Share

The billionaire's coalition.
The billionaire's coalition.
Author: Sharon Smallwood

chapter 1

last update Last Updated: 2024-04-30 21:00:49

My father was in debt.

Yes, he was a millionaire. He was.

The house was enveloped in a tense tranquillity for the past few weeks. My father and mother were both busy discussing the debts in his study every day.

While I, as usual, was inside my room all day, hardly going out. Not want to be a part of all this, not that they would include me.

My father even stopped me from going to college. And even at the age of twenty, I was still living with my parents. I did hope to finish college find a job and leave here but my plans were ruined.

I wanted to leave here as soon as possible because they didn't like me. I was just a burden to them. They made sure to keep reminding me of that.

I was just a pathetic, crybaby. But I can't help but cry knowing I have no one in this world, I am all alone. Not even a single friend to comfort me.

A few years back, I had Adrian, my bodyguard who soon turned into my first friend. He was really sweet to me, he understood me, and made me feel happy but...

My father started to suspect us and fired him immediately thinking we were having some sort of secret relationship.

No matter how much I begged him that it wasn't true, that he already had a wife he loved, and that he was ten years older than me, my father didn't agree and till now, I didn't get to see Adrian again.

I apologized to him before he left and he assured me that it wasn't my mistake. But still...I felt guilty about it.

I sighed deeply, burying my face into the pillow, wishing to escape reality. Escape everything.

"Drea!" Someone called me from downstairs making me groan. "Come down, right now!"

What are they calling me downstairs for? Did they finally remember that they have a daughter too?

Forcing myself to stand up, I walked out of my room and down the stairs, slowly, half-heartedly.

The once empty, silent living room was buzzing with excitement as servants moved past each other swiftly. The excitement prickled my skin, a weird feeling settling in my stomach.

What happened suddenly?

One of the servants told me that my parents were waiting for me at the dining table to have dinner.

Which was once again weird because I was hardly ever invited to have dinner lunch or breakfast with them. I hardly existed for them.

Something was wrong. Swallowing my nervousness, I made my way to the dining room, my parents sitting beside each other at the table which was already laden with dishes.

I suspiciously glanced between my parents who gazed at me with neither warmth nor coldness in their eyes.

"Sit. Have dinner", father said gesturing to the chair opposite to him.

Curtly nodding, I sat down, my hands resting in my lap, my fingers fiddling with each other nervously, and my eyes lowered.

"You are supposed to eat..." I heard my mother speak as she passed me a plate filled with food.

"Thank you," I mumbled before I started to eat.

Silence descended upon us as we all focused our attention on eating. I didn't feel like eating though cause my stomach churned with nervousness, wondering what was going to happen next.

Dinner finished soon and the table was cleared away while we remained sitting.

I made an effort to get up only to sit down again when my father said, "We need to talk."

Are they once again going to tell me how much of their money is being wasted on me? I am not going to college either now. Plus this voice inside me keeps reminding me of my worthlessness...they don't need to remind me again.

"Yes?" I managed to say softly.

"I'm sure you were well aware of my company going into loss. How I was in debt."

I nodded in agreement.

"Well..." He continued. "Today I had a meeting with a CEO...I mean the former CEO of a powerful company and he made a deal with me."

"And...?" I urged him to continue because if my father gets out of his debts then maybe I can go back to college again and suddenly I was very interested in this conversation.

Father's eyes bore into mine. "And the deal is that he will convince his son, the current CEO to invest in our company if you marry his son."

"Marry his son?"

My mouth fell open. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

My mother decided to speak up in a firm tone. "You are going to get married to get that company to invest in ours."

"No." I objected promptly. "I am not getting married to some stranger. You both are selling me off."

Father's jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed at me. "You will do as I say. I have already made a deal with him. You are getting married next week and that's fucking final!"

I flinched at his tone, a lump forming in my throat.

I was about to start crying once again.

"Such a crybaby." The voice inside me taunted me and I took a deep breath to force back the tears that had welled up in my eyes.

"Please." I pleaded. "Don't do this. Please. I am just twenty...I have my whole life ahead of me."

They both had cold looks on their faces, not a bit bothered by my begging.

"Drea, you are going to marry that man and make yourself a little useful for us. Besides you should be grateful someone is going to marry you and thankfully, you will be out of our lives." My mother's harsh tone hurt as she looked exasperated.

