i fell in love with a billionaire

The bright morning sun filtered through thin curtains, landing softly on Theresa’s face. She stirred awake and smiled—finally, the morning had come. The long night of restless anticipation was over. Today, her life would change forever. Theresa Ohms sprang out of bed, her heart racing. She dashed into the bathroom, humming softly as she bathed, then emerged with a towel snugly wrapped around her. “Theresa!” her mother’s voice echoed from the hallway. “Coming, Mom!” she replied cheerfully, her mind whirling with thoughts of the journey ahead. She dressed quickly in the new clothes her mother had bought the day before—clothes chosen carefully so she would not appear poor in the eyes of strangers. Her flight was scheduled for 10:30 a.m., but the clock was already striking eight. A knock came at the door. Knock, knock. “Theresa, it’s me—Jane.” Her sister stepped in, eyes already glassy with tears. “I want to help you pack your things,” Jane said, her voice trembling. Theresa chuckled softly. “Is that all?” At those words, Jane broke down and threw her arms around her sister, sobbing. “I’m going to miss you so much.” Theresa hugged her tightly, blinking back her own tears. “Stop crying, Jane. I promise, once I make money, I’ll bring you and Mom to live with me. You’ll see.” Downstairs, their mother Rosanna was already dressed, speaking with someone at the door. To Theresa’s surprise, it was her best friend, Rita. “I’ll give you two a few minutes,” Rosanna said gently. Rita stepped forward, forcing a smile. “Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?” “I didn’t want to see you cry,” Theresa admitted. They shared bittersweet laughter before Rosanna returned, urging them to leave—it was already 9:30. Theresa embraced Rita one last time, whispering: “Please, take care of James for me.” “I will,” Rita promised. Theresa walked to the waiting car. She turned for one final look—Rita stood outside, her figure framed by the little house they had grown up in. Tears stung Theresa’s eyes as the car drove away. At the airport, Rosanna touched her daughter’s shoulder. “Theresa, be a good girl, you hear me?” “I will, Mom,” Theresa said firmly, determination burning inside her. And with that, her journey began. --- After hours in the air, Theresa arrived in Aurora, a faraway land she had only dreamed of. The vast campus of Silvergrove University stretched before her, filled with students, laughter, and opportunity. Guided by a driver, she reached the large dormitory hall. Inside, three of the beds were already taken. Only the upper bunk of one bed was free. “Hi,” Theresa greeted softly. “Hi,” one girl replied with a kind smile. “I’m Sonia.” Relieved, Theresa smiled back. “I’m Theresa.” The other two girls ignored her, eyes fixed on their phones. Loneliness flickered in Theresa’s heart, but Sonia noticed and whispered, “Don’t worry. They’ll warm up to you eventually.” Theresa climbed onto her bunk, arranging her things. As she lay down, her thoughts turned to her future. Tomorrow was Saturday—she would search for a part-time job, maybe in a restaurant. With that money, she could help her family and bring them here. And James. She dreamed of the day he might join her. But beyond survival, she had bigger dreams: to become an actress. Silvergrove was known for producing great actors and filmmakers. Perhaps, if she was lucky, she could meet someone who would recognize her talent. Her chest rose with determination, and she whispered into the quiet: “God, please help me.” Sleep soon claimed her, filled with dreams of hope and ambition. --- Meanwhile, back in Melodia City, far from Theresa’s new world, shadows stirred. Rita sat on James’s bed, her heart racing as he held her close. They had hidden their relationship for months, always in fear of being discovered. But now that Theresa was gone, it felt different—freer. “Babe, finally we can be together,” Rita whispered. James kissed her forehead. “Yeah… she’s gone now. No more hiding.” Rita’s happiness flickered into unease. “But don’t you think it’s time you broke up with her?” “Not yet,” James replied quickly. “I need her to bring me over to Aurora first. Once I’m there, I’ll end things.” He kissed her lips, sealing the selfish promise. “But what about her mom and Jane? They know you’re with her,” Rita pressed. James hugged her tightly. “Don’t worry. They’ll never see us together. Trust me.” Rita smiled faintly. This was what she had wanted for so long—to be his. She remembered the first time she’d wanted to confess her feelings, only to learn he was with Theresa. That day, she had vowed she would not give up. Now, she had achieved her goal. “Babe, my birthday’s coming soon,” Rita said, her eyes bright. James grinned. “Really? My baby girl’s turning twenty. That’s wonderful.” But Rita frowned. “I wanted a grand celebration… but you don’t have that kind of money.” James cupped her face. “Is that why you’re frowning? Stop worrying. Tell me where and how you want it, and it will be done. Your birthday’s next Tuesday, right? Consider it granted.” Her lips curved into a smile as he kissed her. The kiss deepened, turning hungry, desperate, as though both were trying to drown their guilt in passion. In that moment, Rita cared about nothing else—not Theresa, not the lies, not the betrayal. All she wanted was James.