Billion Dollar Vows

Chapter 5

I heard a small cry occur when I went downstairs and I looked back up to see Leila in tears, limping on the staircase. I had no time so I took her legs and picked her up in front of me. As we went downstairs the Police came up to me.

“Physical Assault,Upstairs!” I said.

I placed Leila in the back seat of the car and looked at her. Her face distraught and sobs were all I heard. I couldn't imagine what she was going through so I decided to keep questions for later. I entered and closed the car. I was waiting for Vincent to finish reporting before they came to ask her questions.

I took out some water from the car's refrigerator and handed it to her silently.

Her eyes found mine then she drank from it. She wasn't crying anymore. Her hands gripped her phone, her breathing was deep and she looked into the void.

“I found out he was cheating on me. I knew it but I just didnt confront him. I think seeing you in the hospital and hearing My father say all those words and the marriage conversation made me so angry I immediately came down to his face to confront him. He started shouting back and held my hands too hard,” She said in almost a whisper.

I took out the wine and popped it. I poured it into a cup and gave it to her again. I poured another one into mine and drank mine. Vincent came down stairs together with the police and Barry. A statement from Leila was needed so I had Vincent to take care of it all. I told the driver to take us straight to the family Manor.

When we arrived at the big White castle like home I grew up in I noticed Leila taking it all in. She shifted in her seat and went quiet. She needed to rest.

The driver came down and held the door open for me. She was about to open her door then I told the driver to quickly do the same for her. She stepped out and looked at the garden.

I went straight ahead into the House. The day was a long one for me. I needed a deep long bath and a little something to ease my headache. Once I entered the family Manor every employee seemed excited I was back. I can't imagine Alice bossing these people around, so I know they need to be put to work.

The head Butler, Oscar, appeared in front of me. Leila was beside me and he bowed.

“Good Evening Mr Harrison, A Bath has been prepared for you and a meal is waiting for you at the main dining room.”

“Thank you Oscar, Please do tell the lady maids to tend to her. A Bath, clothing, food, everything she needs.”

I looked to Leila and she was led to the east wing by the head lady Maid, Lady Florence.

I walked down the quiet hallways and went straight to my room and saw everything in place. Everything was spotless. The Forest green sheets I loved were also scenting amazing to perfection.

I entered the Hot Shower and the tension on my muscles started easing bit by bit. It was a long shower that I needed.

After I came out I sat on my bed in my towel. I called in Oscar to bring my meal to my room, but I realized Leila would be at the dining table alone. The traumatic event she went through today was enough to last a lifetime.

I wore my black Sleep wear trousers and pulled the oversized black hoodie over my shoulders. I went into the main dining area and I saw the delectable line of dishes served.

Plates were lined up perfectly. The steaming lamb soup in delicate bowls, a row of gleaming Golden cutlery. The glasses polished so well that they reflected the light from the chandelier above. The aroma of roasted meat and herbs hit me first. It was rich and inviting, and my stomach gave a low growl despite the tension in my chest. Each dish seemed carefully thought of and selected. The exact reason I easily missed home when I was in London.

I sat at the head of the table. The cooks were lined up in front of me and our head cook Jeffery King came close to me.

“Good evening Mr James, we’ve prepared a three-course dinner inspired by the traditional English fare, Elevated with a touch of Persian Delicacies and flavours curated especially to your taste,” He started.

I huffed and the first meal I dug into was the warm lamb soup. I was hot, warm and comforting and perfect for the weather. While I was about to put the first spoon in my mouth, a presence came up from behind me.

Leila was in a white floral print dress, it was evident she just took a shower because her dull looking skin from earlier looked so pristine, so clean.

Jeffery gently pulled out the chair for her, guiding it into the table so she could settle gracefully. Her glossy black shiny hair was tucked into a sleek low bun, a silk scarf tied delicately around her head. A faint flush on her cheeks caught the chandelier's light, and when her eyes met mine, I couldn't help but linger my gaze into her orbs, trying to decipher the unique colours swirling within them. She spoke first.

“I guess you’ve gotten what you’ve wanted Mr Billionaire James,” She chimed.

I dropped my spoon and looked at her intently.

“What are you implying Miss Leila?"

“I mean, you have every reason to shove it in my face why I need to marry you,” She said.

I smiled. Not from satisfaction of her being cheated or abused, but from how things unfolded today. It wouldn't be a hassle to let him go now.

“Leila, it’s for a good reason. Did your father mention the reason we had to go through with it, the Marriage?”

Leila shifted in her seat and took the first spoon of the soup. I saw her shoulders drop and her head turn back with a “mmm” sound.

“This is so good, I'd need this recipe,” she said looking up to me, evident shock washing her features.

I took a sip of my earl grey tea whilst looking at her. She badly wanted to run away from the topic. She couldn't run away from it forever. Not when I'm sitting across from her.

“Leila, the fate of your family… rests entirely in your hands. If you refuse to marry me, everything they built for generations, the Harrisons and the Hamiltons, dies with us.”