A tear threatened to escape my eye but I hastily wiped it away with the back of my palm. "But...what...what about my studies? I want to study further."

"I don't care about it anymore, okay? You want to study, ask your husband after you get married." Father silenced me.

"I can't let my husband decide whether I get to study further or not," I argued.

He slammed his fist on the table and gritted his teeth. "Take your feminism somewhere else! It won't work here!"

This time a tear rolled down my cheek, and my lips wobbled. No, they can't force me to marry a stranger.

"Their family is coming for dinner tomorrow. Dress properly and don't embarrass us." Mother ordered and before I could break down completely, I stood up and ran back upstairs to my room.

This can't be happening. They can't do that. They can't. Am I such a burden to them that they are selling me off? Am I not a bit important to them that they chose their company over me?

I can't let this happen. I have to do something.

Tears were flowing down my cheeks; I pinched the middle of my forehead where a headache was starting to form.

I don't know what to do. I can't even run away because I don't know where to go nor do I have any money.

I simply couldn't get married, my heart refused to because I was still head over heels for that man. Sorin Zaveri.

He didn't even know of my existence but still, I loved him. He already has a girlfriend but still, I love him. I am nothing in comparison to him but still, I love him and refuse to marry anyone else even though I could never get him.

Throwing myself on the bed, I cried my heart out while gazing at his picture on my phone. And my heart ached for him.

I gently brushed my finger over his smiling face, an involuntary smile gracing my lips through the tears on seeing him smile.

He is the only reason I force myself to get up every day, to not give up completely and take my own life. He is the only reason I am alive because I wake up every day thinking that at least I would get to see his face on my phone. He is the only good part of my life. He keeps me going.

I am not getting married to anyone if that person is not Sorin although I know that never in a million years could I get married to Sorin himself.

I don't even have Adrian here with me, he would have helped me. And I don't even know where he is or else I could have gone to him, asking him for help.

"Drea, you are going to marry that man and make yourself a little useful for us." My mother's words echoed in my mind causing more tears to stream down my face. "Besides you should be grateful someone is going to marry you and thankfully, you will be out of our lives."

My heart clenched tightly, it hurt, it hurt too much. I grabbed a fistful of my hair and tugged at it, my mouth opening in a silent scream.

It was too much. It hurt too much. I couldn't breathe. Everything was suffocating me.

Please, someone, save me. Please. If only there was someone who could love me.

You don't deserve anyone's love. The voice inside my head reminded me.

And I felt numb. It's right. I don't deserve anyone's love.

I don't deserve anything. I am nothing.

With those thoughts in my mind, I drifted off to sleep.

Related chapters

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 2

    My eyes were bloodshot and puffy having cried almost the whole night. My hair was a mess, and my body looked weak, both mentally and physically. Overall, I looked like crap, not that I looked good anyway.I leaned my back against the bathtub, submerging my body in the warm water, drawing my legs closer to my body, and placing my chin on top of my knees.I contemplated several times whether I should stay here the whole day, in silence and peace instead of leaving this small space and facing reality, facing the war my heart and mind are fighting, facing how much my parents hate me that they decided to sell me in return for their company.The former sounded like a better option because I didn't dare to go out. I scoffed at how ironic my name was. It meant courage, I was supposed to be courageous, not a coward. I sometimes wonder who exactly named me that.Someone slammed their fist against the bathroom door. "Drea! Do you think you can hide in there all day, come out!" It was my mother.

    Last Updated : 2024-04-30
  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 3

    How many times did I dream of this moment, how many times did I play it over and over again in my mind...I walk down the aisle and the man I love, standing at the altar, waiting for me.Everything was the same, almost everything, except for my future husband who was staring at me with coldness in his eyes. It made my heart ache and tears welled up once again in my eyes. I was quick to blink them away before they caused any drama.The wedding ceremony passed in a blur and I dreaded going back to his house, to be there all alone with him. He didn't like me, not that I expected him to.During the car ride back to his house he sat as far as he could from me in the backseat gazing out of the window in complete silence.I wanted to talk to him, a normal conversation but I didn't want to annoy him so I kept my mouth shut I couldn't help but look at him, the side of his face as his head was turned towards the window probably to avoid looking at me.But that didn't stop me from staring at him

    Last Updated : 2024-04-30
  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 4

