Billionaire's Obsession

As the plane touched down, Caden felt a rush of excitement. He had just returned from Europe, and his hometown's warm sunshine and fragrant flowers were a welcome change. "Hello, Caden! Welcome to the big little city," a friendly voice said over the phone. "How was your trip?" "Good, thanks," I replied rather coldly. "Don't you want to go home? We can visit you there," the voice teased. My patience wore thin, as I said. "We've discussed this. I don't want to answer questions at home. If you don't want me, I can get a hotel." My friend chuckled, as he said. "Sorry, buddy. You're always welcome here. See you soon." I hung up and headed to the parking lot to hail a cab. As I asked a security guard for directions, a stunning woman in a beautiful red dress interrupted me. "I think he's got this," she said with a smile. I turned, interested, as I asked. "Do I know you?" The woman's eyes sparkled, replying to me with a question. "Are you Caden?" "Yes... Who are you?" I asked curiously. "Your ride, if you're willing," she said, chuckling. I raised an eyebrow. "My ride? What do you mean?" I asked, with more questions to follow. "Your friends asked me to pick you up, so you wouldn't get lost in the big city," she explained. My hackles rose as I said, "This is my city. I'm no stranger." The woman's smile faltered. "Fair enough. Is Celine. It's been a long time since I was a lazy boy. We thought it'd be nice to have me show you around." Celine said. My curiosity increased, as I asked, rushing to hug her. "Why would you guys do that?" Céline's eyes danced, as she explained further. "Maybe they want to keep you out of trouble." "You guys are clowns, using this ugly girl then and now a beautiful lady to get to me," I said with a charming smile. Luna rolled her eyes and said, "Save the sweet talk, young man. It doesn't work for me." We drove through the bustling streets, and the tension between us increased. Upon arrival, I was ambushed by a surprise party. "Surprise!" my friends shouted in unison. I forced a smile. "Thanks, guys, but I'm exhausted. Can we do this later? I need rest." I said. One of my friends intervened, as he said, "Let Celine show you to your room, buddy." Just as I drifted off to sleep, a knock at the door jolted me awake. "Who's there?" I shouted, annoyed. "Hello, young master. You missed me," a familiar voice replied. Johnson, my trusted butler, entered with a warm smile. "Mr. Johnson! I did miss you," I exclaimed, jumping out of bed to hug him. Johnson chuckled, as he said. "You did." "I didn't tell anyone I was back," I said, puzzled. Johnson winked and said, "Nothing escapes these old ears in this small city, young master. I have my ways." "You're never too old for surprises, Johnson," I said, tapping his shoulder. "Young master, I'm surprised you're not at home. And I'm here to take you there. I won't take no for an answer," Johnson replied firmly. I sighed. "I'm afraid I'll have to say no, Mr. Johnson," I said. Johnson's expression turned concerned, as he said, "But tonight's the family dinner. It would bring great joy to the whole family to see you back." I shook my head and said, "I'm not going to that house, Johnson. They'll provoke me, asking about the family business. I'm not interested." Johnson's voice softened, as he said, "Calm down, young master. I understand how you feel." I stood, frustration in my face. "They should let me run the business my way. Each of them has different opinions; which one should I follow?" Johnson's eyes locked onto mine. "For my sake and your respect for me, come with me. Let's go." He said. I relented. "Fine, I'll come. But if they mention the business, I'm leaving." Johnson nodded and said, "That's acceptable, young master. I'll get the car. Go downstairs and say goodbye to your friends. They're worried about you." Johnson exited, leaving me to gather my thoughts. As I descended the stairs, my friends looked at me. "Leaving already?" Celine asked. "I have to attend to family matters," I replied. My friend's expression turned to understanding. "Take care, Caden." They were in a unicorn. I nodded and followed Johnson out the door. We arrived at the grand family mansion, where everything seemed to have changed. The family was already seated at the dining table, and their warm welcome caught me off guard. "Welcome home!" they chorused. As we enjoyed our meal, the questions about my European experiences poured in. I smiled, but my patience wore thin. "If you're so interested in Europe, I'll take you with me next time," I said with a hint of frustration. Celine's eyes sparkled. "So, Caden, how's the business going?" She asked. The air filled with tension as Johnson shot Celine a warning look. Before she could continue, I leaned in and kissed her. The room fell silent. "What was that for?" Celine asked with a whisper. "No strings attached," I whispered back. "I just needed to change the subject." I stood up, leaving the family stunned. Celine followed with confusion on her face. "Why are you following me?" I asked. No response from her. As I turned to face the door, I collided with a beautiful young girl. "Watch where you're going," I said, studying her familiar features. "You look familiar too," she replied. "Is that... Caden?" My eyes widened. Sia, from college! The girl who sat in front of me in every economics class. Sia's smile lit up. "You look different, more handsome," she added as she teased. I stared at Sia, memories flooding back. "Economics class, Professor's lectures... You always sat in front of me," I said as I recalled. Sia laughed and said, "And you always doodled in your notebook." I chuckled and replied. "Guilty as charged." Our conversation flowed effortlessly like no time had passed. Just then, a tap on my shoulder broke the spell.