Can you marry me just for one day? Jeremy turned. There, by the entrance of the mall, sat a young woman in a worn out wheelchair. Her ashcco-colored gown was tattered at the edges. Her dark skin looked dull from tiredness. Her hair was scattered around her face like it had not seen a comb in days, but it was her eyes that trapped him, big, wet, and shining with a mix of fear and courage.

She swallowed hard and continued, her voice shaking but loud enough to reach him. I just want to know how it feels to be married, to be loved and cherished by a man, to feel like a normal human being just for one day. The parking lot seemed to go silent. A few women who knew exactly who Jeremy was, the young billionaire CEO, the man on magazine covers, the one people whispered about in salons and offices, stopped walking and stared.

 A poor, crippled girl in a wheelchair, a billionaire in an Italian suit with an expensive SUV, and one impossible question hanging in the air. Jeremy’s heart pounded. He stepped back from the SUV. His driver blinked in surprise as Jeremy slowly walked toward her. She held her breath. He did not know her name. He did not know her story. He only knew one thing.

 Something about her pain felt like a hand squeezing his chest. He stopped right in front of her. And then, to everyone’s shock, the billionaire bent down. Jeremy lowered himself until he was squatting beside her wheelchair, his eyes level with hers. He gently took her trembling hands in his.

 

 You are not a mistake, he said softly. You are special, beautiful, bold, and unique. You are loved. Many men just never cared to look at you beyond your challenges. Her lips parted. Tears filled her eyes. Around them, people held their phones up, pretending not to record. Jeremy reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet ring box, the same ring he once thought he would use for someone else.

 Someone who left when times became tough. He opened it. Gasps rose from the small crowd forming around them. He moved from a squat to one knee on the rough pavement. “Juliiana, right?” he asked gently. Her mouth shook. “Yeah,” she whispered. He smiled with a kind of softness that did not match his strong jaw and sharp suit.

 “Juliiana,” he said, his voice firm now. “Will you marry me and be my wife? Not just for one day, but for the rest of your life.” The world stopped. Tears rolled down her cheeks and dropped on her gown. “Yes,” she sobbed. “Yes, a thousand times.” “Yes.” For a moment, it felt like only the two of them existed. A rich man on his knees and a poor on a wheelchair who had just asked for one day, and instead got forever.

 But as Jeremy slid the ring onto her finger with gentle care, he did not know something important. He thought he was saving Juliana from shame and loneliness. He did not know that Juliana was the one about to save him. And not just his heart, his entire life. Earlier that day, Jeremy’s life did not look like a fairy tale at all.

 The same man, now kneeling on the pavement, had spent the whole afternoon in a glass office on the top floor of his company building, staring at numbers that made his stomach twist. If we don’t secure this $500 million project, his finance director had said over the phone. We might not survive the year.

 The banks are already watching us. The board is nervous. Tomorrow’s bid is our last big chance, sir. Jeremy had dropped the call, leaned back in his chair, and shut his eyes. Everyone thought he had everything. Cars, a mansion, power, respect. No one saw the weight on his shoulders. No one saw the mistakes he blamed himself for.

No one saw how close his company was to breaking. When he left the office to clear his head and visit the shopping mall, he just wanted a few minutes to breathe, to walk, to feel normal. He did not know his whole life was about to change in the parking lot. After Juliana said yes, the parking lot slowly came back to life.

 Is that not Jeremy Anderson? Is he mad? He’s proposing to a  Record it. Record it. A group of young women at a distance stared with open mouths. Some were jealous. Some were confused. Some were just shocked. Jeremy ignored them. He stood up still holding Juliana’s hand from today, he said softly. You are not invisible. She tried to wipe her tears with the back of her hand.

 “Why are you doing this?” she asked. “You do not even know me.” “Maybe I do not need to,” he replied. “Maybe I just need to know who I want to be.” Slowly, he moved behind her wheelchair. “Come with me,” he said. He began to push her gently across the interlocking tiles. The air smelled like perfume and roasted corn from a nearby roadand.

Cars drove past as the evening sun dipped lower. “Where are we going?” she asked, her voice small. “To give you the day you asked for,” he said. “A full one.” They stopped first at a salon beside the mall. The bright pink signboard flashed above their heads. Hair dryers hummed from inside. Two stylists looked up as the door openedand saw them.

