A Midnight Encounter With Mr Billionaire

Dalma's POV

I sat across him motionless,my future depended on whatever judgment he made. Some say it'll only be a few days. Others say this is the end.

Everything I had worked for, the struggle to get to this point, and it's all about to vanish.

"Dalma!" he called out, drawing me out from the ocean I call thoughts.

"Yes....yes Sir," I struggled to keep my cool.

"We don't tolerate any form of illegal activities here so...."

Just as I expected. Kudos to whoever did this, I'm leaving anyway. He could have it all to himself now.

He slid a sealed envelope towards me, and all I could do was stare at it. The decision had been made, and my hopes and dreams all put to an end in a single sentence.

I slowly opened the envelope, trying to scan through, and only one sentence caught my attention.

"Therefore, effective immediately, you are hereby expelled from the University of Oxford."

I couldn't understand how It got to this. A few days ago I was preparing for my finals and now this?

I stood up and left the office without saying a word. After all, I wasn't their student anymore, so to hell with respect.

At this point, a drink or two wouldn't hurt. It's not my typical kind of thing, but I need it.

I stood at the entrance of the crowded bar, dimed blue light, and the smell of sweat welcomed me.

Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Some men giggled at one corner, and some couples made out at another corner. I guess they were right when they said alcohol can make you forget your misery.

"2 shots of tequila, please," I requested as I took a stool at the counter.

I gulped it like it wasn't the first time. "One more," and just like that, I went on and on until everywhere got hazy.

"I.....have.....to get out.... of here," I said in-between burps as I rubbed my temple.

At the far end of the table, a man gestured for me to come closer.

Did he seriously think I was that kind of girl? I shot him the middle finger and chuckled, then let my head drop onto the table.

My serotonin levels must have been sky-high because I felt an odd kind of thrill coursing through me.

"Hey! You seem to be in a good mood," a deep voice said as he slid onto the stool beside me.

Drowsiness crept over me, and I nearly slipped off my stool, but like a prince catching his princess in a fairy tale, he caught me just in time.

We laughed over a few more drinks, not bothering to get to know each other. It didn't matter-we were just having fun.

I found myself staring at him, drawn in by the way he smelled, a mix of heaven and vanilla ice cream. As I reached out to feel his hand, a strange calm washed over me despite the rush of adrenaline.

I couldn't see him clearly, but from what I could tell, his body was a solid 10.

"Please kiss me," I blurted out in lust.

Oh, shit. I said that out loud.

"Tu deseo es mi orden, bebé (your wish is my command, baby)," his voice smoked as silk.

He stood, gently pulling me toward him. As he inclined his face and pressed his lips to mine, the warmth and softness of his kiss enveloped me.

Without warning, he lifted me into his arms and carried me toward a dark room at the back of the bar, placing me gently on the bed that waited at the far end.

In that split second before his touch, every nerve in my body and brain was electrified.

He stroked my face, temple, cheek, and chin and went straight to my thighs. All I could recall was the shiver down my spine when he kissed me. I wanted more.

After a few hours, I woke up having a hangover, but shit I laid in bed with a stranger. It was still dark so I could make the run for it.

Well, what's the worst that could happen? We don't know each other, neither did we see our faces clearly, so I'm safe, I guess.

I sneaked out and headed straight for the airport. It's back to New York for me. It's no use staying back when there's nothing left.

TWO MONTHS LATER

"When was the last time you got treated for the flu?" the doctor asked.

Just 2 months back to this city, and I'm already down with the flu again. This city has always been against me, but it's a shame I have nowhere to turn to now.

"It's been 2 months since my last treatment."

Just as I completed my sentence, a nurse walked in and handed a file over the doctor, my test results, I guessed.

"Oh, I see what's going on now. Congratulations, Dalma. You're going to be a mom," she said with a faint smile

I giggled because there was no way that was happening. "Doctor, please stop with the jokes, and let's talk about my treatment so I can leave."

She slid the file towards me, and it felt like a deja vú because my expulsion letter was given to me in that exact manner.

"Pregnant?"

"I'll make a reservation for you by Friday. You'd need to commence antenatal care as soon as possible....."

Fuck! This city really hates me. I'm yet to inform my parents that I'm back in town because I couldn't graduate and now this.

What is she blabbing about this time?

"What I'm blabbing about is that you need to take care of yourself and your child. Considering your health, there might be complications."

