The Lonely Billionaire (Marriage of Convenience)

PROLOGUE "Marry me!" Christopher Kon's voice echoed in the room. Laid on the table is a contract wherein the billionaire CEO is giving half of his assets to Isabel Jacob if the latter agrees to marry him. Isabel was taken aback, she did not expect to hear that from the CEO. She can't imagine why the big boss would choose a maid like her. Isabel worked as a personal maid of the CEO for almost a year now. She looks plain and boring compared to the models, actresses, and daughters of business tycoons chasing the CEO. "After we get married, birth me a son then you can go your merry way! Let's divorce!" The CEO said, he looks serious. What? Isabel can't process in her brain what her boss is saying. First of all, she did not agree to marry him so there's no divorce! And...! What if she will give birth to a daughter followed by another daughter to another daughter again? Will she be married to the CEO forever? Episode 1. Christopher Kon Jr. has just wake up and is getting ready for work. His personal male assistant is in the study preparing the documents the big boss has to bring to the office. Christopher appeared in the study n***d as he just finished his shower. In his right hand is the towel that he used to wipe his body. Nothing new here. Mr. Lim is used to see this man nak*d ever since Christopher was a boy. Christopher maybe an introvert but he is not the shy type. With a toned body and muscled arms, he have all the right to boast his physique. That every weekend work out has paid off a good result. There's a knock at the door followed by a faint voice. It's the maid telling the big boss that breakfast is ready. Christopher check his time, it's 7:30. He quickly put on his clothes with the assistance of Mr. Lim. While fixing his tie, Mr. Lim remarked, "You look sharp as usual, master." Christopher did not say anything, he just smiled. "I'm ready." He said before heading to the door. He walked down the stairs followed by Mr. Lim who is carrying all the documents. At the dining table is a food that looks delicious and it's obviously hot or warm as the steam is coming off. "Good morning sir!" The two maids greeted Christopher. As usual, Christopher did not say anything. He just smiled at the maids who are on standby just in case the master needs anything. This house is very quiet as there's only one man who lives in this house. But not today. The guard announced the arrival of Linda Kon, she is the mother of Christopher. Linda Kon left the mansion a long time ago before her divorce with the senior Kon. She choose to keep the surname Kon along with the billions worth of shares in Sunderland she get after the divorce. Power comes with the name Kon which she easily uses to her advantage. The guard opened the door for Mrs. Linda Kon. She is in her 60's but she looks younger than her age. The stem cell maintenance against skin aging that she do in Germany every year proved to be successful. If people don't know that Christopher is her son, people would think that she is the older sister. Ofcourse she is very happy to hear that. As Linda Kon walk towards her surprised son, the maid on standby hurried to meet Mrs. Kon. The maid get the bag of Mrs. Kon right away while the other servants helped with the luggages. Christopher stood up. "What is the meaning of this, mother?" "You seem not happy to see me my son. It only means I am back." Linda Kon said before hugging her son. "I miss you so much my son." Christopher doubt that but he hugged his mother anyway. It's been ages since he last saw her. "I miss you too mother but please don't tell me you're back here for good." "I am!" Mrs. Kon said before calling the maids in a loud voice. The servants hurried to Linda Kon's order. Christopher can't believe his eyes. His mother is really back as evident with the many luggages passing before his eyes. "Did you just bring with you fifteen luggages in all?" Christopher asked in disbelief. His mother smiled. "Yes, I did. In fact!" Mrs. Kon said before laying on the table a magazine. "Explain this to me!" Mrs. Kon demanded with authority. If there's someone who can raise her voice to Christopher, it's no one but her. Laid on the table is a magazine with Christopher's face on it. It's headlined, The Lonely Billionaire is at the edge of losing his 40 percent stake in Sunderland! "Christopher Kon!" Linda said in a loud voice sending the maids to leave one after the other. Her voice is like a thunder echoing in the corners of the house. "I see. The world is watching me age since my father died." Christopher