Bounded By A Billionaire Promise

Chapter 1

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 .

Bet 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 was diagnosed with heart failure. The business went under , 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.

So , now you see why I am the way I am . I’m 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 iwas 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” .

“Thanks “, I said feeling a bit more hopeful. I'll work for a few months , 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 .