**The Billionaire's Real Wife**
Chapter1: The genesis of the crisis.

I was mowing the lawn in our front yard when my sister's convoy drove in. I resisted the urge to look at them. I am the adopted daughter and the maid of the family and she is the biological daughter and the future Queen of the Kingdom. She detests the sight of me, so we don't talk to each other.
"Mia, what happened?" A message displayed on the screen of my phone after about an hour. I looked at the sender, it was Chloe, a lady in her late forties that lived across the boulevard.
"Nothing, Chloe." I forwarded a reply, looking in the direction of her house.

"Then why did you sign up on Matrisure; begging men to come and marry you? For God's sake, you are twenty-three!"
"Chloe, please calm down; what is Matrisure?"
"It's a matrimonial website! Please delete the pictures; your hair is so unkempt and people are laughing at it!"
"Queenie! She is at it again!" I yelled, took my hand off the mower, and ran towards the grand foyer.

"Queenie, did you just create a profile for me on a matrimonial website?" I asked my sister who sat on one of the sofas, keeping her knees and ankles tightly together and slanting her legs to the side. Queenie was betrothed to Prince Montero, the heir apparent to the throne of Cambodia when she was thirteen years old. The Queen took her when she turned sixteen and taught her how to be the Prince's wife. Having lived six years in the Palace, everything Queenie does emits royalty.

"Oh…you have been visiting the website yet it never occurred to you that you should create a profile; aren't you old?" Queenie asked, without looking at me.
"I haven't been visiting the site, my friend called me now. Did I tell you I need a husband?" I asked, raising my voice slightly up.
"Mia!"
"Mom, please, stay out of this, I'm talking to my sister!" I yelled. It was as though my words ripped Queenie off and she stood up and walked majestically towards me.
"Mia, you are a fool! You are so dumb…gosh! I have told you several times that I'm not your sister! You were used as collateral, mom never adopted you! Your lazy mother used you as collateral! Please, stop addressing me as your sister. I am smart and intelligent, I can't have a dumb mule as a sister! You are too ugly and dirty for my liking!" Queenie screamed at me. I licked my lower lips and looked away.
My family will never stop reminding me that I was used as collateral. I don't know what they meant by that. I knew I was adopted, but being used as collateral; I knew nothing about it. I feel bad each time they remind me that I am a stranger in their midst. I don't know my true identity and it makes me feel as though I am an alien and bitter toward my birth parents that couldn't raise me.

"Please, remove all my pictures you uploaded on the website; I will get married when I see the right man for me," I said with a sad tone.
"When, Mia? You are twenty-three years old all you do is sit and eat all the food I send to mom and dad! When will you start appreciating them for raising you? If raising a child is easy, your biological mother wouldn't have given up on you! You are leaving this house whether you like it or not!"
"Would you stop citing my biological mother?" I yelled at her.
"No, I won't! She gave birth to the most confused human! A dull brain!"
"Mom, please, warn her," I said, looking at my mom.
"Shut your dirty mouth up!" Mom stood up and pointed a finger at me. "Queenie has been here for more than an hour and you saw the royal convoy yet you didn't come to show some respect! The whole nation bows to her! People give her a standing ovation whenever her presence is announced at any function! I'm yet to see the reason why you shouldn't! Well, May I remind you that this mansion belongs to her? The royal house gave it to her on her thirteenth birthday. She has decided that you are leaving this house and her word is final."
"She wants me out because I didn't bow to her the way you and dad do?"
"Yes!"
"Have I been bowing to her?"
"No! And she can't take it anymore. Mia, you are leaving."
"Fine, I'll leave, but I…need time to look for an apartment," I sputtered with my face lowered. What I needed wasn't really time but money.
"Your stay here is over! A suitor called me thirty minutes ago, he is coming tomorrow morning to take you away. He has also transferred a huge amount of money to me now," dad, who just walked into the lounge said with a wild grin. They see Queenie as god and do only what she says.
"You sold me off?" I asked, tilting my brows in surprise.
"No, someone cleared your debt! Listen, I'm not transferring the money back to him. It is either you get married to him tomorrow or I'll throw you out! You would have served me and my wife for the rest of your miserable life if this stranger didn't clear up the debt your crazy mother owed me! Now you are a free woman. Go up there and pack your things because you are leaving this house tomorrow," dad said. I stood still and my eyes dwindled. I know they hate me but I didn't know the extent.
I ran upstairs hurriedly with tears in my eyes as I recalled how unfair life had been to me. I blamed my biological mother for giving me up or owing them; I don't know what she did. I could hear the sound of raucous laughter in the family's executive lounge.
My name is Mia Edwards, this is my story. I am twenty-three years old. My color is white and elusive pink. I'm beautiful but my family made me believe I'm ugly. My mom said that the only thing beautiful about me is my deep-gold hair that cascaded down my shoulder and my olive skin.

