A CHANCE TO LOVE A BILLIONAIRE

CHAPTER 5

LIYA***

“Whaaat!” Jennifer screamed joyfully.

“I did not really meet anyone, but I saw someone. He was a kind person. He

actually bought mushrooms for me,” I spoke shyly.

“Spill the beans, girl,” she said, hitting me playfully with her elbow.

“Ouch, you are hurting me,” I cried playfully.

“You deserve it, because you are now falling in love with a stranger,” she teased,

and we both laughed.

“I am not in love with him, Jennifer,” I spoke defensively.

“We shall see about that. Anyway, let me rush to the market. I will come to your place today,” Jennifer said.

“Alright. You should come. I have good news to share with you,” I said, forming a smile on my lips.

“Really?” she asked curiously.

“Yes, just come home. I will tell you

……….

I walked home cheerfully; my mind was flooded with the face and voice of the stranger I met at the market.

“What took you so long?” mom asked as soon as I stepped inside the house.

“I was actually…” before I could finish, my phone rang. It was a strange number.

“Hello, good afternoon,” a male voice spoke.

“Yes, good afternoon, who am I speaking to?” I asked curiously.

“This is the recruiting team from Softlife limited company. I am calling to inform you that you need to report for your internship tomorrow morning,” he spoke confidently.

“But, on the acceptance letter, it states that I am beginning next week,” I responded.

“I am very aware, madam; we are just inconvenienced; we really need someone in your position as it is vacant at the moment.”

“Uhm well sir,” I stammered, unsure of what to say.

The man on the other end reassured me, "Do not worry; we have arranged for your transportation and

accommodation. Just think about it and let us know what you decide."

“Sure I will. Thank you.” Then he hung up.

“What happened? Why do you suddenly look sad?” my mother asked, the concern visible in her eyes.

“Mother, the man on the phone was informing me that the position that I applied for is empty, and so I need to go today,” I muttered the words in displeasure.

“Come on, child, that is good news,” she said, a smile visible on her face.

“Yeah I know mother, but…” before I could finish my sentence she interrupted me. “But you are going to miss us, I know,” she said, pulling me in for a hug. “Now remove that frown that is all over your face,” she continued, making me suddenly smile.

“Okay, mother, I am not sad anymore; after all, I will be coming to see you,” I said as we both headed to the kitchen.

“But before you go, you have to prepare us the last meal,” she playfully said, her smile shining as bright as ever.

“Don’t worry, I will,” I said, unpacking the mushrooms from the plastic bag. For a moment, I forgot about the mysterious man until the time I was unpacking the mushrooms.

My mother threw a mocking glance at me. Tuning in her eyes, she asked, “Where did you get all those mushrooms?”

I suddenly felt butterflies in my stomach as I thought of the mysterious man I met back there at the market. I felt my nerves twitching, and blood flowing at a faster rate than usual. Unknown to me, I began to smile.

“Why are you smiling?” She curiously asked; her soft voice lingered through my ears, bringing me back to reality. Embarrassment hit me squarely, flushing my face in every direction.

“Well, I- uh,” I stammered as my hair suddenly began to itch. It was nothing but an embarrassment.

“Yes, speak up,” she said, making both herself and I burst into laughter.

“Did someone buy it for you?" a grin formed at the corner of her lips. I could not hide my face away from her; the answers were visible on my face.

“Mother,” I spouted playfully, not wanting to reveal the truth that actually happened.

“Hey ladies, I am getting hungry; you are talking too much. My stomach has been groaning since morning,” my father spoke from behind.

“Almost done, father,” I assured him, putting more concentration on washing the mushrooms.

“You better…” his words died on his lips as he suddenly began to cough. Both my mother and I rushed to him.

“Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?” my mother worriedly asked, patting him on his back with one hand and the other hand on his chest. I rushed back to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

“Father, here, have some water,” I said, my heart pounding within my chest. I handed over the glass of water to my mother.

“Here, drink this,” my mother said, placing the glass of water in his mouth when the coughing eased.

He gulped it all, and I felt a wave of relief wash over my heart. On the other hand, my mother, too, took a deep breath of relief.

“I see what the two of you are up to. You want to eat that mushroom all alone,” he said playfully, pulling my mother’s nose, and we all cracked our ribs with laughter. For a moment, I felt like my world had turned upside down. I could not bear to see him sick.

I vividly recalled the moment when his illness struck, diabetes and kidney failure. The hospital admitted him for a grueling five-month stay. His skin had become pale, unable to talk nor have a steady breath. It was always a breaking sight. His condition seemed hopeless, and we feared he'd never recover. Doctors and nurses lost hope on him, but he eventually became well again.

When he coughed, it reminded me of that deadly moment. I could not afford to lose either of my parents.

“I am fine. Continue with your cooking. Better be quick,” he said, coughing slightly, my mother escorting him back to the couch while patting his back. I watched the two lovebirds as they lavished and adored each other. I wondered if my husband would love me the same way my father loved my mother. But I did not want to think much about my marriage life because my wound was still fresh.

“I will finish soon!” I shouted joyfully.

My mind drifted to the mysterious man as I prepared the mushrooms. His curved jaw and lips lingered in my mind non-stop.

I could not erase his striking face from my mind. He had lodged himself in my mind, and I couldn't get rid of him. His charming voice played in my eyes like the soft music that I would listen to the whole time.

His memory had taken hold of me, or perhaps I had become trapped in my own recollection of him.

Time passed . I eventually set the table and called out to the couple; my mother and my father. “Food is ready,” I said, situating myself on the chair. My parents walked into the dining room, hand in hand. They sat next to each other, and I faced them from across the table.

My father took a bite and closed his eyes in appreciation. "This is delicious."

My mother, mouth full, simply nodded and continued eating.

I watched them, feeling grateful for those quiet moments together. As we were enjoying the meal, I informed my father that I would be leaving that very day.

“Oh, my girl, but anyway, you will be coming on weekends to see us, am I right?” he asked, mixing my emotions and eventually making a tear escape my eye.