 Their eyes widened when they recognized Jeremy. “Good evening, sir,” one of them said quickly, almost dropping her comb. “Jeremy smiled politely.” “This is my fianceé, Juliana,” he said calmly, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. “Please treat her like a queen.” Juliana pressed a hand to her chest, still not believing any of this was real.

 They washed her hair with warm water and sweet smelling shampoo. They carefully combed it, untangling the knots, and packed it into a neat bun that framed her face. Then came light makeup, a little powder, a soft touch on her brows, a calm color on her lips. Juliana watched herself in the mirror and almost did not recognize the woman looking back.

 After that, Jeremy wheeled her next door into a boutique with shiny glass and bright white lights, dresses in all colors hung in neat rows, shoes lined up like soldiers. “Pick something,” he said. She shook her head overwhelmed. “I I cannot. They are too expensive.” “I am not. You are my fiance,” he said gently. “That is all the reason we need.

” The sales girls who had been whispering at the corner now moved with new respect. They brought out gowns, fabrics that shimmerred under the light, soft fabrics that felt like clouds. At last she chose a simple but elegant gown that made her dark skin glow. When they helped her change, and she rolled out again, her hair in a neat bun, face glowing, gown flowing over her legs, people in the boutique paused to stare.

 It was like watching a flower open after the rain. Jeremy’s eyes softened as he looked at her. Now, he said, “We can go home.” “Home?” she echoed. “To my house,” he said. “Your house. If you still want to be my wife for more than one day.” Her heart beat faster. Outside, he gently lifted her from the wheelchair, holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

 He placed her carefully on the soft back seat of his SUV, then folded her wheelchair and placed it in the trunk. As the car drove away from the mall, Juliana watched the city lights blur past. Laros was loud and bright, but inside the car was quiet. She kept touching the ring on her finger to be sure it was real. After some time, they turned into a long private road lined with trees and lights.

 At the end of the road stood a huge mansion with tall marble pillars, wide glass windows, and a fountain dancing in front. Juliana’s mouth fell open. Is this yours?” she whispered. “Yes,” Jeremy said, “but today it is also yours.” The security guards at the gate bowed slightly as the SUV drove in. The house staff at the door stared in quiet surprise as Jeremy carried Juliana in his arms across the grand entrance. It felt like a dream.

She did not know if she would ever wake up. He showed her a beautiful guest room with soft cream curtains and a bed that looked like a cloud. If there is anything you need, ask. He said, “Today you are not a stranger here.” She looked at him, her eyes shining. “Thank you, Jeremy.

 You have no idea what you have done for me today.” He smiled. “Maybe you have no idea what you have done for me either,” he said quietly. Before she could ask what he meant, his phone started ringing. The cheerful sound did not match the way his face changed when he saw the caller ID. His jaw tightened. The light in his eyes dimmed.

 The smile on his face slowly faded. “Excuse me,” he said, stepping out into the hallway to answer. Juliana watched his back as he walked away, her heart suddenly heavy. Through the open door, she heard his voice drop, low and tense. “What do you mean we might lose the company tomorrow?” he said. Her fingers tightened around the bed sheet.

 “Comp? Lose?” Something was terribly wrong. And Juliana knew right then that this dream day was about to collide with a very painful reality. Juliana sat quietly on the soft edge of the bed, her hands trembling slightly. She could hear the muffled tone of Jeremy’s voice from the hallway.

 It wasn’t loud, but it was heavy. The kind of voice someone uses when the world is slipping out of their hands. She couldn’t catch every word, but she heard enough. Tomorrow’s bidding. $500 million. Company might collapse. Do everything you can. A long, painful silence. When Jeremy finally stepped back into the room, the light from the hallway caught his face, and Juliana saw something she had not seen before. Fear.

 Not the fear of a man losing money. Not the fear of embarrassment. This was the fear of someone about to lose something he built with his own blood and sweat. He swallowed hard when he noticed she was watching him. Oh, Juliana. He forced a small smile. Sorry for stepping out like that. She nodded slowly. You look worried.

 He tried to laugh it off. Just work things. I didn’t want you to hear that. She rolled a little closer in her wheelchair. You can tell me if you want. Jeremy sighed and ran a hand over his face. For a moment, he looked less like a billionaire and more like a tired, burdened man whoneeded someone to talk to.