sighed. "What do you expect me to do mom?" Suddenly, he lost his appetite. He wants to just leave and go to office where he can focus on his work and forget about the world.That is what he was trained to do anyway eversince he was a young boy. "Where do you think you are going? Christopher Kon!" "To work mom." "Soon, you will be losing that office if you don't act fast! That's why I'm back.. I'm here to help you son. Take a break from work. Go on vacation, find a girl and eventually get married." Pleads Mrs. Kon. The look on her face says it all. She's desperate to keep the legacy of Christopher Kon Sr. to the family. "I know it's not easy to marry if you are not ready yet. Do it for the sake of keeping the controlling stake of the company to this family." "Ofcourse, you did not come back because of me. You come back for yourself." Christopher said after he realized the sad truth. "That's not true." Mrs. Kon said as a defense to herself. "Look mom, I'm not interested to hear whatever your truth is. But dad.. I don't understand why he have to do this to me? I'm not marrying anyone who's only interested with the Kon's money." Mrs. Kon sighed. "Maybe it's about time to tell you this. When you were young, you were very sick. We once thought you would not make it.Your father is only making sure he will be having grand children to pass on his legacy. Look at your father, he died so young." "My father's fate is not my fate! It is selfish to push me to be getting married just so you will be having grand children, mom!" Christopher said. He is obviously not happy with this conversation. Mrs. Kon flared up with what her son just said. "Selfish? Is it selfish to look after you? You are the one being selfish here! Your father and I looked after you ever since you were a baby. Stop being foolish Christopher and save this family for goodness sake!" "Wrong! The nanny looked after me. While my father is very busy at work, you are traveling non-stop all over the world. The maids looked after me, it's not you!" Christopher said, for the first time he answered back his mother. Linda Kon can't believe her ears. "But I understand dad had to work. Do you remember that time you were in Malibu celebrating your friend's birthday while I am home alone celebrating my birthday with the maids? What kind of mother would forget her son's birthday but would remember to buy her friend a diamond watch for his birthday?" Linda Kon is furious. She slammed the magazine infront of Christopher who's surprised to see how angry her mother can be when he is only voicing out ill feelings he never thought he had inside of him. Now, everybody in the house heard the real reason he was never close to his mom. "I'm a grown up man mom. I don't need anyone to tell me what to do." Christopher said before walking out of the dining hall. Mrs. Kon who's still fuming pick up an apple at the table before throwing it at the direction of her son. Christopher saw the apple pass by before landing infront of him. Unbelievable! He muttered but he did not bother to look back. Mr. Lim hurried to follow Christopher with all the documents. He put the documents in his master's car before returning to the dining hall. "You see what my son turned into! I should have never left this house." Mrs. Kon said at the sight of Mr. Lim. "Your son turned out just fine. He is a gentleman." Mr. Lim said in defense of his boss. This man grow up under his care. " I see where your loyalty is." Mrs. Kon told Mr. Lim. "I am but following the instructions of the Late Kon Sr. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a work to do. The maids will serve you breakfast if you are hungry." Mr. Lim said before leaving Mrs. Kon. Mrs. Kon sit at the dining table before a hesitant maid approach her. "Is Lory there? I want her to service me." Mrs. Kon demanded. "Yes ma'am." The maid meekly replied. "Call her now!" Ordered Mrs. Kon with a loud voice that send the maid fleeing out of the dining area. Isabel who's standing in one of the corners of the room backed off slowly but Mrs. Kon saw her. "You! Come here!" Mrs. Kon said in a loud voice as if being loud demands respect. Isabel walk towards Mrs. Kon. "Yes ma'am?" Isabel said calmly. Mrs. Kon don't frighten her at all. To her, this behavior is just a show off if someone wants to be in control. Mrs. Kon raised her brows. This maid is new and she seems interesting. She don't even falter at the sound of her loud voice like the other maids do. "What's your name?" Mrs. Kon asked Isabel. "My name is Isabel Jacob ma'am. Isabel, that's my first name." Isabel