    I was still lost in my many thoughts when I drifted off to sleep on the couch in the main lounge. I guess I had been sleeping for hours because I didn't notice when someone walked in. I was awakened by the slam of the door and jerked up from my sleep in fear as I thought the house was about to be robbed. I had not gotten accustomed to the fact that I was already married and living with someone. And also, if not that I wasn't thinking straight, why would I think a Billionaire's house like Sorin's, was about to be robbed when there were numerous guards in the house. I began to hear different sounds coming from upstairs and I became more confused. I tip-toed into the store room and found a golf club. I picked it up and started following the sound I was hearing, I was determined to strike but I was shaking at the same time. I mean, what could a frail young woman do to defend herself if situations come to the worst?As I made my way into the room, I heard a glass shattering on the well-t

    Last Updated : 2024-04-30
  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 5

    "I wish I could lay my hands on that good-for-nothing girl! Urrrrgggggghhhh!!!! I sure would squeeze the living day out of her.""How could she do this? How foolish and clueless can she be!" Daisy Cole said angrily while pacing around her room."I do not know why you would agree to such a useless arrangement in the first place. Just look at you." She continued as she bent towards Sorin to check his wound which was now covered with a band-aid. Her beautiful black eyes traveled around his entire face to see if there was any other wound inflicted on her precious boyfriend, Sorin.Sorin tried to calm Daisy down and explain the whole situation to her but she wasn't having it. She was fuming in anger. Only if she could lay her hands on me at that moment, I'd be dead and gone."Calm down, Daisy. You're just being unnecessarily dramatic." Sorin said to her.Daisy shocked at Sorin's words, stopped to look at him,"Dramatic? Did you just say I am dramatic?""Yes, Daisy, you're just being overl

    Last Updated : 2024-04-30
  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 6

    "Sir? Are you okay?" Kelvin asked his boss, as soon as he got into the car but got no response from him.He immediately knew something was wrong. Having been with him for years, he knew something must have happened for Sorin to walk into the car and slam the door the way he did. He also didn't wait for the car door to be opened for him before he entered the car.Getting no response from Sorin, he didn't want to ask too many questions so that he wouldn't anger him more.Sorin's phone began to ring but the moment he saw the caller ID, he silenced the phone and looked away.Kelvin peeped from the front seat and saw the caller too- It was Daisy. "Sir, your phone has been ringing. Aren't you going to pick it, sir? Kelvin asked, concerned because the phone kept ringing but Sorin wouldn't budge.Sorin raised his eyebrow and stared at Kelvin with utmost anger which made Kelvin look away immediately."Mind your business! If you know what is good for you, you'll drive this minute!" Sorin comma

    Last Updated : 2024-04-30
  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 7

    Sorin Araimis ZaveriI stood in the garden, my eyes fixed on the woman my parents had chosen for me to marry. Andrea "Drea" Miles. She was...different. Not what I expected. Her awkwardness and naivety were almost endearing, but I couldn't let my guard down. I had a reputation to uphold, a business to run, and a past to keep hidden."Drea, show Sorin around the house," my mother had said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I knew she was thrilled to have finally found a suitable partner for me, but I wasn't convinced.As we walked through the house, Drea's nervous chatter filled the air. I listened intently, trying to gauge her personality and her interests. She seemed innocent, almost childlike, but there was something beneath the surface that drew me in.When she asked about my girlfriend, I felt a pang of guilt. I hadn't expected her to know about that. "No, I don't have a girlfriend," I lied, trying to sound convincing. The truth was, I had ended things with my ex, Rachel, months

    Last Updated : 2024-05-24
  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 8

    I showed the text to Drea, my eyes locked on hers. "Who is this, Drea? Tell me the truth."She paled, her lips trembling. "I...I don't know, Sorin. I swear."I didn't believe her. She was hiding something, and I was determined to find out what.I took her hand, my grip firm. "Come with me, Drea. We're going to get to the bottom of this."I dragged her to my study, my mind racing with possibilities. Who was Adrian, and what did he want from Drea?As we entered the study, I locked the door behind us. "Tell me everything, Drea. From the beginning."She hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. Then, with a deep breath, she began to speak."Sorin, Adrian was...is...my ex-boyfriend. We were together for three years, but it ended badly. He was possessive, controlling...and violent."My grip on her hand tightened. "Violent?"Drea nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, Sorin. He hurt me, physically and emotionally. I thought I was in love with him, but I was trapped."My anger boiled

