Millionaire Marriage

A marriage of convenience

Chapter 1: A Marriage of Convenience

The chandelier above sparkled like the stars, casting a warm, golden glow across the grand ballroom. Every corner of the room exuded wealth—from the marble floors to the gold-trimmed mirrors that lined the walls. Waiters dressed in sharp tuxedos wove through the crowd, offering trays of champagne to guests adorned in diamonds and designer gowns. This was no ordinary evening. It was the wedding reception of the year.

For the bride, Catherine Beaumont, the night felt like a blur of carefully orchestrated perfection. She stood at the center of it all, draped in an ivory silk gown that shimmered with every movement. Her fingers gently brushed over the diamond bracelet that circled her wrist, a wedding gift from her husband—though it felt more like a transaction than a romantic gesture.

Catherine glanced across the room to where her new husband, Nicholas Welles, stood in conversation with a group of men in crisp suits. His jawline was sharp, his posture confident, as if he were born to command a room full of people. In truth, he was. Nicholas came from old money, the kind of wealth that shaped generations and built empires. To him, their marriage wasn't just a union of two people—it was a strategic alliance, one that could elevate both their families.

Catherine sighed, feeling the weight of it all settle on her shoulders. When she had agreed to this marriage, she knew exactly what she was getting into. It wasn't love that had brought them together, but necessity. Her family, once powerful and prosperous, had been on the brink of financial ruin. Nicholas had offered her a lifeline—a proposal that promised to restore her family's status, in exchange for her hand in marriage.

They had met only three months ago at a charity gala. Catherine could still remember how he had approached her, his eyes assessing her with the precision of a businessman evaluating a deal.

"Miss Beaumont," he had said, his voice smooth and unwavering. "I believe we can be of great benefit to each other."

It hadn't been a question. It had been a statement, one that left little room for negotiation. And yet, something about his confidence had intrigued her. She had agreed to meet him for dinner the following week, where he had laid out his terms with cold precision.

"A marriage would solve both our problems," Nicholas had said over their meal. "Your family's debts would be erased, and I would secure the partnership I need to expand my business empire."

Catherine had listened in silence, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been raised in a world where marriages were often about power and alliances, but she had always imagined her own would be different—filled with love, passion, and companionship. But as her family's situation worsened, reality set in. This was her way out, and Nicholas was her only option.

Now, standing in the ballroom, Catherine glanced down at the sparkling engagement ring on her finger, feeling the cold weight of it. Nicholas had been clear from the start—this was a marriage of convenience. Love wasn't part of the deal, and Catherine had reluctantly accepted that.

But now, as she watched him smile and laugh with their guests, she couldn't help but wonder what her life had truly become. Had she made the right choice? Was this what her future would look like—an endless string of events where they played the perfect couple, all while keeping their true feelings locked behind polite smiles?

"Mrs. Welles," a voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present. It was Nicholas, standing beside her now, his gaze unreadable.

"I believe it's time for our first dance," he said, extending his hand.

Catherine hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. His touch was firm, but there was no warmth to it. Together, they walked to the center of the ballroom, where the crowd parted to make space for them. The music began—a soft, classical waltz—and Nicholas pulled her closer, guiding her effortlessly across the floor.

To the onlookers, they were the perfect picture of newlywed bliss. But as they moved in sync to the music, Catherine felt a hollowness in her chest. She glanced up at Nicholas, searching his face for any sign of emotion. His expression remained stoic, his eyes distant, as if he were simply performing a duty.

As the dance continued, Catherine couldn't shake the feeling that she had become a pawn in a much larger game—one that she wasn't sure she could win. She had always known this marriage would be a business arrangement, but standing here now, in front of the world, it felt so much more real—and so much more isolating.

The music slowed to a stop, and the crowd erupted into applause. Catherine forced a smile as Nicholas led her off the dance floor, his hand still gripping hers. She wondered if anyone could see through the façade—if they could tell that beneath the glittering surface of their union, something essential was missing.

As the night wore on, Catherine mingled with guests, her mind racing. She had traded her freedom for financial security, and now, she was trapped in a life that didn't quite feel like her own. Could she find a way to carve out a place for herself in this new world? Or was she destined to remain Nicholas's "perfect wife," fulfilling a role that felt more like a performance than a partnership?

Only time would tell.

And as Catherine stole one last glance at her new husband, she couldn't help but wonder what lay behind his carefully constructed exterior. Did he feel the same emptiness she did, or was this all just business to him?

One thing was certain—this was only the beginning of their story.