Behind the Billionaire's Mask

Emily Walker entered the Walker residence with fear, fully aware of the storm she was about to face, but her mother’s health left her no choice. The familiar scent of lavender and old wood filled her senses, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart.

“Hey Dad, can I borrow $50,000? Mommy needs dialysis, and we don’t have any money,” Emily’s voice trembled, her eyes pleading.

Mr. Walker began, “Emily, the thing is…”

But Mrs. Walker, her stepmother, cut Mr. Walker off sharply, “How shameless of you to come here and ask for money!” Her voice was like ice, cutting through the air.

Emily’s anger flared, but she swallowed it down, her fists clenching at her sides. “I promise I’ll pay you back,” she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Walker, holding his wife’s hand, said anxiously, “Maybe we can give her the money because her mother is sick.”

“You’re still thinking about your ex, huh?” Mrs. Walker again cut her husband’s suggestion.

“No, no…the thing is,” Mr. Walker stuttered, but Mrs. Walker cut him off.

“Should I remind you that this is your family now, George? Without me, you have nothing.”

Grace Walker, Emily’s stepsister, entered the room. “Aww, is my loser sister here begging for money? How pathetic.” Her laughter filled the room, making Emily feel even more embarrassed.

She stood up to leave, but Grace’s voice stopped her.

WAITTTTT

“We’ll give you the money if…”

There was a flash of disgust in Grace Walker’s eyes. She kept smiling and said, “The Griffins family only said they wanted to marry the daughter of the Walkers, and you will marry Alexander Griffin in my place.”

Boom!!

This was like a bolt from the blue. Upon hearing this, Mrs. Walker’s eyes lit up with surprise. She couldn’t help but praise her daughter, “Oooo, my daughter is so smart. That’s a good idea.”

Emily couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Alexander Griffin?? The illegitimate son of the Griffin family? Isn’t he in jail right now?

Grace Walker sarcastically replied, “Yup. He is a dirtbag and a good-for-nothing loser. That’s why I can’t marry him.”

Mrs. Walker intervened again, “That’s right. She is also a Walker, so she can marry Alexander Griffin.”

Emily’s mind raced. Marry Alexander Griffin? The man who was a criminal?

The thought of marrying someone like him made her nauseous.

“WHY MEE GOD?” Emily’s voice was barely audible, tears welling up in her eyes.

Grace’s smile widened, “because it’s a win-win for us. You get the money, and I do not have to marry a shitty man.”

Emily felt suffocated, her options were limited. She looked at her father, hoping for some mercy, but he looked away like she was not present there.

Mrs. Walker’s voice was final, “It’s now or never, Emily. This is your mom's only shot”.

Emily’s heart beats louder in her chest. She had no choice. For her mother’s health, she had to agree. “Fine,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“I’LL MARRY ALEXANDER GRIFFIN.”

Grace clapped her hands in celebration as she remembered her deal with an unknown person who approached her to convince Emily to marry Alexander Griffin “Wonderful! I can’t wait to see where this goes.”

As Emily left the Walker residence, her mind raced with emotions. She had just agreed to marry a man whom she did not know, all for the sake of her mother.

*******

In the lightly lit cell of police station, Alexander was lying aimlessly lost in thoughts planning and plotting his strategies.

With a sharp snick, an officer unlocked the cell, his voice echoed in the surrounding

“Alexander! Get up!”

Alexander didn’t react at all, his eyes closed as if he were lost in a deep sleep.

Seeing Alex's reaction officer was losing his patience, and his tone became sharper with each word, “Alexander, I said move it!”

Annoyed by the officer’s voice, Alexander finally opened his eyes, with an unbothered tone, “Geez, Officer, what’s the rush?”

The officer replied, “Most people wanna get out of here faster.”

With a shrug, Alexander rose from the hard, uncomfortable cot. “Let’s get you out of here,” The officer said and warned, “Don’t drive faster next time. I won’t let you go after three days again.”

Alex’s lips curled into an evil smile. “I can’t make that promise, Officer.”

Not convinced by Alex's reply the officer gave a slight shake of his head. Alexander left the police station, looking absolutely breathtaking with his cold, mysterious eyes that hinted at secrets hidden within. The officers couldn’t shake the feeling of a shiver trailing down their backs as he passed them.

A sleek black Rolls-Royce was parked outside the police. Richard, his secretary, was leaning by the car waiting for him. Alex approached him and asked, “Richard, is everything going according to plan?”

Richard told Alex with a mysterious smile, “You being in jail is the perfect alibi. Your father doesn’t suspect a single thing.”

Alex seemed to remember something, “Oh, and what about the Walker family? Any issues there?”

Richard replied, “The Walkers have agreed to marry their daughter to you.”

One corner of Alex’s lips curled up as he said, “Hmmm, interesting… The Walkers kept their word, the real game has begun”

Alexander whispered something into Richard’s ear, Richard nodded “You got it, boss.”

