The Billionaire's Son Ultimatum

CHAPTER 3

Steam swirled in the air as he stepped out of the shower, the water droplets sliding down his skin, a reminder of the day's chaos. His fingers raked through his damp hair, his mind replaying everything that had happened.

"Was I too harsh on her?" contemplating on the argument that had unfolded moments ago, reaching for the towel that was in front of him he dried himself, taking a glance at his reflection in the bathroom mirror – a face that often exuded confidence now showing traces of uncertainty.

Exiting the bathroom, he looked around his room, the digital clock on his bedroom counter blinked at him – 10:42 PM. "That was one long ass shower," he said giving a faint smile that faded quickly. The warmth of the shower had provided a brief moment of consolation for him.

With the towel hanging over his shoulder, Benjamin moved toward his closet. His fingers moving through his neatly folded clothes, he selected a pair of well-worn jeans and a white singlet.

He sat on his bed and reached out for his phone on the nightstand. Dialing the familiar number, he listened as the phone rang on the other end. A groggy yet amused voice finally picked up.

Ben, it's way past bedtime. What's got you calling at this hour?"

Benjamin laughed, "Mike, get your lazy ass up I need your opinion on something"

A chuckle emanated from the other end. "Ah, Ben, lazy you say? and when have you needed someone's opinion on something this must be serious."

Benjamin rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, make fun of me all you want. This is a mess."

"Alright, alright," Michael replied, his tone growing more serious. "What's up, buddy?"

Benjamin stared up at the ceiling, his frustration apparent. "My dad said I should find a woman, fall in love, and get married within 6 months, or kiss my position in the family business goodbye."

A laugh lingered in Michael's voice. "Hold on, hold on, wait a minute, "this is a joke right?". Benjamin Grant, should find a woman and fall in love?". Ahhhh, Like female species.

Benjamin's tone was less than amused. "Hold your horses, Mike this is serious, my dad isn't kidding about it".

Michael's laughter was infectious. "Man, this is priceless.

Benjamin sighed. "Glad my situation brings you so much joy."

Michael burst into laughter again, his genuine amusement filling the room. "Hey, don't get me wrong, Ben. I just never thought I'd see the day when you, of all people, would be dealing with a situation like this.

A wry smile tugged at Benjamin's lips. "Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want." Mike.

Still chuckling, Michael managed to compose himself. "Seriously though, man, it's not that I'm making fun of your situation. It's just a shock, you know? I can't even imagine you with a woman."

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. "Gee, thanks."

Michael's laughter subsided, replaced by a more serious expression. "So, what's the plan, Ben? Have you thought about what you're going to do?"

Benjamin leaned back against the bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "Honestly, I have no idea. That's why I called you.

"Hey, you know what you should do? How about your mom try talking to her, maybe she can work her magic and help change your old man's mind."

Benjamin's expression changed. "Funny thing is, she's aware of it and she's actually in support of the whole idea."

Michael's voice was filled with surprise. "Wait, what? Your mom's in on it too? I thought she always had your back."

A sigh escaped Benjamin's lips. "I thought so too. But she seems to think it's a good idea, you know, for my 'personal growth' and all that."

Michael shook his head, a teasing grin on his face even though Benjamin couldn't see it. "Man, your family's a mystery.

"I need ideas at this point, Mike cause I don't even know what to do again.

Michael's voice turned contemplative. "It's getting late now, and I doubt the best ideas are going to pop up at this hour. How about we meet up somewhere tomorrow? Huh, or you're too busy to meet up with your best friend again.

Benjamin let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "That sounds like a good plan.

A sense of relief washed over Michael's features. "Great, But hey, when was the last time we even hung out ? "huh your dad's 60th birthday?". Michael said with a smirk on his face.

Benjamin's lips quirked in a half-smile. "It's been a while, hasn't it? I have just been busy and you know it, Mike.

"Busy, my foot," Michael retorted playfully. "You always have some excuse. 'I'm tied up with work,' 'Meetings all day,' 'Business trip,' it's like a broken record.

Benjamin chuckled. "Alright, alright, sorry, man.

Michael's tone turned mockingly serious. "No wonder your father's telling you to get married.

Benjamin gave a half-hearted chuckle. "Haha, Real funny Mike rub it in."

Both men shared a laugh, the friendship and familiarity of their conversation a soothing balm to Benjamin's current predicament.

Benjamin sighed, grateful for Michael's understanding and support. "Thanks for this, Mike. I appreciate it.

"No problem, buddy. We'll sort this out together," Michael reassured him.

The call ended with a promise to meet up the next day. Benjamin glanced around his room, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm atmosphere.

Just as he was about to let his thoughts drift away, a gentle knock sounded on his bedroom door. Benjamin's heart skipped a beat as he heard his mother's voice, he quickly glanced at the clock – 12:30 AM. What could she possibly want at this hour?

Why isn't she asleep? " He thought.

Without hesitation, he closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep. The door creaked open, and Eleanor stepped into the room. Her gaze fell on Benjamin, who was lying on the bed, fully clothed and motionless. She smiled to herself knowing fully well that her son wasn't asleep.

In a low, gentle tone, with the hope of getting a conversation out of her son, she said, "I just want what's best for you and I hope you understand, Benjamin."

He remained still, pretending as hard as he could, not wanting to engage in a conversation with her at that moment.

She waited for a moment, hoping for a response but Benjamin kept silent, after a long pause, Eleanor let out a soft sigh, almost as if she understood his attempt to avoid a conversation. She knew her son too well, and with a hint of sadness, she turned and left the room, the door closing gently behind her.

Benjamin waited a few moments after he heard the door close, his heart gradually returning to a more normal rhythm before closing his eyes and falling asleep for real this time.