The Unexpected Bride
By Amy Sadler ©2025
Chapter One: An Unlikely Dilemma
Max Cole had always lived a life of privilege, but at 19 years old, privilege came with heavy expectations. As the only heir to a sprawling fortune, Max was set to become the world’s youngest billionaire. There was, however, a single, stubborn catch—he could only claim his inheritance if he married before his twentieth birthday. To everyone else, this was a formality, a rite of passage, but for Max, it was a burden he could barely shoulder. There was a secret he kept hidden, even from his doting parents. Max was gay, and he hadn’t found the courage to speak his truth to anyone except his childhood friend Adam Slater.
Chapter Two: The Proposal
Adam lived alone in a modest one-bedroom flat, worlds apart from the opulence Max was accustomed to. Yet it was Adam’s company that Max always sought, his loyalty and understanding a balm to Max’s worries. One cold September evening, Max knocked on Adam’s door, looking more distraught than ever. “Come in Max, take a seat, you look like you need one.” Said Adam noticing the distraught look on Max’s face, Max sat down, and he turned to face Adam.
“Adam, I need to ask you a huge favour,” Max said, his voice trembling with urgency.
Adam smiled, his warmth unwavering. “Sure, anything for you, my friend.” Said Adam.
Max drew a steadying breath. “I need you to become my girlfriend. And not just that—I need you to marry me.”
Adam stared at him, stunned. “What? Are you out of your goddamned mind?” Asked Adam in shock.
Max explained everything—the looming inheritance, the condition, and the impossibility of finding a willing bride who wouldn’t expose his secret. Adam listened, torn between shock and sympathy. Though his own life was simple, Adam would do anything for Max. After a moment’s pause, his answer was quiet but resolute. “All right, Max. Let’s do this. For you.” Said Adam with genuine empathy for his friend. “Oh Adam, you have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you.” Said Max who then unexpectedly gave Adam a kiss on the lips, but Adam accepted it as a means of gratitude, also knowing that at some point that he would have to be seen kissing Max anyway and for Max to be seen kissing him back.
Chapter Three: An Unexpected Bride
The wedding day dawned with a beautiful sun typical of British summer weather adding a note of melancholy to the occasion. Max’s family estate was festooned with white roses and silk ribbons. Curious guests milled about, none the wiser to the true nature of the union they were about to witness.
Adam, ever true to himself, arrived wearing a frilly white wedding dress—no makeup, no wig, no fake boobs either, no pretence. Whispers rippled through the congregation as Max took Adam’s hand at the altar. But before the ceremony could proceed, Adam turned to face the assembled guests.
With a steady voice, Adam spoke. “I know this isn’t what you expected. I know you might not understand. But I love Max, and I want you all to know that he deserves to be happy, for who he is. I simply ask you all to accept him, and us, as we truly are.”
Chapter Four: Love Without Boundaries
The moment was electric. After a moment’s silence, Max’s parents stood, uncertain and emotional. For the first time, Max let his guard down, holding Adam’s hand with pride. The ceremony continued—not as a farce, but with genuine affection and courage. Vows were exchanged, not only of marriage but of unconditional acceptance and friendship. The applause that followed was hesitant at first, then grew louder as love and truth found their place amidst tradition.
Their marriage was far from ordinary, but in its uniqueness, it became a symbol—not just for themselves, but for everyone present. Max had fulfilled the condition for his inheritance, but he had gained something far greater: the freedom to be himself, and a love that defied every expectation.
Epilogue
Max and Adam’s story became the talk of society, but more importantly, it inspired those who heard it to embrace authenticity and to stand by their loved ones. The billions were inherited, but the true fortune was found in friendship, courage, and a love that knew no boundaries.
The End.
