The Billionaire’s phoney contract

Chapter 2

Simon leaned on his Audi RS e-Tron GT sports car, he sighted Michael and immediately waved him to signal his presence.

Michael approached and gave him a slap on the back with a huge grin on his face. Michael entered the passenger seat and Simon headed to the driver’s seat. The cool leather of the car was pure luxury, and Michael sank into it.

“Thanks man, I really appreciate, for picking me up,” Michael said. “Helen’s going to have my head for this, but no problem, man.” Simon chuckled.

“I’ll send Helen an apology gift later,” Michael smiled and clasped his hand in an apologetic gesture.

The familiar hustle and bustle of New York, a city of opportunities and bright lights. The sounds of sirens blasting,the honks of car, the revving of engines. It was a busy night;well, it was always busy in NYC. He didn’t want his driver to pick him up, he still wanted a little bit of solidarity and quiet. The text message he received from his mother still lingered at the back of his mind, he loved family functions, but he dreaded this particular weekend, something in his gut told him, it wasn’t going to end well.

Simon glanced at him, “you, okay? What’s that look on your face? Did something happen on your trip?

“I’m good man, it was the most electrifying experience ever, I wish you had come along. But that’s not it I got a text from mum about a family dinner, and dad needs to discuss something important with me.” Michael slowly exhaled. “I love family dinner, but this one doesn’t sit well with me, I tell you.”

“You know I couldn’t make it; besides I’ve given up that lifestyle, I have someone to live for you know.” Simon smiled.

“Maybe it’s the usual topic of you settling down and giving him grand babies.” Simon chuckled.

“You know how I feel about marriage man. I’m not ready to settle down or to have babies. Beside it’s just fun for me and Angela.”

“I almost forgot about Angela—the mistress—” Simon smacked his head teasingly and gripped the steering wheel.

“You know it’s not so bad, you should consider it, I mean, look at me and Helen.” He grinned, clearly smitten and in love.

“Nah man, this feels different, Nicole called, she said Dadwas threatening I come back immediately. Well, I can’t blame him, I told no one I was travelling, I just needed to get away from the office.

Simon chuckled, “always the family drama, I’m sure you can handle it.” he palmed his chest playfully. “You’re the man.”

They reached the traffic stop which indicated a red light. Simon pulled the car to a halt. Michaeal stared at the pedestrian crossing, he caught sight of long flowing tresses, she walked briskly to meet up to the green light, her green sunflower dress ran all the way to her ankle, her feet were covered in feminine sandals, in the evening night he could see a porcelain skin, a well angled face and bright eyes, her tote bag firmly in place, she was on her phone, her expression strained, like the information she received was not a good one.

Michael watched her mesmerized, she was beautiful, Simon glanced at him and followed gaze to the girl crossing the street. He wanted to say something, but the red light automatically turned green, and Simon put the car on motion.

Simon pulled the car to a stop in front of Michael’s penthouse apartment. He killed the engine.

“Helen’s been invited to her sister’s art gallery exhibition tomorrow, you should come.” Simon said.

“Sure man, I’ll be there. Thank you for the ride.”

“Anytime.” Simon stated. They clasped each other in a firm handshake. With that Michael opened the car door and stepped out, the butler at the entrance quickly hurried to get his bags. Simon zoomed off.

**

“Slow down, I can barely hear you, what do you mean hospitalized. Who has been hospitalized?” Aubrey asked, her chest beating rapidly. She hurriedly walked to the pedestrian crossing before the light turned red.

She was on her way to work at Westcoast Diner where she worked the night shifts, after getting off the morning shift from the Kingston gallery, the most prestigious and elaborate art gallery in New York. Her thoughts were scattered, the gallery was holding an exhibition the next day, she was busy all day and was already running late to the diner.

“Is this miss Aubrey Green?” the voice on the other line of the call asked. “Yes, this is Aubrey, how did you get my mother’s number?”

“I’m calling from St James Hospital, your mother Mrs.Joan Green was brought into the hospital this afternoon by some people that identified as her coworkers and has beenhospitalized, your number was assigned as the next of kin. We have been trying to reach you.”

Aubrey paused her already beating chest increased velocity, she shut her eyes and said a silent prayer. “Miss Green are you still there?” the voice on the other end of the line asked.

“Yes, please, I’m on my way to the hospital right now.”

Aubrey hailed a taxi, and gave him directions to the hospital, she rested on the seat. Her mother has been battling leukemia, for three months now. With her father dead while she was barely a toddler, she hardly recognized him or had any memories of him. Her mother was all she had.

On the day of the diagnosis, after complaining of headaches and tiredness, her mother reluctantly went to the hospital to run some tests. The doctor told he her the result of the test and her mother’s once cheerful spirit waned away. The doctors as usual were sympathetic and tried to give hope, but inside her mother’s hope and life had been crushed. With no health insurance or external support, things were really difficult.

Aubrey worked two jobs to raise money for her mother’s chemotherapy putting her dreams on hold to pursue a degree in arts in NYC University. She texted her workplace—Westcoast Diner-- telling them of the recent events and that she’ll check in a bit later.

Aubrey arrived at the hospital, the smell of ammonia and disinfectant slapped her face, she hated going to the hospital, sick people crowded the waiting area and the worried expressions of people waiting for news on their loved ones make her stomach coil. She walked up to the front desk.

“I got a call that my mother had been admitted here this afternoon.” Aubrey said trying to catch her breath at the same time looking around, trying to see a familiar face.

“What’s her name please?” the petite nurse dressed in green scrubs and a tight bun, she should be Aubrey’s age. She clicked he computer rapidly, without looking at her.

“Mrs. Joan Green.” Aubrey said twisting her fingers tryingto calm the tumultuous wave of anxiety in her belly.

“How are you related to Mrs. Joan.” “I’m her daughter.”Aubrey replied rapidly.

“Ok, right this way.” The nurse lead the way to the elevator, hit the 2nd floor button. The elevator doors opened on the 2nd floor and the nurse knocked on the door assigned to her mother and opened the door.

Her mother lay on the bed, looking frail and vulnerable, Aubrey’s heart squeezed. Her mother smiled wearily at her, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes, and spread her hands for a hug. Aubrey quickly walked to the bed and was enveloped in her mother’s arms. The beeping sounds of monitors did nothing to reduce her anxiety.

“Mum how are you feeling. I received a call.”

“The doctor ran a test, he said he’ll discharge me once the result is out.”

A knock on the door startled Hailey, and a man dressed in white lab coat, dark brown hair, and heavy spectacles on his nose.

“Miss Green, I’ve been expecting you. Can I see you for a minute in my office.”

Her mother smiled wearily at her and nodded her head in apprehension.

Aubrey’s stomach sank, she wondered what he wanted to tell her with that expression on his face, all was not well.

The doctor led her to the office. Once they were seated, he went straight to the point. “According to the test results, your mother has Stage 4 leukemia cancer, and if we don’t start chemotherapy, she has just 5months to live.”

Aubrey’s head was spinning, Stage 4 cancer, 5months to live. “Doctor, I don’t understand, how do you mean.” Aubrey was dazed, she must be dreaming at this point.

“Her white blood cells have become anemic, and gradually leading to inflammation of her liver and spleen. I suggest you start chemotherapy. But I understand you have no health insurance; you need to make an initial deposit of 50,000$ for her to be moved and commence chemo immediately.”

Aubrey was aghast, her honey brown eyes widened in shock, she looked at the doctor like he just grew a new head. “Where do you expect me to get 50,000$ from.”