The Billionaire Price

Chapter 2 The proposal

Then, one day, we got a surprise message that turned everything on its head. A family called the Harris were billionaires living in New York whom my father has worked with for years in the past got wind of our situation through a contact we had in common. They made us an offer too: they would cover all of my father’s medical bills if I married their son, Jason Harris.

Mr. and Mrs. Harris seemed to be the perfect example of success and sophistication. Self-made billionaire, Robert Harris created his own empire from the ground up. He grew from a small investment firm to several industries: real estate, technology and luxury goods. No one in the financial world was more powerful than him, and this had come after relentless hustle. Evelyn Harris was a former corporate lawyer who had set aside her career to focus on her husband's political ambitions and raise their son, Jason. Collectively, they were the ultimate in riches and therefore respectability; their lives filled with luxury and power.

The Harris family, my father, Frederick Leo, had been head gardener here years ago. He took care of the huge gardens surrounding his estate, turning their lands into a wonderfully green place. The Harris family is still talking about my dad's work ethic and dedication. Their contact with him was comparatively limited and businesslike, but they did appreciated his fine craftsmanship and the modesty of character that shone out from every detail he had ever made.

A former colleague of my father who was still in touch with the Harris family contacted them when he learned that Dad's kidney disease had reached a critical stage. He knew my father was dying and how broke we were. He hoped that the Harris family, who had known my dad before and were well off enough to have something for trade, could be convinced.

The proposal was made at a dinner in the Harris mansion. Though Robert and Evelyn his wife listened as our mutual acquaintance told them what had happened and what my father needed, they were moved by what they had heard, they recounted it was the same gardener who had labored non-stop maintaining their estate with tender loving care.

Despite the Harris family's sea of difficulty, Jason, their only son, lived a carefree life. Jason had it all in life, but he had slipped into a cycle of partying, drugs, and irresponsible behaviour. He had done almost everything to bring shame on the family, and Robert and Evelyn had spent many nights worrying about it. They'd tried everything—rehab, therapy, and even ceased financially supporting him—but nothing seemed to help. Jason's opposition grew stronger as they attempted to control his life, and he appeared to look down on them with increasing confusion.

The thought was revolutionary, in the way that it used to be commonplace; some regarded as antiquated but on which additional reflection made perfect sense. It was nothing more than a last ditch effort by parents to save their dying child. We had to give it a chance, even though the odds were long. They instructed their middleman to schedule a meeting with us for the proposal. It felt as if the offer had landed in my lap from another realm. The Harrises, with all of their wealth and prestige, wanted to marry me off to their son merely so they could pay my father's hospital bill. It functioned as both an olive branch and a trap.

Lila," Evelyn started quietly, "we know that this is an uncommon ask. But we know you can save our son, Jason. But he needs someone who has the strength, compassion and values you have to mentor him. And now you help us and we will guarantee that your father gets the best medical treatments offered.

I stood in silence as my mind whirred. It was a life altering decision that held a lot of weight on my shoulders. Robert and Evelyn were no longer rich donors in my eyes, but parents battling for the son they loved. It turned out that even though the two of us were from different worlds, we both knew not to give up.

I had a difficult time trying to decide what to do. I felt I had a duty towards my father, but was also afraid to marry someone I really didn’t know, and who according to the small town rumours, had a troubling nature. But the idea of my father suffering without being taken care of was too much for me. I didn’t want him to be disappointed over me, after so much he did for me. So reluctantly, I agreed half-heartedly and scared as hell.

This was the start of my own new beginning filled with so many unknowns and such hope. I had walked away from everything I knew for that which I hoped would save my father, and in a tiny part of my soul believed it might possibly help Jason Harris. The journey from our one bedroom apartment in Vancouver to the world and manor house of the Harris family would push my endurance and fortitude to levels I never could have anticipated – but it mattered not how hard it got, for the sake of my father’s recovery, or for the promise of what lie ahead if indeed this dream came true.

Sir, I'm afraid I don't have the power to change your mind, Jason," my voice quivered. “But I will save him." Robert nodded, his eyes full of respect. We understand, Lila. It will not be simple, but you have the ability to make a difference. So, with anxiety and determination, I accepted the offer. When I moved into Harris Mansion, I encountered a world of unbelievable luxury and privilege! It was difficult, but I focused on my father and what he needed, including the pledge that I had made.

The Harris mansion was unlike anything I had ever seen; everything was sparkling, including the tiles, floor, marble, walls, and even the chandelier. The furniture, of course, appeared imported and costly; it has a golden crystal handle that exudes attention to detail. I already looked like a gold digger, and I was surrounded by incredible luxury. My father was well-cared for, and the process of travelling for good medical treatment had begun.