A Billionaire For Valentine

Chapter 2

We talked for a few more minutes, but the conversation was strained. I couldn't shake the feeling that Ryan was hiding something from me.

As we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help but wonder if I was making a huge mistake by proposing to him.

I decided to spend the night at my parents' house, and after a good night's sleep, I woke up feeling refreshed. As I entered the kitchen, my parents were already up and about, preparing for the day.

"Good morning, sweetie," my mom said, giving me a hug. "We're having a special dinner today. Your cousin Tristan and his parents are coming over."

I raised an eyebrow. "Today?" I repeated, hoping that it wasn't going to ruin my proposal plans.

"Yes, today," my dad confirmed. "We're going to have a big dinner, and we'd love for you to stay and join us."

I thought for a moment. I had been planning to propose to Ryan today being Sunday, but I could always do it on Monday instead. And it would be nice to spend some time with my cousin Tristan, whom I had grown up with.

"Okay, I'll stay," I said finally.

My parents smiled, and we spent the rest of the day preparing for the dinner. Later that evening, the doorbell rang, and I knew that Tristan and his parents had arrived.

I opened the door, and Tristan grinned at me. "Hey, cuz!" he exclaimed, giving me a hug.

I hugged him back, laughing. "Hey, Tristan! It's so great to see you."

Tristan's parents, Mummy Beatrice and Daddy Zack, smiled at me warmly. "Hello, dear," Mummy Beatrice said, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

We exchanged pleasantries, and then my mom called us into the dining room. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, and the chef had prepared a delicious-looking meal.

As we sat down to eat, my dad raised his glass. "To family," he said, smiling.

We all echoed the toast, clinking our glasses together.

"So, how's life been treating you?" Tristan asked me, as we began to eat.

"It's been good," I replied. "Just busy with work and stuff."

Tristan nodded sympathetically. "I know how that is. But you're doing well, right?"

I smiled. "Yeah, I'm doing okay."

Mummy Beatrice leaned forward. "We're so proud of you, dear. You're doing so well for yourself."

I blushed, feeling grateful for their support.

As we continued eating and chatting, I felt a sense of warmth and belonging. This was what family was all about.

Here's the continuation of the story:

As the evening wore on, Tristan and I decided to take a walk around the compound. The cool night air was refreshing, and we chatted about everything and nothing.

After our walk, we went up to my room, laughing and joking. Tristan flopped down onto my bed, and I sat down beside him.

"So, are you in a relationship?" Tristan asked, turning to me with a curious expression.

I hesitated for a moment before answering. "I am, but I don't know what I'm doing, to be honest."

Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Do you love this guy?"

I shrugged. "Oh, well... kind of."

Tristan chuckled. "Kind of is not an answer."

I laughed. "Let's just forget about this, please."

Tristan grinned mischievously. "Why don't we have some fun instead?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Have fun? How?"

Tristan nodded. "The usual fun."

I rolled my eyes, knowing what he meant. "Ah, okay."

Tristan started tickling me, and I fell back onto the bed, laughing. "Stop! Stop!"

But Tristan just kept going, and I started tickling him back. We were both laughing and giggling like we used to when we were kids.

But then, things started to get a little out of hand. As we were tickling each other, my skirt slid up, exposing my thighs. Tristan's hands brushed against my skin, and I felt a jolt of surprise.

I hit his hands away, laughing. "Let's just stop. We're not seven anymore."

Tristan looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Sorry, you just have really nice skin."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. "Thanks, but I think you should leave now."

Tristan looked disappointed, but he got up and headed for the door. "Fine, okay. Let's play a game instead."

I shook my head. "No, I'm not interested in any game, Tristan. Just leave."

Tristan looked at me for a moment, then shrugged and left the room.

As I watched him go, I felt a mix of emotions. I was relieved that the awkward moment had passed, but I was also a little shaken.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I realized that I was feeling a little triggered, and I knew that I needed to relax myself.

As someone with OCD, I have to be careful about my triggers. Certain things can set me off, making me feel anxious and overwhelmed.

I thought back to when I was younger, and how my OCD used to be so much worse. I would get obsessed with certain thoughts or rituals, and it would be hard for me to stop.

But over the years, I've learned to manage my OCD. I've developed coping mechanisms, like deep breathing and meditation, that help me to stay calm.

As I lay in bed, I started to feel my anxiety spike again. I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the present moment.

