Billionaire's Stolen Glance

Chapter 2: Fated Encounter

Andrea sat on her bed, still recovering from the shock of the day’s event. It all felt surreal, like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. Her mind kept circling back to the image of her father lying helpless on the hospital bed.

Where would she find $129,000 in such a short period? The weight of the situation pressed down on her, leaving her with a pounding headache and overwhelming fatigue not knowing when she slept off.

She found herself dragging her tired body to work at 7 am. Tomi, her fellow waitress, greeted her with a hug, but Andrea's usual bright smile now replaced with a forced one failed to hide her inner turmoil.

Hey, Andrea, what's up with you? You look kinda off," Tomi asked, her eyebrows knitted with concern.

Forcing another smile, Andrea replied, "Yeah, just tired. Couldn't sleep much last night."

Tomi's suspicious gaze lingered for a moment before she shrugged it off, leaving Andrea silently praying for the day to end so she could rush back to the hospital.

As they geared up for the day at 9 am, Andrea's attention was abruptly snagged by Tomi's sudden freeze as three guys walked into the restaurant. Tomi's reaction made Andrea curious.

'What's going on, Tomi?' Andrea asked, nudging her friend gently.

Tomi's eyes widened in disbelief. 'Andrea, don't you recognize them? They're some of the wealthiest people in the country, and they're best friends.'

"Seriously?" Andrea exclaimed, though her mind remained preoccupied with her father's condition. "Why are they here?"

Tomi chuckled, shaking her head. "Girl, you've been living under a rock! Let me fill you in." She quickly whispered their names to Andrea.

But what caught Andrea’s attention was Tomi’s mention of Antonio Romano, the richest among them.

Her confusion and Tomi’s silent squeaking were cut shut when their manager, Mrs. Daniels tapped them from behind, wondering why they had not gone to ask for their orders. She told Andrea to attend to them.

Approaching their table, Andrea's gaze locked onto the guy in the middle, Antonio Romano. There was something about him that drew her in, but thoughts of her father's fragile state quickly clouded her mind.

Putting on her best 'customer service' smile, Andrea greeted them with a weary tone. "Hey, guys! Welcome to Brown’s restaurant. What can I get you today?"

Sylvester Jacob, the guy on the left, flashed her a warm grin. "Hey, Andrea! Nice name, by the way. I'll have pasta," he said with a wink after checking the menu.

They all made their order, but Andrea couldn't shake off the feeling that Antonio seemed angry and oblivious to his environment.

“Did they drag this guy here?” I thought to myself.

After jotting down their orders, Andrea rushed to get their food. Back at the counter, Tomi eagerly awaited her return.

"So, spill it! What happened over there?" Tomi demanded eagerly.

I chuckled, shaking my head at her excitement. "Nothing much just asked for their orders," I replied casually, though my heart was still racing from the encounter.

She seemed unconvinced, but I guess she decided to let it go, for now.

As they finished their meal, Andrea couldn't help but notice the generous tips they left behind. She became suspicious and Tomi shared her scepticism.

As soon as she closed, she rushed to the hospital to see her dad.

“I will do whatever it takes to save you dad. I promise” she said while tears streamed down her eyes. She stayed with him for a while and then decided to take her leave.

On her way home, Andrea decided to check up on Miss Felicia.

"Hello, Felicia, how are you doing?" Andrea asked as soon as she picked up.

"Andrea, I was just about to call you," Felicia replied slowly.

"Is everything alright?" Andrea's concern was evident in her voice.

"Yes, yes, I’m fine. Someone is waiting to see you at your father’s office," Felicia informed her.

"Who is it?" Andrea's asked.

"It's Antonio Romano," Felicia whispered.

Antonio’s POV

Antonio was startled awake by the ringing of his phone, the light from the open curtains blinded his eyes which caused him to squint them. While groaning he fumbled for the phone, wondering who could be calling at such an early hour.

“Hello?” he answered, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Hello, son,” his father's voice came through the line, clear and steady.

Surprised by the unexpected call, Antonio felt his heart skip a beat. "Dad? What's up? Is everything okay?" he asked, suddenly alert.

Antonio's father let out a heavy sigh on the other end of the line "I need to talk to you, son. Can you come over? It's important."

“Of course, Dad. I'll be there right away," he replied, his voice filled with worry and concern.

With a sense of urgency, Antonio quickly got dressed and made his way to his father's house. As he approached the familiar front door, he remembered his childhood memories here.

Stepping inside, Antonio found his father in his study waiting for him, his expression blank. What’s going on, Dad? Are you okay?” he asked, quickly.

His father’s gaze bore into him as he motioned for Antonio to sit “We need to talk.”

As he took a seat, he heard his father say, “Why haven't you moved on?" his dad asked, sounding disappointed.

He wondered what exactly his father was on about.

“Are you going to keep dwelling on her death forever?” his father demanded.

“So, this is what this was about Dad. You got me seriously scared you know.” He admitted.

"You have one week left," he said sternly. "Either find someone to marry or say goodbye to your inheritance."

“Dad, I... I don’t understand," he mumbled, feeling confused by the unexpected demand.

His father’s expression remained firm "You need to move on, son. We already had this discussion a year ago, where you promised to get married within the year" he insisted, his tone firm and unwavering. "You can't keep living in the past."

The mention of his past sent a wave of pain through Antonio’s chest, memories of her death flooded his mind. "But Dad, it's not that simple," he protested, his voice laced with desperation. "I loved her. I still do."

With that his father’s gaze softened, feeling sympathy for his son. "I know, son," he said softly. "But life goes on. And you need to think about your future. You are not getting any younger."

Antonio’s fists clenched tightly as anger boiled within him. He pushed himself up from the chair as he stood up abruptly.

"I can't do this," Antonio muttered under his breath, his voice laced with frustration as he turned to leave. He heard his father call him back, but he ignored him.

As he walked out of the study, he nearly hit his mother, who was standing in the hallway, concern written across her face.

"Antonio, what's wrong?" she asked, reaching out to touch his arm.

“Nothing mum, I’m fine,” he said as he brushed past her, and headed for the door.

“Antonio, wait," his mother called after him, her voice tinged with worry.

Antonio went straight to the office from his father's house, still recovering from the shock he had just received. As he sat at his desk, trying to focus on work, his thoughts kept drifting back to the confrontation with his father.

“How was he supposed to find someone to get married to within a week?” he thought.