 He sat on the armchair across from her. Juliana waited quietly, giving him space. “It’s my company,” he finally said. “We’re struggling. If we don’t secure the biggest project tomorrow, the $500 million deal, everything might crash.” She took a sharp breath. “$500 million? That was not small. That was change a whole country money.

” Jeremy looked at the floor. “We’ve been fighting so hard. I invested in new branches, new systems, but some of them haven’t paid off yet. The banks are already watching. If we fail tomorrow, we lose everything. He looked up again, his eyes soft, tired, and vulnerable. But no matter what happens, I want you to know something.

She blinked. What is that? You deserve everything good, he said. Even if everything falls apart for me tomorrow, I will always be grateful that I met you. Her heart tightened. But why are you telling me this now? Because he sighed, you may have entered my life for just one day, but you made me feel seen. You reminded me what kindness is.

 You helped me breathe again. Tears filled her eyes. She had asked for one day of love. But here she was comforting the man who gave her more than she ever dreamed of. “Jeremy,” she whispered, “Yes, you won’t lose tomorrow.” He gave a weak smile. I wish that was true. She didn’t answer. She couldn’t because she knew something he didn’t.

 Something she had kept secret her entire life. Juliana Jones was not poor. Juliana Jones was not ordinary. Juliana Jones was the only daughter of Adam Jones, one of the richest men in Africa. A man powerful enough to buy three companies the size of Jeremy’s in one afternoon. But Juliana had never used her father’s wealth as her identity.

 Since childhood, her father raised her to be humble, respectful, and to understand the world beyond riches. She chose to dress simply. She chose to live quietly. She chose to stay invisible. Not because she was weak, but because she wanted to find someone who could love her without seeing money. And today, she found him. A billionaire willing to kneel down in public and call her beautiful.

 A man who wiped her tears and treated her like royalty. A man who accepted her disability but still saw strength in her. He passed the test she created for the world. But now he needed help. Real help. And she was the only one who could give it. That night when Jeremy walked her to the guest room and wished her good night, Juliana waited until she heard his footsteps fade.

 Then she locked the door quietly. Her hands shook as she reached for her small phone, an old one she used whenever she wanted to move around unnoticed. She dialed a number she had memorized since childhood. It rang only twice. A deep male voice answered immediately. “My daughter,” he said. The moment she heard the warmth in his tone, her tears fell.

“Daddy, Juliana,” he said gently. “Why are you crying? Are you hurt? Tell me.” No, Daddy. I’m fine. She sniffed. I I just need your help. I’m listening. She took a breath. You know the method we talked about? The only way I could find a man who loves me for me? Yes, he said softly.

 Did it work? Juliana closed her eyes tightly. Daddy, I found him. There was silence for a moment, the surprised kind. Are you sure? He asked. Yes, she whispered. He didn’t care about my wheelchair. He didn’t ask who my father was. He didn’t even know my name until I told him. He saw me. Just me, her father breathed out slowly. “Thank God.

” “But daddy,” she continued, her voice shaking. “His company is dying. He might lose everything tomorrow.” “What is the company’s name?” he asked calmly, like a man already preparing to fix the problem. Juliana told him, “Adam Jones.” The same man who controlled hotels, oil fields, shipping lines, real estate, and tech companies across Africa was silent for a long moment.

 When he spoke again, his voice was calm and powerful. “My daughter, sleep well. Tomorrow morning, he will win that contract.” Her tears fell again. “Thank you, Daddy. Anything for you,” he said. “You finally found a man worthy of you. Tomorrow, we fight for him.” When the call ended, Juliana remained in her wheelchair, staring at the ring Jeremy had placed on her finger.

 What if he regrets it? She whispered to herself. “What if he thinks I tricked him? What if he stops loving me?” Her chest tightened with fear, but she wiped her tears anyway. Tomorrow she would reveal everything. Tomorrow she would stand beside him. Tomorrow she would save him, the man who unknowingly saved her first.

 And just as she whispered a small prayer, a soft knock hit her door. Her heart jumped. Juliana. Jeremy’s tired voice came through the wood. Can I talk to you for a moment? Her breath caught. Why was he here? Why now? She rolled toward the door and unlocked it. When she opened it, Jeremy stood there, his eyes red, not from anger, but from silent pain.

