THE BILLIONAIRE’S CONTRACTED HEART

Time is a strange thing—it slips away when you’re not watching, and before you know it , everything changes . It’s my last week in college, and I can’t help but feel a mix of relief and regret . I didn’t live the typical college life;there were no wild parties, no close friends, no unforgettable adventures. My life was a constant grind of studying and working,trying to keep my head above water while others seemed to float effortlessly. But who could blame me ? Life hasn’t exactly been kind to me either . I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, so I had to work tirelessly just to stay afloat . While others were out enjoying their youth , I was juggling part-time jobs and late-night study sessions, barely managing to put food on the table and clothes on my body .Sometimes, I wonder how different things could have been if life had dealt me a better hand . You’re probably wondering where my parents are in all of this. My dad, Mr.Johnson Williams, used to run a logistics business, but everything changed when he started falling ill frequently . The business collapsed , and my mom, Mrs. Juliet Williams, had to step up as the breadwinner. She’s a writer , but even her income can barely cover my dad’s medical bill .His condition requires frequent visits to the clinic, leaving our family in a constant state of worry and financial strain. “My love , we need to find a permanent solution to your constant illness,” my mom said to my dad one evening. “And what do you suggest I do?” my dad replied, his voice weary . “Perhaps we should run some tests ,”she suggested, her tone heavy with concern . “Look at our situation, we can barely afford to feed ourselves. We had to sell your tricycle, the one you used for your logistic business. I've stepped in as the breadwinner, we can’t go on like this forever.” My dad sat in silence , her words cutting deep . After a few moments of careful thought, he finally spoke , knowing that one wrong word could lead to a serious conflict. “Juliet,”he began , and the use of her name signaled that this was serious. “You need to understand that I don’t like this situation any more than you do . Watching you take on my role tears me apart . Seeing you dip into your savings every time we visit the clinic breaks me . Our daughter is barely getting by at college, and I hate that I can’t provide for her . I lost all my workers , and selling those tricycles—it was like selling pieces of myself. Believe me, if I had any magic, the first thing I would do is cure myself. He paused , his eyes searching hers for understanding. “But I know this is just a phase . It will pass . Please , bear with me a little longer . I promise I’ll bounce back . As for the test , I’ll consider it . Maybe it’s the only way to finally understand what’s wrong . My dad is a wise man; he knows how to choose his words carefully to avoid provoking my mom. Growing up in such a household shaped me into who i am today . I am one of the few students at Elite Academy who got in on a scholarship , and to keep it , I’ve had to maintain a GPA of 4.5 .That didn’t leave much room for anything else . Sometimes I wish I could have experienced college life like the other girls—carefree and full of possibilities. But that’s not my reality. Let me tell you a secret, though. I’m 24 years old , and I’ve never even had a boyfriend. I know , I know , that might not seem like a big deal to some , but here’s the kicker—lean in close and don’t tell anyone—I’m still a virgin . Surprised? Yeah, most people would be .But like I said , my life has been anything but ordinary. Now, with just one week left until graduation,I thought things couldn’t get any more predictable. That’s when Helen , one of the girls on campus, approached me . She’s got it all—looks , money , confidence. She’s the kind of girl who can walk into any room and command attention. I’ve always envied her, in a healthy way , of course. “Hey, Sofia!” Helen called out to me as I was sitting alone in class , trying to study. “Hi, Helen “, I replied with a smile , wondering why she was talking to me . “What are you doing here all by yourself? We’re done with the semester, and we’ll be out of college in a week. What’s there to study ?” she asked , her perfectly arched eyebrow raised in curiosity. “Oh , it’s nothing serious,”I said , closing my book . “Just a personal project “. She nodded though I could tell she didn’t really get it .”Well,my friends and I are throwing a get-together, and I was hoping you could come . You know , since we’re leaving soon and who knows when we’ll get a chance like this again . I hesitated , not sure what to say . I wanted to go , I really did , but with everything going on in my life , how could I ? “It's okay , Sofia , no pressure, “Helen said with a smile that could have melted anyone’s resolve. “Just think about it . We’re all going to have fun , and it might be the last time we can all hang out together. “Thanks ,Helen “,I said , genuinely touched . I’ll think about it “. But despite my best intentions, I didn’t go to the party . Instead , I spent the last day of college doing what I always did—playing it safe , staying within my comfort zone . As everyone else was getting ready for the big party ,I packed my things and decided to visit my best friend, Sandra , before heading home . Sandra has been my rock throughout college. She’s a little older , more experienced, and she’s like the big sister I never had . When I arrived at her place , she greeted me with a scream of joy . “Girl, you did it !”she exclaimed , pulling me into a hug that made me feel like a little girl again , safe and loved. “I know , right?” I said laughing as she let me go . “I’m so glad it’s over”. “Come , sit down,” Sandra said, motioning to the couch . “We need to talk about life after college”. How did she know that was the very reason I came over ? Sandra always seemed to be one step ahead of me , and that’s one of the things I loved about her . She had finished college two years ago ,and she was doing well for herself. She was everything I aspired to be confident, successful and independent. “So what’s the plan?” Sandra asked , leaning forward with a knowing smile . “Well, getting a job of course “, I said , though there was more I wasn’t saying. Sandra nodded. “Make sense . “But, I echoed , hesitating, “I’ve always wanted to start a business. Something in cosmetics, you know ? Like Rihanna’s Fenty brand . I want to create something that makes people feel beautiful”. Sandra’s eyes soften. “That’s a great idea , Sofia , but you know starting business requires capital. It doesn’t have to be huge , but you’ll need something to get started . Have you thought about how you’re going to make it happen?” I’ve been saving , “ I admitted. “Not much , but it’s a start . And I just got a job offer , so that should help”. “Congratulations!” Sandra beamed . “That’s fantastic news” “That was quicker than I expected! Here I was, thinking your next step would be job hunting , not knowing you’d already landed one . Wow!” she exclaimed. “Thanks,”I replied feeling a bit more hopeful. “Honestly, It was a miracle. I was on my usual cleaning job when I spotted a flier . I decided to give it a shot , and boom , I got hired. It all happened easily—no stress at all . This is probably the first good thing that’s happened to me in a long time . I’ll work for a year or two to save up , and then maybe I can start something small.” “One step at a time “, Sandra advised . “You’ve got the right idea , but don’t rush . Everything will fall into place”. Just as we were deep in conversation, my phone rang . it was my mom . The moment I heard her voice , I knew something was wrong . “ Hello , Mom , how are you ?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady . “I’m fine, Sofia , but….something happened to your father this morning, “ she said , her voice thick with emotion. “It's not something we can discuss over the phone . Come here , and I’ll explain everything. My heart sank . “Is it serious?” I asked , my mind racing with possibilities. “Sofia, just come here , “she repeated, her tone final . “And congratulations on your achievements. I'm proud of you, my girl . “Thanks , Mom , “I said , though I was already a million miles away . “I have to go , Sandra . Something’s wrong at home . Sandra’s expression shifted from joy to concern, “Go , Sofia . Call me if you need my help “. I left her place in a hurry, my thoughts swirling with fear and dread . What could have happened to my dad? A dark cloud of worry settled over me as I made my way home , my heart heavy with fear that life was about to change yet again—and not for better .