The Billionaire's Secret Heart

Chapter 11

Enjoying the Weekend

**Ana’s POV**

I still don’t know how to talk freely with Alex. I’ve never shared my personal life with anyone except Jen. She’s the only one who knows how I completed my education, started my business, and the struggles I faced when I began my new life. No one else knows anything.

Now I’m sharing things with Alex—things I promised myself I would never tell anyone. After my past experiences, I stopped trusting people. They either betray you or use you and walk away. I only trust myself now. I learned that opening up only leads to pain.

But with him, I somehow speak without thinking. I don’t even know why. This needs to stop. I can’t let myself fall into something new. I can’t become the person I used to be.

Tomorrow we’ll be leaving, and after that, I’ll stay in control again.

At night, I woke up to the sound of the doorbell ringing continuously. Who would ring the bell this early in the morning? Alex woke up too and went to open the door.

The next second, we heard loud voices—Fin and Jen shouting, “Surprise!”

There they stood—Fin, Zack, Jen, and David—with their luggage. Alex looked completely shocked. I was just as stunned.

“Tomorrow is the weekend, so we thought we’d all enjoy it together. Maldives is the best place for a refreshment. When we heard that you two never think beyond work, we decided to make your weekend special,” Fin said.

“We also asked Nick to come, but he went to see Sanj,” Jen added sadly.

Alex glared at the boys as if silently demanding an explanation.

“Don’t blame us, Alex. These two girls planned everything,” Zack said immediately.

“Jen told me this is the first time Ana has come to a beach in the last four years. So we wanted to make it special for her,” Fin explained, looking at me.

“Oh God, you all came here for me. I’m really thankful, but I should leave. I already stayed away from work for four days—”

Before I could finish, Jen interrupted, “Don’t worry, Ana. I already spoke to your workers and the restaurant manager. You don’t need to stress. We’re here to enjoy the weekend. Don’t spoil our mood.”

What else could I say? They had already decided everything. So I agreed. Everyone went to freshen up, and then we planned our day.

Third Person POV

In the morning, the boys were surfing like professionals, while all the women watched them as if they were in a fantasy world. Who could blame them? Three of those men were the most famous billionaires.

Zack and David were already taken, and trying for Alex was impossible.

On the other side, Fin and Jen wore bikinis, while Ana wore a simple T-shirt and shorts—never interested in flashy outfits.

They were chatting about their previous vacations and sunbathing.

Most of the men around kept staring at Fin and Jen. When Zack and David noticed, they immediately became jealous.

Alex didn’t understand why they were acting that way.

Zack and David left the water and walked straight to the girls. Who could blame them? No man likes seeing his woman stared at. They sat beside their partners and placed protective hands around their waists.

The girls didn’t understand why they returned. “Why did you come back early? Go surf! We wanted to join you in the water,” Fin complained.

Alex stood and said, “These idiots got jealous, so they left me there alone and came to shield you,” pointing at the others.

Everyone burst into laughter—except Zack and David.

“You don’t have to worry about us,” Jen teased and pulled the girls toward the water.

The three of them swam and splashed water at each other.

After some time, the boys joined them. Everyone enjoyed… except one person.

Alex couldn’t take his eyes off Ana. In the water, her clothes clung to her skin, outlining her curves clearly.

His mind went back to that rainy night and the feelings he had then. He forced himself to shake off the thoughts and return to reality.

The boys were still surfing when girls comes out and shouted from the beach,

“Hey! How long will you show off? Come play with us!”

Zack smirked. “Jealous because we look cool?”

Fin rolled her eyes. “Dream on. We’re bored. Come now!”

Within minutes, all of them gathered near the shoreline.

Jen shouted saying" first Game 1Tug of War — Boys vs Girls"

Jen found a long rope near the resort storage area and smirked.

“Perfect. Boys, let’s see if your muscles actually work.”

David raised a brow. “Challenge accepted.”

Teams formed immediately:

Girls – Fin, Jen, Ana

Boys– Alex, Zack, David

Ana held the rope with uncertainty.

“I think this is a bad idea—”

“No excuses,” Fin whispered. “We’re winning this.”

On the count of three, both teams pulled with all their strength. Sand scattered everywhere, laughter echoed across the beach, and Ana—who had zero experience—kept slipping.

“Pull, Ana!” Jen screamed dramatically.

“I AM!” she yelled back.

Alex chuckled seeing her struggle. “Come on, Ms. Khanna, is this your full strength?”

