The Billionaire son

Chapter4:TheEncounter

I tried to push him away, hoping to create some space between us, but instead, he pressed his body even closer. I considered shouting for help, but with the loud noises from the partying crowd in the dark hallway, I knew no one would hear me.

I tilted my head away from his face, afraid that one wrong move would lead to a kiss. His hand traveled up my arm, making my heart race.

“Bella… Don’t test my patience,” his voice was low and tense, sending a chill through me. I could feel his anger seeping into his words, and my knees weakened.

I tried again to break free from his hold, but his grip was stronger than mine. “Where is my son?” he demanded, squeezing my elbows so tightly that I almost screamed.

Goosebumps prickled my skin as his breath brushed against my neck.

“Where is he?” he repeated, his voice colder.

Ignoring his question, I shoved against his chest. “Get away from me.”

“Have you even thought about that before coming here?” He sounded exasperated. “You’re already a mother for crying out loud.”

I stared at him, disbelief flooding my face. “Yes, I’m a mother—no, let me rephrase that—I’m a single mother. If I want to flirt or mingle, it’s my choice.”

He released my elbows and took a step back, his smirk growing. “That’s about to change. You forget—I’m the father. We both made him.”

His words stung, but I couldn’t let him get under my skin. “How many times do I have to tell you? You don’t have a son with me. We barely even know each other.”

He was dressed in casual clothes, the typical billionaire attire. “Stop denying it,” he retorted.

“You wish,” I spat, and without thinking, I kicked him in the stomach. It was just enough to buy me some time to run.

“f**k!” he cursed, his grip slipping as he staggered back.

Without a second glance, I turned and ran, my heart pounding in my chest. I hailed a cab the moment I was out of the club.

Once home, I let out a sigh of relief.

“It’s fine,” I whispered to myself. “Tomorrow evening, we’ll be gone. I won’t be scared anymore. We won’t see him again. This is the last time.”

The morning arrived, and John informed me that our things were packed and ready in the car. His sister would drop us off at the airport, and John would handle the rest.

“This is happening so fast,” Dan remarked.

“I know, but it’s for the best,” I replied.

Dan eyed me, concern in her gaze. “You’ve really made up your mind, haven’t you?”

I nodded. “Nathan is influential. He can do things I can’t.”

Dan cooked lunch for us, insisting on reminding me how good she was in the kitchen, and how much I would miss her cooking.

Upon arrival at the airport, the silence was deafening.

I turned to John, seeking reassurance. “Any news? Is the flight canceled?”

“No,” he answered. “I called the airline this morning, confirmed the flights.”

Dan spoke up. “Maybe there aren’t many international passengers?”

I nodded in agreement. We said our goodbyes, and I could see Dan trying hard not to cry.

“I’ll update you when we arrive,” I said. She nodded and left.

At the check-in counter, I noticed employees exchanging glances with security, but I tried to ignore it. I didn’t have the time or energy to deal with it.

Nathaniel was occupied with his iPad, and John was reading a book when I told them I needed to use the bathroom.

John nodded, and I walked away, feeling an eerie quiet settle over the airport.

I took my time in the restroom since we still had a couple of hours before boarding. When I returned, I noticed a group of men following me. I stopped and turned to face them.

“Why are you following me?” I asked, confused and wary.

One of the men stepped forward, handing me a phone. “Someone wants to talk to you.”

I hesitated before bringing the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

“Do you really think I wouldn’t know?” The voice sent a chill down my spine.

“You’ve got some nerve running away with my son. That’s brave of you.”

Before I could react, one of the men grabbed me, holding me in place.

“Please don’t cause a scene. Come with us quietly.”

I looked toward the exit and saw John and Nathaniel being escorted to a car outside.

“We were told not to hurt you, but if necessary, we will,” one of the men added, his tone threatening.

I swallowed hard, fear creeping up on me.

Throughout the ride, I stayed silent, not daring to speak. John kept asking questions, but I only managed a weak smile in response.

I should have sent John and Nathaniel ahead and followed them later, I thought, but it was too late now.

When we arrived, two towering gates loomed in front of us. At first, I thought we had arrived at Nathan’s parents’ home, but I quickly realized it was his own house—a mansion I recognized from magazines.

Three housekeepers helped us with our luggage.

“Momma, where are we?” Nathaniel asked, his voice filled with confusion.

I looked at him and forced a smile. “We’re just visiting a friend.”

One of the housekeepers guided us to a room decorated for a boy.

“This is Nathaniel’s room,” she said, and I froze.

“Momma, this is my room?” Nathaniel exclaimed, his face lighting up as he began exploring the toys and books.

John looked at me, his confusion evident.

“John, I’ll explain later,” I said softly. “Please stay with Nathaniel. Don’t let him leave the room.”

As I followed the housekeeper, she showed me to a large room—the master bedroom.

“This will be your room,” she said. “Your luggage will be brought in soon.”

Before I could respond, the door was closed in my face. I sat down on the edge of the bed, my head in my hands, trying to process everything.

Hours later, I was called down to the dining area. As I descended the stairs, I heard voices—Nathan’s and a familiar one.

“Daddy, what took you so long to come back?” Nathaniel asked.

Nathan smiled warmly. “Daddy was just busy. I’m here now. You can ask me anything.”

“I want a complete family, just like everyone else,” Nathaniel said, his voice soft.

Nathan nodded in agreement. “We’ll make that happen.”

Nathaniel was about to speak again when he saw me. “Momma, look, Daddy’s here!” he shouted excitedly.

I forced a smile. Nathan stood up, approaching me like we were on good terms.

He wrapped me in a hug, his voice low in my ear. “If I can’t have my son, I’ll take you. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone.”

I was frozen, unsure how to react. His words were so confusing, and I wanted nothing more than to break free, but I realized I had to stay calm.

Nathaniel smiled at me, and I returned the smile, guilt gnawing at me deep inside. After a forced breakfast, I excused myself.

“Nathaniel, we need to talk,” I said, leading him to a private room.

I paced, waiting for him to enter. When he did, his posture was rigid, his eyes challenging.

“Nathaniel, what is the meaning of this? How could you…” I started, but before I could finish, his lips found mine in a sudden, warm kiss.