My Royal Billionaire

Ricky

Lights started to flicker as the sun sets in the west. People are making their way to their homes after a long day at work. Restaurants are full of diners chatting happily with friends and family. Looking at these sites in front of me makes me feel warm. Weird as it seems but I long for  the feeling to be part of a family. Although I have my parents we seldom see or communicate with each other. They are busy ruling a country while I am here alone to fend for myself. At twenty-six  I manage a business that my grandfather entrusted to me after he died. It is doing well  and steadily growing under my management and I am proud of that. But at the end of the day I still wish to have a family that would be welcoming me when I get home. 

Wearing a white shirt and a black bomber jacket with loose jeans with a silver chain on my side I completed my disguise with a black rimmed spectacles that is bigger than my face and white sneakers. My hair is down and it covers my eyes appearing like a college student at least that's what I want to show. I wander on the busy streets of Virginia to experience what it's feels like to live like an  ordinary person. Being free to do whatever you want without other's prejudices.

You might be wondering why a billionaire and prince like me is doing this. You see my life  in reality is far less than perfect. I feel lonely. As a crowned prince I have  to maintain a good appearance to the people. I was like a puppet who is being ordered on what to do  and what to say even what to eat. On the other hand in my position right now, as a CEO of a prestigious company and a bachelor at that whatever I do in the public is being watched by the media. They  eyed me like a hawk awaiting for me to do something bad worthy to be placed in the news. It's like always waiting to strike its prey. They named me a heartbreaker. Many women likes to be Mrs. Rick. Some celebrities even make up stories about me with them but the truth is I never even know their existence. I don't have any girlfriend since birth.

 I was engaged to a noble girl at a young age who mysteriously disappeared fifteen years ago. It is different in my world since I am a prince. They made that arrangement even when we were still very young. My grandfather never lost hope that someday she will be found and we could get married.

 I could vaguely remember what she looked like. She was six when I first saw her. I was eleven then. I went with the flow as to what my grandpa wanted me to do. I did not really care about her.  I gave her a necklace per grandpa's order and I even gave her a kiss on her forehead. She was wearing a big pink bough at that time. And I find it cute. But it did not really matter to me.  And our grandparents where very happy that time that they even threw a feast for us. I can't explain it but deep inside I still believe in what grandpa said to me. She is somewhere out there  waiting for me. I hope.

While I was in my own bubble thinking about that girl somebody strongly pushed me aside. Luckily I held my ground but the guy who pushed me fell faced down on the ground. But he swiftly stood up and ran again. "Stop that thief!" someone shouted. A small figure passed me by she was a petite girl wearing a sweat shirt and jeggings. Running towards the thief. Without thinking a sprinted towards them too. With my long strides I surpassed the lady and followed the thief to an alley. The thief was like waiting for me. I stopped three feet away from him. "Hand me that purse. It's the end for you." He just laughed out loudly to what I said. Then there were three other guys appeared behind him. "Do you think so boy?" he said showing his dirty teeth. They advanced towards me. The girl arrived and swiftly gave a flying kick to the leader. He then sprawled lifeless on the ground from the impact that hit him on his jaw. Two others advanced and tried to punch me but I evade him and gave him a kick on his side. He was holding his side while I give him a quick punch on his right jaw. He dropped to the ground. The other one was knocked out by the girl. I did not really witnessed how she did it but she  was really amazing in doing it. The last bad guy ran away with its tail in-between his legs. " Yeah that's right run you punk." she shouted. 

I hand her purse and we went out from that dark alley unscratched. "Thank you. You were impressive back there. My name is Kay by the way." she offered her hand for a shake. "Ricky" I replied shaking her small hand. "Not as impressive as you." I praise her in return. "Would like some ice cream?" she asked. I just smiled at her. "Come on, it's my way of thanking you for helping me. My treat." "Well, as much as I don't want to impose, but I am an ice cream fan too." "Great. Look there is an ice cream stand over there. Let's go." she pulled my arm towards the stand. 

"Good evening what can I get you?" the vendor asked us. "Chocolate Caramel please." We said at the same time. Grinning we looked at each other. "You like chocolate caramel ice cream too?" She asked me gleefully. I just nodded.

"Yup that's my ultimate favorite."  "Wow, I have to say from now on you will be my ice cream buddy." she chuckled. The vendor hand our ice cream and I quickly paid him before she could open her purse for the money. "Hey, no fair I told you that it's my treat not yours." she pouted. It was so cute. I smiled. "Sorry, I just want to treat an impressive lady. With her martial arts move a while ago. Where did you learn all that by the way?" I diverted the subject right away since I don't want her to be mad at me. We started to eat while walking towards a bench a few feet away from the ice cream stand. 