“Shut up!” she gritted her teeth, pulling harder.

But the boys, being athletic, easily dragged the girls forward.

Within seconds, the girls tumbled straight into the soft sand.

Fin groaned, “Ugh! Cheaters!”

Zack winked. “Nope. Just stronger.”

Ana sat on the sand, breathless and embarrassed. Alex stretched his hand to help her up.

She hesitated a second… then took it.

Fin suggested next game " Sand Castle Competition"

Jen enjoyed , “Round two! Sand castles! Boys vs girls again.”

Fin added, “But this time, Ana is team captain.”

Ana’s eyes widened. “Me?! Why?”

“Because you’re the designer. Obviously,” Jen said proudly.

Alex crossed his arms. “We’re doomed.”

Ana hid a small smile.

Both teams knelt down and began building.

The girls made elegant curves, shells, seaweed decorations, and actually designed the structure.

The boys created something that looked like a melted potato.

“Is that… a castle?” Fin laughed.

Zack stared at their creation. “It has a tower. Kind of.”

David defended, “It’s modern art.”

Alex whispered to Ana, “Do not comment.”

But Ana couldn’t stop her small laugh.

After judging, the girls obviously won.

Last game suggested by boys " Water Balloon Fight"

David brought a bucket of water balloons from the resort.

“Last game. No rules. No mercy.”

Before anyone reacted, he threw the first balloon—straight at Jen.

She shrieked and ran behind Fin.

Within seconds, chaos began.

Everyone chased, splashed, and threw balloons at each other.

Ana tried to run away but Alex caught her wrist.

“No escaping,” he warned.

She glared. “I’m not playing.”

“You’re already in the game.”

He squeezed a water balloon over her head.

She gasped as water dripped down her face.

“ALEX!”

He smirked. “Now you can attack me.”

She grabbed two balloons and threw them at him with full force, hitting him square in the chest.

“Payback,” she said proudly.

Everyone laughed. It felt light. Pure. Free.

For the first time in years, Ana forgot how to be cautious.

Later that evening, they set up a campfire near the private beach.

Warm flames flickered, the sound of waves filled the air, and cool wind brushed against their skin.

Fin played music on her speaker—soft, relaxing tunes.

They roasted marshmallows, grilled seafood, and talked about their past vacation disasters.

Zack proudly shared how he once got chased by a crab.

Jen almost fell laughing.

Alex sat beside Ana, slightly closer than usual.

She felt the warmth of the fire… and his presence.

Fin and Jen exchanged secret looks like "something is happening here"

At night, everyone returned to their rooms around 11 p.m. They went straight to sleep.

The next day, the girls planned to go shopping, and by evening they would leave the Maldives.

The next morning, the girls went shopping as planned, buying dresses and accessories famous in the Maldives—completely different from the city styles.

After packing, they all boarded King’s private jet, laughing, teasing, taking photos, discussing who cheated in which game.

For the first time in years, Ana’s laughter wasn’t forced.

Ana’s POV

On Monday afternoon, I went to King’s office. Alex was already in his cabin. I greeted him, and then his PA, Mrs. Charles, showed me my workspace. It was beautiful, with a complete view of the city.

I took out the notes I had collected in the Maldives. I always design based on the surroundings and culture.

When it was time to leave, I wanted to discuss the design outline with Alex. So, I went to his cabin.

“What do you want to discuss, Ms. Khanna?” Alex asked in a professional tone.

“I want to discuss the outline of the designs. If you approve them, I will continue,” I replied and showed him the draft.

After the discussion, I left the office at 6 p.m. Then I went to the restaurant to check the management.

At 10 p.m., I reached my apartment. After completing my routine, I went to bed, thinking about the vacation.

It was my first vacation since my parents’ death. I missed them so much. Tears gathered, but I refused to cry.

After becoming friends with Fin, I slowly started enjoying life again—changing my ways. Last week became a beautiful memory. I prayed that this happiness would stay till the end.

The next morning, I went to check my business.

When I reached the company, all the employees greeted me and asked how the Maldives project was going. I explained the design themes.

It would take nearly a week to prepare the outline. After assigning the remaining work, I began updating last week’s records.

Carla, the head designer, came to my cabin with updates.

“These are the new clients from last week,” she said, handing me a list with their names and contact details.

Discussing contracts with clients was my responsibility, so I called each one and scheduled appointments.

I didn’t go to King’s company today. I felt uncomfortable working in his presence. So, I asked him if I could work from my own office. Once the designs are ready, I will present them to him there.