A Second Chance With The Hidden Billionaire

Prologue

He stood up, still sweaty, panting and catching his breath as he rose from lying next to me. He didn't even glance at me as I carefully pulled the blanket to cover my tired body. I tried to get up. Despite the drowsiness pulling at me, I couldn't lie down and rest. Every day, every hour, every minute mattered to me. Because a life hung in the balance.

When I sat down, I winced. I felt a sudden pain between my legs. It really hurt for the first time. I bit my lip.

It's gone. I've lost it. I've guarded my property for twenty-five years. I promised to only give myself to the man I love and who loves me. Tears welled up in my eyes. I tried not to show weakness to this man. I flinched when he threw me a piece of paper. I glanced at it.

"I doubled the amount," he said while still zipping his pants. I knew he was looking at me. Even if I wanted to look back at him, I couldn't. I felt embarrassed because I had debased myself. I blinked back my tears, accompanied by a pang in my chest. He smirked, "Surprisingly, you were a virgin! How come a gold-digger slut was still a virgin until now? Well, a few minutes ago..." I keenly felt the anger and disgust in his voice. I kept my head down to avoid his scrutinizing eyes.

I couldn't move. A pang of pain shot through my chest. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect him to say that right in front of me. He had changed. He was no longer Marcus I knew. Every word he uttered felt like sharp thorns digging into my heart.

It hurt. So much. I felt so down. But whatever he said, I would accept it with closed eyes. I needed his money.

He walked to pick up and put on his shirt lying on the couch. I remained silent and kept still. I would change once he left. After putting on his shoes, I heard him sigh. I was still bowed down, so I clearly saw his feet gradually approaching me. He stopped in front of me, slid his finger under my chin, and lifted my face to face him.

He smirked, "If I had known that I would taste you in this way, I would have told you long ago that I'm rich." He whispered. His eyes narrowed. He tilted his head. "I wasted my time with you. You're just nothing but an ambitious gold-digger filthy slut. At least, you're beautiful. My payment was still worth it." And he callously dropped my face.

I bit my lip. My hands clenched. I swallowed my saliva to suppress any sobs. I didn't want him to mock me further if he saw me cry.

He picked up and wore his suit. He went straight to the door but stopped and looked back at me. I felt my body shiver. I felt...humiliated. "I hate you, Claudia. I hate you so much. Thanks for let me f*****g you." I felt the pain in his tone. I straightened up as he forcefully closed the door.

Tears streamed down from my eyes. I hugged myself. I felt so dirty, my hands trembling. I looked at the check in front of me, and my tears flowed even more.

Why? Why is this happening in my life? Am I such a terrible person? I hurt him. Yes, I hurt him, but I didn't want that. I hope he forgives me. Even now, I still hope. Foolish as it may be. He left when I finally realized I love him. I love him.

I still love him.

Frustrated, I tossed the blanket aside and nearly turned the pillows on the bed inside out. It's our midterm examination today, and I'm running late! Oh no! I've been looking for my foot sock for quite some time now! I just can't find it. "Hey! Have you seen my foot sock?!" I grumbled as I sweat, rummaging through my drawer. Seriously! When it's not needed, it's scattered everywhere, but when you need it, it's nowhere to be found! So frustrating!

A moment later, Grandma peeked through the door, "Claudia, I just folded your socks last night, and I put them away." Grandma Paloma said, holding a ladle.

I rolled my eyes. "Well, Grandma, I've been looking for it here since earlier, and I still can't find it. I'm going to be late for my exam!" I was getting irritated. I took a deep breath to calm myself. Should I keep searching, or should I just leave?

Then Grandma walked over to my cabinet, attempting to find my foot socks. "I told you to neatly fold your clothes so you can easily find your things. This room is a mess, and your clothes are scattered everywhere, like a typhoon hit. Despite being a young lady, your room has a masculine arrangement. In our time, Mom would punish us if our rooms were messy. She'd make us kneel on mung beans if we didn't obey..." Grandma continued lecturing.

I heaved a sigh. Grandma started her sermon again, and once she begins, it's sure to last until later.

I glanced around my room. Yes, it was a bit messy. Just... a little bit. Can she blame me for being more focused on studying than sweeping the floor? I'm already in my third year of college, just one more year, and I'll graduate. I'll find a good job in Los Angeles, get a condo, and a wealthy suitor will court me. Then we'll get married and live in America. That's the life I've been dreaming of-a fairy tale, ensuring we rise above hardships!

I smiled when I finally found what I was looking for, "Grandma, I found it!" I quickly put it on, almost struggling to get it properly on my foot. Grandma looked at me and shook her head. I could sense her annoyance in her voice, but her concern remained.

