In Love With The Billonaire

CHAPTER 3

ROSELINE

My workplace was a bustling hub of activity, where the clattering of keyboards and hum of conversations melded into a symphony of productivity. It was a miracle I got a job to work as an intern at Keyscope agency, and today I was more than grateful for the distraction that was this place.

As I stepped into the office, a wave of familiar faces greeted me, one of which was Teddy. I was Teddy's assistant and he made this place so fun to work in. He stood up and gave me a hug.

“You don't look cheerful as you always do, you good?”

I broke into a smile, “Oh I'm fine. Just a little headache”.

“You know if you are not feeling too well you could take the day off.”

“ No, I'm fine, trust me. Thanks for your concern, Ted”, I said as I took my seat.

“ So what do you have for me today?” I said with a big smile.

“ Oh.. a lot”, he said grinning.

“ The files on your desk needs to be looked into and corrections made. I noted out something to check so that should serve as a guide. That will be all for now, I will let you know if there is anything else”.

I looked at the files. They were quite plenty but I wasn't bothered. I needed as much work as I could get.

I tried her best to immerse myself in my work but my mind kept wandering back to the impending decision I had to make.

During lunch, I decided to confide in my colleague, Sarah. Sarah was her classmate back in high school and her childhood friend. They had lived beside each other before Sarah's parents decided to move out to a house closer to the center of the city. They had both applied to several agencies and they were surprised when Keyscope Agency gave them a job.

Sarah listened to her pour out her heart.

“Hmm…”, she sighed. “ This is quite beyond me Rose but I will encourage you to follow your heart. Have you discussed this with David? she asked.

“Not yet”, I replied. “ I don't even know what to say to him”.

“You have to let him in on what's going on, I think that's the best thing to do though”, Sarah added. They ate in silence and went back to work.

The workday seemed to stretch on, each passing hour drawing me closer to the moment when I would have to face my family. I was definitely not looking forward to that.

Finally, the clock signaled the end of the day, and I gathered my things, said a goodbye to Ted and a few others and made my way to the bus.

I met Sarah outside and we both walked to the bus.

When I arrived home, the comforting aroma of dinner greeted me. It seemed like her mom had gone out of her way to make my favorite dish. I come in to see my mom cleaning her figurines and tidying up the kitchen.

I exchanged pleasantries with her, and made my way to my room. A few seconds later, I hear her footsteps moving towards the door. She knocks on the door, “Rosie, can I come in?”.

I thought about it for a split second, “ Yes mum”.

She comes in, takes a swift look around the room and then sits beside me on the bed.

I look at her, a mix of worry and hope in her eyes.

"Sweetheart,"she began, "We understand your feelings. But we also need you to see the bigger picture."

I listened, as she explained the benefits that would come if I go ahead with this marriage. How I will be able to further my education and work in a better place.

Yet, every word felt like a weight on my heart.

"I know you want the best for me," I said, "But this decision, it's about my life, my happiness."

"Roseline, we've seen you grow into a remarkable young woman. We only want what we believe is best for you."

"I love David," Roseline confessed, "He's the one I want to be with. I don't think can to this life thing with someone else."

"Love is a powerful force but not enough to sustain a marriage. Weigh your heart's desires against the opportunities this engagement might bring”, she said as she stood up to leave.

“You know what, mum, I will think about it”.

She paced around her room, wrestling with her thoughts. She sat for a while and then placed a call to David. She needed him now more than ever.

She picked up her phone and dialed David's number. He answered on the third ring, “Hi baby, how are you doing?”

I paused for a while and then replied, “ I'm not quite sure”.

"Rosie, is everything okay?" David asked, sensing the distress in her voice.

I hesitated, my mind racing, grappling with how to share the devastating news.

"David, can we meet tomorrow?" she finally said, her voice a fragile whisper.

"Of course, Rosie. Where would you like to meet?"

"There's a spot near Willowbrook Park, by the old oak tree. Can we meet there at noon?"

"Absolutely. Take care, Rosie. We'll talk tomorrow," David reassured her.

With that, she hung up and tried to gather her thoughts, her emotions still in turmoil. She knew that tomorrow would bring an agonizing conversation, a conversation that would change everything.

I decided to take a walk then, just to clear my head. I put on a pair of joggers, carried my headphones and headed out. As I was about leaving, my dad drove in. I wasn't about to meet him so I went back in but unluckily for me my dad saw me already.

“ Rosie, can you come help me with this,”, he called out to me.

Shit, I should have just stayed in my room.

I walked towards him to help with his bag.

“Welcome dad”, I mumbled.

“Benjamin said I should give this for you”, he said as he handed me a bag.

I frowned. He didn't even wait for my response before buying me gifts. Or does he think he could bribe his way into my heart.

“And I got this for you”, he handed me another bag. I managed a weak smile. He is probably trying to make up for what transpired in the morning.

He held me by the hand as be said, "I understand this situation is difficult for you, for all of us," he started, choosing his words with care.

"It's not just difficult, Dad. It's tearing me apart," I interrupted, my voice cracking.

He sighed, running a hand through his graying hair, a gesture of frustration and helplessness. "I never wanted things to come to this. I thought I could manage, protect my family."

"But you can't just trade me off like a commodity, Dad. I have dreams, hopes, a life with David," I said, my emotions rising to the surface.

"I know, Rosie. I never imagined we'd reach this point. But the weight of the debt, the fear of losing everything we've worked for... it's overwhelming," he confessed.

I softened slightly, understanding the depths of his desperation. "We can find another way, Dad. There has to be a solution that doesn't sacrifice my happiness."

He looked at me, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within. "I've been offered a lifeline, a chance to keep the shop afloat. Mr. Brown is willing to invest in the business and clear our debts."

"But at what cost, Dad? My happiness? My dreams?" I questioned, tears welling in my eyes.

"I'm torn, Rosie. Between my duty as a father and my love for you. I never wanted to see you unhappy," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

At that moment, my anger softened. Despite the situation, I couldn't ignore the pain in his eyes, the conflict that tore at his soul.

"I need time to think, Dad," I finally said, my voice filled with both determination and sorrow.

He nodded, accepting my need for space. "Take the time you need, Rosie. Just know that the future if this family is dependent on your decision."