Justin Martínez POV
"Sir, we have a problem." Noah, my personal assistant, spoke through my office phone and the blonde chick stopped in the midst of the blowjob. "Can it wait?" I questioned over the phone and I nodded to the blonde to continue. She smirked at me before she continued, once more and I relaxed in my chair while trying to enjoy the sensation of my cock in her mouth. "It is quite important sir, regarding your family's bank." The blonde... I couldn't recall the employee's name at the disturbing moment, but she slowly stood up before me, "Fine." I responded to Noah over the phone, "Give me five minutes." "Okay, sir." He confirmed. "Does that mean I should go, babe?" The blonde smiled, twirling a loose strand of her hair as her eyes remained on me. I buckled my pants while checking her out for the second time of the day. She's puny and was definitely not my type of woman, but she seems to be good in bed, as far as my cock could see, seconds ago. "Get out of my face..." I straightened my tie, "before you lose your job." "Didn't I please you or something, babe?" I almost laughed hearing those words. "Pleased me?" I gestured a hand towards her, "Well, you tried." I admitted and she seemed ashamed as she glanced down at her feet. "And for my sake, stop calling me babe." I demanded with my eyes pasted on her, "I am not..." She suddenly decided to cut me off. I damn well hate it when people interrupt me whenever I'm speaking and everyone who knows me, also knows that, so I will have to fire her later, "But, you said..." "Get out of my office." I raised my voice, my eyes narrowing at her presence. She straightened her clothes before she quickly exited my office, closing the door behind her. I swiveled my chair around, gazing out at the towering skyscrapers beyond the glass curtain wall of my office. The silence enveloped the room until a firm knock on the doors interrupted my thoughts. "Come in." I responded, turning my attention back to the entrance and Noah entered, clutching a clipboard of papers in his hands. "Sir, you received a report from your family's bank, stating that you no longer have access to your bank accounts, credit cards and regarding your other bank, you can still access your savings..." He began, but I swiftly interjected. "Come again?" Without hesitation, he handed me the clipboard he had been holding. I scanned each word on the papers from the clipboard, then I remembered what that Mother of mine had told me. "Dammit!" I grumbled when I realized my 25th birthday has already passed. I threw the papers onto my desk as I stood up from my chair and I retrieved my personal phone from my shirt, underneath my jacket. Then I dialed that woman's number and I called her up while gripping my phone, irritatingly. She answered, "I was just about to call you, son." "I don't have access to the family's bank and I don't even have to ponder why." I informed her over my phone as I stood behind my chair. "I have been waiting for this day to come, my dear son." She said, merrily. "I'm not ready for marriage, but I need to get access to my darn money, that bank contains all my main accounts." I declared, slamming my empty hand against the headrest of my chair, "I have my businesses to conduct and a life too, if you have forgotten." "Your father and I, both got married in our 20s, son." She reminded me, "You need to get married to properly have kids with your wife, so your children can carry out the family's generation in your name and business." Meanwhile, I motioned Noah to take a seat, and he silently sat down in a chair before my desk. "This is the reason you have Harden and Stephanie." I turned around to look outside the building, "I am not interested in marriage right now or any moment in life." I'm a millionaire who once shined as a superstar in a romance film in Havana when I was just twenty-two. Now, I own over twenty Martínez fashion and design industries worldwide, serving as the CEO of my main company right here in New York City, which used to be my father's. I have a big bro named Harden and a little sister, Stephanie. Harden is twenty-seven, I'm currently twenty-five and Stephanie is nineteen. Harden is a surgeon living in California, while Stephanie resides in this city with our mother, Sonia. We used to have an older sister who was Harden's twin, but she tragically passed away about three years ago along with our father. Ever since then, the media has painted me as a ruthless bachelor and that's the image I carry to this day. Before my father's passing, I made a promise to him that I would marry at the same age he did with my mother. But now, I can't access my accounts until I commit to marriage, all because of a silly contract my mother signed with my father in terms of our family bank. His last words to me were, "Find love, trust, and cherish life." "Harden is happily married and he's waiting for his wife to have kids now." Sonia, my Mother, knocked me out of my thoughts, "Stephanie is still in college and the same tradition will be applied to her as well, whenever the time comes." Harden is secretly pending on a divorce with his wife at the moment and he claims he wasn't ready for the marriage. They both have been married for a year or two now and Harden has been cheating on her ever since the wedding night had passed. Our Mother thinks wedding vows are everything in a person's life and she takes marriage quite seriously since it's a 'tradition of our ancestors', according to her. "This is absolutely irrelevant." I told her as I touched my left temple in annoyance. "I can't just immediately, yet randomly get married to a woman and let her bear my damn kids just to carry out a stupid family tradition." I refused to accept the nonsense she claims, "It's not the 80s!" "You can marry Teresa." She suddenly suggested. "She had a crush on you since you both were kids and I once heard a rumor over the media that you both were dating." She continued, "Plus, her family is wealthy and she's beyond perfect from the other girls I see you go out with, in the magazines." Teresa has been my mystery girlfriend since high school, but we broke up about five years ago. We used to be the King and Queen of our own fantasy world, but I couldn't stand to see her anymore after I discovered what she had done. So, I had to remove her from my luxurious lifestyle. After Teresa, I haven't been able to find interest in any other woman, so I became the biggest heartbreaker in the media, including celebrity magazines. The world has always seen me as a womanizer and I didn't give a fuck in the past, so why should I... I suddenly received an idea, realizing Noah was staring at me, continuously and I chuckled my way out of the annoyance. I can only get access to my accounts if I get married. The whole world will know and this mother of mine would finally stop annoying me about marriage. So, I just need to find a woman of my choice and pay her a million dollars or two, to get married to me for a limited time then I'll fake a break-up to simulate a divorce. I would have to show Sonia how 'heartbroken' I would be when my wife suddenly cheated on me or some shit. I know she would be quite pitiful and I might just receive full access to all my accounts by that time. Then I wouldn't have to care about what happens afterwards to my ex-wife when the divorce is filed, after getting some sexual intercourse in bed, of course. I smirked, hearing, "Justin, are you even listening to me?" "I'll only tie the knot if it's the woman I choose and I've already found the perfect girl," I proposed a lie. Noah raised an eyebrow, questioning my words and silence fell over the phone. "So, why haven't I met this woman, son?" She seemed skeptical. "You don't need to know her. I know her and that's all that matters." I said, almost chuckling, "You'll meet her on my wedding day, just one week from now." I touched my jaw as I glanced at my desk. "And after the wedding, I'll personally introduce her to you and the rest of the family, but only when I'm ready." I declared, checking my calendar quickly. "Justin, I'm not comfortable with where this is heading." She admitted, sounding worried and I let out a laugh. "You wanted me to get married and that's exactly what I am going to do." I bluntly recalled, "My father would've wanted the same, so you don't have to like anything which is happening in my life now or never, Sonia." With that I hung up, "Sir?" I turned my attention to Noah, "What are you going to do?" Noah questioned the situation and I loosened my tie, saying, "I am going to find myself a wife and just to gain access to my bank accounts, once again." He sighed, "I hope you find the right woman for this plan of yours, sir." "That's why I have you as my personal assistant, Noah." I settled in my chair and he stood up before my desk with a nod, "Now do an analysis for the perfect wife and don't waste my damn time." "Yes, sir." He spoke, immediately. ************ "Do you all understand?" I asked, looking around at the conference table and the listeners nodded in understanding. Standing up, I buttoned my jacket, which was part of my suit and left the conference room. Noah was close behind, by the time I reached the nearest elevator. "Sir, there's