'Well, I started when I was in grade school. Nana told me that it will help me in the future. And I finally it paid off today. Nana taught me everything you know, how to survive in this world. I wish she was able to see me right now on how I come this far. Be proud of me. She was my adopted mother. When I was six she brought me to her home and raised me as her own." she sighed. "I am sure she is proud of you right now wherever she is." "Thanks" she gave her sweet smile again. It really makes me think that I already saw that sweet smile before but I could not think of where. 

She was a chatter but I did not mind. I even want her to keep talking just to see her smile. I learned that she has a bestfriend Lee. Lee is a photographer and owns a studio somewhere around here. She studied arts and history as a minor subject when in college. What made me impressed more was that she volunteers every weekend in a shelter for orphan kids teaching them to read and write. And even take care of infants in that shelter. She even invited me to join her this coming weekend to visit the shelter with her. I could not say no so she was ecstatic. I should work double time to make my weekend free. 

"By the way, Lee and I will be having dinner to celebrate my new job. And I want you to join us. I will not accept a no for an answer. You are practically part of our pack now." she laughed. "Alright I'll go." "Sweet." she said like she was singing. I was a bit hesitant to agree about this whole idea since I have never ate foods not being tasted yet by my butler before I eat them. I hope I could not get any indigestion. 

We met up with Lee in a restaurant that has a hot pot. I have a vague idea what it is but I let them led the way inside. We sat on the table near the glass window. Kay introduced me to her bestfriend. " Nice to meet you Ricky. Are you from around here?" Lee asked me. "Uhmm I just settled here months ago." I lied. I hate to lie to them but this is not the right time to reveal my true identity.  The waiter set up our hot pot. Kay and Lee were so excited to start eating. "Let's dig in." Lee said rubbing her hands together. "Ricky help yourself." Kay invited me. I got some soup and tasted it. My eyes widened and took another spoonful of it. Kay was amused by my reaction and she chuckled. "Is this your first time to eat this?" "Yeah it is really delicious. I'm glad I came here with you." We smiled with each other. We did not noticed that it was already a long time that we just stared with each other until we heard Lee cough. " Ehem…" she cleared her throat. "Hello guys I am still here. Do your staring contest later will you." she has a smirked on her face. Kay blushed. I turned my head not to embarrass ourselves more. 

We left the restaurant and they were heading towards their home. I tag along. Walking side by side with Kay "It's getting late and I need to be early for my first day at work tomorrow so I need to go home early. Will you be ok going back to your  house?'" she asked me I looked at her eyes and I could see concern  and it made me warm all over. Someone was concerned for me for the first time in my whole life. "I'll be fine." I gave her a reassuring smile. I tagged along until they reach their apartment safely. I called my driver in minutes he arrived and I got in. We sped back to my house. I could not help but smile thinking about what happened tonight. I met Kay. 

My thoughts were interrupted by a call. 

"Yes"

"Sir the information regarding Kaylie Smith is ready. I forwarded it to your email."

"Okay"

I hung up the call. 

I sigh and was reminded of my new PA. Her angelic face. 

I reached my house alone. I went to my study and opened my mail when my phone rang again. 

"Hello Father?"

"Son I need you to come back home. It's your mom."

His tone was so serious. I panicked and ordered to ready my private plane right away and I was on the air two hours after towards home.

Home. I have never been back since my grandfather passed away, that was six years ago. It still so familiar to me. And I could not help but feel the same heaviness on my chest when grandpa died. It was devastating. I want to escape again and turn back to my plane. But I need to see my mother. She might be in serious condition right now. 

Arriving at the palace, the servants who were cleaning in the entrance was surprised about my presence and immediately bowed their head to give their respects.  I just bow a bit and sprint away inside and reached my mother's room in no time. At the door was a servant. "How's my mother?" her face was surprised. "Your.. your highness, your mom is resting right now. She just had her lunch." I did not wait for her to finish I opened the door and went inside. "Mother!" I shouted. This gave my mother a scare. "Richard why in Heaven's name are you shouting and why did you not tell us that you will be coming?" She get up from her bed and gave me a tight hug. "This is a very good surprise son. I missed you so much. You look more handsome." "Father said to come here right away because of you. I thought you were ill." Mother chuckled "Your father was just messing with you." "What?!" I asked confused.

