Love, Lies, and Billion.

Mr. Lucas Ross lives on an estate popularly known as “The Ross Estate”. This estate stood like a testament of power in the heart of Berlin. The exquisitely designed marble pillars, glowing chandeliers, and expansive gardens quietly speak of a wealth that has been built over decades. Billionaire Mr. Lucas always self-congratulates himself in this empire. He worked so hard to get to the top, and he made sure everyone who crossed his path knew it. His eldest daughter, Bella Ross, genetically, has received more than just his blue eyes and tall imposing presence. She also inherited his arrogance. Bella is 28 years old, indisputably beautiful, with a curvy figure that draws attention wherever she goes. But , despite many wealthy suitors who wanted to marry her, she decided to be single. She may have her reasons. Bella Ross wasn’t just looking for love, she wanted to marry a powerful man. A man who would promote her to unimaginable heights in society, not just maintain it. Someone with old money will compete with or outweigh his father’s wealth. In her proud heart, getting married to someone below her current status is a dealbreaker for her. Caleb Flynn, a modest man, strolled into Ross' mansion one cool evening. Bella barely had mercy on him. Mr. Caleb Flynn knew Lucas Ross long before he walked into his estate. He was different from Mr. Lucas. Unlike the boastful billionaire, Caleb’s wealth and achievements were classified information. He built his wealth from scratch, just like Lucas, but he decided to be quiet about it. He chose a different path. While others display their riches, Caleb remains low, promoting more of his character instead of his bank account. He met Bella Ross at a wedding party 5 months ago. While she was beautiful, he wasn’t interested in her physical appearance but her confidence. Especially her aura among commoners. Caleb was aware of her arrogance, but he thought she was afraid of making the wrong choice, but in reality she was heartless. And so he decided to take a chance. That evening, dressed in a plain yet well-tailored black suit, Caleb sat opposite Lucas Ross and his beautiful daughters, his brown eyes smooth and not bumpy, his demeanor peaceful. He didn’t look like a billionaire. He didn’t have the aura of a man with old money. And that, peradventure, was his biggest mistake. Bella leaned back in her chair, scornfully curling her lips as Caleb spoke. “I would like to ask for Bella’s hand in marriage,” A hush fell over the grand dining hall. Lucas Ross laughed quietly, a deep, arrogant sound that echoed through the room, “And what do you do for a living, Mr. Flynn." “I manage a few businesses,” Caleb replied simply, his expression not written clearly enough to be understood. Bella rolled her eyes. She had heard that line many times before from men who were surviving on ramen noodles and orange juice, pretending to be rich. Lucas leaned forward, looking Caleb straight in the eye. “A few businesses and I have never heard of you.” Caleb smiled, looked at Bella and said “I prefer to keep a low profile.” Bella laughed with contempt. “Are you keeping a low profile? Or low income?” Sofia, who had been silent in this conversation, was not comfortable with her sister’s harsh words. While Bella was quick to dismiss Caleb, Sofia had been paying close attention to the young man. There was something about him that was resolute and authentic. He wasn’t scared of his father’s foolish pride or Bella's ruthlessness. Instead, he remained calm, unaffected. Caleb’s smile didn’t fade away. “I assure you, Miss Ross, I have the capacity to provide for a family, if that is what you are afraid of, I got you covered.” Bella crossed her arms in surprise.” I’m not going to marry a man who has to assure me of his financial status. If I have to ask for reassurance, then it is not enough.” Sofia immediately looked at Caleb. Most men would have been degraded by Bella’s words, but he showed no sign of confusion. Instead, he gave Bella a small nod, as if he was already expecting that response. Lucas Ross laughed, shaking his head. “Mr. Flynn, I appreciate your confidence, but my daughter Bella has standards.” Caleb met Bella’s stare one last time before standing. “I understand,” he said simply. There was no feeling of resentment or displeasure. Just acceptance. Sofia watched as Caleb turned to leave, something in her chest tightened. Bella gave a contemptuous smile, happy that another “inadequate” suitor had been sent away successfully. But Sofia saw something else. Something her sister had failed to recognize. Strength. Caleb Flynn was no ordinary man, there is something unique about him. And somehow, she had a feeling that Bella had just made the biggest error of her life. Later that evening, Bella slowly drank her favorite wine on the balcony. She replays what happened earlier in her mind. There was something about Caleb’s confidence that bothered her. He didn’t beg or try to prove his worth. Most men would have tried to convince her that they were wealthy. But Caleb? He had simply accepted her rejection and walked away. This thought didn’t sit well with her. “Did I make the right choice?” Bella thought out loud. Sofia, who stood beside her, shrugged. “Bella, you always make a decision that suits you.” Bella turned to her sister, narrowing her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Sofia paused, then said softly, “I believe Caleb is a good man. Something is telling me that he is even the best man to walk through those doors. Bella laughed. “Please. If he was wealthy, as he claims, he wouldn’t have to keep a low profile. Billionaires don’t hide their success.” Sofia remained silent. Caleb’s quiet confidence contradicts what his sister is saying. She had a strong feeling that Bella had just rejected a man who was more than he appeared. And she also believes that she will see Caleb Flynn again, if not very soon. That night, Caleb walked into his private study space, poured himself a glass of whiskey as he looked over the city’s night view. The rejection didn’t surprise him, just a strange feeling as a human being that he is. He wasn’t heartbroken. But he felt frustrated. He thought Bella could be different. Maybe beneath the icy excessive pride, there was someone deserving. Maybe he was wrong. Or maybe time will reveal things.