 I didn’t want to sleep yet, he said. Can we talk? Before she could answer, he stepped inand dropped a shocking confession that made her gasp. A confession that would change everything. Juliana’s heart raced as Jeremy stepped into the room. His shoulders looked heavier than before. And when he closed the door quietly behind him, it felt like the air in the room grew still. He didn’t sit.

 He didn’t smile. He just stood there like a man fighting something inside him. “Juliana,” he said softly. “There’s something I’ve never told anyone. Not my staff, not the board, not even my best friend. Her hands tightened on the rims of her wheelchair. What is it? He swallowed slowly, then walked to the window.

 The moonlight touched his face, showing pain buried deep. I wasn’t always the strong billionaire everybody sees, he said. Before all this, I was just a boy who lost everything. Juliana listened quietly, her chest tight. When I was 14, Jeremy continued, “My father’s business collapsed. He lost the house, the cars, everything.

 One night, he sat at the dining table, looked at me and my younger sister, and said he failed us.” He paused. Juliana could see his hands shaking slightly. The next morning, he didn’t wake up. Heart attack. His voice cracked. I watched my mom struggle to raise us alone. I watched her sell food by the roadside just to pay for my school fees.

 And when she got sick, she told me, “Jeremy, don’t die poor. Fight for everything you want.” Juliana felt tears burn behind her eyes. So I fought, he said. I worked three jobs in university. I built my company from nothing. I slept in my office for 2 years. No friends, no fun, just dreams. And when the company finally grew, I promised myself I would never go back to the boy who lost everything.

 He turned to face her, but tomorrow. If that project fails, everything I fought for might disappear. Juliana rolled closer, her voice soft. You won’t lose tomorrow. He gave a small, painful smile. You keep saying that. Why are you so sure? Her heart jumped. She couldn’t tell him the truth yet. Not tonight. Because I believe in you, she whispered.

 He stared at her for a long time. Then something shifted in his eyes. Something softer, something searching. Juliana, he said, stepping closer. When you asked me to marry you, you were not desperate. You were brave. I didn’t feel brave, she whispered. Then let me tell you how I saw it, he said gently. I saw a woman who didn’t hide her heart.

 A woman who didn’t pretend. a woman who wanted to feel loved even if life tried to break her spirit. And I admired that more than anything. Juliana blinked fast as her eyes filled. Jeremy. He knelt again, not like the dramatic proposal earlier, but slowly with emotion this time. He reached out and took both of her hands.

 I didn’t propose to you today because I pied you, he said. I proposed because something in your eyes pulled me in. Something told me that you were meant to be part of my story. Juliana inhaled sharply, her lips trembling. No one had ever spoken to her like this. No one had ever looked at her like she mattered this deeply.

 He continued his voice barely above a whisper. And I know I said it playfully, but I want you to know that I meant every word. If you accept me tomorrow after all this stress, after all the madness, I want to try. I want you to truly be my wife. Her heart felt like it stopped. He looked terrified after saying it, like he wasn’t sure how she would react.

 Juliana opened her mouth to speak, but the words didn’t come out. Her emotions were too tangled. Joy, disbelief, fear, hope, all of them mixed together. Jeremy slowly stood up when she didn’t respond. “I’m sorry if that was too much,” he said quietly. “I just needed you to know.” “Good night, Juliana.” He turned to leave. Jeremy, wait. He stopped instantly.

 Her voice shook as she spoke. I I want to tell you something, too. I want to tell you everything. But please let me tell you tomorrow morning. Before the bidding, he frowned slightly. Why tomorrow? Because, she whispered, some things are easier to say when the sun is out. He studied her face for a moment, then nodded slowly.

Okay, tomorrow. He hesitated by the door. Juliana. Yes. Whatever your secret is, it won’t change how I see you. When he left, Juliana’s tears finally spilled over. How could she tell him that she was not poor? How could she tell him that she had a father richer than presidents? How could she tell him that the contract he was fighting for was already secured because of her? Would he believe she didn’t plan everything? Would he think she tricked him? Would he see her differently? would he feel used? She pressed her hands over her face and

cried silently. She never planned for her feelings to grow this fast. But love, real love, does not ask for permission before it enters the heart. Early the next morning, the sound of gentle knocking woke her. Juliana, are you awake? Jeremy’s voice came through the door. She sat up quickly, wiped her eyes, and fixed her hair.

