The Billionaire’s Holiday Secret

I was seated comfortably in the lounge when a voice, unfamiliar yet strangely familiar, broke the silence from behind me. “Are you serious about taking a break? And planning to go somewhere?” she asked, her tone tinged with disbelief. I pressed my lips into a tight line, then nodded silently in response. Addie raised eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Then where on earth do you plan to hide?” A subtle smile crept across my face as I winked at her, the gesture hinting at secrets yet to be revealed. Little did she know, I had secretly purchased a beachfront vacation home nestled in the remote wilderness—an escape I had kept under wraps for months. I planned to retreat there during every holiday, especially during the lengthy ‘ber’ months, when I longed for solitude and peace. “If someone looks for me, just tell them I’m out of the country,” I said casually, my voice calm and confident. She nodded once more, studying me with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. As a resident doctor by profession and a part-time model, my life had been a relentless juggling act for years. The demands of both careers often left me exhausted, craving moments of genuine respite. Now, finally, I had the opportunity to lie low, to breathe, to just be. I was determined to seize it. After wrapping up my paperwork at the hospital, I headed straight for my car, intent on packing my belongings. The debate over whether to bring formal attire or casual clothes lingered briefly in my mind before my phone interrupted my thoughts. I glanced at the screen—Mom. A deep sigh escaped me. Taking a breath, I answered. “You took leave from the hospital?” she asked, her voice raised slightly, tinged with concern. “Yes, Mom,” I replied evenly. “It’s been a long time since I had some time to myself.” She murmured something unintelligible, her words laced with worry. “Did you tell Dad?” she inquired. “I don’t need to,” I responded, keeping my tone steady. “I’m an adult. I can take care of myself.” I placed the phone on the bed, switching it to loudspeaker as I continued packing. Her murmurs persisted, but I pretended to listen, knowing she’d always be on the lookout for me—ever the cautious mother, even after all these years. Since I graduated and left home, her constant vigilance had become a fixture in our relationship. Even when I asked her not to worry so much, her concern only deepened. Lost in packing, I didn’t notice the call disconnecting. She must have realized I wasn’t paying attention. I ended up packing five suitcases and a duffle bag—more than enough for a three-month stay. I was determined to make the most of this extended retreat. “Please help me load these into the car,” I requested the bellboy, then moved to the front desk to leave instructions for my unit. The receptionist smiled warmly as I explained. “I’ll be gone for a few months. I’ve already arranged for someone to clean my unit once a week. Her name is on the system. Just approach her if you need anything, or reach me via email,” I said. She nodded, bidding me farewell. I keyed in my destination on CarPlay and took a deep breath, glancing at the estimated twelve-hour drive ahead. The thought was daunting, yet oddly exhilarating. Deciding to grab a coffee before hitting the road, I stepped into a nearby café, savoring the brief moment of comfort. As I sipped, I felt a sense of relief—this was the start of my new chapter. Upon arriving at the villa, I was struck speechless. The photos I’d seen couldn’t do justice to its magnificence. The estate seemed to rise from a dream—a majestic castle overlooking the tranquil beach, its grandeur enhanced by the natural beauty surrounding it. This was my first time seeing the place in person, and I was utterly captivated. I had bought it at an auction, instructing the agent to have it cleaned and maintained. The place looked like a hidden fortress, a sanctuary in the middle of nowhere. I wanted to explore further, but exhaustion quickly overtook me. The twelve-hour drive had taken its toll—aching muscles, dry eyes, and a longing for rest. Thankfully, everything was spotless, thanks to the diligent efforts of the agent. I headed straight to the master bedroom, collapsing onto the bed. I stared at the ceiling, listening to the gentle lull of ocean breezes that drifted through the open window. This—the sound of the waves, the fresh air—was exactly what I needed. I whispered to myself, “This is the kind of morning I want to wake up to every day.” The breeze caressed my skin, invigorating my senses. After a while, I got up and checked the kitchen—immaculately clean and ready for use. Groceries would be my next task. Suddenly, I heard footsteps outside. Curious, I stepped out to investigate, since this was a private property. My heart nearly stopped when I saw someone sweeping the surrounding grounds. I gasped involuntarily. “Oh my God!” I exclaimed, clutching my chest in shock and panic. The two figures turned and smiled at me—they must have been the caretakers the agent had mentioned. I pressed my lips together, offering a tentative smile. “Good morning,” I greeted them. They bowed politely. “Good morning, Miss,” the older woman replied. “We apologize for not greeting you last night when you arrived.” I quickly shook my head. “No need to apologize. I was in a rush and didn’t notice.” I introduced myself, “I’m Anna. Please help me take care of this place.” “I’m Miriam, and this is my husband, Neil,” she said. Neil continued sweeping, while Miriam gave me a tour of the estate. I was awestruck by its size and detail—an oasis that included a pool, a lush garden, and even a mini forest. The original owner had cherished it deeply, gifting it to his wife before tragedy struck—an event that drove him to sell the estate, wanting to forget the memories it held. Miriam and Neil had been caretakers for years, restoring and maintaining the property after its neglect. Their dedication was evident, and I was grateful to have them. I saw no reason to replace them; their familiarity with the estate would be invaluable. After Miriam excused herself, I wandered around, taking in the breathtaking surroundings. I contemplated buying an ATV or a bike—something to make exploring easier and to promote a healthier lifestyle. Back at the house, I inquired about the nearest market. Miriam explained it was an hour away, though there was a smaller convenience store nearby, albeit with limited supplies. I pondered whether to venture out or wait until I could make the longer drive. My thoughts were interrupted by a call on my phone. It was Addie—my best friend and fellow doctor. “Hello.” “Did you arrive safely?” she asked. “Obviously,” I replied with a grin. She chuckled. “Haha. Anyway, why did you call?” Before I could answer, I heard background noise at her end. “Someone came here today—looking for you,” she said. My brow furrowed. “My parents?” “No.” That piqued my interest. Who else could it be? “The guards,” she added softly. I rolled my eyes. “Tell them I’m dead,” I joked. Addie laughed. “Honestly, what would you do if he shows up here?” I inhaled deeply, considering. “My parents will handle it,” I said confidently. Suddenly, she excused herself, voices raising in urgency at her end. Clearly, an emergency was unfolding. Miriam offered to accompany me to the market, but I declined. I preferred shopping alone—there was a certain peace in doing it at my own pace. I set the GPS and drove out, opening the window to enjoy the warm breeze. This place—so lush, so alive—felt like heaven. After nearly an hour, I began to see signs of civilization—small establishments, houses spaced generously apart, all surrounded by dense greenery. Though it was not a bustling city, it was lively enough. I navigated to a local grocery, filled my cart with essentials, and finally reached the cashier with a smile, which she returned warmly. The drive back was peaceful until I noticed smoke billowing through the trees. My heart quickened. I pulled over to investigate and saw a car crashed into a tree, with smoke emanating from it. My pulse raced. “Hello!” I shouted, rushing over and knocking on the window. Inside, I saw a man unconscious, blood streaming from his forehead. My stomach clenched. “s**t,” I muttered, hurriedly retrieving a window breaker and fire extinguisher from my trunk. I fought back panic, attempting to extinguish the flames and free the man. Breaking the window, I pulled him out, keeping a close eye on his unconscious form. I checked his pulse, tried to rouse him, and was about to dial for help when he suddenly opened his eyes, whispering, “No police,” with all his strength before slipping back into unconsciousness. This was only the beginning of a new chapter—one that would test my resilience and change everything I thought I knew about this secluded paradise.