Alex smiled evilly saying, “This is the final puzzle piece. So it begins…”

With a roar of the engine, the car raced off, Alexander was lost in his thoughts Walker have agreed to have him what’s his , now he has to strategies with his partner how he is gonna protect what’s hidden for so long…..

Three weeks later

At the Walker family residence, the backyard was turned into a breathtaking display of flowers and glowing lights. The sweet fragrance of jasmine and roses was mixed with the glow of twinkling light. Soft soothing classical music playing in background was blended with the laughter and gossips of guests, despite the splendid atmosphere Emily was feeling suffocated…..suffocated by the responsibilities.

******

With an anxious expression, 18 years old Emily tightly hold a bouquet of white lilies. Her heart raced with the mere thought of marrying Alexander Griffin, the man she had never met or even know.

Her soon-to-be husband was nowhere to be found and Emily waited nervously for him. Mr. Walker, standing beside her, tried to reassure her, “Don’t worry, I’m sure the groom will be here soon.” His voice was gentle, but no as gentle to calm her nerves.

Emily replied, with trembling voice, “Just to be sure, as long as I do this, you’ll give me the money, right?”

With mockery look, intervened, Mrs. Walker “Yes, Emily. Just get the wedding over with, and we’ll give you your money, okay?” devoid of any empathy, her tone was cold.

Emily shot back, “You better keep your word.”

The backyard was buzzing with gossip. “I can’t believe they’re marrying their daughter to Alexander Griffin,” one guest whispered.

Another added, “The Griffin family is powerful, but Alexander is a bastard and an outcast. I heard he’s always out with thugs and can’t keep a job.”

A third guest joined in sarcastically, “Oh, guess what? He’s late for his own wedding.”

Grace Walker approached with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Excited for your wedding? How does it feel to be marrying a bastard child? You know, his own family didn’t even show up for his wedding. And I heard he’s ugly as fuck.”

Emily, unable to bear the humiliation, shouted, “Can you be quiet? At least show some respect!”

With a sudden HUSH all eyes turned towards the entrance, as Alexander Griffin entered the backyard. Dressed in a sleek black coat that matches perfectly with his pale skin. His presence was difficult to ignore and he was very commanding. He has sharp and chiseled features. His gaze was fixed on his dear wife and when Emily’s gaze met his, Alex world seemed to be froze for a moment, she was wearing white off-shoulder gown that was hugging in all the right places, enhancing her every curve and her hazel eyes were sparking like a golden sea, he was ready to be drown in them.

Moving through the crowd of guests, Alex made his way toward Emily, taking confident stride. “Excuse me,” he mumbled. “Sorry I’m late,” he said apologetically as he approached Emily.

“You must be the bride,” he continued, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I’m your groom, Alexander Griffin.” he added.

For the first time Emily laid eyes on Alex and she gasped in disbelief. He was nothing like she had imagine----- his features were cold and icy but he was very handsome. He had some strange aura around him. Meanwhile, from distance, Grace eyes wide with shock, unable to process what was happening. In a fit of anger, she stormed off.

Alex took a quick look at Grace as she walked away, then turned back to Emily. “Shall we?” he asked.

The priest stood solemnly between Emily and Alex, ready to begin the wedding prayers. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, family and friends. Today we gather to witness and celebrate an act of deep love,” he began.

Alex leaned closer to Emily, his voice barely above a whisper. “I wasn’t aware that the Walker family has two daughters. I thought I was marrying Grace today.”

Emily, her expression indifferent, replied, “I’m the older one.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Hmmm… interesting.”

Emily’s voice softened as she recalled her past “My dad divorced my mom when I was three.”

Alex, chuckle, responded, “You are just like me. The black sheep of the family. Huh!”

Emily crossed her arms over her chest. “Are you disappointed? You are not marrying the Walker family heiress.”

Alex shook his head, “I don’t think I am. Are you? Disappointed you are marrying a good-for-nothing loser?”

Emily confidently replied. “Can’t say I am. And you shouldn’t talk down on yourself like that.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the priest’s question. “Do you, Alexander Griffin, take Emily Walker as your wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?”

“I do,” Alex replied firmly.

The priest turned to Emily. “Do you, Emily Walker, take Alexander Griffin as your husband?”

Emily looked directly into Alexander’s eyes, “I do.”

With that, they exchanged rings, and the priest pronounced them husband and wife. Leaning closer to Alex’s ear, he whispered, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Alex moved forward aiming at her tempting red rosy lips but Emily seemed to sense this and turned her cheek towards him. Alex’s expression shifted to one of mild surprise and he kissed her on cheeks.

As the guests began to leave, Emily felt a wave of panic wash over her. She tried to appear calm, but inside she was panicking gathering her courage, she hesitantly asked, “Err, so what happens now?”

Alex smiled mischievously. “What do you mean?” he asked, raising one corner of his mouth. “You are my wife now. Of course, you’re going to move in.”

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The words struck Emily like lightning, leaving her stunned and uncertain about the future.