The Billionaire's Runaway Trophy Wife

The Monroe Establishment had once been California's elite. Pitted against one of the biggest conglomerates and most successful businesses, it rose to the top in a matter of seconds. Thomas Monroe never thought he would lose so much so quickly.

River sat in the dim study, the heavy scent of leather bound books and rich aged perfume hung in the air. Her fingers hovered over the piano, tracing the dusty black and white keys nervously. It reminded her so much of her grandmother who had taught her how to play.

"River."

She flinched at the sudden interruption and turned to see her father, Thomas, standing in the doorway. Hallway light spilled into the dimly lit room, causing her to squint slightly. His eyes had lost their sparkle, dulled by exhaustion. His stubble was more evident, lime he stopped putting effort into personal care.

"We don't have much time," he told her, and strode into the room, closing the door behind him slowly. He had a brown envelope clutched in his hand, his fingers shaking slightly as he set it down in front of her.

She stared at it blankly, receding from the paper. "What is this for?"

"A contract," he admitted grimly, breathing like he had no time. "One that will save us."

River's stomach recoiled. "Dad, if it's another loan, you-"

"It's not." He shook his head and shut his eyes. It hurt him to see his daughter worrying so much. He exhaled deeply, as if bracing himself for a crash. "Douglas Prior will settle our debt."

Her breath caught. Douglas Prior. Just the sound of the name sent a shiver down her spine. Everyone knew him. The brutal mastermind behind the Dr.P Conglomerate, a man who had built an empire from scratch and ruled over it with an iron fist. His company was so powerful that its competitors either folded into it or disintegrated under its scrutiny.

She stared at her father, searching his face for any sign that it was a cruel joke and he'd tell the people lurking to cut the cameras. "Why would he do that?"

"Because he wants something back."

The room fell silent. Tension wrapped around them like a thick blanket. River braced herself for the worst, maybe a contract or worse-her body.

Thomas paused before he opened the folder, and a thick stack of neatly typed papers poured out. She read the first couple of lines, her fingers trembling as they trailed behind the words:

Marriage Contract. Her heart skipped two beats.

Between James Prior & River Monroe

Her breathing came in short gasping spurts.

"No," she whispered beneath her breath. A solid and firm no, like she was trying to erase reality.

"It's the only way."

River shook her head, pushing the folder aside as though it burned her. "Dad, please."

"This is our only choice, princess." His tone was gentle but unyielding.

"Douglas wants you to marry his grandson, James. And for that, he will settle our debts and keep the authorities from chasing me down."

Her heart pounded. James Prior. She had watched him on television, read about him in business magazines, admired him from afar like everyone else. He was one of the nation's most eligible bachelors-a man with wealth, power, and an attitude that made him all the more out of reach.

But he was more than just any billionaire. He was their biggest rival.

"James will never consent to it," she said, trying to convince herself there was a loophole. Her whole life was about to be turned around.

Thomas sighed, putting his fingers over his temples. "He won't have a choice either. His grandfather controls the empire, and Douglas will do whatever it takes to get what he wants."

River Prior.

The name was bitter on her tongue.

River tightened her fists, trying to level out. Marrying a man she barely knew -a man who likely despised her family- was suffocating.

And yet... What other choice did she have?

If she refused, her father would lose everything. He would be sent to prison. Their name would be blacklisted for eternity.

Tears pricked the edges of her vision, but she refused to let them fall. "What if he doesn't want me? Am I supposed to live a horrible loveless life forever?"

Her father's expression softened, his voice turning gentle. "River, look at you. You're smart, beautiful, and kind. He would be a fool not to want you."

She laughed humorlessly. "Or he'll think I'm a desperate girl from a fallen family and loathe me for the rest of our lives."

Thomas came forward over the desk, holding her hands in his. "I know I've made mistakes," he said, regret underlying his voice, "but I promise you, this is our best chance. Please, River. It won't be forever."

She looked down at the contract, the letters blurring together.

James Prior.

Her husband-to-be.

Her cage.

Her salvation.

Her nightmare.

River swallowed hard, took the pen, and signed her name.

---

One Week Later

River stood before the mirror, her trembling fingers smoothing the red satin of her dress. The delicate lace encircled her arms, feeling like a cage that was yet to be locked

She would be meeting her new 'family' in less than half an hour. Douglas insisted they had their last family dinner together at their home before James and River moved in together.

A harshly knock at the door made her flinch back in surprise. Before she had even had the chance to react, it swung open.

James stood in the doorway.

She had seen his face so many times in magazines, but nothing could have prepared her for the real thing. His sharp black suit hugged him perfectly, dark brown hair slicked back so it looked like a hair commercial. His sharp jaw and piercing eyes had a command to them, the kind that made men fall into line without question. She heard he was a spitting image of his grandfather. His aura said it all.

And he was looking at her like she was nothing more than a business arrangement.

"I presume you understand the terms of this marriage," he drawled, his voice low and tentative.

River steeled herself to glance at him. "Yes."

"Good," he said. "Then let me make one thing clear-this is not a real marriage. You're here to perform a function, and when that is accomplished, we both move on."

"I know," she said through clenched teeth balling her hand into fists.

He didn't really need to state the obvious.

James nodded his head minutely, his face unreadable. "If you want to read into this, then you're in for a surprise."

River's heart was racing, but she wasn't about to let him know how hurtful his words were.

"I don't require it to be anything," she snapped back.

Something flashed across his eyes-a flash of annoyance, perhaps of surprise- but it was gone before she could locate it.

"Then we won't have a problem." He whirled around on his heel exited the room immediately, leaving River with her thoughts.

She exhaled, almost losing balance.

They hadn't even been together yet, but she knew-

She had made a dreadful mistake.