A Son for A Billionaire novel Chapter 23

EPISODE TWENTY FOUR

Theme: A bruised heart

(FLASHBACK TO TEN YEARS AGO)

WINSLOW, ARIZONA.

(IN THE EVENING AT THE BEACH HOUSE)

Bethany sat on the swing still expecting Ace not wanting to give up. But after several hours of waiting on the porch simply looking at the sea, the hurt that came with the realization was surprisingly sharp, painful and shocking even as she told herself that it no big deal. She knew she was lying.

Ace had given her the most beautiful night of her life. She expected him to be here by now but it seems like she was wasting her time waiting for him to return. Bethany made her way down the steps, looked back at the beach house before walking away finally, telling herself that it was over. She had allowed herself to be used by a stranger who only wanted to satisfy his lustful desires. She pushed away the thoughts of regret and hopes to get over this pain soon. And she was left with a heart surprisingly bruised.

GOLDEN HOTEL

LATE NIGHT

The meeting with the investors just ended, the team went on from one project into another then to the next until Ace got tired and bored of the discussion in the board room. Ace knew someday he would have to get used to the idea of spending hours in the conference room just discussing business with investors and board of directors.

“You did well today, I am so proud of you. So son, I arranged a room for you at the top floor please go to bed now. We will be leaving as early as possible so make sure you get enough rest.” Mr Clark smiled.

“Okay dad.” Ace answered.

He never expected the meeting with board of directors and investors to take that long. During the course of the meeting, he had prayed silently for Bethany to still be at the beach house.

“Alright son. I will just go ahead and rest now.” Mr Clark walked away.

“Are you okay Ace? You were not looking too good during the meeting.” Mr Mark asked.

He had watched Ace throughout the meeting as he recorded the minutes of the meeting together with the new female secretary hired for Mr Clark.

Ace thought of what to say to Mr Mark that would grant him a free access to go back to the beach house. “I really need to get to the beach house.” He said looking worried.

Mr Mark eyebrows snapped up together. “Why do you need to go back there? Your dad must never find out that I let you into the beach house!” Mr Mark gritted in a low tone.

“I..I..left my wallet there..and some other stuffs in it are really important. I left in a rush without remembering to take it.” Ace lied.

Mr Mark shook his head in disapproval. “You can't go back there, your dad might request for your presence so what do I say? You can’t go back to the beach house and moreover you can get a new wallet.” Mr Mark objected with a serious look on his face.

“Please Mr Mark, I left some important stuffs in it..like my school identity card. Just help me this once.” Ace Clark stated with a pleading look on his face.

“I am sorry, Ace. I am not ready to lose my job.” Mr Mark disagreed.

“Okay fine, it’s either you persuade my dad to let me stay for a month, I get your car keys right now Or I will tell my dad you allowed me into the beach house? What's your take?” Ace didn’t have any choice than to state these conditions. He was desperate.

Mr Mark shook his head in disbelieve. “I can’t persuade your dad to let you stay for a month. So I guess I don’t have any choice than to choose the best condition that would help secure my job.” Mr Mark handed his car keys to Ace.

Ace smile broadened. “Nice choice.” He breathed out.

“Go to the beach house to get your wallet and be fast about it. I will be waiting out here till you return.” Mr Mark replied with a stern look on his face.

“It won't take long.” Ace walked away at a close run.

He raced down to the garage as fast as his legs could carry him. Making a decision that he would persuade Bethany to come with him to Los Angeles since she wasn’t accepted in this damn town.

Once he returned back to Los Angeles, he was sure that his dad would give back his credit cards and unfreeze his accounts and give back the things he took from him. Ace was rich enough to foot her college bills and make her dream come true. He would then plead with his dad to cancel his wedding plans with Camila because right now Bethany was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

RIVERA HOME

Ivy unlocked the door and walked into her bedroom quietly without wanting to disturb her parents. She wasn’t ready to hear them scold and nag at her for spending the night out yesterday.

Emily stood up from the bed abruptly when Ivy walked into their bedroom. “Ivy!” She got out of bed and rushed to hug her sister.

“Where have you been? I was so worried about you. I searched everywhere you always stay but couldn’t find you.” Emily noticed her sister's stiffness.

She withdrew from the embrace to look at her sister. “Are you okay?” Emily asked with a concerned look on her face.

Ivy nodded her head slowly. “Yes...I am fine and..you don’t need to worry about me.” Ivy faked a smile on her face.

“Well I can’t help but worry about you. Aunt Julia called too she wanted to talk to you. She was really worried about you too.” Emily reported.

“I still feel sorry for causing such a mess at her wedding. And I am sorry for making you worry about me.” Ivy apologized in the lowest tone she could muster.

“It’s not you fault so you don’t need to apologize. Aunt Julia said she will see you when she comes back from her honeymoon.” Emily smiled brightly at her sister.

“Okay.” Ivy nodded.