an issue which you need to address." Noah said, handing me a list of papers in the hallway. Realizing that the list contained the names of employees who weren't contributing much to improving the company's policy, including those who still owed money to my Father for business loans, I looked up from the papers in my hands. "I want to see these workers in my office by midday.” I ordered, "And I will personally pay a visit to the employees who still haven't paid their loans due to the respects of my Father's death, afterwards." I decided, returning the papers to him. He nods. "I will be in my office, waiting." I checked the time on my watch and he nodded, once more. He walked away with the papers and I returned to my office, instead of leaving the building. As I was sitting at my desk in my office, I searched through the available photos of specific unmarried women on my desktop, to see if I could find the perfect woman to be my wife. However, I couldn't seem to find any favorable preferences, they all appeared to be nothing but forged art pieces compared to my kind of women. Some seemed too unadorned... Too decrepit... Too tedious... Too studious... Too unfashionable... Too much plastic surgery... Too much of everything. Just not good enough for the likes of me, so I'm clearly wasting my time. I slammed my hands onto my desk before I stood up and I found my car keys in my pocket. Then I stormed out of my office and into the nearest elevator. I didn't care much about the worried or scared gaze I was receiving from the nearby workers as I exited the elevator. Never once have I decided to take interest in anyone's concerns ever since my Father and older sister died. I only desire success within my businesses and wealth; those are the only two things that matters the most to me. I need a drink or two...Justin POV There was a knock on my office door and I answered by saying 'enter' then Noah walked inside with approximately ten employees. I inhaled a deep breath, taking up my cup of coffee from my desk. "Are these the individuals who are slowing down my company?" I took a sip as I leaned back in my chair. Noah nods. "Sir, please don't fire me." A male employee spoke, taking a step forward from the group. "I've been working here for almost ten years now and I've also been working for your father as well." I realized he was a web designer as he continued to plead for his job and reputation. "My wife is very sick and I have kids about to start school including a baby, sir." He slightly trembled in my presence. Noah looked at me with sympathy on his face and I raised a brow at the employee since I couldn't recall addressing him from the beginning. "I'm disinterested about whatever you have to say to me." I stated, callously before I took a next sip of my coffee with my eye
Isabella Knight POV "Thank you for helping me with the orphans today, Bella." The headmistress expressed her gratitude. "You don't have to thank me, I had a good time baking with the children." I smiled at her. "May you be blessed and good luck with the opportunity of working overseas, the kids are going to miss you." She escorted me to the front doors of the orphanage. "I'm going to miss them too and please remember to give the toddlers their gifts when they wake up." I touched her on the shoulder and she nodded. "Absolutely. They will be so happy, but they won't get to see you." She exhaled, sadly. "I will try to stop by tomorrow." I reassured her as we stood at the front doors. "Have a safe trip." She told me, opening the doors and I nodded, exiting the orphanage to fetch a cab on the streets. ************ "Didn't you see him?" Pearl, my beloved best friend, asked as we both walked towards the bus stop and I sighed for the second time. She grinned, amused. Pear
Isabella POV I quickly joined the stream of pedestrians, making my way across the street as I glanced up at the towering skyscraper, where my Dad works for Justin Martínez. The company was rightfully founded in Justin's authority after his Father's tragic death and my sister has been dreaming of becoming a model for the company, but unfortunately she never got accepted. My Father accidentally forgot his lunch at home, which he tends to do a lot, so I had to be the responsible daughter as usual and bring it over since Jean is currently out with her boyfriend. After everything that happened yesterday, I wanted to cry my heart out, completely not ready for marriage, but I couldn't find my tears. My Dad has been encouraging me not to think negatively, but all I know is that this offeror could be a criminal, a psychopath or even worse, Justin Martínez himself, which would be completely chaotic, but why would he marry me, right, though he's in charge of the wedding. I'm already stuck i