"That's right son. I need to do that just to make you come here." I turned my back and saw my father at the door grinning. "Sorry" he said and gave me a bear hug. "Do not scare me like that again."  " I missed you too son." he continued to hug me.

"Well since our prince is back we will have a feast tonight." my mother clapped her hands and ordered her maids to prepare the feast right away. "Mom wait, before you invite the whole country to have dinner with us  tonight please stop. I don't want anybody to know that I am here. Even our family. I just want to spend time with both of you." I said looking at both of them. "But son..." my mother argued  "Please mom not tonight. If you will not listen to me expect that I will go back to the US right away before you say grace for dinner tonight." I gave her my pleading eyes at the same time I kind of  threatened her a little bit. I don't want to socialize with everyone else. I am not ready for that. Not now. 

"Our son is right dear, we need to spend time with him. He was gone for six years and I want to talk to him regarding important matters as well that is also the reason I scared him so that he will come back." he winked my mother. "Alright you win." she sighed. I kissed her forehead. "Thanks mom." "Well then get some rest and we will discuss some important matters later in your father's office." "Okay. I'll take my leave then." I left my mom's room and head straight to my room. My room was neat and clean. My mother see to it that my room is always clean even if I am not here for a long time. And there are also clothes that I changed into before I succumb to my exhaustion and went to sleep. 

I woke up and reached for my phone on the bedside table. It was five in the afternoon. I get up in bed and went to the bathroom to take a shower. After changing into a new set of clothes. Royalty accepted clothes if you know what I mean. I went downstairs and found my father talking to an old man in the garden. They are having tea. "Father." I called my dad both of them turned and saw me approaching. " I apologize for interrupting your conversation." "No son, I'm glad that you could join us. Come take a seat. A servant offered a seat for me and placed a teacup in front of me." Father and his companion was smiling at me. "What's going on?" I asked while sipping my cup of tea. "Son do you still remember Roy?" He asked gesturing at the old man beside him. "Of course he is Ana Katherine's grandfather." They both smiled. "I am glad you did not forget me son" Roy said.  "I know my son and his wife's demise has been a long time ago. Ana's body was not retrieved from the accident. I still believe that she is still alive. I never stopped looking for her but due to my age it is difficult to continue. I would like to asked you a very big favor. Please help me continue search for her. The  accident happened near Washington DC. this is the only clue I can give you. I know with today's technology you could trace her.  I am already old I need to know what happened to her before I leave this world. I hope you could grant this old man's last wish. "I clasp my hand together while I place both of my elbows on my legs. "Grandpa I could not promise you anything but I will try. Okay?" Thanks son. That is all I need from you.". He held my hands tears crept his face. 

We invited the Roy for dinner which he gladly accepted. We chatted happily during dinner. "I wish your sister is here too Richard." "I know mom. I miss her too." "She will come in Christmas holidays so you better be here then. am I clear?" mom warned me. "I will try mother." My sister is in Switzerland studying music. Her name is Ester seven years younger than me.  She chose the farthest place that she could be away from the palace. She wants to live a normal life. To enjoy being young and have fun. I just wonder what she's been doing in here spare time. And I am happy for her. But I still hired men to keep an eye on her without her knowing. Just to make sure she is safe all the time. I hope she will not kill me after knowing what I did. 

After dinner, Roy bid farewell and left. My mom dad and I went to the study. My dad on his chair and mom and I sat the two chairs in from of him. My dad started to talk. "Son the reason I made you come here is because I need to discuss with you about the passing of the crown to you. but not to worry it will not  be right away. There are some requirements that you need to fulfill before you can be qualified to be the next in the throne. I know this is coming. Honestly, I did not expect it to be this soon. "What will happen to my business if that happens?" "We will discuss about that as well." my mother said. "With that being said, the first requirement is for you to get married." He gave me a stern look. "I know you are still engaged to Ana but unless we can find her in time. We need to look for another one to be your wife." I was speechless. 'I know a big headache is coming my way.' 

"Do you have a girlfriend right now son?" my mother asked 'What? No I don't. Like I have the time to have a relationship when all I do is work. Those rumors you heard are not true mom. Believe me." "Although...recently I met someone. But it is too early to tell." "Really? that's good news. You know son it is okay   to marry a commoner according to our laws now. We are not that backwards anymore.  I hope that you will have a good relationship with her and marry her right away." "It is not that easy mom. And besides Roy asked me to continue looking for Ana. To tell you the truth I still hold on to the belief that she is still alive."