UNEXPECTEDLY THE BILLIONAIRE'S WIFE

All Layla Anderson wanted was a way to help her dad. He's in prison, chasing redemption for the mess he made and she's doing everything she can to save enough for his bail. She never expected her chance would come from her wealthy friend, Victoria Whitmore, who offers her $40,000 to crash her wedding and stir up scandal. The plan? Walk into the church, drop a lie, walk out. Easy. Until Layla claims she's pregnant with the groom's child. Julian Bennett, quiet, sharp, and heir to a fortune doesn't take the accusation lightly. But instead of exposing her, he shows up with a proposition: if her lie was that believable, why not make it useful? A fake relationship. Public enough to cause a stir. Private enough to stay in control. Only......, control starts slipping fast. What began as a transaction slowly becomes something more. Julian's world is nothing like Layla's, but his family feels warmer than she expected, and his presence steadier than she ever imagined. For the first time in a long time, she feels seen. Safe. Maybe even wanted. But life doesn't just let you rewrite your story. And when the past Layla ran from starts catching up, she'll have to face the hardest question of all: Can you build something real on a foundation of lies??

Chapters

Chapter 3

Layla locked the door to her tiny apartment, her heart pounding harder with each step she took. She flagged down a taxi and gave the driver the address to the church, clutching her small purse tightly in her lap the entire ride. Her nerves buzzed with both fear and determination.

Thanks to Victoria, she had a legitimate invitation in hand, being her best friend had its perks, especially today.

When Layla finally arrived at the church, the sight of the grand, elegant decorations almost took her breath away. The place was like something out of a fairytale, white roses and silk ribbons wrapped every corner, crystal chandeliers sparkled above the pews, and a soft classical tune drifted through the air. It was clear that no expense had been spared.

"So much money for a wedding that's not even built on love," Layla thought to herself with a small, bitter smile.

She quietly walked down the aisle and took a seat at the very last pew, choosing the perfect spot where she could watch everything unfold without drawing attention. She adjusted her blonde wig slightly, her hands a little shaky, and tried to blend in as just another guest.

It wasn't long before the ceremony began. Soft whispers faded as the guests turned toward the aisle, and the bride -Victoria- entered, dressed in a breathtaking white gown. Layla watched her closely. Even though Victoria kept her expression calm and even wore a practiced smile, Layla could tell. Behind those painted lips and pretty face, her best friend was dreading every second of this.

Then Layla's eyes shifted to the groom standing at the altar.

"Wow, he's really handsome," she caught herself thinking. His sharp jawline, dark hair, and perfectly tailored suit made him look like the kind of man women dreamed about. In fact, Layla found him more attractive than Victoria's secret lover, Oliver. She couldn't help but wonder, was love really worth this much risk?

But then again, love wasn't about looks. It was about feelings. And Victoria's heart belonged to someone else.

As Layla sat there deep in thought, a voice suddenly pulled her back to reality.

"Miss, why on earth are you wearing black?" an elderly woman seated beside her asked, frowning in disapproval. "This is a wedding, not a funeral."

Layla held back the urge to roll her eyes.

"Maybe a wedding shouldn't be celebrated if the bride isn't truly in love," Layla replied softly, her voice calm but heavy with meaning.

The old woman gasped, turning her head sharply toward Layla with surprise. "Are you even invited to this wedding?" she asked, her voice sharp but laced with curiosity. "Why so bitter, dear?"

Layla let out a dry chuckle, leaning back slightly in her seat. "I ate something bitter for lunch," she replied with a sarcastic smile.

The old lady blinked at her, confused, but before she could fire off another question, Layla leaned in and added, "Also, why are you so noisy, Grandma?"

Layla stood up and dusted off her dress, flashing the woman a sweet but sharp smile. "Sorry, I didn't know there was a dress code. I'm not part of the wedding entourage, just a guest. Now, if you'll excuse me... I have something important to do. Enjoy the show."

Without waiting for a response, Layla walked away, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor as she headed straight toward the front. Every step made her pulse quicken. Her hands were slightly damp with sweat, but she clenched them into fists, steadying her courage.

As she moved closer, she could hear the priest's voice echo through the church, solemn and calm.

"Do you, the bride, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband..."

Before the priest could finish the sentence, Layla raised her voice, sharp and clear.

"I don't accept!" she shouted.

The entire church froze. The room, once filled with music and whispered excitement, fell silent. Heads turned, eyes wide with shock, as every single person tried to figure out who had just interrupted the ceremony.

Layla stood tall, her voice even louder this time.

"Stop the wedding!"

The silence deepened, and all eyes locked on her. Victoria stared at her, wide-eyed, a mix of shock and silent hope glimmering behind her carefully painted face. The groom's expression twisted into pure confusion, clearly having no clue who Layla was or why she had just thrown the ceremony into chaos.

Layla stood her ground, her heart pounding but her voice steady as ever.

"I said stop the wedding. Everyone."

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