 I’m coming, she said softly. When she opened thedoor, Jeremy stood there in a dark blue suit, looking like the powerful CEO he was known to be. But there was softness in his eyes just for her. “You look beautiful,” he said with a small smile. “I haven’t even gotten ready yet,” she said shily.

 “You don’t need to try to look beautiful,” he replied. “You already are.” Her cheeks warmed. Then she remembered. Today was the day. The day she would reveal everything. The day her father’s influence would collide with Jeremy’s world. The day her truth would either break them apart or bind them forever. After breakfast, Jeremy carried her gently into the SUV, placed her wheelchair in the trunk, and sat beside her on the back seat as the car began moving toward the bidding venue.

Outside, Lagos morning traffic buzzed and honked. But inside the SUV, silence filled the air. Juliana’s fingers shook. Jeremy,” she whispered. “Yes.” He turned to her. “There’s something I need to tell you.” She took a deep breath. “My full name is not just Juliana.” He frowned slightly.

 “My name is Juliana Jones,” she said slowly. “The only child of Adam Jones.” “Jeremy blinked once, then again, the color drained from his face.” “Adam Jones,” he whispered. the Adam Jones, the billionaire, the man who Yes, she said softly. He stared at her like he was staring at a ghost. “And last night I told him about your company,” she continued.

 “He secured the contract for you.” Jeremy’s breath caught. He covered his mouth with one hand, his eyes filled instantly with tears. He looked at her with shock, with disbelief, with something deeper. Juliana,” he whispered in a trembling voice. “Who? Who are you?” Before she could answer, the SUV stopped suddenly. Their driver turned around with panic in his eyes. “Sir, we have a big problem.

” Something outside the car had gone very, very wrong. The SUV stopped so suddenly that Juliana jerked forward and Jeremy threw his arm across her to protect her. The driver’s eyes were wide, fear shaking his voice. Sir, something is blocking the road. Jeremy leaned forward. Blocking the road? What do you mean? The driver pointed through the windshield.

 A large delivery truck had skidded sideways, blocking all three lanes. Cars behind them were already honking in frustration. Traffic wardens ran around helplessly. The morning air buzzed with confusion. But that wasn’t the real problem. Juliana saw it first. One of the trucks tires was smoking, almost burning.

 The vehicle shook like it might explode. Her breath caught. “Jeremy, we need to move.” Before the driver could reverse, a loud scraping sound burst from under the truck. “Get back!” someone shouted from the crowd. The truck started to tilt dangerously. “If it fell, it would crush the cars in front, including theirs.” Jeremy didn’t think twice. “Driver, reverse now.

” “I can’t, sir. The car behind us is too close. Honking, screaming, the smell of burning rubber. Everything happened too fast. Jeremy grabbed Juliana’s wheelchair from the back seat and opened the car door. “Jeremy, what are you doing?” she cried. “I’m getting you out of danger.” He lifted her gently but firmly into the wheelchair, ignoring the heat, the smoke, the shouting around them. Cars zoomed past.

 People yelled, “Warnings!” “Sir, please leave the area!” a traffic officer shouted. But Jeremy didn’t stop. He pushed Juliana across the road to safety. Just as they reached the pavement, there was a loud sound. The truck’s tire exploded. A wave of smoke and dust swept across the street. People screamed and ducked. Jeremy shielded Juliana with his body, covering her head as debris scattered around them.

 Her heart raced like a drum. When the smoke settled, Jeremy checked her quickly. Are you okay? Are you hurt? I’m I’m fine, she whispered. What about you? He gave a shaky breath. I’m fine, too. She stared at him. This same man who had knelt for her, dressed her, lifted her, believed in her, now risking his life without thinking.

 She finally understood something fully. Jeremy’s heart was pure, cleaner than gold, stronger than any billionaire she had ever known. The security officers came rushing in. Sir, we’re so sorry. Are you all right? Please, let us escort you. We can clear a path for your vehicle. Jeremy nodded. We need to get to the state towers immediately.

 The bidding starts soon. Juliana’s hands rested on his as he pushed her back toward the SUV, this time escorted by officers who moved cars out of the way. When they got in, she looked at him closely. Jeremy, yes. What you did? You could have died. He smiled faintly. And leave my wife impossible. Her chest tightened with emotion, not because of the words, my wife, but because he meant them.