    Last Updated : 2024-05-24
  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 9

    When the light faded, we found ourselves in a completely different location. We were in a large, dimly lit room with concrete walls and a single door. The armed men were nowhere to be seen, but the woman who claimed to be my sister stood before us, a determined look on her face."Welcome, Sorin," she said, her voice firm. "Welcome to your true home."I stared at her, confusion and anger warring within me. "What do you mean? Where are we? And who are you?"The woman smiled a hint of sadness in her eyes. "My name is Ava. And I'm your sister, Sorin. Your real sister."I shook my head, trying to process this information. "No, that's not possible. I don't have a sister."Ava's expression turned grim. "You do, Sorin. And I've been searching for you for a long time. You see, our family...we're not what we seem. We're not just wealthy and influential. We're...more."I frowned, my mind racing with questions. What did she mean? What was our family's secret?But before I could ask any questions,

    Last Updated : 2024-05-28

Latest chapter

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 96

    Months passed since the intense battle at the Zaveri estate. Sorin and Andrea, along with their allies, had managed to secure the artifacts and thwart the immediate threats posed by the Order of the Crimson Moon. Now, as the dust settled, they focused on rebuilding and fortifying their defenses.The Zaveri estate, once a scene of conflict, now bustled with activity as repairs and reinforcements were underway. Sorin oversaw the restoration efforts with a meticulous eye, ensuring every stone was laid with the resilience that mirrored his determination. Andrea stood by his side, her presence a calming influence amidst the chaos of reconstruction.As they walked through the estate grounds one evening, Sorin took Andrea's hand in his, his grip reassuring and steadfast. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting a warm glow over the sprawling gardens."It's hard to believe how far we've come," Andrea remarked softly, her gaze sweeping over the estate. "From battli

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 95

    The assailants faltered, momentarily disoriented by the unexpected surge of energy. Sorin seized the opportunity, delivering a decisive blow that sent Jake reeling backward."Andrea, now!" Sorin shouted, his voice cutting through the din of battle.Andrea nodded, her eyes blazing with determination. With a swift motion, she activated a hidden mechanism in the floor beneath them. The room trembled as ancient wards activated, sealing the assailants within an impenetrable barrier of light.The intruders howled in frustration, their attempts to breach the barrier proving futile. Sorin and Andrea stood side by side, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they surveyed the aftermath of the battle. Jonathan, Maya, and Lila regrouped with them, their faces etched with relief and exhaustion."We did it," Jonathan exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "The artifacts are safe."Sorin nodded, a sense of weary satisfaction settling over him. "For now," he replied, his voice tin

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 94

    Months had passed since Sorin and Andrea's beautiful wedding at the Zaveri estate. The early bloom of their marriage was like a vibrant tapestry woven with love, shared dreams, and the promise of a future filled with possibilities. Sorin continued to manage the Zaveri empire with diligence and foresight, while Andrea immersed herself in learning the intricacies of their family's wine business, eager to contribute her ideas and insights.Yet, beneath the surface of their idyllic life, shadows loomed—shadows that threatened to unravel the tranquility they had worked so hard to cultivate.---### Chapter 1: The Intrigue BeginsOne brisk autumn morning, Sorin received an unexpected visitor at the Zaveri estate. He found himself face to face with a man he had not seen in years—Jonathan Richardson, the estranged son of Victor Richardson, Sorin's old adversary. Jonathan bore a striking resemblance to his father—cold, calculating eyes and a demeanor that exuded authority."Sorin Zaveri," Jona

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 93

    As Sorin stood on the balcony of the Zaveri estate, overseeing the vineyards that stretched into the distance under the golden hues of the setting sun, he couldn't help but reflect on the weight of his family's legacy. The Zaveris had been synonymous with wealth, power, and influence in New York for generations. Their name was not just a label of prosperity but also a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that had weathered decades of challenges and triumphs.The estate itself stood as a testament to their success. Sprawling grounds meticulously maintained, centuries-old architecture blending seamlessly with modern amenities—all spoke volumes of the Zaveri commitment to excellence and tradition. Yet, Sorin knew that behind the grandeur lay stories of sacrifice, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.As he turned away from the balcony, his mind wandered to his great-grandfather, the visionary who had laid the foundation of the Zaveri empire with a single vineyard