answered clearly. Approaching them is Lory who seems very pleased to see Mrs. Kon. Hello ma'am. Finally, you're back!" Lory said, she's almost hugging Mrs. Kon with her excitement. "You can go." Mrs. Kon told Isabel to the delight of the latter. ***** It's six in the evening yet Christopher is not back. The boss should be back as he don't have business dinner with his business partners today. Isabel knows the schedule of the boss as it's her job to prepare all the clothes of the boss in every occasion. Isabel is a smart woman. She knows Christopher is avoiding someone in the house. He is avoiding his mom who at moment is doing what she do best- entertaining guests! A proof of that is the laughter echoing in the mansion. Mrs. Kon may have caused drama this morning but her presence might be not bad at all. This house is boring without her. Not that anyone likes tension and flying apples but a little bit of that proves they are human after all. One of the closest co worker of Isabel is Abe who's strength is to gossip as she uses gossip to be close with everyone. "Have you seen the guest?" Abe asked Isabel. The latter shaked her head. "The guest is one of the Victoria's Secret model!" Aby said accompanied by a facial expression she do when she is relaying a very important message. Isabel got curious. She also wants to see the Victoria's Secret model so she tiptoes towards the living room and before she realize it, almost everyone is with her peeping. Abe already spread the message to everyone. She spared no one. A familiar voice talked from behind them. "What are you doing, guys?" Asks Christopher who is back from the office. Everyone stood up after hearing the boss. Isabel feels embarrassed so she quickly hide behind the group and slowly separate from them before appearing beside Christopher. "I saw you Isabel." Christopher said laughing that surprised everyone. Looks like change is really happening in this house. Must be the Mrs. Kon effect. **** From a Victoria's Secret model to a Hollywood actress and daughters of business tycoons, Mrs. Kon will make sure his son will have a few options to choose from. With these beautiful women from high caliber families, she is sure the Kon leniage will go on. This is her mission. Within this year, her son will be getting married or else the 40 percent share of the Kon family will go to charity. God forbid! Mrs. Kon said. "Sorry. Did you say something?" The model asked Mrs. Kon. "I'm talking about my son." Mrs. Kon replied. Right just on time, Christopher walked in the living room. "Speaking of! This is my beloved son Christopher. You look tired my dear but please come over here. I would like you to meet someone." Mrs. Kon said in a sweet voice as if the flying apple did not happen this morning. Christopher shake his head at the thought of that incident. He is hoping that incident will not be a norm in this house. Christopher is not yet totally over on how his mother acted this morning but he don't want to embarrass his mother infront of the guest. "This is Celine Adriada. She might be familiar to you as she's one of the Victoria's Secret models. Is the name Adriada familiar to you, son?" Mrs. Kon said while Christopher approach them. "The business people of Brazil, Ofcourse!" Christopher said to the delight of his mom. "Excellent!" Says Mrs. Kon. Christopher extended his hands to Celine Adriada, "Nice to meet you Celine!" "Nice to meet you too Christopher. My father will be impressed should he find out I have meet in person the aloof Christopher Kon." Adriada said all smiles. Christopher is thinking, here comes another one. Everyone seems to be interested to meet him because he is Christopher Kon. But what if he is not? What if he is a janitor or a waiter? Will people like Celine Adriada be so fascinated with him? Christopher don't really think so. "Very well. Tony?" Mrs. Kon called Mr. Lim. "We are ready for dinner." Mr. Lim followed the command of Mrs. Kon. He proceeded to the kitchen, he have an army to command. "Open rice!" He announced right away. Everyone who are assigned in serving dinner immediately prepared starting with the appetizers. Mrs. Kon lead the way to the dining hall. Being a gentleman himself, Christopher allowed Adriada to go ahead first and he can't avoid not to notice how tall and slim the model is. Mrs. Kon caught a glimpse of her son's reflection in the mirror assessing the model. Men will always be men. She said secretly rejoicing. Very soon, his son will be sleeping with these beautiful women. Who knows, her son might be getting engaged soon? From a distance, Isabel