I am an alien who is always lonely and depressed. I hardly hang out with friends because I spend my time learning how to improve myself, yet no positive results.
I got admitted into the college of medicine five years ago, but I was expelled after two years for failure to meet the academic standard; disappointing myself and Princess Isla who gave me a scholarship.
Writing stories is my passion, but I couldn't overcome mediocrity. I want to publish a story about my life, but all the publishing companies who read my story said nothing was interesting about my true-life story. They all rejected my work.
My boyfriend engaged me five months ago, however, he called off the engagement when I slapped one of his father's business associates who was bent on ruining my life. The family rejected me instantly. I tendered an apology, and they accepted it, but won't accept me. The rejections made me feel I was not good enough.

I sat on my bed crying like a child, blowing my nose and sobbing uncontrollably. I did not notice a figure in a royal robe standing in the doorway.
"Mia, it's okay," Princess Isla muttered. I looked up at her as she shut the door and began to move close to me.
Princess Isla is Queenie's would-be sister-in-law. She likes me a lot and always talked to me with respect.
"Blessings come in different forms and blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing. Wipe your tears and get ready to meet your husband tomorrow," Princess Isla said.
"They hate me and I know they will give me to the most horrible man in the world," I whimpered.
"What kind of man do you wish to get married to?" she asked, sitting beside me.
"I want to get married to a man who loves me unconditionally."
"Do you have anyone?"
"No," I responded.
"Don't worry, Mia, you have a pure heart and the wish of a pure heart never goes in vain," Isla said with a soothing voice that boosted my courage and determination to embrace whatever life throws at me.
The Princess took in a deep breath after a short silence and stood up from the bed.
"I will be on my way. Do not forget what I told you. Meanwhile, I love your deep gold hair," she grinned as though she was seeing my hair for the first time and began to walk towards the door.
I stood up and walked towards the window. I saw my sister waiting impatiently for Princess Isla.
I stared at the red-gold hair with an aura encircling her head, her blue eyes, glowing skin, and her tall and slim figure. I concluded that she is the true definition of beauty. Queenie is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
The five white latest model Volvos she came with really matched her personality. There were six armed security men at the gate, protecting her from kidnappers and paparazzi because she is a celebrity. Aside from being the Prince's betrothed, Queenie is also a TV presenter. She anchors a television program every Saturday known as 'Inside The Palace'. The television program made her so popular.
They entered the cars gloriously when Princess Isla came out and drove slowly away. Mom and dad kept staring at them until they were out of sight.
I sat down on my bed and began to wonder about the kind of man I was going to meet tomorrow.
I knew it was going to be a disabled man who needed a caregiver, a blind man who also needed a helper, or an old man, old enough to be my dad. I believe healthy and young men are not on matrimonial websites because they can get any girl they want.
I looked around and began to pack my things slowly with tears in my eyes. Even though I was going to have my own home, I felt I was thrown out to live on the street.