Isabella POV Jean, my big sister, exhaled a breath as she curled my hair like an expert and I admired her through the vanity mirror. It was apparently the wedding day, the dress was beyond elegant and the ambiance of the wedding was perfectly arranged including my hairstyle. The food, the presence of the Priest, the cunning bridesmaids who were clearly hired for the day and the graceful music; absolutely dazzling. There's approximately five thousand people and counting inside the church's divine sanctuary while the paparazzi and reporters were casually strolling on the outside as if this wedding was breaking news for the media. As Jean finished curling my hair, I turned around in my chair, watching her silently apply a light coat of mascara to my face. Curiosity filled my gaze as I observed her and breaking the silence, I asked, "Do you think the guy will be a good husband for the next six months?" "Well, I heard he's rich and I think he's an employee of the Martínez company,
Isabella POV I woke up to the warm sunlight streaming through the window and as I tried to roll over, a slight groan escaped my lips. But then I realized I was nestled in a bed that felt incredibly cozy, with the scent of a charming cologne wafting from the soft sheets and plush pillows.As my vision sharpened, I noticed the presence of a woman standing in the room. Gradually, I sat up in bed and she greeted me with a gentle smile.I took in my surroundings, realizing I was sitting on a luxurious queen-sized bed in a beautifully furnished bedroom, adorned in a rich, dark royal brown color scheme. Confusion washed over me as I questioned whether I was still dreaming or..."Buenos días, Señora Martínez." The woman greeted me, capturing my attention. Clad in a formal black and white maid uniform with the subtle presence of a few gray strands amidst her black hair which was styled in a bun, she exuded an air of elegance. "English, please." I mustered the effort to speak, even though
Isabella POV Once the servants finished setting up, Justin dismissed them with a wave of his hand. They promptly left the room. "Take a seat, wife and let me explain what I need you to do for me." Justin gestured towards a chair at the table. I hesitantly lowered myself into the chair, which was positioned beside him at the dining table. My gaze shifted towards the mouthwatering breakfast spread that adorned the center of the table. "Can you stop calling me wife, it's quite annoying." I admitted; still trying to accept our marriage. He slightly chuckled, "Says the wife." I looked the other way, grumbling. I heard him exhaling a deep breath, saying, "However..." "We will be meeting my family this weekend and I need you to be prepared." He spoke with demand in his husky voice as he straightened his tie. I raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean by prepare?" "I need you to get this clear..." He narrowed his attention to me, declaring, "You're going to be my wife for six mont
Isabella POV I was quite thrilled to find clothes that I liked and luckily there was a helpful female sales assistant who assisted me. I tried on the clothes in the changing room while Justin and the two bodyguards waited outside with the sales assistant. Most of the clothes fit perfectly, but for the ones that didn't, I returned them to the assistant. I stepped out from behind the curtains in yet another dress which felt like the millionth time. The bodyguards glanced at me and the sales assistant nodded with a smile, probably understanding my frustration. Justin, of course, was too busy on his phone to even look up. I returned behind the curtains, removing the dress and adding it to the pile of others I had already tried on. I started trying on the undergarments, carefully examining myself in the mirror. After a few minutes, I finally tried on the last pair, a beautiful red lace bra and matching underwear. I smiled as I held up my wavy hair and admired myself in the mirro
Isabella POV "You look absolutely stunning, señora Martínez." Lora, the head maid, gushed. It was time to attend the celebration party at Justin's company though the wedding was orchestrated, but it had to appear authentic to the media. I was merely playing a role in Justin's crafted illusions. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirrors, I admired the way the light makeup enhanced my light brown eyes. My dress for the party accentuated my figure with a perfect fit; the fabric was incredibly soft and luxurious with a gold subtle shimmer. The dress had a flattering fit with a cinched waist, a flowing A-line skirt and the neckline was adorned with delicate lace detailing. My delicate earrings added a touch of sparkle, while the matching heels completed my dress and my hair was styled in soft, wavy locks. I asked, uncertainly, "You really think so?" "Of course, señora Martínez, I would never deceive you." She declared, giving me a firm nod. "Thanks for helping me get ready,
