TANGLED FATE: Married To a Billionaire In Disguise

The sun beat down relentlessly from a cloudless sky, its intense rays simmering the dusty ground below. It was mid-July in the heart of Texas, and another scorcher of a day was unfolding.

Olivia Steele wiped the sweat from her brow as she worked diligently in her family's little garden. She then proceeded to get her little sister ready for school.

Mark, Olivia’s stepfather stormed into the kitchen, finding his wife Jane preparing dinner. "We need to have a talk about Liv," he said angrily.

Jane sighed. "Mark, please not now. I'm sure whatever it is can wait."

"It can't wait. That girl is twenty five now, practically an old maid. It's time she started thinking about marriage and providing for a family of her own."

"She still hasn’t seen her choice of man," Jane replied wearily, having heard this argument before.

"I have taken responsibility for her for a long time! Since she was a little girl, now is the time for her to leave my house! I know she pays $1500 a month, but that is just like a peanut. It doesn't reach anything, I feel like she’s just ripping us off.” Mark growled.

“You know the amount of debts I’m owing,” Mark continued to rant.

Outside the door, Liv froze, having come to ask her mother about borrowing the car. She listened intently, anger and hurt swirling inside her.

"Mark, Liv is happy and healthy. That's all that matters right now," said Jane in a calm but firm tone.

"Happy? Pah! She's selfish, that's what she is. It's about time she stopped thinking only of herself." Mark smacked the kitchen counter, causing Jane to jump.

Just then, they heard a creak on the stairs. Liv had silently fled back to her room, tears now flowing freely. She knew that no matter what she did, it would never be enough to appease her spiteful stepfather. For how much longer would she have to endure his cruel judgment and unyielding demands?

Quietly, Liv carried a small bag with her Age declaration documents and her Credit cards, and she slipped away.

She had moved out of her stepfather's house.

A thought occurred to Liv then, “what if marrying provided a solution, if only to give her mother some small comfort?”

Since she’s thinking of getting married without having a boyfriend, She decided to take Nana’s offer. Nana is an elderly lady who had doted on her like a grandmother.

Liv would spend hours helping the old woman slice apples for her pies or package jam jars and she came to know that Nana was trying to marry off her last son, Seth Brown, who is in his early thirties.

After a few minutes got off to her destination at Harmony groove marriage registry.

“Hey Olivia My dear.”

A familiar voice called out to her the moment she got off the cab. It was Nana.

“Nana.”

As Liv hurried to meet Nana, She noticed a huge figure standing beside Nana. He must be Seth, her husband to be.

When Liv walked through the distance, Liv's breath caught in her throat. The photos did not do him justice - he was even more handsome in person with warm brown eyes and a smile that lit up his face.

According to Nana, Seth once had a girlfriend but all of a sudden she didn’t see them together again nor did she see him with any other girl and that has been five years now. Which has made Nana worried sick about her son Seth.

Liv wondered if that meant he didn't make very much money to be with a woman. Money wasn't the most important thing to her.

Liv sighed and shook her head, not wanting to cast doubts so early.

Seth was attractive and looks like he doesn’t talk much. Standing next to Nana with a sour face, he appeared like an arrogant person.

Liv's gaze immediately fell upon Seth's car - a silver Toyota Corolla. It was a few years old but in good condition, clean inside and out. Not a flashy car by any means, but dependable and affordable.

This wasn't some fancy sports car or luxury SUV. Seth drove a simple, practical vehicle. That realization put her at ease, their economic means seemed relatively similar after all.

She and an old friend from high school had started a bookshop not far from Nana’s grocery store.

She also sells from her little home studio, Liv designed and produced handmade gifts, decor, and accessories. She was skilled in baking snacks also and sold them online, her online brand name is Liv’s kitchen.

In a month Liv would earn up to $5000 to $6000. That was why she is able to afford her mum’s $3000 a month for household expenses.

Her Stepdad doesn’t have a clue about how much she earns. Liv will always tell her mum not to spend everything, she should keep some for herself.

“Olivia, this is Seth, the last born out of my five kids, he is thirty two years old with no woman in his life,” Nana introduced Seth.

Nana took Liv's hands on her own. "You are such a good, kind girl Olivia. I'm thrilled I’m able to find someone as special as you for my son." Liv smiled, always warmed by such praise from an elder.

Seth stood back with arms crossed, a distant chill to his demeanor. His cool brown eyes watched Liv with an unreadable expression.

Liv knew Nana had three sons and two daughters, they are all married with kids except Seth, who will also be married by the end of today.

As Nana continued chatting animatedly with Liv, she could feel Seth's cool gaze studying her. His crossed arms and aloof manner created distance despite their smiles earlier.

Liv took a breath, heart beating fast, then extended a tentative hand towards Seth. "It's lovely to meet you properly, Seth. I’m Olivia Steele but you can call me Liv." Her voice came out steadier than she felt.

Seth glanced at her outstretched hand briefly before unfolding his arms in a slow, deliberate movement. His palm met hers, long fingers grasping firmly in a dominant hold. His skin was warm but his eyes remained cold and calculating as they sized her up.

"Seth Brown," he replied, the single word clipped.

After the handshake, Seth raised his left hand to look at the time before informing Liv. “Well, we shouldn’t take any more of the time, I have a meeting to attend.”

Liv hummed in acknowledgement.

“It’s your marriage today at least don’t be grumpy today,” Nana said directly to Seth.

“Both of you should go inside and get it done over with, I will wait over here,” Nana said.

“Let’s go,” Seth muttered.

“Okay,” Liv quietly followed him into the hall.

At the registry office Seth urged Liv. “Ms Steele, are you sure you want to go ahead with this marriage? As for me I’m just in this marriage for my mother’s sake, I don’t want to deprive you of your marital rights so now is the right time to back off.”

He was hoping Liv would say no because he definitely doesn’t have intention to marry her.