Oh shit! My mouth diarrhea came back.

"I'm sorry, I'll be back by Friday. Thank you,"

FOUR YEARS LATER

"Mommy, will I die?" he asked in a weak tone.

"No, baby. Don't say that. You'll be fine. You just need to be a good boy and take your medication," I said, trying to withhold my tears. I need to be strong for him

"Can you do that for me?"

"Yes Mommy," he said as he crawled into my arms.

My poor child, how do I tell you I can no longer afford your medications. You're all I have now. I can't let you die. As long as I breathe, you breathe.

I guess It's time to go back to the dungeon. At least I'm sure you'll get better food there and a good roof over your head. I packed our things as we headed back to the Mille Mansion.

I stood in front of the Millie Mansion, recollecting the best of my life. The day I left for college, but before I could recall the entire event, the door cracked open.

"Dad?"

Jaden's POV

"I asked for the complete report from the account officer, and you're handing me a document that wasn't properly edited?" I tossed the papers in the air. "Get this rubbish out of my face!"

"Sorry, sir." He squatted to gather the papers before heading out.

"May I come in, sir?" Valentine requested, knocking on the door.

Valentine has been my personal assistant since I became the President of Worthington Enterprise.

"Yeah, come in," I gestured for him to have a seat. "I want to completely relieve the head of the accounts department of his duties immediately. Find someone more competent."

"I'll do just that. Mrs. Worthington called earlier and asked me to inform you that she'll be having lunch with you today."

"Mom? What does she want this time? She never comes for a peaceful conversation," I sighed.

It's time someone told my mom that I'm not a boy anymore. She's starting to get on my last nerve with these lunch and dinner dates.

"Get us a reservation, VIP, please. I don't want people listening in on our conversation."

"You already have a reservation for 12 PM, and it's..." He checked his watch. "11:40 AM. The driver is waiting."

"Let's get this over with, then."

"Mi Amorcito!" She yelled as soon as she saw me.

Ugh, not the Spanish again. Mom made us take Spanish classes when we were three. According to her, it's a family tradition. My grandparents were Mexicans. May their souls rest in peace.

"Hi, mom," I said, standing up to give her a hug. She can be annoying, but she's still my mother.

"Mom, I've told you not to call me names in Spanish when we're in public. I'm a grown man with a reputation, not a mommy's boy."

"If you're as grown as you claim, then do what's right. Otherwise, I'll keep treating you like a baby."

Her mood suddenly changed. Here we go...the real drama.

"I know where this is going. I've told you countless times, I can make my own decisions. So please, back off." I glanced at the menu.

"Red & Golden Beet Salad for me, Local Burrata for the lady," I said to the waitress beside me.

"Alejandro...."

"Mom, please, Jaden, not Alejandro," I never really liked that name.

"It's been four years already. You should have your own family. Give me grandchildren before I kiss the earth."

Yes, she's getting old, but why talk about kissing the earth? I dug into my food, letting her talk to her fill.

"Since you want your mama to do all the work, I've found eligible, hardworking ladies for you to meet this weekend. I'm not taking no for an answer this time."

"If that would make you let me breathe, then fine, I'll do it."

"Good!" She picked up her bag aggressively and left the restaurant.

"Adiós, mamá." I said with a hint of sarcasm.

That's one easy way to get her off my back. After I finished my food, I picked up the phone. "Cancel whatever plan I have for the weekend, we're going on a blind date," I instructed Valentine.

"We?" He asked, sounding confused.

"Oh stupid, you know what I mean," I dropped the phone and gestured for the waitress to bring the bills.

Dalma's POV

"Look who decided to come home," he said with a hint of excitement.

I haven't been back for almost seven years, and that's the welcome I get from my dad.

I sluggishly rolled my luggage into the house while Damian hid behind me the whole time.

My mom and sister were at the dining table, doing what they do best, reading fashion magazines. "Hi Mom, hi Cassie," I called, drawing their attention, but as expected, I got snubbed.

I gave my dad a hug. He seemed a little excited to see me, or maybe he was just pretending.

"Who's the kid?" my mom asked.

"Hey, baby, go say hi to Grandma and Grandpa," I instructed Damian, gently stroking his head. No time for long talks. They have a grandkid now, they can deal with it.

"Good day, Grandpa. Hello, Grandma," he said in an innocent tone.

