The Billionaire's Regret novel Chapter 1

Leena’s POV

“What?” I gasped in shock.
“Father, it hasn’t gotten to this,” I said seriously.
“Why? Do you have any value or worth that it isn’t time to let go of you?” My father, the man I respect so much even though he was annoying barked at my face.
“It’s an honor to get married to such a man because I doubt anyone would settle for you.” He spat on my face.
“But, this is for my brother's life and my education. You can’t tell me to marry a crippled man!” I yelled in annoyance and my adoptive mother slapped my face as she stood up.
“How dare you talk nonsense before my husband!” She hissed. “Who else should marry him if not you? Do you think Jane is worth the catch?” She raised a mocking brow.
“But the family chose Jane and not me, Father, please.” I tried to plead with them.
My brother’s life was at stake and in no time, my university certificate might be barred as I hadn’t finished my clearance. No doubt, I was at their mercy.
“I want to help you, Leena but you also have to help me too.” My father’s voice suddenly became calm. “Just get married to him and after a year as in the contract, you can divorce him.” He urged me.
“But…” I began but was interrupted.
“No buts, Leena. Your brother needs your help and we are only doing you a favor.” My adoptive mother fired at me and I grew cold.
My wet eyes fell on the hospital bills and rolled to my school fees, it was almost $450,000.
I didn’t want to do it but I was desperate and it was important.
“Just do it.” They kept on urging me.
“Dear sister, you have to help me. Do you expect me to marry a crippled man as pretty as I’m?” Jane, my adoptive parents' real daughter stepped in.
Her voice was filled with mockery.
“Just do it. Besides, you need the money. We will give you $500,000 or even more.” Jane bragged.
“Fine,” I said after a long minutes of silence. I had to give it a second thought. I would blame myself if I can’t do anything to save my brother.
“I will get married to him,” I said seriously and they exhaled in relief.
The defibrillator machines made sounds as I stepped into my brother’s hospital room. His eyes rolled over to my direction.
“Sister, I have told you not to worry about me.” I had already paid the hospital part of the money for his oxygen fee.
He was looking pale and sad. Tears rolled from his eyes and I cleaned it.
“No, Kelvin. Let senior sister take care of you.” I began.
“Remember, we have plans. We also have to find our real parents together.” I reminded him and he nodded his head firmly.
“But, how did you get the money?” He raised an anxious brow.
I swallowed hard, trying to force out a warm smile. Unfortunately, Kelvin knew when I was truly happy or sad.
“Surprise, I’m getting married!” I said enthusiastically with a smile and his eyes widened.
“What? Seriously?” His eyes were already filled with questions which I knew I wasn’t ready to answer.
The plan was after the wedding, the money would be sent to my account. I prepared for it. Wearing the low-grade wedding gown and a pale face with no makeup.
Soon, the door pulled open as Jane walked into my dressing room.
“My dear sister, I wonder how you are going to have sex with a crippled man.” She laughed and I briefly closed my eyes, trying to ignore her.
“I even heard he is not going to make it to the wedding because of his disabilities. What a poor orphan you are.” She laughed, leaving the dressing room.
I looked at myself through the mirror with thoughts in my head.
Was this the end of my hopes of getting married? Was I going to marry a crippled man?
I was worried but then it was too late to back out. I have to do this for my brother and my education.
Soon after the knock on the door, I knew it was time.
“Let’s welcome the bride!” The priest announced as I walked on the red carpet spread on the green carpet grass.
People's eyes were on me, gossiping and speaking ill of me. I lowered my head, trying not to listen to them. Alone, I walked down the aisle.
The wedding decoration was kitschy and I didn’t bother to complain about it, who was I?
Suddenly, I started hearing gasps and screaming from behind and I turned to look. It was a tall handsome man, flashing me a smile on his fitted tuxedo suit. He looked charming. His ocean-blue eyes pierced into mine and I swallowed hard.
“Is… Is he the groom?” I thought inwardly.
My eyes rolled over to Jane and my adoptive parents. I could see the disbelief and shock in their eyes.
At least it wasn’t a bad bargain.
“Hey, I’m James Wellson. I guess you are the bride.” His husky charming voice brought me out of my reverie and I nodded sheepishly.
“Yes, I’m,” I said.
“Let’s proceed with the wedding?” He said rhetorically before facing the priest.
“We are here to witness the matrimony of Miss. Leena Martins and Mr. James Wellson.” The priest began as we faced him.
“Do you, Miss Leena Martins accept Mr. James Wellson as your lovely husband?” The priest questioned me.
I exhaled deeply. This was it. I had to do it since I had nothing to lose.
“Yes, I do,” I said confidently and I saw the sign of impression in his eyes.
“Mr. James Wellson, do you accept Miss. Leena as your lovely wife?” The priest hadn’t finished his sentence when he nodded impatiently.
“Yes, I do.” For some reason, I smirked.
“Is there anyone against this union? Speak up now or forever hold your peace.” We faced the audience and there was an awkward silence. My heart beat rapidly.
“I’m not in support with their union.” I heard Jane’s voice as she walked out of the crowd. My jaw dropped.
I thought she wanted this. Why was she trying to ruin it?