Inconvenient Marriage To The Billionaire

Chapter 1

Jemma

“Jemma! Jemma! Wake up!”

Who’s calling me? 

Someone’s yelling my name from afar. My brain is still foggy from sleep, and it’s taking me a while to distinguish if I’m awake or still dreaming.

“I’m still sleeping!” Who would call for me this early? Can I not get a decent night’s sleep?

“Jemma! Come to my study. Jemma! Now!” I jolt. That sounds like Dad, and he sounds serious and wide awake.

“Dad?” Is it really him? What on earth is he thinking, calling for me this early? 

It’s only eight in the morning and my head’s aching from a hangover over last night’s indulgence. Hangovers suck! I like to drink, but I hate the morning after. I shake myself awake as much as I can despite the blurriness and dull throbbing in my head. I  wonder what he wants me to do now.

“Dad, I’m very tired and I still want to sleep!” I shout so he can hear outside my bedroom door while I dive underneath my pillow and close my eyes shut.

“Jemma! I will be in my study. You better come now!” Wow, he really is serious. I hear his heels as they move away and down the carpeted hallway.

Fuck! It better be good for Dad to wake me up from my beauty sleep. I’ve been living this way since I graduated from university. So far, Dad’s been letting me do whatever I want, parties, shopping… Some envious gossip rags have called me a spoiled brat. And so what if I am? What matters is my Dad lets me do whatever I want! 

I may not be working, but why should I? I have a hefty allowance from Dad, it’s more than any salary I could earn as a first-time employee. So, yeah, I’m boujee and spoiled, but given the choice, you’re telling me you’re not gonna pick money?

Besides, our business is doing well. I’m the daughter of Cole Grey, the CEO of Grey Homes and Estates, one of the biggest real estate companies in New York. 

I know Dad was hoping I’d take over the reins after I graduate, but, the sad truth is, I’m not interested. I’m not a real-estate kind of girl. Let’s be honest, I’m not a working kind of girl, period.

I’m a party girl! Yeah! 

But, seriously, I think I’m too beautiful to work. I’m five foot four with deep brown eyes framed with long curly lashes, pouty lips, and gorgeous hair.

My figure is nothing to sniff at either, I have a naturally slim build with full breasts and a tiny waist. I used to play a lot of sports - it was something my dad and I bonded over. But the breasts and figure, I got from my mom.

It’s unfortunate that my mom died when I was younger. It would have been great growing up with a mom. But I’m lucky Dad never remarried. I don’t think I’d have stood it if he had and she turned out to be one of those wicked stepmothers. 

She and I would have definitely clashed. I’m feisty and stubborn. Dad always used to say he liked that about me; but if I had a stepmom, it could have been a whole different story.

I always wished I could have the same romantic story like Dad and Mom, I want to find a love like theirs. But, of course, I keep these wishes to myself. My dad is a rare gem, it would be difficult to find a man like my father in this day and age.

There’s nobody like him. 

I’d better go and see what he wants. Still clad in my pajamas, I trudge to his office, not even bothering to knock. Dad doesn’t like that, he reprimands me for it. 

“Sorry, Daddy, but it’s just me. Your one and only daughter,” I go to him and give him a hug. “Don’t you love me anymore, Daddy?” Lips pouting and eyes looking up at him, I bat my eyelashes at him like a puppy.

“Oh, Jemma.” He can’t help but laugh at my antics. He can’t help himself, I told you. He loves me too much.

This always happens. Dad can’t bear to be angry with me for long. But he turns serious now and goes to sit on his chair behind a massive mahogany desk.

“Sit down, Jemma.”

Uh-oh, this must be important. He sounds so stern. I can’t help but frown.

“Okay, Dad.” I meekly take a seat on the chair he indicated.

“Jemma, you need to grow up.” 

“What? What do you mean?” Am I not grown up? I just finished college! It was a few months ago, but still... I almost fall off my chair!

“What I mean is, you need to start becoming more serious with your life. I’m cutting off your allowance.” He states it so solemnly, so matter-of-factly. What happened to the Dad who catered to my every whim?

I’m shocked beyond belief! 

“What’s wrong, Dad? Is our company going under?”

“No, of course not. I just want you to learn to fend for yourself. You need to start working. Put your degree to use.”

“But I can’t possibly work! I don’t know how. That’s not for me, Dad!” I protest vehemently. I have to stop this insane idea once and for all!

My dad doesn’t pay any attention to my entreaties. Instead, he continues, “There’s one more thing, I’m going to introduce you tomorrow to someone. A man, your fiancé.”

“What the hell…” My eyes are wide and my eyeballs are almost popping out. Is this for real? Maybe I’m still dreaming?

I’m so angry right now, I could scream! I can’t believe my usually indulgent Dad is cutting off my allowance and forcing me to get married! I don’t like it when I’m pushed to do something I don’t like. And I think, despite even my own warped opinions on things, I’m right in saying that this is way, way crazy.

“Dad, don’t joke like that.” I admonish him, laughing sarcastically.

“Jemma, it’s no joke. I’m serious!”

“But, Dad, why?” I’m so flustered and freaked out, my blood has rushed up to my face. I want to scream, but I know it won’t work this time.

He glares at me, but I’m seething and my fists are clenched on my sides. I try to calm myself with deep breaths, doing my best to let go of my anger. 

“Why now? Why are you doing this to me? You are so mean!” I immediately stand up to glower at Dad.

“Listen to me. If you work hard, you will be successful, too.”

“I don’t care!” I storm out of his study, slamming the door hard behind me.

“Jemma! Come back here! This is your future we’re talking about.”

“Exactly!” I run back up to my room, slump face down onto the bed and scream into my pillow. It’s supposed to be my life.