 The officers cleared a path, and soon they were speeding toward the state towers, a huge building where the biggest business deals in Nigeria were fought and won. But inside the SUV, the world was quiet. Juliana kept twisting her fingers nervously. She still didn’t know how Jeremy truly felt about herrevelation.

 He stared out the window for a long time, silent, deep in thought. Finally, he spoke. “So your father, he already secured the contract.” “Yes,” she whispered. “And you didn’t tell me because you wanted to see if I would still care for you, even if you were not rich,” she nodded painfully. “I didn’t mean to hide it forever.

 I just I wanted someone to love me first. Just me, not my father’s name. Jeremy turned slowly to face her. And you think I loved you because of how you looked or because I thought you were rich. She blinked. No, but Juliana, he said softly but firmly. I proposed before I even knew who you were.

 I saw your heart and that’s the part I fell for. Tears rolled down her cheeks again. He wiped them gently with his thumb. Don’t cry. Not today. Today we fight together,” she nodded slowly. “But Jeremy,” she said. “There’s something else,” he raised a brow. “What is it?” Before she could answer, the driver called out, “Sir, we’re almost there.

” Traffic guards had already secured the entrance for their vehicle. Photographers and reporters waited outside the building with flashing cameras. The moment the SUV stopped, microphones were raised. Mr. Anderson, how confident are you about the project today? Is it true your company is sinking? Who is the woman with you? Are you too engaged? Jeremy squeezed Juliana’s hand.

 Are you ready? She nodded nervously. Yes. He leaned closer and whispered. Whatever happens inside, don’t be afraid. I’m by your side. When the door opened, Jeremy stepped out first, tall, calm, powerful. Then he turned and lifted Juliana from the car like she was lighter than a feather, placing her gently into her wheelchair.

Cameras flashed wildly. Gasps rose from the crowd. Is that the woman from yesterday? The He brought her here. What kind of love is this? Juliana felt hundreds of eyes on her, but she also felt Jeremy’s hands on the handles of her wheelchair. Strong, warm, unshaken. Together, they entered the massive glass hall.

 Inside everything sparkled. Marble floors, gold accents, a giant chandelier. Men in suits and women in designer gowns turned to stare. Some watched with confusion, some with judgment, some with envy, but one man’s eyes widened more than everyone else’s. A tall, powerful man in a black capan stepped into the center of the hall.

Silver beard, sharp eyes, a presence that filled the room. Juliana gasped. Jeremy froze. Whispers spread like wildfire. Is that it? Can’t be Adam Jones at the bidding. Why is he here? Adam Jones walked straight toward them. People stepped aside. Security guards straightened. Business giants murmured. Jeremy’s breath shook.

 Juliana looked terrified and relieved at the same time. Then Adam Jones stopped right in front of them. He looked at Jeremy, then at his daughter, then back at Jeremy. The room fell silent, not even a cough. Finally, Adam spoke. Jeremy Anderson, “Your life is about to change.” Jeremy’s eyes widened. Juliana held her breath.

The whole hall waited. And then Adam said something that shook the entire building. The whole hall froze. Cameras stopped clicking. Officials stopped walking. Even the chandelier lights seemed to stand still. Adam Jones, one of the richest, most feared business figures in Africa, stood face to face with Jeremy Anderson.

His deep voice echoed through the glass building. Jeremy, your life is about to change because today you will rise higher than you ever imagined. Gasps swept through the crowd. Juliana held her breath. Jeremy’s knees almost weakened. S. Sir, I don’t understand. Adam looked at him steadily, then placed a firm hand on his shoulder, a gesture no one expected.

 “You saved my daughter yesterday,” he said, his voice calm but powerful. “Not with money, not with fame. Not even with promises. You saved her with your heart.” Murmurss filled the hall. Adam continued, “When I found out she met a billionaire who knelt in public for a woman the world ignores, a man who didn’t know who she was, yet treated her like treasure, I knew I had to meet you myself.

” Jeremy swallowed hard, overwhelmed. He glanced back at Juliana, and her eyes softened with nervous love. Then Adam turned to address the room, raising his voice. “Today’s bidding is for a project worth $500 million. But before we begin, I want this room to know one thing. Integrity still matters. Everyone shifted uneasily.

