Chapter 2: Dangerous Intention

It has been four months since the tragic incident that traumatized Candy. She was still reeling from the shock of her accident and the loss of her child. Mark was put behind bars by Natalie, but that didn't ease her pain.

Candy longed for her late father's presence. She wished she had listened to his warnings about Mark not being good enough for her. Her beliefs about love had been shattered, leaving her in a dark and empty world.

Natalie entered her room with a cup of coffee, and Candy managed a small smile. Natalie had been taking care of her since the incident, although Candy couldn't understand how her stepmother had suddenly become loving after despising her before her father's death.

"You know, first loves often don't work out. My first love betrayed me for my best friend. It was devastating, but I had to move on. Your father came into my life, and we fell in love. He healed my heart," Natalie shared.

"I miss father. He would probably be disappointed to have me as a daughter," Candy sighed. "I want to heal. I want this pain to go away."

Natalie nodded understandingly. "A broken heart can only heal if you open it up to another person."

Candy pondered for a moment before agreeing with a nod.

A man named Brandon was introduced to her, by Natalie. He was sweet, kind, and funny. He spent time chatting with her and taking her to different places, slowly winning her heart and helping her forget about Mark.

Candy found the peace of mind she had been seeking. Maybe Natalie's advice wasn't such a bad idea after all.

After a few months, Brandon surprised her with a proposal, wanting her to be completely his. Candy felt conflicted for a moment, but in order to heal, she decided to open her heart fully to him.

Natalie assisted with the wedding preparations, inviting many guests.

In the dressing room, Candy gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She looked stunning in her wedding dress, which hugged her perfect figure. The makeup artist had done an excellent job, making her look beautiful. Nervousness churned in her stomach as she anticipated marrying Brandon.

As her eyes scanned the empty room, she wondered why her stepmother was taking so long.

"Where's Mrs. Jefferson?" she asked the makeup artist.

"She's in the room down the hall," the artist replied.

Candy nodded and made her way there. Her hand reached for the door, but then she overheard Natalie's voice.

"Make sure Candy doesn't meet the lawyer until all of this is over. She can't know that her father entrusted his wealth to her," Natalie said.

Confusion furrowed Candy's brow. Wealth? She take a peek through the keyhole and witnessed Natalie talking to Kelvin, her assistant.

"Brandon is doing a great job, winning that tiny bitch's heart. I can't wait for Candy to bear his child after the marriage. The wealth will only transfer to the child, and I'll have control," Natalie chuckled wickedly.

"And what about Candy?" Kelvin asked.

"We'll kill her," Natalie replied coldly.

Candy withdraw in shock, unable to bear it any longer. She snapped back to reality. How could she have been so foolish? Natalie had always been cunning ever since her father married her.

"I must be so stupid," Candy sighed deeply as she thought of what to do. She had to leave immediately!

"Are you finished with Candy? Where is she?" Natalie asked the makeup artist.

"Yes, ma'am. She said she was going to meet you," the artist replied. Natalie frowned. "Is she not here? Maybe she went back to her room. I'll take you to her."

Natalie exchanged a glance with Kelvin before following the makeup artist.

Opening the door, their eyes widened as they realized Candy wasn't in the room.

"Did she overhear everything?" Natalie's eyes widened. She turned to face Kelvin.

"Find her. Any mistakes, and I'll kill you," she said through gritted teeth. Kelvin nodded and pulled out his phone to call his men.

Natalie stood frozen, her fists clenched. Her plan couldn't be ruined like this!

___

A naked woman woke up and found the man she had spent the night with sitting on the edge of his king-sized bed. He was incredibly handsome, almost godlike, and his presence felt like a treasure to her.

"Hey, Mr. President," she said, reaching out, but he cut her off abruptly.

"Get out, your job here is done," he said in a cold voice that sent a shiver down her spine. She almost forgot who he is. The Billionaire Devil, known to be ruthless, dark and cold.

His intense gaze made her heart skip a beat as she quickly got dressed and left.

Diego's jaw tightened as he remembered what today was: his wedding day.

"Congratulations, Mr. President. I'm so happy for you!" his closest friend and assistant, Jameson, greeted him over the phone.

"It seems you don't need to use that tongue of yours, Jameson," he remarked, annoyed. While others called him president, he didn't like it coming from Jameson.

"I was just teasing you, bro. It's finally your wedding. I swear this still feels like a dream. I can't wait to meet your bride!" Jameson exclaimed.

"Fuck you," Diego cursed, ending the call. He exhaled sharply and muttered under his breath, "Damn it."

Diego had agreed to get married when his grandfather fell ill and threatened him with his death. His aunt had arranged a wife for him, Vanessa Maxwell, the only daughter of the CEO of Max Corporation, a famous and wealthy company in the city.

He didn't care about her appearance and simply wished to fast forward the time.

It was a small wedding, with only families attendance. They would sign the papers and have the priest join them together.

While Diego was getting dressed for the wedding, Jameson rushed into the dressing room, looking worried.

"We have a problem. I received a call that the bride had an accident on her way here," Jameson announced, and Diego frowned deeply.

"What!"

His grandfather would be there soon, and this news would worsen his sickness.

"Find her. You should go alone, don't involve anyone. The old man shouldn't find out," Diego ordered.

"What! I don't even know what your bride looks like. You forbade me from seeing her face," Jameson protested.

"That's because I know you'll find her and say nice things about me, which I'll find annoying and then kill you," Diego said.

"Argh... you know me too well. Should we inform your aunt about this?" Jameson suggested.

"That woman will be coming with the old man. Do as I asked and find her yourself. We don't have time; the wedding will be starting soon. You know where the accident happened, so go there. She must be dressed in a white gown or something," Diego instructed.

"I can't believe you," Jameson shook his head and stormed out.

Meanwhile, Candy sat in a corner, unnoticed by most people who were busy gossiping about the bride who was still dressed in her wedding gown. She had nowhere to go at the moment and could only pray that her stepmother wouldn't find her.

Her eyes caught a small bruise on her knee. She had fallen while trying to escape. Sighing, she rested her head against the wall.

A car drove by and then reversed back. Jameson rolled down the window, his face lighting up as he saw her. He quickly got out of the car and ran towards her.

"Are you Vanessa?" he asked.

Candy looked up at the stranger dressed in a fine suit. She gave him a questioning look. Jameson noticed the bruise on her knee; she must be the one, but why was she alone without any guards?

"Are you Vanessa Maxwell, the one who is getting married to Diego Gonzalez today?" he asked again.

Candy recognized the name. Diego Gonzalez? The most powerful billionaire in the city?

Jameson tilted his head, studying her face.

"Miss..."

"Yes, I am," Candy blurted. Marrying a powerful man might help her situation. "I'm Vanessa, the one who is getting married to Diego Gonzalez."

"Oh. I hope the accident isn't too serious. Can you still walk well? Diego doesn't want anyone to know that you're hurt or something," Jameson said.

"Ah, I'm perfectly fine. Let's go to the wedding," Candy quickly stood.

"What about your guards?" Jameson asked, and Candy thought for a moment.

"They... um... they died in the accident."

Jameson was shocked. Candy regretted saying that and hoped the man won't suspect her.

"Get into the car. We don't have time to waste," Jameson said.

As soon as their car departed, Kelvin's car arrived at the scene. He stepped down from the car accompanied with some other men dressed in black suit. His eyes scanned the area, he ordered the men coldly.

"Search for her, don't stop until you find her"