Justin POVWe sank into the cushions, my lips trailed along her jawline and left a trail of kisses down her neck, drawing a soft whisper of my name from her. "Justin..."Her fingers threaded through my hair, her soft, uneven breaths carrying my name like a whispered melody.My hand rested on the curve of her neck as I moved closer, my hips pressing forward between her legs. A sweet, breathless moan slipped from her lips, drawing me further into the moment.My other hand drifted upward, brushing against her breast. Her body responded, warm and inviting, even through the fabric beneath my touch. But, just as my thumb grazed over her perky nipple, a sudden bark rang out, shattering the moment entirely.Peach.The little menace leaped onto the sofa, tail wagging furiously and breaking the moment.Isabella pushed against my chest, her cheeks flushed as she quickly stood up. She scooped up the squirming furball, cradling the puppy in her arms. "Peach!"I sat back, running a hand through m
Justin POVThe sun dipped low on the horizon, a golden glow casting over the calm waters surrounding my yacht. I leaned against the balcony railing, a glass of wine in my hand. Isabella lay stretched out on the outdoor sofa, her legs curled slightly, her hair spilling over the cushions in soft waves. A book rested in her hands, its cover sporting the title The Glass Castle. Occasionally, she reached for the bowl of strawberries and grapes beside her. She smiled as she read, her fingers grazing the fruit before popping one into her mouth.I watched as Peach, the little furball, darted back and forth across the deck like she was on a sugar high.I sipped my wine, savoring the crisp tang of the liquid. Unable to resist Isabella's peaceful image any longer, I headed down. She didn’t look up when I approached, too engrossed in her book. I set my wine glass down on the table before settling into the space beside her. Her lips curved faintly as I gently lifted her legs and placed them
Justin POV"Yeah." I muttered into the phone, barely listening to Sonia’s endless rambling. "Everything’s fine here.""Bye." I said curtly, eager to end the conversation. I glanced over at Isabella, who was glaring at me like I’d just committed a crime. Before I could hang up, Isabella’s hand was suddenly cupping my jaw. She squeezed my cheeks together, forcing my mouth into some ridiculous face as her lips silently mouthed, "Say “Mom”." She tilted her head, batting those ridiculous puppy-dog eyes at me. I raised a brow at her.Did she really think that was going to work on me?…Apparently, I played along."Bye…Mom." I gritted out, each syllable more painful than the last.Isabella’s grin lit up her whole face, a little too smug for my liking, as I ended the call and tossed the phone aside."You’re relentless, wife." I muttered, running a hand over my face."And who’s a good boy?" She teased, tilting her head at me like she was addressing a misbehaving puppy.I smirked but kept my
Justin POVFrom the bedroom balcony, I leaned against the railing, shaking up my bottle of protein shake and watching her down by the shore. Isabella was barefoot, her light dress flowing in the breeze as she bent to pick up seashells, carefully placing them into a bucket. Peach darted around her, barking and chasing the waves.Isabella held her beach hat with one hand, trying to keep it from flying away in the breeze as the puppy circled her feet. What is she even doing? Collecting seashells like a kid.Shaking my head, I turned away, taking a swig of my shake. As I stepped back into the room, my phone started ringing from where I’d left it on the sofa.Sonia. Her name lit up the screen, but I didn’t bother answering. I set the phone down and walked to the floor mat in the corner, taking another sip before putting the shake on the nightstand. I wasn’t in the mood for her probing—questions about how the “honeymoon” was going, about Isabella or about when she could expect grandkids