After putting on my socks, I grabbed my bag and kissed Grandma on the cheek. "I'm going now, Grandma. Love you!" I hurriedly left the room.

"Aren't you going to eat first?" Grandma shouted after me. I've already avoided her long lecture. I know she loves me.

"No, Grandma, I might be late. I'm leaving now!" I waved my hand at her and rushed out of the house. I'm grateful to have Grandma in my life. I know she has incredible patience with me. But I promise myself I'll make it up to her for all the hardships she's endured for me.

As I walked to the corner, I noticed one of the construction workers I often see. They're building something there-probably a condominium. As soon as he saw me, he smiled and looked up at the building. I rolled my eyes. I knew what he was going to do; he does it almost every day.

"Marcus! Marcus! Your baby girl is here!" he shouted.

A familiar voice responded, "Claudia? Where?" He appeared on the second floor, stepping out from the terrace of the unfinished building. He was tall, with an average build. I couldn't deny that Marcus was handsome. He might be the most handsome construction worker I've seen. I've only known him for a month since he recently moved to our barangay. But since then, he talks to me almost every day. Sometimes, it gets annoying. He's not my type.

Upon seeing him, I winced. He was wearing a white T-shirt, but it was covered in dirt-from cement, sand, and his sweat was evident on his face.

In short, he was filthy!

When he saw me, he immediately smiled, revealing a perfect set of teeth. In fairness, they were white, but he still wasn't my type. Why doesn't he just go for study and look for another job? I know we're almost the same age.

"Claudia! Are you going in?" he said with a cheerful tone. He brushed his hands together while peering at me.

"Isn't it obvious?" I replied, irritated. I quickened my pace. I didn't want to engage in fake pleasantries.

He laughed. "You're so grumpy this early. Got a problem?" Both my cheeks warmed up. Did he really have to announce that? And it had to be in front of all those guys.

I glanced at him and gave a sharp look. "I have an exam, and I'm in a hurry because I'll be late. If you don't mind, don't bother me!" I almost gritted my teeth in anger. I was trying not to show him that his teasing affected me, lest I end up snapping at him.

He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, easy, relax, chill. It was just a joke, Claudia. You know I don't want you mad at me. Want me to walk you to class?" He added a teasing tone to his voice.

"No need. I'm not crippled," I replied sharply, taking larger strides.

He laughed again. "How about I pick you up?" he shouted.

Whatever! I didn't respond because I knew that even if I said no, I'd still see him on campus, probably waiting inside the campus. He's good at this, probably because our afternoon guard is a woman.

He shouted again, "Claudia baby loves! I'll pick you up, okay? Wait for me!" I could almost roll my eyes at his shouting. Whatever! I increased my pace towards the jeepney stop.

After the last class, I quickly packed up my things. I headed straight home, as I had a lot of assignments to do.

I am taking a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. I study in a private college because my aunt covered the tuition fee for me to finish my degree. She now lives in America, so she's a bit well-off.

"Hey, Claudia! Want to join us at Ai's place? Let's watch a DVD! Come on! It's just once! It's a good way to unwind after midterms!" April, my classmate, invited me. I immediately noticed her newly rebounded hair. Her face was noticeably lighter because of the powder. That's their routine-touching up their makeup after class. I just shook my head sometimes. I slung my bag over my shoulder and hugged my books.

"No, not this time. I'll pass. I'm tired, and I have pending research to do. You guys go ahead." I declined. I really need to use my time for studying. I don't want to fail and embarrass my aunt. The tuition here is quite expensive.

April pouted. "Oh, what a waste. It's just once. Come on, join us. The deadline is still far away!" She insisted. I smiled at her. I knew that, but there's no one at home with Grandma.

"Crazy! You guys go ahead. I'll leave now." I said my goodbyes to avoid a longer conversation. I walked out of the classroom, not hearing April anymore.

As I approached the gate, I immediately saw Marcus standing next to our lady guard. Both hands were in the pockets of his worn-out jeans, wearing a faded blue shirt. It looked like he'd turn it into a rag in a few days. I sighed.

When he saw me, he smiled and waved. I sighed again. He's really persistent! He ran to meet me. "Baby loves, how are you? Are your exams okay?" he said with a smile, grabbing my bag and books. He slung my bag over his shoulder. If it were any other guy, they'd probably refuse to carry a girl's bag. But for Marcus, he loved it, and it seemed like he had no issue with it.

"It's okay. I was able to review somehow," I said lifelessly as we left the campus. As we stepped outside, he grabbed my elbow and pulled me towards the row of vendors selling fish balls, Tikka, Hot Dogs, and Batagor.