is watching. She is impressed by the model's beauty. She have never seen a woman as beautiful as this one. Just like every staff in this house, she wants to take a photo with the model but she also knows that is against work etiquette in this house. No one wants to trigger the ferocious tiger living in Mrs. Kon's soul. "What made you come to HongKong?" Christopher asked Celine after they are seated. "I'm sure the paparazzi will be chasing you should they know you're in the city." Celine laughed. Isabel is listening and she thought this woman also laughs the most beautiful laugh. "They won't find out. I will be posting in my i********: once I'm back in the U.S. Can we take a photo by the way?" "Sure dear!" Mrs. Kon said right away before calling Loren to bring her sunglasses. "Mom, it's night time. There's no need to be wearing one." "I am also wearing mine." Celine said before getting her light colored sunglasses in her handbag. Mrs. Kon asked the maids to take a photo of them. Isabel who's near to them volunteered. It was a brief and proud moment for Isabel especially as the model said Thankyou to Isabel as the latter handed back the model's phone. Everyone in the kitchen surrounded Isabel the moment she get back. "Is she really as beautiful as she is in screen? Whispered Abe. "Yes, she is!" Isabel answered. Abe took her phone. She is about to secretly take a photo of the model when Mr. Lim appeared. "You know what is right and what is not. Unless you want to be fired by Mrs. Kon, go on." Mr. Lim warned Abe. Abe pouted before putting back her phone in her pocket. "Everybody focus with your work. Serve the soup now." Mr. Lim ordered. "What are you waiting for Abe? Serve the soup." Isabel told Abe. Abe carried the soup while everyone is anticipating her return. They are hoping to hear news about the model. Abe is the perfect person to be sent in that field. The door to the kitchen opened. Everyone is expecting Abe but it was Christopher. "Aha! I knew it!" Christopher said. I already know something is going on when I saw you guys earlier." Christopher told everyone who are grouped near the door. Everyone suddenly dispersed. "Where is everyone going? Stay here, I want to tell you something." Everyone remained as the boss ordered. "That model farts too, and it stinks!" Christopher go on to say that made everyone laugh. Christopher motioned a hand gesture telling them to slow down. "Don't be too happy guys, Mrs. Kon might be jealous that you guys are happier than her. Now, guys, listen! Please serve the foods quickly. I want this dinner to be over. I'm tired and I want to rest. Christopher said before going back to the dining table. As ordered by the big boss, the chef quickly cooked the remaining dishes for tonight's dinner and it was served right away. Once the main dish was served. Christopher asked the two ladies if they still have space for dessert. No one answered, the two ladies just looked at each other. "I pass. I'm too full." Christopher answered his question. "I'm also too full." Celine said. For a model, Celine is not picky with foods to Christopher's surprise. He actually noticed Celine ate a lot and that's plus points for her. "I regret to say that I have to go as I still have work to do." Christopher said. "It's too early, son. But if you really have to work then.." Mrs. Kon shrugged her shoulders. " Anyway Celine will be our guest for a few days so you two can catch up tomorrow." Christopher did not expect to hear that. He thought this model is booked in hotels like Four Seasons or J.W Marriott. Why his home? This is not a hotel. Christopher silently protested. "Okay then, goodnight ladies." He said instead. "Good night." Replies the two. Christopher can't remember a time he had a dinner with his mom. If his memory is right, this is the first time. He was 18 when his parents' divorce was approved but his mother is long gone from the house before that. He has been living alone almost half of his life. Why come back now? Definitely, a grown up man don't need a mother who is an absentee his entire life. That day ended in a dramatic way the staffs of the house is not accustomed to. From the arrival of the mother Kon to another unexpected guest that made the staffs jittery. Who knew this day would come? Who knew the maids in the mansion will be running to attend to the guests requests. That includes Mrs. Kon, so far as Christopher is concerned, Mrs. Kon is a guest in his house. The only resident of this mansion is Christopher Kon and the 25 staffs, that is Christopher's thought before sleep invaded his wary mind.