 The directors, the competitors, the reporters, everyone. Adam stepped closer to Jeremy again. My daughter told me everything. Your struggles, your honesty, your fear of losing your company. She begged me not to let a good man fall. Jeremy’s chest tightened. Shame and gratitude mixed inside him. I didn’t ask her to, Jeremy whispered.

 I never wanted. I know, Adam said gently. That is why I’m here, he faced the bidding panel again. I personally reviewed every company participating today. And only one stood out. Not by power, not by wealth, but by sincerity. Dead silence. Every eye turned towardJeremy. Adam nodded once. The project goes to Anderson Global.

 The room exploded. What? Impossible. Why him? He’s too small. Did he bribe Mr. Jones? No, it’s because of that girl. I told you there was something strange. Juliana flinched at the cruel whisper, and Jeremy clenched his fist slightly, but Adam raised his hand, and the room fell silent again. He looked at the man who had just received a miracle.

“Jeremy,” he said softly. “This deal alone will save your company and launch you into a level you’ve never reached before.” Jeremy’s eyes filled suddenly with tears. Sir, I don’t know what to say. You don’t have to say anything, Adam replied. Just take care of my daughter. That is all I ask.

 Juliana covered her mouth as tears rolled down her cheeks. Jeremy inhaled deeply, walked to her, and knelt beside her wheelchair right in the middle of the hall in front of business moguls, officials, cameras, and his future father-in-law. Juliana,” he whispered, taking her hands. “I didn’t fall in love with a billionaire’s daughter.

 I fell in love with you.” She sobbed softly. And I fell in love with the man who saw me when the world walked past. He pulled her gently into his arms, and the hall erupted with flashes of cameras. Some clapped, some cried, some stood in shock. Adam’s face softened as he watched them. For the first time in years, his daughter looked whole.

 After signing the final documents, Jeremy stepped out into the hallway with Juliana. His staff rushed toward him, hugging him, congratulating him, some wiping tears. One of them whispered, “Sir, we thought it was over. We thought the company was gone.” Jeremy smiled with new strength, “It’s not over. It’s a new beginning.

” But as they started toward the exit, a group of reporters swarmed them. “Mr. Anderson, is it true your engagement was a setup? Did you marry her for the deal? Is she really crippled? Is she the reason you won? Will she inherit your company? Juliana shrank in her wheelchair, overwhelmed. Jeremy stepped in front of her like a shield.

 Enough, he said firmly. Yes, Juliana is the daughter of Adam Jones. But I did not know that when I proposed. I proposed because she touched my heart. The contract was a blessing. But she is the real gift. Juliana looked up at him, stunned. Jeremy turned slightly and held her hand. And for the record, he added, “If I had to choose between the deal and her, I would choose her every time.

” The reporters went silent. Then slowly, one of them lowered her camera. Another wiped her eyes, and the noise around them softened into respect instead of chaos. Juliana whispered. “Thank you.” “Always,” Jeremy said. By evening, the mansion glowed with soft lights. Staff moved around with quiet joy. Everyone had heard the news.

 Juliana sat by the fountain in the front yard, watching the water dance. She looked peaceful now, no longer afraid. Jeremy walked out slowly and sat beside her. She whispered, “You almost lost everything because of me.” He shook his head. “No, Juliana. I gained everything because of you.” She looked down at her hands.

 “But what if people say you married me because of my father?” Jeremy turned her wheelchair gently to face him. “Let them talk,” he said softly. “People talk when a story is bigger than their minds.” She smiled weakly. He continued, “If I wanted money, I could marry anyone in Lagos, but only one woman made me kneel.

 Only one woman made me feel alive. Only one woman made me believe in love again.” Her voice trembled. “Jeremy,” he bent his forehead gently against hers. “You saved me,” he whispered. “Before your father did, before the contract did, you saved me the moment you spoke to me outside that mall.

” Juliana’s tears fell silently, and Jeremy wiped them with the back of his hand. “Juliana, will you still be my wife? Truly, not for a day, not for a moment, but for the life we are about to build together. She gave a small laugh through her tears. I said, “Yes, a thousand times. Remember?” He smiled. “One more time won’t hurt.

” She breathed soft and warm. “Yes, Jeremy. Yes, forever.” He kissed her forehead gently, the first soft promise of a future neither of them had expected. Above them, the fountain sparkled under the nightlight. But deep inside the mansion, something else waited. Something neither of them saw coming. A shadow stood at the balcony. Someone watching.