My mom jerked away from the table and slowly approached me.

"Dalma, did you adopt a kid?" my dad asked in disbelief.

"You left home for school, and after six years, you come back with a..." She looked at Damian. "A kid?"

"Don't just stand there. Whose child is this?" my dad asked again.

I stood there quietly, thinking of how to tell my parents that I got screwed by a stranger and have no idea who Damian's father is.

"Dalma Celeste Millie, answer your father before I do something we'll both regret," my mom threatened. All eyes were fixed on me, I could literally feel their gaze on my skin.

Well, they already treat me like Cinderella. I get the ugliest dresses, and I have to do all the chores. What's the worst that could happen?

"He's my kid. His name is Damian," I said, breaking the silence. My dad immediately tossed his newspaper on the floor, making me flinch.

My sister, Cassie, broke into laughter. "Congratulations, sis." She finally left her magazine and walked toward us, brushing Damian's hair before heading out.

Typical Cassie. She has probably been waiting for me to disappoint our parents so I'd get disowned and she'd finally get the princess treatment she always wanted.

"Your kid? How did this even happen?" my dad asked, still in disbelief. At this point, he was no longer seated, he began pacing around the living room.

"We know you've always been reckless, but having a child? That's the height of it," my mom said.

"Reckless, huh? Or maybe I refused to let the way you treated me get me down. I refused to let things at home affect my life. Is that reckless?"

"I gave you the best training, everything you needed, and this is how you repay your father and I?"

I scoffed. "The best training? Locking me up in the attic for days without food? Making me wear hand-me-downs from the neighbors?"

"Mom, I had to start fending for myself at 16 when you and dad are alive."

"Both of you, stop it already!" my dad yelled.

"She started it," I replied.

They both looked worried now. It's just a child. I didn't commit a crime. My mom walked to my dad and whispered something in his ear. "Oh shit," he screamed, hitting the table.

"Honey, let's go upstairs now," I told Damian, who was still nervously standing behind me.

"Forget what's happening. You're always welcome here, mmm?" I asked. He gently nodded his head and tagged along with me.

"What about your engagement to Alex Osborne?" my dad asked.

I paused on the staircase. Is he serious? That's what they're worried about? I was never going to marry him anyway. "Save him the trouble and call off the engagement," I continued walking upstairs.

Alex and I have been betrothed since we were 16, before he traveled abroad to get his degree. It's been over nine years, and we haven't been in touch. He's probably married with kids already.

"Your father is talking to you. Come back here!" my mom demanded.

I pointed Damian in the direction of my room, left our bags by the staircase, and went back to the living room.

"You know how important this marriage is to both families. Don't say a word about that bastard of a son you have and pray Stanley accepts you."

"You can insult me all you want, but don't say anything about my son," I retorted. She was beginning to cross the line.

"Dalma, you don't have a say in this. He'll be back in three weeks, so keep your fingers crossed and, like your mom said, say nothing about your child," my dad interrupted.

Three weeks, huh? How did they intend to get me back here in three weeks if I didn't show up today? No calls or texts for six years, and they think I would have run home after one call because of a silly arranged marriage.

"Let him come. I'll be here waiting," I said in a sharp tone and headed upstairs again.

They could go on about how important marriage is to the family business, but I was already exhausted.

Staying at my father's house didn't mean I would just sit back and relax. The best they could do was give me shelter and food.

I still needed money to cloth my child and get his medications.

I just needed the extra bills from rent and food off my back. I began searching for a job, but no one wanted to hire someone who was kicked out of school.

I majored in computer science but had a thing for graphic designs since high school, so I made it a side hustle

My designs were good, but no certificate meant no employment, I guess. I finally got hired as a waitress at the Starlight Spoons in the Plaza Hotel.

**********

"Dalma Millie, right?" the manager asked. It was my first day at work, and I was dressed in a neatly ironed white shirt and black corporate trousers. I believed white and black were the typical colors for a waitress.

"Yes, sir!" I responded firmly like I was in the military.

"You'll be tagging along with Ethan. Both of you will be serving the VIPs today."

"Okay, sir!" Ethan and I responded.

Ethan was nice and welcoming. We clicked immediately. He's about 6'5", with blonde hair, brown eyes, a chiseled jawline, and well-built muscles.

