Billionaire’s

Chapter 17

“What are we going to talk about. Davin?” I asked as I entered his study office.

I was summoned by one of the maids, informing me that Davin wanted to see me. I knew he had just arrived, but I wasn’t sure why he had come straight here. I didn’t even see him pass through the mansion’s main door.

His coat hung on the back of his chair. He was sitting by the window, holding a piece of paper. His hair was slightly disheveled, and I caught a faint scent of cigarette smoke.

“Sit down,” he said, motioning to the chair in front of him, with a round table in the center, his attention seemed focused on what he held.

I wanted to ask how he was doing, but I decided not to pry into his life. He might get annoyed with me for being concerned about his well–being. just as he had treated me and that woman at the hospital who had left with resentment.

1 took a seat, wondering what he was reading

“The doctor called me and told me everything. In the second week..” he said without even looking at me.

He continued, “We need to do it”

to fulfill my part Bo

my part. But anxiety welled

Even though I didn’t want to, what could I do? I had signed this, and he had negotiated the contract, so I had to up inside me as I thought about it, and I couldn’t help but wonder how painful it might be.

Just

once, right?” I whispered softly, just enough for him to hear.

He looked up at me, his gaze fixed on me for a few seconds… before he spoke, The doctor recommended doing it three times within a week”

I averted my gaze from him.

“Three times?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My face slowly grew warm, and I

“Yes,” he said

d seriously. “Monday, Thursday, and Sunday”

There was no expression on his face, while 1, just thinking about it, felt like I was already in a state of crisis. I took a deep breath before asking. “Are you fine with it!” Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“No,” he replied quickly, leaning back in his chair. “But I want to make this thing end so I’ll have my inheritance and the company. I am expecting next year, everything is according to my plan that this will be over.”

Everything about him revolved around business dealings; the child would be treated as a mere business matter. Would he ever love the child more than a business interest?

I wanted to tell him that, but I kept it to myself. I had no right to that matter; it was part of the contract I had signed. I should do what I had agreed to. But why did I feel pity for the child caught in the middle, even though they hadn’t been born yet?

I hoped that he would take good care of that child and be a good parent because I knew that when I gave birth to the child, I would never be more than the one who gave birth to them.

I simply nodded

Then we are done now. You can leave,” he said and stood up from his seat. I stood up too. He went to the other door, and I thought he would be smoking again.

I glanced at the closing door before I left. If he continued to smoke, he wouldn’t have a long life. He was digging his own grave.

I wanted to ask him if he was the one who paid the hospital bill. I sighed.

The next day, I left and headed to the hospital, not expecting to were eating pizza

to find Steven there, chatting with my mom about her condition, while both of them

“Hi, Moen, hello, Steven. You didn’t mention you were coming here, I greeted them as I entered unnoticed

when the same.

Steven immediately stood up and approached me. Mom didn’t say anything her attention was fixed on her food, but I could see the joy in her face

“A surprise visit, but I didn’t expect you weren’t here yet. I’m glad your Moin is accommodating. She told me stories about you when you were a child, Steven said as he took the eco–bag 1 brought with food for my mom and some essentials. According to the doctor I spoke to, Mom would be discharged next Monday, but she would stay at Uncle Robert’s house for a few days before going to the mental facility for her two–week check–up I was glad Men had someone to talk

so talk to other than us; she hadn’t been speaking at the faculis

facility. “What did she say? I hope it’s nothing embarrassinn –

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411 PM)

Steven chuckled. “Not at all. Your mom said you were always a good and responsible child.”

I sofily laughed, responding. I doubt that. I bet she told you about that one incident where I accidentally hit my father on the head with a pan, thinking he was a burglar.”

Then he laughed. “And you said sorry while crying furniture”

to your fathe

father, who was laughing, seeing his 5–year–old daughter do it while standing on the

My cheeks flashed with the memory. I had been so embarrassed with Papa, he came home late that night. When I was abruptly awakened by the door swinging open. I was sleeping on the couch at that time.

“She’s brave like her father,” Mama commented, a hint of sadness in her eyes as tears welled up slowly.

I approached Mama and hugged her. Tm here, Mom. Everything will be alright.”

“I want to see Leo Mama tried.

“Mom, you’ll see Papa soon. You need to get better,” 1 gently said as held her.

“Really, Lili? When?” Mama asked, lifting her gaze to me, tears streaming down her face

Soon. Aunt Rose,” Steven answered, and my mother stared at him. “You’ll be with your husband again.

I wiped the tears from Mama’s eyes as she continued to gaze at Steven. “Yes, Mom” I added.

She looked at me, her expression blank. “I just want to rest for a while”

She didn’t believe it. “Okay, Mom,” I said and helped her lie down

Steven looked at me and smiled, but I couldn’t muster a smile at that moment. Seeing my mom’s despairing eyes was painful “Are you okay?” Steven asked

His phone rang, and he answered it immediately. “Hello, Vinny

I didn’t know what they discussed, but Steven’s face turned serious after the call.

He looked at me with sadness. “I wanted to stay-

Tunderstand, work is important, 1 said, rutting

ng off what he was about to siy

He smiled widely with relief. Thank you, Lili I actually planned to stay with you. Next time. I need to go to Sydney:

“Why” Lasked. There must be an important reason for this,

I noticed a hint of concern on Steven’s face. He couldn’t bring himself to look at me.

“It’s a p

a private matter, so I can’t disclose it,” he replied, “I’ll update you once I’m back. For now, another lawyer will handle your dad’s case”

1 nodded, understanding even though I wanted to press

press him for more details

After Steven left, my mind was still filled with questions about why he had to urgently go to Sydney. That’s where his parents and siblings lived.

It would be a while before he returned, and I started to worry about him.

To clear my mind of thoughts about Steven, I went to the mall. Uncle Robert was looking over of my mom at night,

I gazed out of the mall’s glass wall while sipping may coffee, trying to enjoy myself and not dwell on thoughts. When I finished my dri

drink I checked

My forehead craved when I tow a missed call from Davin and his message Where are you”

Were we going to talk again! I didn’t feel like replying, so I ignored his text.

1 left the mall and headed to the nearby park to get some fresh air and distract myself before going home. It would be boring to go at his home right now. I had nothing to do except lie down or sit around 1 didn’t even have the inspiration to draw or paint, Dayna lud taken care of all the

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basic things. Everything she prepared that I felt so useless..

My phone vibrated inside my sling bag, and there were many people at the park, some young groups dancing.

1 answered Davin’s call without realizing it was almost eight

“He-

“Where are you? You’re not at the hospital,” he said, not even letting me finish

my sentence.

“Do we have something to talk about?” I asked, yawning. Maybe I would just sleep at my apartment tonight, since it’s close to the park.

“Where are you!” he asked. I wondered what he needed.

“Is there a problem?”

“Where are you?” he repeated, his voice showing a hint of annoyance.

“I’m at G Park. What’s roins

going on!” I asked, but he hung up the phone,

I glanced at my phone, finding his behavior weird. I bought five corn dogs from a nearby vendor and ate while walking in the park.

My phone rang again. I answered without checking the caller. I was chewing when I said, “Hello?”

“Where are you in the park?”

I looked at the caller, and it was Davin

“Why?” I asked, puzzled.

Not far away, I saw him standing. He was still wearing his business attire, complete with coat and tie. He was looking around until his gaze stopped in my direction.

No expression on his face,

The phone call ended, and he began walking toward me with his usual straight posture.

“Is there a problem!” I asked.

“Your father almost got killed he said to me, and the corn de

dog I was holding slipped from my hand.