 Someone who didn’t clap. Someone who didn’t smile. Someone who was not happy that Juliana, the billionaire’s hidden daughter, had chosen Jeremy. And this person had their own plan. One that could tear everything apart. Juliana and Jeremy remained by the fountain, wrapped in a gentle silence filled with hope. The night air was cool, and the soft glow of the mansion lights made everything feel calm and peaceful.

 But above them, hidden behind the golden curtains of the upstairs balcony. Someone watched, someone who had been silent the entire day, someone who had waited for this moment. Diana, Juliana’s childhoodnurse. A woman who had cared for her since she was three. A woman who loved Juliana deeply but loved her father’s wealth even more.

 A woman who never believed any man deserved Juliana. And now watching Jeremy hold her with such affection, Diana’s heart burned. “This cannot happen,” she whispered to herself. “Juliana cannot marry a man from outside our world.” her fingers curled around the balcony rail as she stepped back into the shadows, her mind racing.

 If Jeremy married Juliana, he would inherit everything. Access to the Jones Empire, shares, investments, even private family assets. No, she whispered, “Not him.” She rushed downstairs. Jeremy was still wiping Juliana’s cheeks when the large wooden doors swung open. Diana marched toward them, her expression tight and burning. Juliana’s eyes widened.

 Diana, what are you doing here? Jeremy stood immediately, protective and alert. Diana pointed at him. You think you can marry her? You think you deserve her? Do you know how many men tried to use her just for her father’s power? You will not be one of them. Diana, stop. Juliana said firmly. Jeremy isn’t like that. But she stepped closer, ignoring Juliana completely.

 I will not let you trick her, Diana shouted, her voice rising. She is too trusting, too kind, too innocent. And you? Jeremy raised a hand calmly. Mom, I understand you’re worried. No, you do not understand, Diana cried. I have protected her for years. I’ve seen how people treat her. I know the pain she hides, and I know the truth.

 Love breaks her faster than anything else. Juliana’s eyes softened. Diana, I’m not broken. But Diana shook her head, tearing up. You don’t see yourself, she whispered. You don’t see how amazing you are, how precious you are. I just don’t want you to get hurt again. Juliana’s voice was warm as she held out her hand.

Come here. Diana hesitated. Juliana continued softly. All my life, you protected me. You kept me safe. You stood by me when I cried. But Diana, I’m not alone anymore. And love, love doesn’t break me, it heals me. Jeremy knelt down beside Juliana’s wheelchair, showing Diana he meant no harm. I didn’t fall in love with a billionaire’s daughter, he said.

 I fell in love with a brave woman who smiled through pain and still believed in kindness. Diana’s tears fell. I love her too much to lose her, she whispered. You’re not losing me, Juliana said. You’re gaining someone who will love me with you.” Diana covered her face, crying softly. After a moment, she lowered her hands and looked at Jeremy.

 “If you ever hurt her,” she warned quietly. “I will make you regret it.” Jeremy nodded once. “I understand.” Then Juliana held out her hand again, “And this time, Diana took it.” “Thank you,” Juliana whispered. “For caring enough to fight.” Diana nodded slowly and stepped back, her anger melting into acceptance.

 You really love him? She whispered. Juliana smiled. With everything I am. And you love her? Diana asked Jeremy. He looked at Juliana like she was the only person in the world. Yes, he said a thousand times. Yes. The next day, the wedding was small, warm, and breathtaking. Juliana wore a simple white gown that flowed beautifully over her legs.

 Her hair was styled in a neat bun, her favorite. Jeremy wore a charcoal suit, standing tall and proud. Adam Jones walked his daughter down the aisle with tears in his eyes. Diana stood beside her like a guardian. When Jeremy placed the ring on Juliana’s finger, the same one from the mall, she cried softly. From one day, she whispered, “To forever.

” Jeremy smiled, wiping her tears. “Forever, my love.” The crowd applauded. Their marriage wasn’t a fairy tale. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. A billionaire who found love and humility. A crippled woman who discovered strength inside her heart. Two lonely souls who found each other in the most unexpected way.

 And together they built a life filled with laughter, courage, partnership, and peace. What is your view about this story? Where are you watching from? If you enjoyed this story, comment, share, and subscribe to our channel for more interesting stories.