and laughter. Williams spoke softly as he leaned closer. "Remember that confidence is essential. Don't smile too much. Talk when someone is speaking to you, and please, don't drink too much champagne. I forced a practiced smile onto my lips and murmured, "Got it." He guided me through the throng, stopping occasionally to greet or shake hands with people whose names I couldn't possibly recall. I mad
last updateLast Updated : 2024-12-14
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Chapter 5: Historical Whispers
As sunshine streamed into the expansive penthouse on the morning following the gala, the city hummed softly in the background. The room was opulent but chilly, a far cry from the small apartments I had known as a child. Like Williams himself, there was a hint of riches around, but there was also a whisper of emptiness. A delightful breakfast spread awaited me as I entered the dining room. Holding a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and his phone in the other, Williams settled into the chair at the head of the table. I sat down opposite him, and he hardly acknowledged me. "Sleep well?" he enquired, sounding more compelled than genuinely interested. I lied and said, "Like a rock." In actuality, I had been wondering about Ethan, Sophia, and this strange new life I had slipped into all night. His eyes were keen as he looked up. "All right. We have a reputation to uphold. Grace is going to take you shopping today. The board anticipates Mrs. Franklin to be polished, not He glanced
last updateLast Updated : 2024-12-14
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Chapter 6: The Family's Scrutiny
The vastness and luxury of the Franklin estate were stunning, but they also came with a burden that made me feel like an outsider in someone else's world. The estate was bustling with activity this morning. While he didn't seem very excited about it, Williams had told me during breakfast that his family was getting together for a formal meal, which is reportedly a tradition. He stated plainly, "They'll ask questions," looking at me as if I were a conundrum he was unable to understand. "Avoid anything personal, be courteous, and remain ambiguous." Even though I felt uneasy, I answered, "Got it." Although I was able to tolerate intrusive questioning, the weight of what I had learnt about the Harringtons made me feel as though I were carrying a secret that might blow up at any time. The mood instantly changed as soon as we entered the opulent dining room. Already there were Marcel and Sophia, staring at me with piercing eyes as though I were an intruder. Other relatives joined
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-09
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Chapter 7: A Moment of Vulnerability
The stillness between us stretched so thin I felt it may crack. Williams was still standing in the doorway, staring at the letter I was holding. Something raw and illegible was replacing the polished veneer he normally wore. "Where was that found?" I could hear the tension beneath his steady, low voice. With caution, I raised the letter like a white flag and said, "In the library." "It was concealed among the books." Sharply, he took two steps across the room and snatched the letter from me. With each word, his jaw tensed as he read it rapidly. His face was unreadable as he turned to face me again, but his eyes—they were haunted. After folding the letter and putting it in his pocket, he stated curtly, "This doesn't concern you." "If it involves me, it does," I firmly asserted. “What does it mean, Williams? Who penned it? And who’s the child?” He shook his head and laughed without humour. "You believe I know everything? You wouldn't believe how many secrets this family has,
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-09
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Chapter 8: The Storm of Gossip
Early that morning, before the sun had fully risen, there was the first indication of disaster. Expecting a calendar reminder or a message from Williams, I weakly reached for my phone when its gentle ding roused me from a restless slumber. I was met with a deluge of messages, including missed calls, emails, and texts. Then came the press releases. ‘A scandalous arrangement or a socialite marriage? Freda Adams' Horrifying History Is Out!’The sheets coiled about me as I sat up quickly. As the data appeared in sharp, bold letters, my pulse raced as I looked across the screen. Marcel hadn't remained silent. He had somehow obtained my childhood documents, including the foster homes, the charge that I had stolen from one of my foster families (which was later shown to be untrue, but the harm persisted), and even a picture of me at sixteen, wearing a waitress costume at a seedy diner. An opportunistic woman with a bad history who is trying to move up the social scale was depicted in
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-09
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Chapter 9: The Inconvenient Protector
The Harrington estate was at its breaking point in terms of tension. Every encounter felt like balancing on a tightrope over an enormous abyss. Marcel was waiting for the right opportunity to attack again, circling like a predator as usual. I kept my head down, trying to make sense of the scandal that was still circling me. However, it didn't stop the staff members' sidelong stares, the whispering getting louder, or my phone ringing nonstop with more reporter questions. I strolled into the sunroom one afternoon in an attempt to get away from the chaos and find some serenity. Rather, I discovered Marcel reclining on one of the couches, a smug grin on his face and a tumbler of amber drink in his hand. He looked up and down at me and drawled, "Ah, Freda." "Thank you for coming along. Just now, our little...media sensation was on my mind."I tensed up and balled my fists. "Marcel, what do you want?" He idly swirled his drink. "Obviously, to comprehend. To understand how a person s
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-09
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Chapter 10: Initial scepticism
When neither side feels secure in their stance, a certain calm falls over them. It's significant, nearly tangible, and might be cut with a knife. That was the kind of silence that had recently settled between Williams and me. It was a matter of something far more baffling than hostility. Whenever I looked at him, something made my heart quicken and my thoughts swirl. I couldn't exactly explain it, but the more time I spent with him, the more I began to doubt all of my preconceived notions about this marriage contract.Initially, it was simple. It had a certain clarity, a tidy little box that I could file away in my mind and declare, "This is what it is, no more, no less." A deal. A win-win situation. I was never meant to fall in love with the man beneath the aloof, businesslike exterior. His faint grins and the fleeting moments when his eyes softened as he regarded me across the room were never meant to matter to me.Nevertheless, I found myself looking at him more than I wanted to a
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-09
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