THE DRIVER'S SECRET.

The Billionaire's proposal

THE DRIVER'S SECRET

Chapter Nine: The Billionaire's Proposal

The rain poured steadily outside Ruth's bedroom window.

She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the pregnancy test kit lying on the table.

Even though the doctor had confirmed it...

Part of her still struggled to believe it.

She gently placed her palm on her stomach.

A single tear escaped her eyes.

"Little one..."

"I don't know where your father is."

"I don't know if I'll ever see him again."

"But I promise..."

"I'll protect you with everything I have."

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Ruth," her mother called softly.

"Can I come in?"

"Yes, Mum."

Her mother entered carrying a tray of food.

"You've barely eaten since yesterday."

"I'm not hungry."

"You need to eat now."

"Not just for yourself..."

"But for the baby."

Ruth forced a weak smile and accepted the tray.

---

The following week...

Life became even more difficult.

The morning sickness grew worse.

She found it hard to keep food down.

Some days she couldn't even get out of bed.

Her mother remained by her side, praying and encouraging her.

But one question remained unanswered.

Who would stand beside Ruth?

---

Meanwhile...

A black Mercedes-Benz slowly entered the compound.

The expensive car attracted the attention of everyone nearby.

The driver stepped out first and opened the rear door.

A tall, well-dressed man in his late forties stepped out gracefully.

He wore a neatly tailored traditional outfit and polished black shoes.

His presence commanded respect.

This was Chief Peter Okafor.

One of the most successful businessmen in the state.

Years earlier, Chief Peter had admired Ruth after meeting her through a family friend.

At the time, Ruth had politely declined his advances because she believed she had already found the man she wanted to spend her life with.

Chief Peter had respected her decision.

He never forced her.

He simply wished her happiness.

Now...

After hearing from mutual acquaintances that Ruth had withdrawn from public life, he decided to visit.

---

Ruth's father welcomed him warmly.

"Chief Peter."

"It's been a long time."

"It has."

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all."

As they sat together, Chief Peter noticed the sadness in the house.

"This doesn't feel like the cheerful family I remember."

Ruth's father lowered his eyes.

"We've been facing difficult times."

Before he could explain further...

Ruth slowly walked into the living room.

Chief Peter stood immediately.

"Ruth."

She smiled politely.

"Good afternoon, Chief."

He studied her face carefully.

"You don't look well."

"I've been a little sick."

There was something in her eyes...

A sadness he had never seen before.

---

Over the next few weeks...

Chief Peter visited regularly.

Sometimes he brought groceries.

Sometimes fruits.

Sometimes medicine recommended by doctors.

He never asked questions that made Ruth uncomfortable.

He simply helped.

One afternoon, after leaving the hospital, Ruth met Chief Peter outside.

"I was coming to see you," he said.

She smiled faintly.

"You always seem to arrive at the right time."

"I try."

He noticed she looked worried.

"Would you like to talk?"

Ruth hesitated.

Then she nodded.

They sat on a quiet bench outside the hospital.

For a long time...

Neither of them spoke.

Finally...

Ruth whispered,

"I'm pregnant."

Chief Peter remained silent.

She continued.

"The father doesn't know."

"We lost contact."

"I searched everywhere."

"I couldn't find him."

Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I don't even know whether he's alive."

Chief Peter listened without interrupting.

When she finished...

He handed her a handkerchief.

"Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me."

---

Several days later...

Chief Peter invited Ruth and her parents to dinner.

After the meal...

He stood up.

"I have something important to say."

The room became quiet.

He looked directly at Ruth.

"I know your situation."

"I know carrying this burden alone cannot be easy."

He paused.

Then continued.

"I still love you."

Ruth looked up in surprise.

"I did years ago..."

"And I still do today."

"I am not asking because of pity."

"I am asking because I believe we can build a peaceful home together."

He took a deep breath.

"If you are willing..."

"I would like to marry you."

The room fell completely silent.

Ruth stared at him in disbelief.

Marriage?

After everything that had happened...

Could she really begin a new life?

Or would saying yes mean letting go of the man she had never stopped loving?

Outside...

A flash of lightning lit up the night sky.

Inside...

Ruth's future hung on a single answer.

To be continued...