One would say he's too cute to be serving people, but I'm too pretty to be doing this job, too, so I'll just try not to fall in love with him.

JADEN'S POV

"Boss, the car is ready. Your date would be arriving at 1pm.The reservation has been made, and the location was sent to her," Valentine said

I completely forgot I made a promise. That was a mistake. I'm not even close to being interested in marriage.

Well, I need to get my mom off my back. Make her believe those women are not good for me.

"It's past 1pm, and the so-called blind date is yet to arrive. I can't stand lateness," I constantly stared at my watch, I was becoming impatient already.

I have to figure out a way to get out of this trap I'm in. While I scrolled through my phone, a thick waitress passed by me. Brown hair, probable a 5'9", curvy hips with an elegant smile.

I gestured for her to come when she was done with the other customers. A guy had come to take my order but I wasn't even interested in food.

"Well there's no harm in having a little fun with this beauty while I'm here," I murmured.

"Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to Starlight Spoons. What can I get you?" she said in a professional tone.

"Just sparkling water," I placed my order, and she was as swift as a fox with delivery. But hey, I guess she's not just serving dishes today.

She placed my order on the table with an undone blouse. She had well-rounded boobs and I couldn't help but stare. That was so unlike me.

"Anything else?" she asked, this time in a slightly annoyed tone.

"Nothing for me, but hold on, my guest is here."

A lady approached my table, dressed in a slutty red gown, black heels and dark hair packed in a sleek ponytail.

I guessed she was my blind date. She smiled from across the room like she already knew me. Well I'm not surprised, I'm Jaden Worthington after all.

I need to get myself out of this. Didn't my mum tell her I hated it when a lady wore revealing clothes? or maybe I just compared her to the hot waitress that stood beside me, elegantly dressed yet so beautiful.

"Forgive Me miss," I whispered, pulled her to myself and placed my lips on hers.

She tried resisting but I pulled her closer, she eventually returned the kiss. I gently parted my lips, letting her tongue slide in. This should make the slutty woman uninterested.

"Mr. Worthington! What are you doing?" the dark-haired woman asked.

She pulled up the waitress and dragged her by the hair. Before the waitress could say a word, she gave her a sound smack.

"SLUT!" she yelled.

"We've not even gotten to know ourselves and you're already cheating, unbelievable," she faced me before storming out of the restaurant.

She just said I'm already cheating, some guts she's got. Well my plan worked now I can get out of here.

The waitress stood motionless with her hand on her cheek for a while, everyone in the restaurant had eyes on her. Poor thing had to get embarrassed because of me.

Suddenly, she snapped out of her daze, her eyes blazing with fury. She turned over to me, her face contorted with rage.

"Who do you think you are?" she hissed.

Before I could respond, she raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face. The sound echoed through the silent restaurant.

"You think you can just use people like that?" she yelled, her voice shaking with anger.

"You have no idea what you just did!"

I stood there, stunned, as the sting of her slap spread across my cheek. The entire restaurant was now watching our confrontation, the air thick with tension.

My guards immediately held her down but I gestured for them to let her go. "You've just messed with the wrong guy," I stood up, adjusted my suit and headed out.

************************

(DALMA)

"Who do they think they are?" I murmured, pacing around the kitchen in fury. "Taking advantage of me because I'm in uniform?" I scoffed.

Who does she think she is laying her hand on me because she couldn't tame the womanizer of a man she has.

Pervert! Looking at my boobs obviously wasn't enough and he thinks he can do whatever, just because he's rich?

"You should take it easy," Ethan said, sneaking up from behind. "The manager isn't happy with your reaction," he continued

"Wait what? But.... I got hit for no reason."

"He said you'll be doing the dishes for the rest of the day, so get to work," Ethan instructed before heading back into the restaurant.

Did I just get demoted on my first day? I really do have bad luck. I just had to serve that pervert on my first day.

It was past 10pm and the close of work. I wrapped my coat tight around myself as I walked home. The night was unusually cold, the wind biting at my exposed skin.

I had chosen the longer route home, hoping the fresh air would help clear my mind after the chaos at the restaurant.

The path I walked was flanked by tall trees, their branches swaying ominously in the breeze. My footsteps echoed in the stillness, the only sound in the otherwise silent night.

As I rounded a bend, I heard it. The unmistakable sound of footsteps behind me. I paused, listening intently. The footsteps stopped as well.