The Billionaire's Offer

Chapter 4 : Frustration

Andrew's POV

“Good to see you man,” Richie exclaimed upon reaching my seat corner. I stretched my hand for a handshake, which he honored excitedly.

He looked around the coffee shop before collapsing on the seat facing me. I had not muttered a word since he walked in. My focus was on the ceramic mug filled with plain coffee, just the way I loved it.

“How is Kim?” Said Richie, his eyes looked pale. I could tell he was concerned.

I cleared my throat, unsure of how to begin. Richie has been my closest friend, right from the beginning. If there was one person in the whole world I could confide in, it was Richie.

“Kim is good,” I murmured, taking a good sip of my coffee. It burned my throat but I loved it. I placed the mug back on the smooth wooden table. Somehow, it gave me the strength to say what I have in mind. “Have you heard from Lisa?” My eyes focused on Richie.

“Lisa? You mean the same Lisa who—”

“Yes, the same one,” cutting Richie midway before he could finish.

Richie squeezed his forehead and shifted backward in his seat. “She rejected the offer. She says she can’t be with a—”

“She is a big i***t. Who does she think is?” I gritted my teeth, rubbing my fingers on my goatee-groomed beards.

“You can’t blame her, Andrew. She is —”

“So who do I blame?” My voice is louder now.

Richie shot me a blank stare. I could tell he regretted saying that but he remained composed.

“Look man, you need to get hold of your anger. Calm down and let’s find a way to—”

“And who are you to tell me to control my anger?” I asked, without thinking. My eyes narrowed dangerously and my hands folded tightly. I was about to lose it when my senses returned. “I didn’t mean to say that,” I blurted out dryly with my head buried down.

“It's fine. You’re under a lot of pressure so I completely understand,” he paused. “What about Linda?”

I raised my head sharply. Just hearing her name alone irritates me. “She’s not even an option.”

Richie breathed out, loud enough for me to hear. “We just need the perfect lady to play this act. In one year, it will be a thing of the past.”

I flinched slightly. ‘One year’ Wouldn’t that be cheating on Lora?

I drew my breath in for a moment, shutting my eyes. “I’ve never done this before. What if it doesn’t go well?”

“Why? You have nothing to lose here. After all, it's not like you’re committing to something real here. You just need to win the hearts of the stakeholders and your father too. I understand that they’re worried about you. But this is the only way to prove to them that you are completely fine and everything is under control.”

I stared at Richie, completely motionless. My thoughts are running wild.

“Don’t overthink this too much. I’ll prepare all the documents. All that is left is to get the perfect lady—”

“Lora was perfect for me,” I whispered without thinking.

There was a short silence. I could tell he was carefully considering his next words.

“She always has been,” Richie voiced, resting his hands on the table between us. “No one is trying to replace her. We just need someone who ticks all our requirements. The sooner we get this done, the better for everyone.”

“Did you come along with a copy of the document?”

“Sure, why not? Do you have something in mind?”

I ignored Richie’s question and his puzzled look. “Hand me a copy,” I ordered, with my usual tone of voice. It surprised me how I was able to switch from feeling frustrated to suddenly charging up.

Richie didn’t question me further. He opened his briefcase to hand me the document. I was glad he didn’t protest further because what I was thinking was clearly stupid but it still remained an idea. I wasn’t going to go down without a fight.

“Here you go.”

“Good,” I muttered, scanning my eyes through the three-page document.

“Do you have anything in mind?... Anyone?” Curiosity splattered over his face.

I shrugged, sinking my mouth. “Nothing. Just wanted to have a copy.., just in case.” I trailed off before I ended up leaking out my plan.

I folded the document into four parts and tucked it in my suit's inner pocket. “I should take my leave now. I feel much better now,” standing up swiftly.

Richie gave a curt nod with a brief smile. I guess for formality's sake but I tossed it out of my mind. I walked straight to the exit door. Some of the waitresses spread their red lips fully, flashing their teeth to get my attention. If only they knew they were just wasting their time.

Mike had parked just across the road. He jumped out of the driver's seat the instant he saw me walk out of the door.

“Welcome back sir,” he greeted coyly.

I responded to him with a wave. Settling into the jeep, he was about to take a turn. “No! Go straight. Take me home,” I ordered loudly.

“Okay sir,” he muttered with a tinge of confusion. The only time I went back home so early was when Lora, my woman, was around.

I sent Christian a short email to sort out everything on my behalf till when I returned tomorrow. For now, I have other important things to do.

Within minutes, we got to my estate. I jumped out of the jeep as Mike parked in front of my imposing building gate. I sent him off to pick up some deliverables for my mum.

Pushing the gate bell, Solomon, my gateman opened the smaller gate. He greeted, though surprised but said nothing of it. It could be because of the scorching sun or my wild thoughts, but I totally ignored him.

Entering the living room, I saw no trace of Kim or Ella. Perhaps, they were in the inner room. I thought of changing my clothes first before finding them. But my ears caught a distant voice speaking. I had no maids nor house help. Solomon was outside. So who could Ella, the second adult left in the house, be speaking to?

I walked gently, lifting my feet carefully to not make a sound, towards the direction of her strained muffling voice. As I approached my daughter’s playground room, her voice became more audible and clearer. Obviously, she was on a call. With her boyfriend or someone similar.

I thrust my ears against the door, steeling my body not to make a sound. I remained motionless till she ended the call. Part of what she said infuriated me. Another part made me feel jealous. And the final part armed me with something I could latch on for my benefit.

Taking some steps backward, I paused to compose my thoughts. My hands grew cold and I noticed my heartbeat had increased. I took a deep breath and did a small pep talk in my head. I was her boss after all so why was I nervous?

Pacing forward, I grabbed the doorknob and pushed it open. She froze upon seeing me, with Kim cradled in her arm. For a moment, I was lost. My vision got blurry as I imagined it was Lora standing there. But I was able to regain my composure and sanity almost instantly. I straightened my face, and set my jaw on her.

“Ella,” I called out, but not like an order. It sounded more gentle than I intended it to. This was not the usual me.

Upon hearing my voice, Kim turned her face from her doll, with a ripped-out head, to me. Her face lit up with smiles. Her smiles are so contagious and heavenly. Smiles just like her mother.

“Dada, dada…” she chorused happily. My face card softened and I launched swiftly towards her, spreading my arms to carry her from Ella.

I threw her up in the air, laughing hysterically like I was insane. My daughter was the only light in my grey life. The only reason I was living.

It was when I caught a familiar whiff of perfume it dawned on me that Ella was still standing there. The small smile on her face disappeared as I turned my gaze to her.