All Chapters of The Billionaire's Bargain : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Isabella slumped onto her bed, surrounded by stacks of unpaid bills. Her best friend, Mia, sat beside her, going through a glossy magazine, concern etched on her face."Isabella, you’ve been quiet for too long and you kinda look restless. What’s going on?” she asked gently, setting the magazine aside.“It’s just... everything is piling up, you know? I lost my job last month, and now the bills are starting to come in. Miranda's surgery is next week, and I still can't afford it. I don't know what to do, Mia," Isabella confessed, tears welling up in her eyes. Mia’s brow furrowed. “But you were doing so well at your place of work! What happened?”"It was a budget cut, They let go of half the staff. I thought I was safe, but...” She replies with tears full.It's okay, we'll figure something out. You're not alone in this, you know you just can't give up! There has to be something we can do." Mia assures her.Isabella sighed, frustration and despair mingling in her chest. "I've applied ever

James greeted Isabella coldly, his eyes scanning her from head to toe."Welcome, Isabella. You're finally here," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.Isabella smiled nervously, "Thank you, James. This is...wow."James snorted, pouring himself a drink. "Save the small talk, Isabella. You're not here for the view."Isabella's smile faltered. "James, I—"He cut her off, his voice icy. "Let's get down to business. You're here for the money, and I'm here for...well, let's just say you're a means to an end."Isabella's eyes widened, hurt by his blunt words.James sneered. "Don't play coy, Isabella. You were desperate for that money."Isabella's face burned. "James, that's not—"He interrupted, his tone condescending. "Don't deny it, Isabella. I'm sure you've used part of the money I gave you to pay for your sister's surgery, and you were drowning in debt."Isabella's eyes stung with tears.James's gaze turned glacial. "And don't think for a second you can back out now. You're in this to

As they arrived at the party, James whispered to Isabella, "Smile."Isabella forced a bright smile onto her face. They made their way through the crowd, greeting guests and well-wishers. They were immediately greeted by the warm glow of candlelight and the hum of conversation."Happy birthday, Father," James said, approaching Mr. Reed.Mr. Reed's eyes lit up. "James! Isabella! Wonderful to see you both.”Isabella handed him a beautifully decorated cake. "We got this for you, sir."Mr. Reed's eyes lit up. "It's been a long time since I got a cake as a birthday present after James's mother passed away. Thank you, dear. You're such a darling.""Make a wish, Father," James said.Mr. Reed chuckled. "I think I've already gotten my wish, having you both here."Isabella's eyes misted. "We're happy to be here, sir."Mr. Reed's expression turned serious. "I'm glad to see James has found someone as lovely as you, Isabella. You're good for him." "I think so too, Father." he smiled coldly.James

James adjusted his tie, preparing for a crucial meeting with his business partners and Employees. "I won't be staying long at work today, just brief meetings with my employees concerning the investors coming in to sign the contract. Try to rest."Isabella faked a smile, waving goodbye. "Be careful, James."James stepped into the conference room, greeting his colleagues. Steve, his business partner, nodded in acknowledgment."Gentlemen, let's get started," James began. "I got a call this morning that the investors are arriving soon. We need to finalize our pitch; we don't have much time on our hands."Steve leaned forward. "James, we've discussed this already. Your marital status is a concern."James's expression turned stern. "My personal life is none of their business.""James, it is. They want stability, and a married man represents that," Rachel added.James sighed. "I'm working on it."Steve pressed on. "The Reed family name carries weight. We can't afford scandals or instability

James forced a smile. "Yes, everything is fine."Isabella's eyes searched his. "You're sure?"James nodded. "Positive. Let's not worry about it."James pulled back, his eyes still locked on Isabella's. "I'm glad you told me everything," he said, his voice filled with understanding.Isabella smiled weakly. "Me too."James took a deep breath, changing the subject. "Anyways, that aside; my meeting went well today. The board is impressed with our progress and I think we are ready to sign the contract."Isabella's interest was piqued. "Wow! That's great news." "Yes, it is. But we need to fasten our marriage plans. The investors will be coming soon, and we need to present a united front."Isabella's eyes widened. "Soon? How soon?"James's expression turned serious. "Next week. They'll be reviewing our finances, assessing our stability...and our marriage will be under scrutiny."Isabella's heart sank. "What do we need to do?"James's eyes locked onto hers. "We need to act like a loving coup