Ella's Diary

Chapter 2

His past

"I think you should just go to him. If he won't tell you as a journalist he might tell you as a friend" Karina suggested.

"Yes, he would just sit me down and tell me everything because he knew me from somewhere. I think you have had too much to drink and it's making you say nonsense" Ella said, rolling her eyes at her.

"The point here is that you shouldn't be meddling in his affairs, you know how all these billionaires are. They have nasty secrets".

"No Karina, I think he's different. When I was interviewing him I felt sadness in his story it was so… "Aw Ella, I never knew this romantic side of yours. You should keep being this way. It suits you well." Karina teased.

"And I always have to deal with this side of yours," Ella said with a giggle.

Ella and Karina have been friends since childhood despite the fact she doesn't openly speak up to her. She could see a change in Ella. Ella never gets into things of love but her concern and curiosity show a big difference.

Ella was a fund of herself and her work; she never valued relationships ever since her mother's death. Karina was happy to see improvement in her emotions and she knew it was a big beginning for her.

"I will be going to see him tomorrow," Ella nodded. "What!. I mean why" Karina banged her bottle of beer on the table and stared anxiously at her. "Must you know everything? Just stop drinking and let's go home" She took her by the hand and dragged her out of the bar.

***************

She made it to his office. Ella sat down on the sofa in the left corner of the room, she was waiting for Alexander to arrive. She couldn't stop herself from scanning the whole office. It was so elegant and refined. She wondered about the life of these billionaires, their luxurious lifestyle, fancy cars, servants and fans. It must be like heaven on earth.

"Ella, Life is more than luxuries" She hit her head and said calmly.

The door was gradually opened and she recalled how he walked into her office for the first time for an interview. It was as if the magic was happening again. She sat down glaring at him from head to toe. His tight blue shirt brought the muscles to life and she could feel their thickness with her bugged eyes.

She stood up and pulled herself backwards. Alexander was shocked to see her so soon after the interview. To show his amazement he softly laughed.

"I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon" He headed to his relaxing chair.

"Have a seat. The tables have turned. How about I give you an interview" He cracked up.

Ella was puzzled. He was nothing like a billionaire apart from his sumptuous possessions. His attitude was far from other billionaires in the city. This personality got Ella more interested.

"Am sorry I came unannounced. I was hoping to have a word with you".

"I hope there is no problem or is it the way I left the interview section the last time".

"Well, I noticed at the process you seemed bothered by something so I thought of coming to know what it might be about".

"Ella, I can't give you any information about myself, other than what I said the last time". He said but this time his voice strengthened.

He stood up and walked to the door.

"Alexander, please wait. Am not here because of my company or for the people. Am here as a friend, who would like to share your grief. I know it is your personal life but I promise it will be between us".

Ella stood with his back facing her. He gradually turned to her. He was scared. He felt he was going to let his years' secret out. He couldn't resist her warming approach. Alexander has kept his family biography for a long time and he promised to keep it that way. Ella is a beautiful and friendly young lady. He had seen innocence in her eyes ever since the day he met her at the office.

"Ella, promise me this will be between you and me. I see you very lovely and nice so since you care to know. Listen.

It all started when I was five. My mom and dad had issues with my mom's extramarital affairs. As a child then, I couldn't help. I just sat watching my parents quarrel and fight every single day. I was emotionally disturbed and my performance was dropping. My Dad had to take me to my grandmother. My parents couldn't stay together anymore so they got divorced. My mom went to stay with her lover leaving me and my father behind including my grandmother. My father knew he had to struggle to give me a better future so he opened a business - Grand Corporation, where he managed his business with his friends. That was how he was able to train me academically. We were living fine till he passed away and I was seventeen years old by then. As a teenager, I took my father's business by myself and established it this big". He sobbed.

Ella felt empathetic and reached for his right hand to console him. "Am sorry you had to go through all that" She emphasized.

She had a lot to ask him. But she thought it wasn't the right time to keep questioning him. Alexander kept wiping his face with a handkerchief.

Suddenly they heard a knock on the door. She quickly withdrew her hand and stood up.