"Well, you probably aced it. It's you!" He winked at me, and my heart skipped a beat. Honestly, Marcus is handsome; he just lacks refinement.

"I don't know about that," I said, grabbing a plastic cup and skewering a fish ball from the pot. "You're treating me to this, okay?" I teased while skewering and choosing the ones to be cooked. On my side, I felt him smile and gaze at me.

"Sure, as long as it's for my baby loves!" He said enthusiastically. I just rolled my eyes at him

As we walked, we also indulged in Tikka. My books were wedged under his armpit. I felt sorry for him, thinking he might have a hard time eating. "Let me carry these books. I'll take care of them."

"No, it's okay. I'll carry them for you, baby loves," he said while munching.

"Just so you won't have a hard time eating," I added.

He stopped chewing and looked at me like I was crazy. "Are you now concerned about me, baby loves?" he said, wide-eyed. He even opened his mouth in surprise.

I rolled my eyes. "Just take them; otherwise, you might think I'm treating you like a slave." I said with annoyance.

He swallowed what he was eating. "Sure, treat me like one, that's okay with me, baby loves! Forever! You can use my soul and body, no problem! It's all yours, baby loves! I'm trembling!" he said with enthusiasm.

I smiled at his words. "You acting like a fool. What do I need with your soul and body? Will that make me rich?"

He smirked. "It's up to you; it depends on your plans. I surrender." He winked at me.

"Whatever! Fool!" I teased. We both laughed.

We took a jeepney home. He insisted on paying for my fare. After a while, the jeepney gradually filled with passengers, and I found myself pressed against him. I was at the far end, so Marcus was the only one beside me. Occasionally, he looked at me to check if I was okay or if it was too crowded for me. I always replied that I was fine. I'm used to this anyway. As the jeepney started moving, I noticed two students who were a couple. They were being overly sweet, hands touching, the girlfriend leaning on the boyfriend's shoulder, whispering to each other. Wow, they were so sweet. I saw Marcus looking at them too. Was he jealous? I don't care! To my surprise, the two even kissed right in front of us!

These kids! Still in their uniforms, and they're all over each other!

I looked at Marcus, and he seemed a bit shocked, mouth hanging open. I nudged him on the shoulder and raised an eyebrow. He looked at me, and his gaze dropped to my lips. I gasped. He swallowed. It seemed like I knew what was running through his mind! He swallowed again, so I flicked him to snap him out of it. I gave him a stern look. "Behave, Marcus!" I whispered forcefully. He slightly bowed and brought his face closer to mine. My eyes widened, and I leaned back. The air almost stopped flowing through my nostrils.

"I'm behaving just fine," he said, smiling slyly at me. I glared at him.

"Your face! You won't fool me..." I said, but something was fluttering in my stomach that I couldn't identify.

His deep-set eyes narrowed. He grinned. "I won't deceive you, Claudia. Take that to your heart." He said, and I couldn't help but stare at him for a moment. It was like something was pulling me just to look at him. Weird.

I was fetched by Marcus almost every day. Sometimes, he also accompanied me home. However, there were times when he didn't show up. I didn't bother asking him what he was up to when he wasn't at the construction site. So, what if he was absent sometimes? Like today, Marcus is nowhere to be found on campus. I admit, I hoped to see him at the gate, but he didn't show up.

I pouted. "Where could he be?"

Maybe he got tired of me? Found another girl? Fed up with my attitude? Suddenly, I felt irritated.

I walked out of the campus with a frown, tightly hugging my book. I was annoyed. Maybe people believed it was easy for guys to get bored. No one could endure a long courtship anymore. Nowadays, it was just a glance, and you were together! You exchanged looks, and you were a couple! Or maybe a week of courtship, acted a little coy, and you were officially together! That's why many got pregnant early, giving in to the heat of the moment!

If he shows up, who cares! Ha, who does he think he is!

"Miss, excuse me!"

I was shocked when someone shouted on my left. Things happened quickly. Others were shouting too, but I didn't pay attention because my eyes were fixed on the motorcycle speeding towards me! Am I going to die? I don't want to; I'm not even married yet! A familiar face flashed in my head. A man I was looking forward to seeing. The opposite of my dream.

Marcus.

"Aaaah!" Someone suddenly hugged me and pushed me onto the concrete floor. My hips landed first on the hard surface. I opened my eyes, and hot cement greeted me. My chest thumped. Am I still alive?

"Are you okay, Miss?" I could hardly breathe from the events. I didn't even understand who saved me. I got up, and a hand was extended in front of me, so I took it.

I looked at the motorcycle that almost hit me. A traffic enforcer, who also witnessed the incident, was now chasing after the rider.

"Are you okay, miss?" A baritone voice spoke beside me. I looked at him. He was giving me my bag and books.

