The Billionaires Duty

“ You are getting married to her? " Madison’s voice shook. Tears made her mascara run through her face. She stood in Jason Willow’s penthouse crying. “ I can’t believe you, Jason — after all, we have been through you settling for that slot." “Madison,” Jason said, jaw tight. “ You know I love you. I’m only doing this because the Willows and the Thompsons signed an agreement years ago. Our families will be joined by marriage. It’s just business. Nothing more Madison let out a dry laugh. “Business? Is that what we are now? A project?” She turned from him, pacing the marble floor in her heels. “I mean she isn’t all that,” Jason said quietly. Madison snapped, disgusted at the decision and turned to Jason crying. And I don’t want to spend my time with her — I want it with you. I just have to do what I’m obliged to do." Madison stopped, turning sharply. “Baby, you promised me forever, why are you allowing this to happen to us. Why are you letting them control us? Let’s leave all this behind us”. Jason looked into her eyes. He pressed her head into his chest like he was trying to shield her. “I know what I’m doing, Madison,” he said, slow and careful. “I just need time.” She pushed him away. “ Time for what—so you can put a ring on another woman and keep me waiting." Jason opened his mouth, then closed it again. Words failed him. “Please,” he said. “Trust me.” Madison laughed, wickedly and hurt. She grabbed her bag. “Trust? Then prove it. End it before it starts.” Or else expect the worst from me. She left without another word. The elevator doors closed. Jason stood alone, breathing hard, staring at his reflection in the glass. For a moment, he stood there frozen, the silence thick enough to choke on. He looked at the wine glass she’d left on the table—half full, her lipstick smudged on the edge of the glass. He picked it up, and took a sip from it. Then set it back down as his hands trembled. Outside, it was cloudy with a bit of drizzle falling against the windows, soft but steady. He walked to the balcony, the city stretching beneath him. Pacing like he lost something. His father’s words echoed in his head — “Sacrifice is the price we pay for power.” He had never understood what that meant till this very moment. But as he stared into the wet glass, he could still hear Madison’s voice ringing in his ears, clear as thunder, “End it before it starts.” Jason closed his eyes and breathed out a quiet curse. He didn’t know which he was more afraid of — losing Madison or defying his family. Either way, he was about to break someone’s heart. Maybe his own. Jason sat on the couch in his room. The lights were dim, his tie loose around his neck. The TV played without sound. Empty bottles laid on the rug. He had not moved from where he was in an hour. By dawn, the sky turned gray-white, the weather looked misty. He dragged himself to the kitchen, poured black coffee, and stared out the window. His reflection looked older, his eyes dull. He thought about calling Madison again, then placed the phone face-down. A sharp knock broke the silence. “Come in,” he said. The door opened. Henry Willow stepped inside, dressed in a crisp suit, not a single wrinkle in sight. His cologne filled the room. “I heard you were awake,” Henry said. “Good. We need to talk.” Jason didn’t answer. He turned toward the balcony, pretending to not listen. Henry’s tone was cool, practiced. “Tomorrow you’ll meet the Thompsons. The contract is set. The engagement will be announced in two weeks. Everything is already moving.” Jason’s jaw tightened. “You’ve planned my life down to the hour.” “Someone has to,” Henry said. “You have your mother’s softness. That won’t save this family.” Jason turned around slowly. “And you think business will?” Henry’s expression didn’t change. “Business will make you more, Jason. But your feelings are fickle. Don't forget that.” Jason looked down at his cup. Steam curled upward and vanished. “You keep saying power needs sacrifice.” “It does,” Henry replied. “And you will thank me when you finally understand it.” Henry picked up his coat and started for the door. “Be ready. Nine sharp.” When the door closed, Jason set his cup down and rubbed his face. His head throbbed. The air felt heavy. He walked back to the balcony. The city was awake — cars, voices, light. Somewhere out there was the woman he loved, already gone. And somewhere else was the woman he was supposed to marry, a stranger whose name was written in a deal. He leaned on the rail, the rain touching his hands. “End it before it starts,” Madison’s voice echoed again in his mind. But it had already started. And there was no way out. Henry picked up his coat and started for the door. "Be ready. Nine When the door closed, Jason set his cup down and rubbed his face. His head throbbed, and the air felt heavy. He walked back to the balcony sobbing. The city was awake — cars were honking, streetlights were as bright as daylight. Somewhere out there was the woman he loved, already gone. And somewhere else was the woman he was supposed to marry, a stranger whose name was written in a deal. He leaned on the rail in the balcony, the rain touching his hands. “End it before it starts,” Madison’s voice echoed again in his mind. But it had already started and there was no way out.