The kidn*pped Billionaire

Why?

Achellous

I remember the days when Ela was the only one I looked into. She was my universe. I lived in her presence. No one was able to separate us. Until my parents knew about our relationship.

FLASHBACK

“Achellous! Are you serious? You are dating the kid of some– what, coconut vendor?! Are you out of your mind?! You are a disgrace to the family! What will your aunts and uncles say? That you’ve got no class?! My gosh, Achellous! There’s so many young women– rich and powerful young women that we know. Yet, you settled for someone like her?! WHY?!” My father was so furious.

It’s true. Ela was not someone. She was a nobody. But my father can’t accept the fact that someone like me, was loving a nobody like Ela. I never cared about what my father said about us, all he does is be mad at me. He always put to his mind that I need to be perfect in order to be worthy.

“Why do you care so much, father? You’re afraid that your only son will be a freaking disgrace to the family? Or you’re just afraid that I’ll never be able to love her like what you did to my mom? Oh no, father. I am not like you. I will never ever leave the love of my life whatever you say– or whatever your siblings say. I will never end up like you! I’d rather be a disgrace than be like you!” My father punched me on the face.

I was shocked. Not by the fact that my father just hit me on the face, but the fact that it did not hurt. I felt the rush of blood running through my cheeks. I tasted blood. When I touched my face, it felt hot– like the kiss of the sun in the summertime. Never in my life have I thought that my father would hit me. I’ve always thought that he’s just words, and never actions. But now, I can prove that he’s not. Which is sad.

“That’s all you can do? Our cat can punch harder than you. You’re a piece of crap. I’ll never call you father again. I hope you regret what you did to me.” I bumped my shoulder on his as I was walking past him.

I could sense the regrets from him. But I did not look back. I walked outside our house casually. I was wearing a white button-up shirt, khaki pants, and a pair of brown slip-ons. I was also wearing sunglasses. It was nearly sunset, and I decided to go to Ela. I wanted to see her so bad.

“Ela? Are you home?” I knocked on their gate.

Ela’s family’s house was simple. It was not big, but not that small. It was just the perfect size for them to live happily and comfortably. They had flowers of many kinds.

I was walking back and forth outside their house, kicking some pebbles, waiting for her to come see me. After a few minutes, the gate opened.

“Aki! I missed you!” Ela hugged me for the very first time. I was shocked.

“I missed you too, my Ela. How was your day?” Ela was giggling. She was really happy. I am always happy to see her smile like this.

“It went really well! I have lots to tell you! How about you? How was your day?” She asked.

“What happened to your face?” She cupped my cheek, caressing it.

“My days will always be bad until you decide to be with me forever.” I held her hand, then kissed it.

“Don’t worry about me, my love. I can handle myself.” I hugged her.

“I’m worried about you, Aki. Please tell me what’s wrong.” She was begging me to tell her what happened to me. But she knows that I wouldn’t budge.

“Don’t think about it, Ela. Let’s walk along the shore.” I held her hand once again, then gently dragged her towards the beach.

I asked her about her day while we were walking along the sea shore. Small waves were crashing down our feet. Our footprints were in the sand. The rays of sunshine were shining so beautifully. It was like a dream.

Ela was so happy talking about her day. She was so happy that their coconuts were sold out, that her hair was having a nice day too, and that I was able to see her. How I wished that it’s always going to be like this.

We decided to sit under a palm tree, and watch the sun go down. She put her head on my shoulder, and I put my hand on hers. I finally got the courage to tell her about me.

“My father hit me on the face.” I said. Not shocked that she was shocked.

“Why?!” She was really worried.

“I never cared what he said when it’s about me. But he told me that you weren’t enough for me. Which is wrong– because it’s me that’s not enough for someone like you.” Ela looked me in the eyes.

“Aki.” She hugged me. She was crying.

“Don’t cry for me, Ela. I don’t want to see you cry sad tears. I want you to always be happy.” I rubbed her back while we were hugging each other.

“Remember that you are everything to me, Ela. No one could ever separate us. Not even my father. I will always love you, my Ela. Never forget that.” I held her face, wiped her tears, and kissed her forehead.

“I love you, okay? I will prove myself to you. That I, Achellous Tala, am worthy of love from my dearest Elani. I love you so much.” I kept telling her that I love her.

Elani smiled. My heart just melted.

“Well, I love you too, Aki.” She held my face, and then kissed me on my lips.

END OF FLASHBACK

I will never forget the day Ela first kissed me. It will always be the most important day of my life. There will always be many questions why I decided to love Elani for the rest of my life. But I will never be able to answer. My reasons for loving her is infinite.