365 days with the Billionaire

Chapter 3

Jane’s POV

“Where am I?” I whispered as I pushed myself up slowly. My head felt heavy, and the room spun a little. The duvet slid down, and that was when I noticed I was unclothed under it. My heart thumped hard.

Different pieces of the night flashed in my mind. His hands steady on my waist, the warmth of his breath near my ear, the way he held me like I mattered. I shut my eyes tight.

“No… please no,” I muttered.

But the memories kept coming. It wasn't clear, but strong enough.

It had been so long since a man touched me with gentleness. So long since I felt wanted. And last night… I gave in. I let myself enjoy it.

The shame washed over me all at once.

“What did I do?” I whispered, my voice cracking. “How could I let this happen with a stranger?”

My phone buzzed nonstop on the stool. Messages from Amanda, my step mum and calls from Anita.

I ignored them.

I looked around the room and the guy from last night wasn't in the room. I grabbed my clothes from the couch and rushed into the bathroom. My face looked tired, my makeup ruined, and my hair tangled. I looked like someone running from herself.

I dressed quickly, grabbed my bag, and headed for the door. I just needed to get out of there fast and pretend like nothing happened

I stepped into the hallway and walked fast, hoping no one would see me. My heart jumped at every footstep. I reached the lobby and almost made it outside before a voice stopped me.

“Oh. You’re awake.”

I froze. I knew the voice.I turned slowly.It was him.

The man from last night.

He stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets, watching me carefully. My stomach flipped. He looked even calmer than I remembered, which somehow made me panic more.

I swallowed hard and forced my voice out, pretending like I didn’t remember him.

“Yes, who are you?” I said calmly.

He scoffed slightly, “we met yesterday, the guy from last night…” he trailed off.

“I got out to get you coffee, something to help with the hangover from last night actually,” he continued, raising the cup of coffee and some snacks in a bag.

I crossed my arms, refusing to give him even a hint of weakness.

“Oh right, you didn’t have to,” I said coldly.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a folded stack of money. I held it out between us.

His face twisted in confusion. “What is that?”

“Payment,” I said plainly. “Take it.”

He blinked, stunned. “For what?” he asked, confused.

“For last night,” I replied. “I don’t repeat myself.”

His jaw tightened. “Wait.. you think I’m…?”

“A service provider?” I cut in. “Yes. Aren’t you?”

I raised my eyebrow at him. He stared at me like he had seen a ghost. I kept my face blank. No emotion. Just a straight face.

“This is clearly a misunderstanding. Look, I don’t know your name,” he said carefully. “And you don’t know mine. Maybe we should…”

“We won’t,” I interrupted. “Take the money.”

“Listen,” he said, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’m not what you think I am.”

“I don’t care what you are,” I said, voice firm and cold. “Take. The. Money.”

He took a slow breath. “You’re not hearing me.”

“I heard enough," I replied. “And I’m not interested.”

I said, still stretching out the money to him, nudging him to collect it.

“I’m not a call boy,” he said, a little louder this time.

“Of course, that's what every call boy says” I replied smoothly. “Just take the money already! You're wasting my time. Not everyone is as jobless as you!” I said, slightly raising my voice.

He stared at me with disbelief and something like anger rising behind his eyes.

“I don’t need your money,” he muttered.

“But you need to stay quiet,” I said simply. “So take it.”

His eyes widened. “Quiet? About what?”

“About nothing,” I answered. “Because nothing happened. And nothing will ever happen again.”

He opened his mouth in disbelief and clenched his fists.

“If you want to feel insulted,” I said, “that’s your problem. But you don’t get to make this messy.”

He opened his mouth again, but I cut him off one last time.

“This is a payment for your service,” I said throwing the money at him and walking away.

I walked past him, pushing the door open, without letting him say one more word.

I got into my car, started the engine, and sat for a long time, staring at nothing. Everything in my life had fallen apart. I wished this was all a bad dream.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. It was Anita. I slowly picked the call.

“Ani…” I whispered, voice shaking.

“Jane? Oh my God! I’ve been trying to reach you. I just left your house. I saw the news… how did this happen?”

I stayed quiet, not saying anything.

“Jane? What’s wrong? Where are you? I’ll come get you!” she pressed.

“It was… Daniel,” I managed. “He did this, Anita. He… ruined everything.”

“No,” she gasped. “Are you sure? Daniel loves you…”

“He never loved me!” I shouted. “The lies, the cheating… and now the company’s gone. Investors, money… everything. I’m ruined!”

“No, you’re not!” she insisted. “We can fix this. There are people who could help. I… I know someone.”

I sniffled, wiping my nose. “Who?”

“There’s a man… people call him Mr. X. Mysterious, but he invests in businesses he sees potential in. He could help you, Jane,” she said.

I froze. “Strangers? I can’t rely on someone I’ve never met."

“You’re right… I’ve only heard rumors of him, but he’ll be at the gala this weekend,” she said softly.

“You see, he might not even be real. I don’t think it will work,” I sighed, tears streaming.

Just then, my phone buzzed. Anita’s dad was calling.

“Wait… Ani, your dad is calling me,” I whispered.

“Oh, right. He’s been trying to reach me too. He heard the news… he thinks he can help,” she said quickly.

A spark of hope lit my chest. “Do you really think he could help?” I asked, voice trembling.

“I’m not sure, but he said his company can help,” Anita said firmly.

Maybe, just maybe, this was my chance.

Mr. Randall, Anita’s dad, owned a finance company specializing in acquisitions. I’d heard he helped companies rise from bankruptcy… though rumors said he used questionable methods. I didn’t care. I had no choice.

The next day, I found myself at his office, heart hammering. I explained everything, hoping for guidance, support… anything.

I took a deep breath stepping inside. “Thank you… I really appreciate you being willing to help,” I said, voice quiet.

He gave a slow smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course, Jane. Anything for Anita’s friend,” he said smoothly. “But… favors, of course, should be exchanged.”

I frowned, “What kind of favors?”

He didn’t answer immediately. He moved closer, hands brushing toward my waist. I stepped back.

“I’ve always had my eyes on you, Jane,” he said, low and deliberate. “I can help you… everything you need. But… you’d have to agree to be mine.”

My stomach twisted, pulse racing. Fear and disbelief collided.

“Mine?” I echoed, my voice shaky. “You… can’t be serious.”

He smiled, calm, as if expecting no objection. “Oh, I am very serious. Deals like this always come with a price.”

I swallowed hard. This wasn’t what I expected. Not at all.

“What the hell are you saying, sir!” I shouted. “You’re my best friend’s father! I won’t do such a thing! You can shove your stinky deals!” I screamed and made my way to the door.

Suddenly, the door opened. It was the man from last night,the one-night stand!