Love Me, Mr. Billionaire.

Arizona groaned in her sleep as the shrill rings of her cellphone pierced her ears. “Just two hours of sleep! Can’t I at least get two hours of sleep?” she muttered. She struggled to rise from her bed, only to be hit with a sharp pang in her head. The memory of last night came rushing back, she had gone clubbing with friends. Closing her eyes, she tried to recall the details. All she could remember were fragments: her hand clutching a bottle of vodka, her laughter echoing, the burning sensation of shot after shot. They had been playing a game of truth or dare. Whenever dared to do something she found too explicit, she had opted for the punishment instead, more alcohol. Her ears burned as her mind betrayed her with one humiliating memory: words she had shouted while being intoxicated. “No! I refuse. My first kiss belongs to him alone. I refuse to give it to anyone else! Don’t touch me! Brother Flo will get mad!” She covered her face in shame. I must have said so much nonsense. “Well, I’ll just deny remembering anything if someone asks,” she muttered bitterly. “Arizona, you’re such a fool. How could you drink so much?” she scolded herself under her breath. The headache throbbed harder, forcing her to groan and surrender, then another thought struck her. **Wait… how did I end up in my bunk?** After some thoughts, a small smile spread across her face.**Bella must have helped me back to the dormitory.** “That b***h always has my back,” Arizona whispered with a fond smile, before slipping back into sleep. ⸻ Meanwhile, in another part of the city, a room exuded elegance and quiet power. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, golden rays illuminating a space that blended comfort, style, and wealth. Plush furniture upholstered in rich velvet sat neatly in place, while the creamy-white walls showcased carefully chosen artwork. At the center, a bed dressed in crisp white linens and lace trim radiated serenity. Its polished wooden frame glowed warmly in the light, the very picture of stability and control. On it reclined a man, his presence commanding even at rest. His chiseled jawline, dark tousled hair, and sharp eyes seemed sculpted with precision. Broad shoulders and a lean, powerful frame hinted at strength and discipline, while his stillness spoke of restrained confidence. This was Raymond Arnoult. His long fingers flew across his laptop keyboard at rapid speed. Though he had chosen to work from home today, his grandmother required his presence later and his schedule was no less grueling. Hours passed in silence, interrupted only when he finally shut his laptop and gathered the neatly stacked documents. At precisely 10 a.m., the alarm on his bedside table rang. He didn’t flinch. Time, to Raymond, was money, and not a second could be wasted. With cold precision, he stripped, showered, and re-emerged half an hour later, disposing of the towel immediately. His severe cleanliness disorder demanded nothing less. Dressed immaculately, he descended the sweeping staircase to the living room, where his assistant awaited. “Young Master, shall we head to the Old Mansion?” Noah asked respectfully. Raymond nodded and headed for the garage where his fleet of cars where parked in an orderly manner. He casually chose a key and Noah quickly opened the door for his master and started the journey to the Old Mansion. ______ Arnoult old mansion. ———- In the living room, The Old lady of the Arnoult Family was sitting on a sofa. Soon, the butler came in. ”Madam, second Young master is back.” “That brat! Quick! help me lay on the floor, be fast about it.” With the help of the butler, The Old lady successfully lay down on the floor and as soon as she heard footsteps, she made a heart wrenching noise. “Wah!!! My chest hurts so much Help! Help! My chest!” His handsome face showed indifference as he walked calmly to his grandmother. “Grandma, what happened to you this time? Just two days ago, you had complained of headache and after series of test, the doctor declared you healthy and fit.” The Butler stood in a corner with the maids who had ran out after hearing Madam scream, they didn't dare to laugh as they watched their Madam act like a child to the young Master. “ You unfilial child! When are you going to give me a granddaughter in-law? I want to eat the food made by my granddaughter in-law and listen to stories about you from her. Look at old Shen’s son , he recently got married and had a baby within the space of a year. Tell me, do you fancy men instead? ” “Grandma! ” The old lady pretended not to see his dark face as she stood up with the help of the butler. “Hmph! You and your brother are a giving me pains in my head.” “Grandma, big brother won't be able to make it here today, he had to go for an urgent bussiness trip, if you want to return to the floor you can inform Uncle Philip so he can help you back.” The Butler stood in the corner with a red face trying to make himself as invisible as he could. Why does he have to be dragged into the banter between Madam and the Third Young master? “Micheal you and your brother will kill me someday. Philip please help me back to my room, let this brat take care of himself.” Before the Butler could reach her, Micheal stood up from the sofa smiling with triumph. “Grandma don't be mad, you should have considered all these before you and grandpa decided to burden us with the responsibility of overseeing various companies. I will be taking my leave now, make sure to take care of yourself.” After saying that, he bowed, turned and walked out of the old mansion with elegant strides. No one saw his red face full of smiles as he muttered to himself: “Big brother, you have to give me a reward for this.” The Old lady looked at the butler with her face full of worries. ”Philip, what will I do with my grandsons? Raymond is 30 while Micheal is 25 and they are both single. Will I be able to see them get married in this life time? ” “Madam why don't you give the two young masters more time? They are managing the companies real fine and any lady will be overwhelmed by their sophistication. It won't be long before they bring home beautiful ladies.” The Butler replied with his head bowed. “Why don't I set them up with ladies through blind dates?” The Old lady smiled. Why had such amazing idea not come to her mind all these while? The Butler with his head bowed has his heart in turmoil as he thought that the two young Masters will surely not be pleased with the idea but how could he convince the Madam otherwise? This was a real disaster! ***** Raymond tall, imposing with piercing eyes, sat at the head of the table in the conference room, his expression a mask of calm authority. His team sat around the table, their faces tense and anxious. Raymond, known for his aloof and demanding nature, spoke in a low, measured tone, his words precise and calculated. His team listened intently, their eyes fixed on him, as if mesmerized by his presence. Just as the He was about to make a key point, his phone, lying on the table in front of him, suddenly rang, shattering the silence. The team jumped, their eyes darting to the phone as it rang. Without sparing the phone a glance, the meeting proceeded. As the meeting progressed, Raymond's words were laced with a subtle venom. The board members nodded fervently, taking notes and making mental calculations, desperate to avoid his wrath. Suddenly, Raymond's eyes locked onto a young executive, John, who had dared to suggest an alternative strategy. His gaze froze John in place, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Explain yourself, John," He growled, his voice low and menacing. John swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he tried to defend his idea. Raymond listened, his expression unyielding, before dismissing the suggestion with a curt wave of his hand. As the meeting wore on, Raymond's secretary, Noah slipped into the room, his eyes scanning the table until they locked onto his boss. With a subtle nod, he approached him, his movements silent and fluid. Raymond's, eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to the whispered message. Without a word, he rose from his seat, the members of the board sensing a sudden shift in the atmosphere, exchanged nervous glances, their faces etched with curiosity and worry. "I'm afraid we'll have to suspend the meeting," The team nodded, their faces sympathetic, as the he swiftly exited the room, his secretary following closely behind. As they filed out of the conference room, whispers began to circulate: "What happened?" "Who was it?" "Is everything okay?"