The kidn*pped Billionaire

She

Achellous

Elani, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. No other woman can replace her in my life. The day I first met her was the best day of my life. She never fails to stand out when surrounded by a crowd. Her beauty alone is out of this world. Her tan skin, beautiful locks, and gorgeous hazel eyes mesmerized me. She captured my heart with her warm smile. She is everything to me. I will never be tired of telling Elani that she is the most beautiful woman in my sight, and I will never be tired of telling her that I love her. Whenever I remember the first day I saw her, the memory of it never fails to make me smile. This memory was more than 20 years ago, but I can still vividly remember it. 

FLASHBACK 

“Sir Achellous, your father told me that you need to visit the local market and check the condition of the merchants.” Being the next person in line to govern over the family business is really hard. But I have no choice. 

“That is noted. Kuya, please come with me. I need someone who knows the area well.” Our driver is a local here in Santa Corazon. He’s been living here a few years before I was born. 

“Okay, sir. I will just prepare our vehicle.” He ran off outside to our parking area. I walked towards the exit of our house too. 

I was tired. But I cannot do anything except do all the things my father tells me to do. I need to be excellent in his eyes, so that I can prove that I am worthy to be the heir of our business. I hoped that one day I’d meet the love of my life. Live with her, together with our child. And be happy just like other families. 

When our car was ready, I hopped inside the vehicle, and sat on the passenger’s seat. I closed the door, and then we drove off. The travel time only took almost thirty minutes, but it was a hell of a ride. The roads were bumpy, the driveways were narrow, and there were a lot of children playing. My patience was really being tested, but I cannot be mad at these people because they are my people. We stopped at the local market’s parking area. Fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies were being sold, as well as souvenirs and other stuff. 

I was walking through the market and greeting everyone. I entered the last shop located at the end of the market. It was a*****e selling coconuts and other coconut related products. When I entered, the store was empty. I had no one to talk to, so I checked their products. Ooh, their hair products smell good! When I turned around, my world stopped. A goddess. 

“I--” I stuttered. I can’t move. I don’t know what to say. 

“I am so sorry for startling you. I was busy checking our inventory at the back. My name is Mahaelani, but you can call me Elani. How may I help you?” She smiled at me. 

Yes, she smiled at me. I stared at her face. I literally was not able to move at all. She stared back at me, she was still smiling. 

“I-- I was--was-- I was just--” She was laughing at me! I turned red, I was getting really shy! 

“You need to calm down! Hahaha! You’re red like a tomato!” She was laughing really hard. I started laughing with her too. We were having the time of our lives-- I mean I was having the time of my life, when suddenly an elderly lady showed up.

“Ela! Why are you laughing so loud-- Oh. I am sorry! I didn’t know that you were here Sir Achellous. Ela! This is Sir Achellous Tala, the owner of Tala Group of Companies.” Elani stopped laughing, she was shocked. This girl doesn’t really know me!

“Oh my gosh. I am really sorry for my behaviour.” She turned red. She looks really beautiful.

“It’s fine. Now you are turning red like a tomato.” I chuckled. 

“What can we do for you, Sir?” The elderly woman asked. I think this is Elani’s mother, or grandmother. I don’t really know. 

“I was just checking on the locals today. I was hoping that I’ll learn from the merchants of our local market here in Santa Corazon. Everything is going really well. I hope that your business will thrive. I’m hoping to see you again soon! Here is my business card if you need help, or you have a business proposal that can help our economy thrive too. I should go now. Thank you.” 

I smiled at both of them. I couldn't stop looking at Elani, but I needed to go. She smiled at me, and waved me goodbye. I left the store, and went back to the parking area where our driver was waiting for me. We went home. I told him about Elani. 

“Do you think that I have a chance on her? I want to get to know her more.” I asked our driver.

“You have the chance, sir. You are a Tala. The thing you must be worried about, is what your parents are going to say about this. She is a child of a merchant, and you are a child of the owner of the biggest group of companies here in Santa Corazon.”

 What he said was true. I shouldn’t be worried about if I am going to impress her, I should be worried about what my parents would think of this. I am losing my mind. But I thought to myself, maybe I just found my future. 

END OF FLASHBACK 

Thinking about the time I first met Elani, makes me miss her more. A day or two without her by my side just feels like it has been a thousand years. Elani is my home. I can rest when I am with her. She makes me feel alive whenever I feel empty. She completes me. Elani is my missing rib. Come home, my love. I miss you.