Justin POVAs soon as I saw her wince, clutching her palm, I knew something was wrong. Without a word, I stepped to the refrigerator, grabbed a bag of frozen peas and returned to her. She stood there, biting her bottom lip as if trying to hide her discomfort."Here." I said, holding her hand gently and pressing the cold bag against her palm. Her skin was warm under my touch and the small furrow between her brows tugged at something inside me I couldn’t name.Before I could step back, she pulled me into a hug. The gesture caught me off guard, but I didn’t resist. Her head rested against my shoulder and I felt her relax against me, her frame soft yet grounding.I stood there, uncertain for a moment, before my arms slowly circled her. Hugging her back felt...natural, almost too natural. This wasn’t supposed to be part of the plan. She wasn’t supposed to get to me like this.But damn it, she was.Isabella was nothing like I expected. Sweet, soft and kind—yet surprisingly stubborn and re
Isabella POV When I wandered into the kitchen, Peach darted past me, her little tail wagging as she carried her bone-shaped chew toy toward the living room. I shook my head with a small smile, turning my attention to the fridge. Breakfast it is, I thought, pulling the door open to find the shelves fully stocked.I glanced around the kitchen, admiring the modern appliances and neatly arranged cupboards before tying my hair into a quick ponytail. Spotting an apron hanging near the counter, I slipped it on and started gathering what I needed.Reaching into the fridge, I pulled out a carton of eggs and a box of milk. My eyes caught sight of a container of fresh strawberries and I couldn’t resist popping one into my mouth as I set the rest in a bowl. Next, I retrieved flour, cinnamon, vanilla and baking powder from the cupboards, carefully lining everything up on the counter.As I washed my hands at the sink, I realized I’d forgotten the butter. Returning to the fridge, I rummaged a
Isabella POV I snuggled deeper beneath the sheets, a soft smile tugging at my lips as I hugged my pillow tightly. The warmth and comfort were perfect—until I noticed something solid under my cheek.Blinking groggily, I opened my eyes, only to realize I wasn’t holding a pillow at all. My breath hitched as I looked up, finding myself curled against Justin’s chest, his arm draped securely around my waist.The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Carefully, I raised my head from his chest, studying his face. He was fast asleep, his features completely relaxed. My gaze lingered on his strong jawline and those dark lashes that softened his otherwise sharp features.Unable to resist, I tentatively traced my index finger along his jaw, the stubble rough beneath my touch. A small smile tugged at my lips as I poked his perfectly sculpted nose. When a strand of his silky hair fell loose, I absentmindedly brushed it back, my fingers grazing h
Isabella POV Another sneeze betrayed me, louder this time. I sighed, burrowing deeper into the sheet in defeat. I tried to focus on the warmth of the fabric and ignore the discomfort, but exhaustion soon began to win out. Just as I was drifting off, I felt myself being lifted. My eyes flew open and I found Justin carrying me, the sheet still wrapped tightly around me."My stubborn little wife." He muttered, shaking his head as he walked toward the bed."I’m fine..." I started, but another sneeze cut me off."You’re fine, huh?" He said, smirking as he gently set me down on the bed. He tucked the sheet around me like I was some fragile thing, ignoring my glare.His hand pressed softly against my forehead, his eyes meeting mine. "No fever." He teased, leaning closer. "But those red cheeks? Hmm...interesting."I could feel my face heating even more. "I’m just cold." I mumbled, glaring at him half-h
Isabella POV As Justin and I strolled along the wooden porch, I noticed the two waiters ahead, carrying our suitcases toward the house. The faint sound of the ocean waves reached my ears, prompting me to glance back at the yacht anchored in the distance. The glow from the porch’s light posts brightened our path and a cool breeze swept through, brushing against my skin. I shivered involuntarily, drawing closer to Justin. Without a word, he slipped an arm around my shoulders, his hand gliding gently along my arm, warming me. I tilted my head to look at him, but his gaze remained fixed ahead. Following his line of sight, I noticed the grand silhouette of a beach house perched elegantly on the hill, its beauty enhanced by the moonlight. After a few more minutes of walking, we reached the house. I watched as the waiters placed our suitcases neatly by the doorway. Offering them a grateful smile, I thanked them warmly and they nodded in response. Justin handed them a tip, his