Billionaire's Touch

Episode2

Melissa is an arguably beautiful lady with radiant, glowing skin. Bright blue, expressive eyes. A fit, toned physique that exudes confidence and grace. She was in her late 20s.

"Ouch, my head hurts"! She groaned.

When Melissa woke up, she found herself in a strange room, feeling dizzy and sober. It was the weekend anyway.

"Gosh, l'm turning into something else" she said to herself. She realized she had no cash and a phone on her. She gave out a sigh and began to walk along the pathways.

She arrived home. While trying to sneak into the house, her mom had seen her.

Her mother talked her out of going out during the night and informed her about their incoming guests. They set the table in the evening. It was a warm and inviting dining room.

"The guests have arrived" Mrs Patrice announced to Melissa, she continued.

"Be on your best behavior "

The door swings open, and two men step inside with a air of confidence and energy. They scan the room, their eyes adjusting to the new surroundings. One of them was Miles, a tall, handsome man in his mid 30s, his hair stylishly groomed, with a confident posture. He's an influential billionaire with a net worth exceeding $10 billion. Miles is the founder and CEO of McGregor industries, a vast conglomerate with interests in tech, real estate, and finance, while the other man, Shaun, was his close friend and confidant.

After the meal, Mrs Patrice asked Melissa and Miles to walk through the lawn and get familiar with themselves. Melissa did not show much interest in their conversations.

After everything, Miles and Shaun bade the Smiths farewell and left.

Melissa closed the door.

"You make a good match" Mrs. Patrice said.

"Oh really?"

"Yes, and you're getting married to him soon…" she affirmed and turned to leave.

"As if" Melissa scoffed.

One Month Later.

"I'm planning on uniting you and Miles soon. In other words, I want you both to get married". Mrs Patrice said.

"Mom, I can't and won't marry anyone right now, I'm not settled, I've come of age when I can decide for myself, you know. Just give me a chance to prove to you that I can be a better version of myself. I know you're trying to set me up because you think I'm incapable of making decisions for myself", Melissa protested.

She chuckled "I never said that. It seems like you know your shortcomings."

"Still. I'm not marrying anyone now and that's final!" she exclaimed and walked out of the room.

The next day, Miles comes to Melissa's office unannounced with Shaun. She looked up from her papers, curious.

He approached her desk, his movements economical and he said.

"We have agreed on terms with your mother. I believe it's time to formalize our commitment."

Melissa froze at that moment, her heart skipped a beat as Miles pulled out a small, sleek box.

"Miles, what—"

"I've selected a suitable ring," he interrupted, opening the box. "This platinum diamond solitaire meets the standards of our social standing."

Melissa's gaze fell on the stunning ring, its beauty contrasting with Miles's detached tone.

"Miles, I—"

"Will you marry me, Melissa?" he asked while standing, his voice devoid of emotion.

Melissa searched his face, seeking a glimpse of feeling. Instead, she saw calculated determination.

"Yes" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt hypnotized.

Miles's expression didn't change as he slid the ring onto her finger.

"Excellent," he said, his tone crisp." I'll arrange the wedding details."

Photographers came in to capture the moment. It was formalities, he said, but she couldn't stand it and she walked out.

Melissa drove to her mother's house, making a fuss and speaking carelessly.

Mrs. Patrice slapped her on the cheek and pointing a finger at her, she said.

"Don't you talk to me like that again! I am your mother" angrily.

Holding her cheek, "I'm leaving, and I'll cancel the wedding," she said in a dolorous state.

"You dare not!" Mrs. Patrice yelled.

"Watch me" she said and walked out of the house.

Melissa drove to one of her houses. She was heavily disturbed over the issue, so she decided to go out for some shots.

It was a trendy bar, dimly lit with pulsating music. She ordered a few shots, she had sat there for a while, and she noticed someone staring at her, their eyes locking across the room, but her view of him seemed vague, then he walks up to her and says.

"Go easy on those drinks" with a grin.

She looked up and was astounded. The stranger was good-looking, average in height, with a athletic build. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes, he wore stylish, baggy jeans and a jacket, and he always seemed to smile. They introduced themselves.

"Italiano?" She asked.

"Quite yes!"

"Your accent betrays you."

They shared a few drinks, laughter, and conversation flowed, leading to a connection. They find themselves lost in conversations. They exchange numbers, and the night takes a romantic turn. They decide to take things to the next level, and head back to one of their places.

"My place will be better" Melissa said.

"After you, signorina."

They arrived at her place, there were passionate moments, whispers, and laughter filled the night air, they lost themselves in each other, letting go of inhibitions.

The Morning After.

Awkwardness sets in as reality hits, and they face the morning light. They exchange awkward smiles, and maybe a few pleasantries. There was no commitment, just a fleeting moment and the encounter remains a secret, a private memory to cherish.

"Goodbye, Xavier" she smiled.

"Bye, Lissa". He smiled also.

She stared at him with total admiration till he was out of her sight.

"Back to my miserable life" she grunts.

Melissa visited her mother.

Holding Melissa's hand, Mrs Patrice said,

"Make yourself and I proud Lissa, I'm old and…" she started coughing profusely.

Melissa ran to the kitchen and brought back a glass of water.

"I'm going over to Miles', he asked me to, but I'm not going because you need me more than he does" she said.

"Go ahead, I'll be fine, take a shower and put on some fine clothes" she assured her.

"What's wrong with these?" she protested.

"Just go ahead and change". She changed into a blue blouse.

She arrived at his house. It was a very beautiful mansion. He stood on the balcony, they exchanged glances for some time, and he turned back into the house. She proceeded into the mansion. She scans the house with her eyes with astonishment.

"I thought you wouldn't come" his voice echoed as he was coming down from the stairs.

"Didn't want to."

"What can I get you?" He asked.

"I'm okay, thank you. So why did you invite me over?"

"It'll be good if we get to know each other more. Shopping?"

"I'm not interested….the shopping and wedding." She replied.

"Okay" he retorted.

"Okay?"

"What do you expect me to say?"

"I'll take my leave, then."

"Okay"

She was surprised by his cold behavior. She drove back to her house and she received a call from her mother.

"How did it go?" Excitingly.

"Okay"

"That's all?"

"Yes. I need to rest mom, I'll call you later." She assured her and hung up the call.

She heard a knock on the door. It was Xavier.

She said, "Hey uninvited guest, what brings….". He held her and kissed her before she could do anything else.

He let go of her and said, "Carino, I've not been able to get my mind off you since our last encounter."

"It was supposed to be a one-time thing," Melissa said.

"I know. And as awkward as it may sound, I want a new beginning with you."

"But…"

He said slowly, "Shush", pressing his forefinger against her lips.

They lose themselves in each other in a passionate encounter.

Melissa began, "I'm glad I've met you, I feel elated right now, thank you, Xavier." hugging him.

They pass the night together wrapped in each other's arms. They link up often.

Xavier informed her that he would be traveling soon.

He traveled the following week and left a note for her saying he'd be going to a less remote town where the network is faulty and there would be little or no communication between them.

Weeks had passed and there hadn't been any call or message from Xavier. She had greatly missed him.