A Billionaire’s Ruse

After knocking on the door for a few more minutes, I decided to rest a little. Maybe they had all gone out and they will be back soon.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

This was just like the day I had come to visit James 2 years ago and nobody was at home. It later turned out that they have rushed mama to the hospital and she had passed away that same day.

I stood up and wiped the tears from my face. I refuse to dwell with evil thoughts. I looked through the window and I saw that the whole room was empty.

I sat down broken and alone. Had James really left without waiting for me. I could imagine how hurt he must have felt after what had happened between him and my mum.

That was when a neighbor came over and told me that they had all left town a day ago.

I returned home looking like a zombie.

Narrator’s POV

Emiy locked herself in her room for days, refusing to see anyone. She refused to eat ad drink. And they all could hear her wailing at intervals, day and night.

Her parents, on the other hand were worried about her health. It was becoming unbearable. They could neither eat, drink or sleep much either.

After two days, they were ready to call j a lock smith to pick the lock or better still break it down.

That morning before they could carry out their plans, Emily allowed Regina to enter her room.

Emily had become a shadow of her former self. Her hair was scattered, her eyes swollen as though they were pecked by a hen, her face rough and of course, she looked so heart broken. She was in a really sorry state.

“Get me a very light breakfast Regina.” She requested weakly and Regina quickly went to get it.

She was unable to feed herself and so Regina helped her feed. She took few sips of tea and a slice of bread and refused to eat any more.

“Miss, I’m sure that will not be enough for a toddler talk more of an adult. Please you have to eat more in order to get strength and face whatever comes your way.” She tried cajoling Emily.

There was no doubt that Emily had fallen in love with James. It took her such a long time to realise it and then lose it even before she could express it properly..

Tears drop streaked her face as she looked at Regina and asked

“Did James say anything to you?”

Regina replied “no.”

A couple of days later, I allowed my parents to come in to my room.

My mother immediately hugged me and she was apologizing for being short sighted.

“I only ever wanted the best for you Emily. You know that.” She sobbed. “I did not even see that my daughter was in love already.

“I am sorry Emily. Forgive this foolish mother.” I could not help but hug her and we both cried as my father looked on helpless.

Narrator’s POV

A friend of Sarah came to visit one day and ssarah entertained her in the living room. They were both going through a magazine when Emily walked passed them on her way out for a stroll.

“Why is Emily looking so sick?” Laura asked.

Sarah heaved a heavy sigh as she stared at Emily going out the door. As a mother, it has been a torture to watch her daughter everyday expecting James to return. She knew as a woman and a mother that emily was in love with James already. She was just not sure of the depth of the affection in her daughter’s heart.

Her only regret was that she acted slow. She should have done this a long time ago.

She looked a Laura with a pained expression, “I did not want my daughter to get married to someone who can’t take care of her needs, even if the person is not up to our status. At least, he should not be dependent on her for every single thing.” She started to say.

“I decided to get rid of James myself. I said some harsh words to him that I will not say normally. We all know he is a good boy and he is even good looking. Be takes care of himself and his father had been a friend of ours for years.

“But still it must not be heard that my daughter, the only heir of the Thorton family is getting married to my gardener’s son. It should not be heard anywhere.” She defended herself

“I understand where you are coming from Sarah. But you need to immediately take advantage of this situation. What i am saying is that, this is the best time to find suitors for her. You have to make her believe James isn’t the one for her and that she can still love again.* She continued as she saw the light go on on Sarah’s head.

“You have got friends scattered all over the state and even abroad who have sons of marriageable age. You could give your daughter to any of them on a platter of gold.

The idea sounded ideal and perfect to Sarah. Immediately her guest left, she went to work, calling her friends who had sons and setting up date for Emily.

She even went as far as making a post about it.

Emily’s POV

My mom made arrangements for me to meet several men, or should I rather suitors?

I was not impressed with all the men I met. None of them held a candle to james. I did not feel the joy I felt when I was with James.

The first person I met was Brian, he was the son of my mother’s friend who who was a merchant offshore.

I remember the day we were to meet so vividly. I walked into the cozy cafe. The cafe is decorated with greenery and string lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere