The Billionaire She Saved

Rain pounded against the bus window as Aria squeezed her worn coat tighter. The city was always cold at night, but tonight the cold sank directly into her bones. She picked up her phone—no new messages. The hospital had promised to call if her mother’s condition worsened, yet the silence pressed against her chest like a heavy stone. When the bus came to a screeched to a stop,she stepped into the storm. The road ahead was empty, lined with tall trees that seemed to whisper in the darkness. She hurried along, clutching her umbrella, which was already struggling against the wind. That was when she saw the car. A black luxury vehicle spun across the slick road, headlights slicing through the rain. It crashed into the guardrail with a deafening thud. Aria froze, her heart pounding. For a moment, she considered running; she had enough problems of her own. However, when she saw the driver’s hand, limp against the broken glass, she hesitated. Her body moved before her mind caught up. She dropped the umbrella and ran. “Sir? Can you hear me?” Her voice cracked as she yanked at the dented car door. It wouldn’t budge. Cold metal scraped her palms until finally it gave way with a screech. The man inside was unconscious, blood sliding down his temple. His suit was soaked but unmistakably expensive, his wristwatch gleaming even in the rain. Whoever he was, he didn’t belong on this lonely road. “Please… stay with me,” Aria whispered, her hands trembling as she touched his shoulder. His eyelids flickered open. Dark eyes sharp, commanding locked on hers for a brief, burning moment. Then they closed, his body falling limp again. Aria’s chest tightened. She didn’t even know his name, but something in that single look carved itself into her soul. And she had no idea that saving him tonight would cost her everything.