JoseMary

Synopsis

Ella Carter never imagined her name would be tied to scandal, secrets, or a billion-dollar empire. Forced into a sudden marriage to the cold and commanding Xavier King—heir to a powerful legacy—she believes she’s just a pawn in a game she doesn’t understand. But behind Xavier’s icy gaze lies a man battling shadows of his past, and behind Ella’s quiet strength is a truth even she doesn’t fully know.

When old family secrets begin to surface—secrets involving mental institutions, betrayal, and a child erased from history—their marriage of convenience turns into something far more dangerous. As enemies close in and lies unravel, Ella and Xavier must decide whether their fragile alliance can survive... or transform into something real.

In a world where love was never part of the plan, can two broken hearts fight for a future they didn’t choose—but might desperately need?

Married to a Billionaire Stranger

Reporters lined the gallery, their cameras forbidden but their pens racing. Ella sat beside Xavier at the defendant's table, her back straight, her hands clasped tight in her lap. On the opposing side sat Gideon Vale, flanked by two high-priced attorneys and an air of unshakable arrogance.

The judge, an older woman with sharp eyes and a firmer gavel, entered and the room silenced instantly.

"We are here to determine the rightful custodian of the King Global trust and the legality of its current leadership. This court will consider all evidence presented, including financial records, personal conduct, and familial claims."

Ella felt the pressure sink into her bones.

The first day dragged with opening arguments.

Gideon's team painted Xavier as a reckless heir and Ella as a manipulative outsider. They waved around photos, dredged up Xavier's late-night past, and twisted Ella's public speeches into something calculating.

"Call to the stand... Ms. Rachel Carter."

The woman who had all but disowned Katherine after her institutionalization.

Rachel stepped forward in a stiff gray suit, eyes flicking once—just once—at Ella before she sat down.

"Ms. Carter, is it true that you raised Ella Carter for a portion of her childhood?"

"Yes. After her mother was hospitalized."

"Would you say her upbringing was stable?"

Rachel hesitated. "Ella was... troubled. She had questions, always digging. Sometimes obsessively."

"Would you describe her as emotionally volatile?"

Rachel glanced at the judge. "At times, yes."

Ella looked down, fingers digging into her palm. Xavier reached over, his hand covering hers.

The cross-examination flipped the mood.

"Ms. Carter, is it true you were receiving monthly payments from Charles King?"

Rachel paled. "I—he said it was for Ella's welfare."

"But the money was deposited into your personal account, not any trust for Ella. Is that correct?"

Rachel stammered. "I—I didn't know—"

Camilla turned to the judge. "Let the record show that this witness's testimony is not only biased, but financially compromised."

During the recess, Ella stood alone by a marble pillar.

Xavier approached, voice low. "You okay?"

She shook her head. "She was the last person I had left from my childhood. And she sold me out like I was nothing."

"Then we stop letting broken people write our story."

The final blow came at the end of the day.

A second surprise witness, this time from Xavier's side.

"Call to the stand... Marlon Vex."

Ella's eyes widened. "Who is that?"

Xavier leaned close. "An old enforcer of my father's. The man who helped Gideon fake Charles's death."

Marlon, grizzled and weary, took the oath and sat with a calm breath.

"Mr. Vex, can you tell us who instructed you to falsify Charles King's death certificate?"

"Gideon Vale. With full board authorization."

"And why did you come forward now?"

He looked at Ella. "Because she deserves the truth. And I'm tired of burying it."

Gideon erupted. "This is slander! I demand he be struck from the record—"

The judge banged her gavel. "Order in the court."

Ella walked out of the courtroom that evening with Xavier's hand in hers.

The sun was setting. The sky bled gold.

"We might actually win this," she whispered.

"No," Xavier said. "We already are."