The Billionaire's Unknown Offspring

Chapter No.9

Olivia Bennet:

I stepped out of my apartment on a crisp Saturday morning expecting to be picked up by Joel for a day out in New York City. We have been seeing one another on and off to go on trips here and there and today we have planned to spend a day out in New York.

As his slick black car slid in front of my building, there was no way to ignore a beautiful picture of the city from the back seat. It would be a great sin not to mention that every time New York was watched for the first time it inspired reverence. On another day, I was seeing the city from a contrasting perspective; this time, with Joel.

As I sat in the vehicle, Joel greeted me with a soft smile and said "Good morning, Olivia."

“Good morning, Joel” I answered with a grin back. “I am excited about spending the day with you.”

We started by visiting Central Park where we took a leisurely walk through its winding pathways and admired the brilliant colors of early fall. It was a peaceful and quiet place amidst the busy city; thus I was happy to have the time and company of Joel as we enjoyed it. We discussed almost anything and nothing—the job, their private life, and our mutual affection for the city.

Then we went over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ever since I was little, I loved that huge collection of the museum; and in Joel’s case, he shared a great admiration for Art and Culture with me. I remember spending many hours in the museum with him, explaining the details of each artwork and comparing our views on them. Joining Joel at his home provided a welcome contrast to our typical office discussions. As the time I spent with him increased, I felt increasingly relaxed around him.

We took a walk in the afternoon along the world-famous High Line, which is an urban park located above the ground. The sight was breathtaking. It is also worth mentioning, that Joel’s eyes were glittering while looking at the city skyline.

He added saying that this place is awesome. “I can’t imagine why I haven’t come here before.”

I felt a contented smile emerge in me. “Joel, It’s Never Too Late to Explore the City. Something new always lies unexplored.”

As night began to set in upon us, we proceeded towards Times Square where life pulsated in an air of ecstatic buzz of neon lights and a bubbling crowd. We stopped and snapped some photographs, immortalizing the liveliness of the metropolis in its prime. It was almost as if Joel had suddenly seen the light when it came to humility and gratitude for being alive and looked happy to be there.

"Olivia,’" he said in a tentative tone, "I’ve had a fantastic time with you. It’s making me feel so fortunate that I have someone like you in my life."

His words had a touching effect making me smile. “Joel, I feel the same way; it has been a great day but I don't know where this is going to take us. If we decide to pursue whatever is between us, we should know that this won't last long because of our status difference. You said it yourself once that your family expects a prestige and a heiress to be your girlfriend or wife, not a poor and nobody like me and you know it."

"Let's not talk about that. Let's just see where this takes us. We should explore whatever is between us and when the time comes, if I have to fight for you in front of my family I will. I promise you." he promised and I nodded my head and hugged him tight.

We took a walk through the “city that never sleeps”; looking back at the journeys we undertook. It was in an acrimonious professional environment that we first met, but later developed into true friends. The fact demonstrated that one could transform, mature, and establish true contacts on condition of efforts aimed at doing this.

As that happened, Joel turned to me as he stood in the middle of Times Square. “Olivia, I know I am being too pushy but I’d like to ask you a question.”

My brow raised as a question of what he meant. "Go ahead, Joel. I am listening."

He drew in either with a steady stare. "I had such an awesome day with you today, and I don’t want it to end but eventually it is coming to an end. However, I thought it is wise to suggest that we should go for a weekend trip some other time! Let us visit new areas, learn about new cultures, and keep building strong bonds."

"What are you trying to say, Joel? I don't understand." I asked with a confused frown.

"I am trying to ask you to come and explore the world with me." he replied "Would you like that? I know travelling the world has been your dream, you put it in your application at the time you applied for the job and since then I don't know why, but I remembered which is why I want to make that dream of yours come true, only if you agree to it, of course. So, what say? Do you want to go on weekend trips with me every week?" he asked.

“Yes, I would love that,” I said with an honest smile. “We should go out for the weekend trips soon.”

Even as the twilight lights of Times Square kept lighting up around us, inwardly there was a gratitude that it happened. The day in which Joel and I got close was when we met in the most beautiful city of New York City. It was a recollection that even unexpected encounters might sometimes bring forth significant relationships. After hearing my reply, Joel smiled and leaned forward for a kiss. His lips were on mine and mine were on his and that's how we ended our day in one another arms, kissing under the stars.