The Billionaire's Secret Heart

Chapter 3

FIRST MEET

**ANA’S POV**

After the call ended, I began searching through all the design files from our previous projects. The more I looked, the more nervous I became. Everything seemed too simple for a company like theirs. King Co. is a giant—powerful, wealthy, and known worldwide. Their staff consists of the best and the most experienced. Then why would they choose "me"?

These questions spun in my head for almost an hour. My stomach felt tight with anxiety, so I finally stopped overthinking and told myself, "Let destiny take me wherever it wants."

With that determination, I selected our finest designs and prepared the presentation. Once I finished the remaining office work, I drove back to my apartment.

I reached home around 4 PM, parked my car, and stepped into the elevator. The moment I entered the apartment and sat on the couch, piercing screams filled the living room. I winced and covered my ears.

“Why are you shouting, Jenny?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jenny—my best friend, my roommate, and a spoilt rich kid with a kind heart—grinned from ear to ear. I met her on my first day at the university. I was quiet, introverted, and kept my distance from everyone. But she forced her way into my life with her bright smile and stubborn nature. Somewhere along the way, she became the closest person I had in New York. Even her parents treated me like their daughter, though I never let myself interfere in their family. I learned long ago never to depend on anyone.

Her excited voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

“David proposed to me today!” she squealed. “We’re getting married soon!”

A genuine smile curved my lips. “Congratulations, Jen! After two years, he finally did it.”

“We have to celebrate!” she insisted. “Let’s go to the club tonight!”

“No,” I groaned instantly. “You know I don’t like clubs or crowds. If you want, I’ll host a party for you and your friends at my restaurant instead.”

“Anaaaa please!” she whined dramatically. “This is the most important day of my life! And if my best friend isn’t with me—then forget it. I won’t celebrate at all. Go and follow your stupid rules!”

With that, she stormed into her room and slammed the door.

Guilt punched me in the chest. I ruined her big moment. I knocked gently until she finally allowed me inside. She sat at the edge of the bed with a cute angry pout.

“Okay,” I sighed. “I’ll come to the club. But we return early. I have work.”

Jenny jumped up and hugged me tightly. “Deal! Before midnight. Thank you, Ana! You’re the best!”

We went to our rooms to get ready. I always preferred simple, modest clothes—something that covered my curves. Jenny, on the other hand, chose a mid-thigh dress without hesitation.

We reached one of New York’s most famous clubs. The party was hosted by David’s friend to celebrate their engagement. David came from a billionaire family, powerful and influential, but humble with me. I knew him well because he always picked and dropped Jenny.

The moment Jen saw him, she ran straight into his arms. I followed with a smile.

“Hi David,” I said, hugging him in a sisterly way.

“Hello Ana. How do you do?”

“I’m fine. Congrats to you both.”

We went to the bar and ordered drinks. They took tequila shots, while I stuck to orange juice. After a while, they dragged each other to the dance floor, leaving me at the bar—like always.

I never liked clubs—the loud music, the sweaty crowd, the smell of alcohol. But tonight, I was here for Jenny.

Then a heavily drunk older man sat beside me, his eyes roaming over me.

“Hi beautiful,” he slurred. “Can we enjoy together?”

Disgust crawled up my spine. “I’m busy. And I don’t enjoy with old men,” I replied sharply.

When I stood up to leave, he grabbed my wrist. Instinctively, my hand flew across his face. The slap echoed over the bar. He stared at me in shock while I tried not to shiver with revulsion. I was nearly the age of his granddaughter, and he still dared to behave like that.

I needed to leave—fast.

I searched for Jenny but couldn’t find her, so I sent a text.

To: Jen

I’m going to the apartment. I’m tired.

A reply came seconds later.

From: Jen

Okay. Take care. I’ll stay at David’s place tonight.

I smiled at my screen.

To: Jen

Enjoy. And please use protection. I don’t want to become aunty this early.

I left the club, squeezing through the crowd of sweaty, drunk men. The moment I stepped outside, I collided with a tall, hard figure. I lost my balance and shut my eyes tightly—certain I was about to kiss the ground.

But a strong arm wrapped around my waist, stopping my fall.

When I didn’t hit the floor, I slowly opened my eyes… and froze.

Dark blue eyes stared into mine, intense and breathtaking. His face leaned close—too close. Panic shot through me, and I shoved him with all the strength I had. He stumbled but didn’t fall.

Only then I got a clear look at his face—handsome, sharp jawline, messy black hair. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t place where I had seen him.

His voice snapped me back.

“How dare you push me? Do you even know who I am?”

Anger flared instantly. I hated men who acted entitled.

“I don’t care who you are,” I snapped. “How dare you touch me? Don’t you dare try that again. Do you understand?”

Shock flickered in his eyes—as if no one had ever spoken to him like that.

“And get the hell out before I kick your a**,” I warned, glaring at him before storming off.

My heart pounded with irritation. Men like him used “help” as an excuse. I wasn’t stupid enough to fall for it.

I didn’t look back—not even once.

---

ALEX’S POV

I reached the club where my friends and I always met. Since childhood—me, David, Nicholas, and Zack—had been inseparable. Our parents were friends, and we grew up together. If any one of us was in trouble, the others didn’t think twice before stepping in. That was our bond.

Zack skipped tonight since he recently married, but we didn’t mind. Tonight’s party was for David; he finally proposed to his girlfriend and she said yes.

I was honestly happy for him, for all of them. Zack was settled, David was next, and Nick was head over heels in love with an Indian girl he met in France. Only I remained the same—emotionless, uninterested, and uninterfered by relationships.

Just as I was about to enter the club, a call ruined my mood.

Kate.

A nightmare I didn’t ask for. She told the world she was my fiancée, claimed I loved her, and acted like she was the queen of everyone’s existence. All lies. She only wanted the title: *Mrs. King.*

I ignored her call and walked toward the club entrance.

Then someone bumped into me and began to fall. Instinctively, I caught her, one hand around her waist. She felt small in my arms, her eyes squeezed shut in fear. No makeup, no fancy dress—yet she looked angelic. When her eyes opened, deep black and beautiful, my breath caught.

I didn’t know why I leaned closer… but before I could understand the impulse, she shoved me with surprising strength. I managed to keep my balance, but shock rippled through me.

Then anger.

“How dare you push me? Do you even know who I am?”

Her reply hit me like a slap.

“I don’t care who you are. Don’t you dare touch me again. Do you understand?”

No one—*no one*—had ever spoken to me like that. Ever.

“And get the hell out before I kick your a**,” she added and stormed off.

I watched her in disbelief. My ego burned, my pride challenged, but something else crept in—curiosity. Attraction. Irritation.

"Who the hell was she?"

I wasn’t going to let this go. She would cry for my mercy when I found her again. I promised myself that much.

Still thinking about her furious eyes, I joined my friends inside. We drank, teased each other, and enjoyed the night—yet my mind kept drifting to the girl who dared to push me away.

For the first time in years, I went home alone. No woman interested me tonight.

I showered and lay down, but sleep refused to come.

All I could see was her—those eyes, that anger, that fire.

I barely slept.

And for the first time in my life, I hated that I remembered someone. NOT TO KILL BUT SOMTHING ELSE.