Chapter 2

I stood behind my window waiting for the suitor my family arranged for me. My eyes were puffy because I cried myself to sleep last night. I kept rubbing my hand on my eyes as tears continued flowing like a stream.
"Your eyes are puffy already and you aggravate it more when you rub your palms on them. Mia, you are not alone! I'm with you," Anna, my childhood friend said, bringing my hand down. Anna was also adopted but her family loves her so much.
"I will accompany you to his house and will always visit you from time to time. Remember, self-solemnization without legal solemnization isn't recognized as a legal marriage. You can leave him any time you feel like it. He has no right over you until both of you perform the legal solemnization. You just need to get away from your family, they have threatened you enough," Anna said.
I wiped my tears when I saw a two-door old wagon in our driveway. My eyes widened in bewilderment.
"At least he has a moving car," Anna burst into laughter. I looked at her with my puffy eyes and turned my face again. She quickly stifled the laughter with her palm.
I was so eager to see the man that came in with the rattletrap. My heart began to race, shortening my breath. I wondered what stopped him from coming out of the car.
Anna couldn't stop laughing when the man began to wrestle with the door of his car. He wound the glass down and put his head and hand out, trying to locate the door handle.
His hair and eyebrows were as white as snow. His skin was quite pale and his eyes were light.
"Is he an albino?" Anna asked, placing her left palm on my shoulder. I couldn't answer the question because I was short of words.
One of the security guards Queenie assigned to my parents, walked towards the car and helped him out. He struggled out, grinned, and waved at the guard.
We fixed our gaze on the obese old man with a flabby stomach. I fell to the floor and began to cry as I imagined how life on the street would be. Anna kept encouraging me.
I grabbed my bag that was on the bed and stomped out of my room angrily. Anna ran after me, trying to hold me back.
"Mia!" Dad called me when he saw me walking towards the grand foyer. I halted and slowly turned my head. The old man fixed his shaky eyes on me.
"Meet your husband and please show him you are well raised. Do you understand?" Dad said. I handed my bag over to Anna.
"Please, wait outside, I'll join you," I said, and began to walk towards the lounge proddingly.
"Sit!" Dad shouted as though I had a hearing problem. I sat on one of the sofas and fixed my eyes on the old man who would be in his sixties.
"Mr. Gregory, please continue," dad said.
"I'm here on behalf of my brother. He is sick and couldn't come. I'm going to take you to him; If you like him, you can proceed with your wedding or civil marriage, whichever you want."
"Who is talking about like? She has no choice! Tell your brother to do whatever he wants. Mia is his wife. I wish him a quick recovery. Please, do not invite us to your wedding, we are not coming," dad said and stood up.
"I have a gift for you, sir," Mr. Gregory said, searching all the pockets on his shirt and baggy pants. He squeezed out a few Riel. Dad sighed and walked away.
"You have a choice, my dear, and you are not owing anyone," the old man grinned at me, ignoring my dad. "Shall we?" He offered me his right hand.
I wouldn't have followed him, but letting me know I had a choice motivated me. I stood up and began to walk towards the entrance. He walked silently behind me.
"Anna, please go with my bag; I'll come for it later," I whispered into my friend's ear.
"Are you going with him?" Anna asked, frowning her face.
"He said his brother sent him. I want to meet him and if they look alike, I'm going to live on the street," I whispered again.
"They are definitely going to look alike, Mia. How old is his brother?"
"I don't know, he didn't tell me," I responded as we fixed our eyes on Mr. Gregory who was trying to open the door of his car.
"Who is going to help you out of that car?" Anna asked with a worried tone.
"Honestly, Anna, I… don't…know," I sputtered.
"Mia, are you aware that Queenie's royal wedding comes up in December?" Mom said behind us. We quickly turned and faced her.
"No one told me," I responded.
"We didn't because you are not needed. What would you do there? I..mean Queenie said you are not her sister. I'll advise you to focus on your marriage…"
"Why are you telling me then?" I asked, sighed, and turned away.
"You need to know you are not invited," Mom said.
"Oh…thank god!" Mr. Gregory screamed happily when he succeeded in opening the car doors. He gestured towards the passenger side of the car. Mom grinned mockingly and shrugged.
A sudden urge to make the best out of what people see as nothing came on me. I swallowed hard, lifted my head, and began to walk towards the passenger side of the old wagon. I waved at Anna and hopped into the car.
"Don't shut the door yet!" Mr. Gregory shouted with a smile. I frowned and looked at him. "Would you help me push the car?" He said, tilting his head. I got down without saying a word and began to push the car. Anna joined me and we kept pushing until the engine picked up. Anna waved at me with tears in her eyes, I waved back and entered the car. Mr. Gregory drove away slowly. I began to imagine what his brother looked like. "There is no way his brother would look different. They must have some similar features," I said to myself.
"How old is your brother?" I asked after some minutes of silence.
"How old do you want him to be?" Mr. Gregory grinned and looked at me. He looks horrible when he smiles. I wondered if his brother looked the same.
"Is he chubby like you?" I asked.
"No," he responded and I heaved a loud sigh of relief. Mr. Gregory threw his head backward and gave out a great peal of infectious laughter. I smiled and looked away. I was so curious about his age, so I began to twist my questions.
"Is he your immediate younger brother?"
"No"
"Your elder brother?"
"No"
"Is he a divorcee?"
"No, he has a wife, you are going to be his second wife."
"No…way…drop me!" I said jokingly because I knew he was kidding and we giggled.
"Remember, you can choose not to marry him after meeting him, but I will be happy if you marry him," he said with a calm tone and I could detect the seriousness in his tone.
"Alright," I said and rested my head on the headrest. Mr. Gregory looked like a nice person and I became a bit relaxed.
It was a long journey to RockRing Estate which was located in the northern outskirt of Phnom Penh.

Chapter 3.

