The Billionaire's shot at love

The stranger

Naomi's POV

The voice was so deep and mature yet soothing. I felt something strange at the contact, like an unfamiliar attraction. Realizing the direction of my thoughts, I shook it off and replied to the stranger in a frustrated tone.

“Would you leave if I say no?” I asked the owner of the voice without turning around to look at him after he helped steady me.

“I just wanted to enjoy the serene atmosphere with you,” the voice replied with a hint of unease. The music was still on but it was far in the background, making it calming. We were standing on the balcony of the third floor.

It was at this point I turned to look at the owner of the voice but unfortunately, I couldn’t see his face, because he was putting on a half mask just like me. A part of me wished that this wasn’t a masquerade party, because I would have loved to see the face behind the voice.

“It’s just that I wanted to be alone with my thoughts. Without interruptions or distractions,” I said, looking away with emphasis on my last statement.

“Well, that could still be possible. Just pretend like I do not exist,” the stranger insisted, dipping his left hand in his pocket.

“You make it sound as if it is that easy to ignore a person, a human being,” I muttered and took another sip from my wine.

“Well, there is nothing impossible if you put your mind to it,” the stranger said determined.

"Suit yourself." I said, but it was more of a whisper. He chuckled and drank from his glass too.

I remained quiet as I turned my attention back to space. The view from the balcony was like a calming remedy, the road formed a unique picture with the illumination coming from the moving vehicles. The soft sound coming from the music in the background included gave me peace. The stranger was quiet as promised, but his presence still distracted me. But to be honest in a good way.

“Since you are already here, why don’t you answer some of my questions?” I said, annoyed, because his presence was beginning to affect me differently. All men are the same anyway, so why not just ask one of them?

“Sure, It would be my pleasure,” the stranger replied calmly.

“Why are you guys so comfortable hurting our feelings?” I asked and faced him, but he didn't say a word. “What do you cheat instead of ending the relationship?” I slightly raised my voice. I had begun to see him as my ex as I poured out my frustration. He just kept staring without a word.

“Don't generalize them just because someone broke your heart.” he said, nursing his temple.

I chuckled darkly, breaking the awkward silence that hovered around us. “You are all the same,” I said, and drank from my glass.

“Women aren't saints either.” His voice was hard, yet calm.

I stopped midway from drinking and was about to give him a piece o my mind, when a woman joined us.

“Babe?” She called out.

The strange man whipped his head in a flash towards her.

“How did she get in?” He mumbled to himself.

I scoffed and emptied the contents of the glass. “Talk about my luck.” I rolled my eyes and headed inside.

But he stopped me before I took the second step.

“Help me out.” he said through gritted teeth. I noticed he was also clenching his fist. Who cares?

“Why should I?” I replied in irritation. How could he ask for help when he just convinced me that they are all cheats.

“I don't have the time to explain.” he nodded in the direction of the door.

“Do I look like I care?” I sneered and was about to go when she appeared in front of me.

“What are you doing here with my fiancé?” She demanded fiercely.

“What?!! Fiancé?” I almost shouted in shock. For me, who came here to clear my head after a breakup, this sure made me laugh.

I cradled my torso and laughed at the absurdity of the whole situation. Both of them just stared at me until I calmed down.

Then I wiped the invicible tears away and cleared my throat before giving her a beffitting reply.

“If I had intended to do something, it wouldn't be here in the balcony.” I snapped. How dare she said that to me when she doesn’t even know me.

Anger coursed through my veins at the thought.

“Ex actually.”The strange man corrected her in exasperation tone. What's going on? I thought.

“But I said I was sorry,” She interjected. I suddenly became invisible.

“Sorry doesn't solve everything Nicky. It took me four years to get myself together. Four solid years. How dare you call me your fiance?” He asked in a low dangerous tone, walking closer to her as he spoke. The air crackled with electricity and the tension was palpable.

I instantly felt bad for thinking opposite earlier. He must have gone through a lot from his words.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn't mean for it to happen?” she choked out.

“Just leave,” He ordered from where he stood, few steps away from her.

“Babe ple..” She cried out when the door burst open and two huge men wearing mask entered the balcony.

She tried to get closer to the strange man but she was pulled away from him. All my anger had dissolved and was replaced with pity for the man who had overcome his pain and face reality.

After they left, I was confused, I had no idea what to say. I wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to him earlier but he was one step ahead of me.

“Sorry about that,” He apologized and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Uhm I apologize for the way I spoke earlier.” I awkwardly said.

“Nah it's okay, I'm glad I didn't leave a bad impression.” He said and sat on the bench just behind the flowers.

“Care to join? He smiled and pointed to the empty space.

Ofcourse, I had to after what I witnessed.

“Sure.” I answered and wiped my hands on my gown. But fate had other plans.

Someone crashed into the balcony door and grabbed my hand the next minute.

I screamed and was about to push the person away when my left hand was also grabbed.

“We have to go Omi, David needs help,” Melissa's shouted in a panicked voice, tightening her hold on my hand. My eyes widened at the information.

I turned to say something to the strange man before she dragged me away hurriedly. The strange man's hold faltered at the unexpected action, leaving my black gloves in his possession.