Thirty minutes later, I went downstairs to find that Tristan and his parents had left. Even my parents had retired to their room. I felt a pang of disappointment, wondering why Tristan had left without saying goodbye.

I went back to my room, picked up my phone, and dialed Tristan's number. He answered on the first ring.

"Hey, cuz," Tristan said, his voice low and smooth.

"Why did you leave without telling me?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

"I didn't want to bother you," Tristan replied. "Maybe you didn't want to see me since you sent me out of your room."

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," I said, feeling a twinge of guilt.

"It's okay, I understand," Tristan said. "I just didn't want to overstay my welcome."

"You're always welcome here, Tristan," I said, meaning it.

"Thanks, cuz," Tristan replied. "So, what's going on with you and this guy you're seeing?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to share. "It's complicated," I said finally.

"Complicated how?" Tristan asked, his curiosity piqued.

I sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I don't know, Tristan. I just feel like I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing."

"Well, if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you," Tristan said, his voice full of empathy.

"Thanks, Tristan," I said, feeling grateful for my cousin's support. "I'll talk to you soon."

"Sounds good, cuz," Tristan replied. "Take care."

"You too," I said, hanging up the phone.

I kept my phone close and soon fell asleep, exhausted from the events of the day.

The next morning, I woke up feeling determined. I had a bath, got dressed and drove to my own house changed into a nicer outfit, collected the ring and headed to Ryan's office, the engagement ring clutched in my hand.

As I arrived at the office building, I was impressed by its modern design and sleek glass exterior. I entered the building and made my way to the elevator, pressing the button for the 4th floor where Ryan's office was located.

As the elevator doors opened, I was greeted by a few staff members who smiled and said hello. I smiled back and walked towards Ryan's office, my heart pounding with excitement.

I pushed open the door and called out, "Ryan?" But there was no response. I noticed that the bathroom door was slightly ajar, and I assumed he must be inside.

I took a deep breath, walked over to the bathroom door, and pushed it open. "Ryan, will you marry me?" I said, holding out the ring.

But what I saw took my breath away. Ryan was standing in front of the sink, kissing his assistant Nicole, his hands fondling her breasts and ass.

I was thunderstruck. Ryan mumbled something, trying to explain, while Nicole adjusted her clothes.

I turned and ran out of the office, bumping into a gorgeous man in a blue suit and dark shades. I didn't care; I was too angry.

I forced the ring onto the stranger's finger. "I do!" he said, smiling.

I looked up at him, realizing he was taller than me.

Ryan and Nicole emerged from the office, Nicole rushing into the elevator and leaving. Ryan looked at the stranger and said, "Boss, I'm so sorry about all this. This is my fiancée; we're having a misunderstanding."

I interrupted him, my voice shaking with anger. "Who is your fiancée? You cheating ass! I was about to propose to you before I saw you with your assistant. You told me she wasn't your type, liar!"

I pointed at the stranger. "I already gave him the ring."

Ryan looked at his boss, saying, "Sorry for her madness."

The stranger smiled and said, "I think I can handle it."

I glared at Ryan. "You're not even worth my anger."

"I'm Dominic Moreno," the stranger said, smiling at me.

"Rita Santos," I replied, still trying to process what was happening. "Wait, you're the guy from the ring store, right?"

Dominic chuckled. "Yes, I am. What a coincidence."

Ryan interrupted, his voice annoyed. "This is ridiculous. Stop this and come with me," he said, grabbing my hand.

"Ouch! You're hurting me, you asshole! Don't you dare touch me!" I exclaimed, trying to pull my hand away.

Dominic stepped in, his voice firm. "Hey, stop pulling a woman roughly like that in my presence."

Ryan paused, letting go of my hand.

"Would you like to excuse yourself from this place, Miss Santos?" Dominic asked, his eyes locked on mine.

"With all pleasure," I replied, smiling sweetly at Ryan.

"Then follow me to the top floor," Dominic said, gesturing towards the elevator.

“I’m sorry boss, I don’t know what happened” Ryan said stuttering.

“We’ll talk about this later Mr. Ryan” Dominic said in a firm voice.

I walked behind him as he entered the elevator, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

As the doors closed, Dominic turned to me and smiled. "You're safe now, Rita."

I smiled back, feeling a spark of gratitude towards this stranger. "Thanks to you, Dominic."