I looked around the magnificent estate and was dumbfounded. There were about thirty small houses with finicky gardens flaunted right at the entrance of each house. The orderliness was quite impressive.
I wanted to take pictures and I remembered I gave Anna everything, including my phone. I looked at the main estate gate that was about a hundred feet away from us.
"Did you forget anything," Mr. Gregory asked.
"Yes, my handbag."
"Write out all the things in the handbag, my brother is going to replace them. Please, come with me," he grinned and walked past me. I continued looking around as I walked behind him.
Mr. Gregory took me to one of the beautiful houses with a magnificent balcony. We walked into the elegant living room, which was painted in a light champagne tint. It was simply furnished to taste with translucent curtains running through the entire lounge, bringing in the required brightness and airiness in perfect measure. The small house had one graceful and fancy bedroom with a master bath.
I love the house because it was neither too big nor too small. All the furniture fitted faultlessly. One thing I cherished most about the house was that it receives enough air from virtually all directions.
The entire lighting system of the house was very much in harmony with the color of the interior. I smiled as I stared at the beautiful trees with birds on them that surrounded the house. My joy was apparent.
"Nice apartment," I whimpered.
"I'm glad you like the house; now, get ready to meet my boss," Mr. Gregory said, and I turned quickly.
"Your boss?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"Yes, your would-be husband."
"You lied to us! You said he is your brother," I yelled. "I don't trust you again." I tried to walk away, but he held my hand and pulled me back.
"I started serving him when he was born; then I was just twenty-six years old. He is more like a brother to me. I don't address him as 'boss' as other workers do, I call him by his name because he is a son, a brother and a friend."
"He has workers too?" I asked, pulling my brows together.
"Yes"
"How old are you?" I asked sarcastically.
"I turned fifty-one yesterday."
"Congrats, but you look sixty. You need to work on your weight."
"My wife likes how I look," Mr. Gregory smiled and I rolled my eyes.
"What is your boss's name?" I asked, sounding uninterested.
"Logan" he responded. I sighed and walked back into the house.
"A boss that couldn't change your car! What kind of boss is he?"
"I will keep driving that car until I breathe my last breath. I made that decision for a reason," Mr. Gregory said with a sad tone, lowering his shaky eyes. I noticed I had resurrected an ugly memory and I felt my heart being ripped apart.
"I'm sorry," I whimpered.
"It's fine, dress up, he will be here any moment from now."
"You said he is sick."
"Yes, he went for treatment and will be here soon."
We were distracted by a private jet that landed seventy feet away. About eleven men in black suits disembarked hurriedly and stood still as though they were waiting for the president. A man in black leather skinny denim and an immaculate white t-shirt began to disembark slowly. I couldn't see his face, but he was quite slim and tall.
They walked swiftly toward a massive skyscraper that was on the estate. I fixed my gaze on them until they entered the elevator.
"Dress up," Mr. Gregory said, and began to walk away.
"I came with nothing."
"Check the closet, everything is there," he responded nonchalantly. He was still sad over what I said about his car. "You need to get rid of the rattletrap if you really want to forget the ugly memory tied to it," I whispered to myself as I watched him wrestle with the door of the car again.
I walked into the bedroom and opened the closet. Everything I needed was in there as Mr. Gregory said. The beautiful dresses with labels were all my size. My attention moved from the size to the price tag. They were quite expensive. I haven't worn expensive clothes all my life.
I had my bath hurriedly and zipped myself up in one of the beautiful gowns. I looked at myself in the mirror. It was as though I was looking at an entirely different person. The gown enhanced some hidden beauty I never knew I had.
Shortly, the doorbell rang. I knew Mr. Gregory had come to take me to my would-be husband. I picked a low-heeled shoe from the closet and put my legs on. I don't want to appear taller. My height is 5"10 and I think it is okay for me.
I was taken aback when I opened the door. A handsome man dressed in a black suit stood behind the door smiling at me.
"I'm Michael," he introduced himself. "The boss is free now, he requests your presence."
My heart skipped at the mention of the boss. I slowly shut the door and followed him; adjusting
my gown as I walked to make sure I looked good enough for him. The environment was quite cozy and I love it so much.
Michael pointed at a silver-colored stylus pen that was on a wall and I pulled the pen out.
"Write your name," he said. I wrote my name on a small trickery board that was on the wall. To my uttermost dismay, the elevator door opened slowly. Michael gestured to me and we entered. I had a lot of questions to ask him, but I withheld them since I was already on my way to meet my arranged husband.
We got off at the twentieth level of the skyscraper and began to walk down a long and narrow walkway. My heartbeat increased as we moved closer to the extreme.
Michael stepped aside for me to proceed. However, I saw no door except a wall, so I stood still.
"He is waiting for you ma'am, please, do not keep him waiting," Michael said with a soft tone. I moved closer and the wall began to segregate.
All the people in the room which looked like an office, fixed their eyes on me except the man in tight leather denim. His eyes were on the big monitor that was fixed on the wall. A girl as pretty as a doll sat beside him and leaned on his shoulder.
One of the men in black suit made eye contact with me; I understood what he meant and walked into the office. The wall slid back slowly.
After about ten minutes, the man in tight denim swiveled his chair to face me and I almost fainted.

The story will be updated soon. You can click on my signature and read the full gist once.