Meeting the Billionaire

When I got to my apartment, the landlord was already waiting for me in the house compound. He approached me, asking about the house rent, which I had yet to pay but had been due for several weeks.

Right now, I could not offer him anything other than to beg for more time, but his tone was as harsh and serious as ever.

“You just have three days left,” the landlord said angrily before walking away.

Entering my room, I realized I hadn’t eaten anything since morning. I was really hungry. I checked the fridge, but nothing was there. I just drank water and lay down.

I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t. All my thoughts were on how to get money to sort out all the piled-up bills. I continued staring at the ceiling, remembering the doctor’s warning until I unconsciously fell asleep.

I was woken up by my phone ringing. Slowly, I picked up the call. It was Mr. Sam speaking.

“Hello, Isabella. When do you want to clear the debt your parents owe me? I desperately need money now.”

“Yes, sir, I will pay off. Just give me more time, sir,” I said emotionally.

“Isabella, time is what you don’t have again,” the man said and hung up.

I almost broke down in tears. What kind of rough life had fate given me?

Looking at the time, it was exactly 7:55 a.m., and I was meant to resume work by 8 a.m. So automatically, I would be late to work. Immediately, I bathed, dressed up quickly, and rushed to work.

It was exactly 8:27 a.m. when I got there. I was already late. The manager approached me and warned me never to be late again or I would get sacked. Her tone was very serious. My co-workers were already mocking me again, but I had no sudden action to take. I just kept silent and continued with my work.

After long hours of working tirelessly, the restaurant door opened slowly. A tall and handsome man entered. His elegant suit caught everyone’s attention as it looked extremely expensive. He walked slowly and confidently, each step speaking power.

Immediately, the atmosphere of the restaurant changed. Everyone became quiet. Even the manager grew nervous and personally walked respectfully to the man, asking what he would like.

The man responded calmly, “Just a minute, I will give you feedback.”

Immediately, the tension in the restaurant grew higher. Everyone was staring at him like he was a television.

Some of my co-workers were silently whispering. I wondered why he was so special that the manager herself attended to him.

After a brief moment, the man spoke calmly.

“Please, give me a cup of coffee and roasted chicken with chips.”

Immediately, the manager signaled to me to attend to him carefully. I could hear other whispers about that.

I quickly prepared a rich coffee and dished the roasted chicken with chips, placing everything on a tray. I carefully walked toward him, but suddenly, fate intervened. Accidentally, a slip of coffee splashed on his multi-million dollar suit. Immediately, my heart stopped. I was so scared.

The man’s expression became so cold. He looked at me like I didn’t belong in this world. Immediately, I began to plead, almost crying.

Silently, my co-workers were already laughing at me. The manager apologized on my behalf, but surprisingly, he ignored her and continued to look at me suspiciously.

I knew I had made a great mistake. After a second of heavy silence, he said something cold but calm and unexpected.

“Be careful next time and always watch.”

At that exact moment, I wanted to talk, but the speech caught in my throat and I bit my lips unconsciously.

He continued to observe me quietly. I think he was noticing my tiredness. I couldn’t withstand the way he looked at me anymore. Soon, my hands began to shake obviously.

Yet, he continued to look at me like he was studying me. His curiosity became more obvious. I tried to look away and distract myself, but I couldn’t. My hands continued to shake more visibly.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I picked it up with trembling hands. It was the doctor speaking again. This time, his tone sounded more serious, giving a warning. I didn’t speak. I didn’t know what to say anymore. Then the line went off.

He was still looking at me. I wanted to turn away from him, but it wouldn’t be professional, so I maintained my composure.

Silently, one of my co-workers whispered to me, “Isabella, did you know him anywhere before this moment?”

I answered, “No.”

She then said, “His name is Alexander Lucas, one of the most powerful billionaires in the country and also heir of the great Mr. Alexander, the owner of the popular Alex Empire.”

I was shocked and realized I had made a terrible mistake that could ruin my entire life. The name alone sounded powerful. The Alexander family was popularly known for business and power. Most of their heirs were arrogant and ruthless billionaires whom everyone in the country knew.

I was totally stunned as he continued to observe me. Suddenly, his cold and calm voice broke the silence.

“Hey, you, come over here.”

At first, I was confused. Could I be the one he was calling?

But he pointed specifically at me. I slowly approached him and stood beside him. Surprisingly, he offered me a seat across from him and asked what was bothering me.

“I have been observing you for a while. Hope everything is well with you.”

Without hesitation, I explained my situation and everything I had been going through. Then we started the conversation properly.

“I’m Alexander Lucas, the heir of the great Mr. Alexander, the real owner of the Alex Empire,” he introduced himself briefly.

“Yes, I’m Vincent Isabella,” I said shortly.

“Isabella, I can offer you life-changing help, but I want something in return,” he continued. “I can’t just help without anything in return. Yes, our family is well known for that,” he said calmly.

Immediately, my mind spun. Eagerly, I asked, “What do you want in return?”

“I want a contract marriage for one year, and I will offer you money—about five million dollars.”

What? It sounded like a cruel joke.

Get married to a cold billionaire I barely knew?

I was shocked and confused.

I thought it was a joke, but Alexander Lucas looked very serious.

“Isabella, marry me for one year. No attachment, no feelings, no sex. Just public appearances, and I will pay you five million dollars.”

My life was about to change unexpectedly.

Should I involve myself in this?

The money would be enough for me to stabilize my life and pay all the bills on my shoulders. But going into a contract marriage wasn’t an option… I thought.

“Take my business card and contact me if you want to discuss the offer further.”

Immediately, he strode out of the restaurant. My co-workers were confused, looking at the card in my hand.

I was also surprised.

I stood frozen, staring at the card…