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 92

    With a final surge of determination, I summoned every ounce of strength within me, channeling the artifacts' energy into a devastating blow that sent Victor crashing to the ground.The battlefield fell silent, the echoes of battle fading into the cool morning air. Victor lay defeated, his armor shattered and his dark ambitions thwarted by the guardians of the artifactsAs Victor lay defeated on the ground, the battlefield around us was eerily quiet. The remnants of his forces stood in shock, their resolve crumbling as they realized their leader had been vanquished. Maya, Lila, and I stood together, our breaths heavy with exertion yet filled with the relief of victory."It's over, Victor," Maya's voice rang out, firm and unwavering. "Your quest for power ends here."Victor struggled to rise, his face contorted with rage and disbelief. "You... you cannot stop me," he spat, his voice hoarse. "The artifacts... they belong to me!"Lila stepped forward, her eyes ablaze with righteous anger.

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 91

    The sun rose higher in the sky, casting a golden hue over the Zaveri vineyards that stretched out before us. Maya, Lila, and I stood at the edge of the estate, gazing at the rows of grapevines that had been a part of our family's legacy for generations."We've come a long way," Maya said softly, her voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. "But Victor won't give up easily. We need to stay vigilant."Lila nodded in agreement, her gaze scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble. "Victor may have been thwarted for now, but he'll continue to pursue the artifacts. We must remain one step ahead of him."I clenched my fists, determination coursing through my veins. "We'll protect the artifacts with everything we have. Our family's honor depends on it."As we turned to walk back towards the mansion, a figure emerged from the shadows—a man dressed in a tailored suit, his expression unreadable."Sorin," a voice called out, and I recognized the man as Alexei, my father's lon

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 90

    As Maya and I emerged from the cavern, the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold. We carried the artifacts with us, their presence a testament to our triumph over Victor and his sinister ambitions."We need to find a safe place for these," Maya said, her voice filled with determination. "Somewhere Victor and his allies won't think to look."I nodded, scanning the horizon for any signs of pursuit. "The Zaveri estate is too dangerous now. We'll have to find another location."Together, we navigated through the dense forest surrounding the estate, the artifacts cradled carefully in Maya's arms. Shadows danced around us, whispering secrets of ancient guardians and forgotten allies.As we reached the edge of the forest, a figure stepped out from the shadows—a woman dressed in dark robes, her eyes gleaming with an intensity that mirrored our own."Who are you?" Maya demanded, her voice cautious yet curious.The woman bowed respectfully. "My name is Lila. I am a guardia

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 89

    As Maya and I navigated the narrow passage, the glow from the artifacts illuminated our path, casting flickering shadows against the ancient stone walls."We can't stay here," Maya whispered urgently, her eyes scanning the dimly lit tunnel. "They'll be right behind us."I nodded, my heart pounding with adrenaline. "We need to find a way out, somewhere they won't think to look."With each step, the air grew colder, the echoes of our footsteps mingling with the distant sounds of pursuit. The artifacts in Maya's hands pulsed with faint energy, guiding us deeper into the labyrinthine depths of the Zaveri estate."Do you think these relics hold the key to our family's legacy?" I asked, my voice echoing softly in the silence.Maya glanced at the artifacts, her expression thoughtful. "I believe so. There's power in these relics, Sorin. The power that Victor and his allies will stop at nothing to obtain."As we rounded a corner, the tunnel widened into a vast chamber bathed in a soft, etherea

  • The billionaire's coalition.    chapter 88

    As the harvest season drew to a close in the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany, Maya and I found ourselves immersed in the daily rhythms of winemaking. Each morning brought a renewed sense of purpose as we tended to the vines with meticulous care, ensuring that every grape harvested would yield the nectar that had defined the Zaveri family's legacy for generations.Amidst the tranquility of our surroundings, whispers of admiration rippled through the local community. The Zaveri wines, once embroiled in controversy, now emerged as a symbol of purity and craftsmanship. Critics and connoisseurs alike praised our vintages for their complexity and depth, celebrating them as a testament to the resilience of tradition in an era dominated by greed and deception.Yet, our triumphs were tempered by the looming threat of Victor and his clandestine allies. The organization, fueled by its insatiable thirst for power, continued to wield influence over the global wine market. False accusations and s

DMCA.com Protection Status