"T-Thank you." Due to extreme nervousness and fear, that's all I managed to say.

"Do you want me to take you to the hospital? You might have a sprain." His voice showed concern. Hospital? That would be an expense. I can't afford to go to the hospital. It probably isn't serious anyway.

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. Thank you." I slowly stood up and took a step, wincing as my leg hurt. I lifted my skirt slightly, and to my surprise, I saw that my leg was bruised and scratched, with some blood visible. "What bad luck."

"Come on, miss, let me take you to the hospital. We should have your leg checked; the impact might have dislocated some of your bones. It's better to have it checked." Then he started walking while holding me by the elbow.

"No, it's okay. It's just a small wound-"

"I insist, and I'll take care of it." He said. He really had no intention of letting me go. What can I do? I don't have money to pay for this.

We walked towards a vivid blue car. I was slightly gaping. I looked at him again. He was about to open the passenger's door. It was then that I really observed him. Tall, handsome, and well-built. I discreetly admired the person who kindly helped me. Signature shirt, nice pants, an expensive watch that I had seen one of my classmate's wears. I admit, my admiration was only for material things.

He even took me to Martin Lawson's house. He was the one who saved me from that incident. He even paid my hospital bills. Several tests and medicines were given to me, so it would probably cost a fortune. Especially since he brought me to a private hospital. I feel embarrassed about it. He's twenty-four. Five years older than me.

"Thank you, Martin. I'm sorry to bother you. But I'll pay you back. Just take it easy." I said, feeling embarrassed.

He chuckled. "It's alright. Just get better, and that's payment enough. And be more careful next time. I might not be able to save you again." We both laughed.

"Sister Claudia!"

Martin and I turned to where the voice came from. I smiled when I saw my cousin Abigail standing at our house door. But my smile faded when I saw who was beside her, wearing a dark expression, intensely looking at my bruised arm.

Held by Martin.

My heart suddenly pounded. The way he looked at me seemed to pull me in with such intensity and weight. He had his hands in his pockets, and his face bore no hint of a smile.

"Sister Claudia, why are you only arriving now? Brother Marcus and I have been waiting for you for a while now!" Abigail approached Martin and me. She was all smiles, and her eyes sparkled as she got closer to Martin.

"Something happened earlier. By the way, Martin, this is Abigail, my cousin. Abigail, this is Martin Lawson; he saved me earlier and even brought me to get treated."

"Nice to meet you, Abigail." Martin extended his hand, which Abigail promptly accepted.

"Nice to meet you too, Martin. But wait! He saved you and brought you to get treated? What happened?" Abigail asked, expressing her concern. She also checked me.

"Oh, it's a long story. Let's discuss it inside. Martin, why don't you join us for a meal?" I hesitated to look at him, hoping that, in some way, I could make up for what happened and perhaps salvage some of his time.

He smiled, "I won't say no to that. Food is food!"

As we were about to enter the house, Marcus blocked my way. If he had a dark expression earlier, now it softened. There was a hint of worry in his eyes. I sighed. "You two go inside first, Abigail..."

"Sure! Come on, Martin!" She immediately latched onto Martin's arm.

I looked at Marcus again, crossing my arms over my chest. "What about us, Marcus? You know, you're like a mushroom. You suddenly appear and then disappear."

He furrowed his brows. "Are you hurt? Do you feel any pain? What happened? Did you recognize the person who did that? Do you need to be confined? S**t! I should have picked you up! This is annoying!" He took a deep breath. I was stunned by his reaction. His chest was heaving. I could clearly see disappointment and regret on his face. The courage I summoned earlier vanished.

"I-I'm okay now. The wound isn't that big, and they said I don't have any fractures." I showed him the scratch on my leg.

But it seemed I made a mistake, and his expression darkened further. "F**k it!" He cursed when he saw my scratches, looking like he was about to lose control. I was surprised by what I saw in him. He was cursing and angry, something new to me. This was the first time I saw him like this, as if he couldn't hold a decent conversation.

"What's the matter? It's not that serious, and I already had a check-up earlier. I'm lucky it's just this. If not for Martin-"

"He saved you? Were you with him when you got treated?" His eyebrows furrowed, and it looked like he was about to explode!

"I owe a lot to him. If not for him, I might have ended up in the hospital. He even paid for the hospital expenses."

"It's like he just helped you, and you're already impressed? Helping people is normal, so there's no need to be impressed. You even brought him here. What if he's a bad person?" His furrowed brows didn't disappear. He still seemed irritated.

"Can you please stop, Marcus? Besides, you just showed up again now, and you act as if you're my boyfriend!" I retorted, hoping to at least ease the tension in my chest caused by him.