The Billionaire's Torment

Graduation

Nora

The day before my graduation, Cathy and l hit the shops. Max gifted me a limitless card, instructed me to clean the shops if l wished, we almost did. I bought Cathy whatever caught her eye.

The girl took me under her wing when l was an underdog in high school. Back in my high school days, l was the odd one out. I got a scholarship to rich men's children school. My granny could only afford the school uniform. l got the shoes from a second hand shop and they showed.

On my second week at school, l realised i was a lone wolf, nobody attempted to befriend me. One day, as i sat on a school bench, a group of girls from my class came and clustered before me. They pretended not to notice my presence. After sometime a tall, big girl approached me and started a conversation, the girl was Cathy.

We became friends from that day and still remain friends even today. She fought my battles throughout high school and shouldered my financial strain on countless occasions. Her family’ s fortunes changed, they were now struggling. It was my turn to tide her over in her time of need.

“ Don't hold back, let's clean these shops, there is more where this came from.”

I waved the card in front of Cathy. She snatched the card out of my hand," let me hold it for a moment, maybe my luck will change. The last time l held something close to this card, was years ago. Girl, God has smiled down on you. l think you are the only girl in our age group who holds this card. Please plug me with one of Max's friends, please.”

Cathy brought her hands together in a prayer mode. I cuffed her ear," find a man for yourself, a meek one. Max's friends are tyrants. They will eat you alive.”

She put her hand on her ample chest," that's what l grave girl, a man who takes charge in a relationship, not a wimp. I like Dr Selborne, he is a snack. Please, invite him to your house, please.”

I glared at her,“ what! You want my marriage to dissolve before it barely started? Max is a possessive man. He doesn't trust any man around me, even Dr Ralph.” Cathy pouted, l ignored her.

We stopped by the Ratliff Restaurant. Marylin was not in. I sneaked off to the bank when Cathy was preoccupied with her food. I withdrew a huge sum of money and hid it in my oversized bag.

We deposited our purchases and visited my granny. She was up and about. A beautiful sight to behold, after so much suffering. Sometimes I wondered if she resented me a little, for preventing her from finding her true love. She focused all her energy on catering for my needs.

Granny, Max, Cathy, Dr Ralph, Frank, the hair stylist, the makeup artist and l were flying to Zurus tonight, for my graduation tomorrow. We flew in Max's private jet. Sometimes I pinched myself. Was l the same girl who endured ridicule most of her life? If not for granny's illness, Max and I would never meet, not in a million years. We did not swim in the same pond.

At seven o'clock, we boarded the plane and flew to Zurus. It was a 15 hour flight. Max excused himself from the group, halted at his bedroom door and called me. He held my hand and we entered the bedroom. His worry lines bothered me. l tried to smooth them away with my hand.

“You look tired.”

“I'm tired.” He admitted and sighed deeply.

“ Come, let me give you a massage, you deserve everything after what you did for me. I know l give you a headache, stress you out sometimes, but l'm grateful for your unwavering support. Honestly.”

He searched my face, his countenance serious. I lifted myself on my toes. I kissed his surprised face, cheeks, forehead, between his brows and lastly his lips. The atmosphere changed so swiftly l gasped as he picked me up, threw me on the bed and crowded me.

His tongue found mine, our tongues danced like copulating snakes. He tore my new dress and my bra followed.

I moaned as his hot tongue encircled my n****e, his other hand groped and tugged at my thong. He ripped it off, his fingers dipped into my honeypot. l writhed and lifted my hips.

A knock brought me to my senses, l tried to get up, he pushed me back down, l tore my mouth from his, my heart thundered in my chest.

“Someone is at the door.” I whispered, frantic.

“So? Nora, you want to leave me with blue balls again? Have mercy.”

I scooted to the end of the bed. The knock sounded again.

“ What? Get lost.” Max thundered, his face red with frustration.

“Sir, it's Frank, your mum is on the phone, it sounds urgent. It involves your grandfather.”

Max shot out of the bed so fast he nearly ran into the dressing table. I followed suit. The old man liked me on sight and vice versa. I quickly looked for a new dress, bra and thong.

I reentered the plane’s lounge to find my husband in turmoil. His pale face and slumped shoulders told me it was bad news.

“I want Dr Russell on this one, call him.”

Max's authoritative voice filled the room, everyone watched him with anxious eyes. I sidled to him and eased into his arms. He hugged me tightly with one arm, l rubbed my face on his chest, comforting him and myself.

He barked instructions into the phone and hung up.

“I think it's better if you go back after l get to Zurus, grandfather needs you.” He shook his head.

“He is well taken care of, l can't miss your graduation, it's important too.”

I forgot about the room’s occupants and kissed him passionately. Somebody cleared his throat behind us. Max scowled.

“It's my wife, my plane and my right to kiss her anytime, anywhere i want.”

Silence. I hid my burning face on his chest, we said goodnight to everyone and went to sleep. The passion had dissipated into worry.

The following day my graduation went smoothly, with my certificate in hand we rushed back to Bluewaters and straight to the hospital afterwards.