Beyond the Billionaire's Compromise

AMELIA'S POV

"Could you drive faster, please?" I screamed at the taxi driver carelessly.

"I am, ma'am. There's a speed limit around here, it is a Government Reserved Avenue," the young man stated pleadingly.

It wasn't that the car was moving so slow but the urge to get to the hospital consumed my reasoning. I looked at my reflection through the interior rearview mirror and I could see pain and grief written all over my face.

The only thing which remained unchanged about me was my blood-red lip gloss. That has been the only lip gloss I apply whenever I go to work.

I sent a glance towards my wrist watch, I realized I was 35 minutes late for work. But that wasn't what mattered most now. I had almost gotten ready for work when my phone rang, it was the hospital number. "Come to the hospital now, your father's health keeps getting worse," the voice said sharply.

"Arrgh! Finally," I grunted as I alighted from the taxi, handing a note to the driver.

The strong aseptic scent of the hospital welcomed me. I could only think about my father as I galloped towards the doctor's office. I bent slightly in response to the sharp pain I felt across my stomach, but it was nothing compared to how much I wanted to know how my father was faring. 'What if he's dead?' a creepy voice rang in my head but I quickly discarded the thought.

"I'm sorry, Amelia," the doctor started, his voice a symbol of professionalism, "We might lose your father if we do not embark on a surgery on him."

"What?" I yelled, eyes widely opened.

"Your father's health is seriously deteriorating. He now suffers from congenital heart defects which require multiple organ transplants," he announced.

"Transplant?" I yelled. "How much would that cost?"

"I'm afraid, ma'am, it's quite expensive. If there are no further complications, we should be talking about $30 million dollars here."

The weight of the doctor's word rested on my shoulder. The harder I tried to open my mouth, the harder the words refused to form. I was emotionless. I felt numb within myself. I wanted to cry but I seemed to have run out of tears.

"How urgent is it?" I finally managed to say, afraid of what his response would be, but silently praying to find some relief from them.

"The earlier the better, Amelia. But the latest it could be is in 72 hours. You know he's been placed on a life support system for a while, which means delay might be costly," he concluded, his voice laced in empathy.

"But... But I can't get such a whopping amount in three days, doctor," I stuttered, looking directly into his eyes. "I do not have anyone to support me, I've taken loans which I haven't even paid back and my salary has been taken in advance. Just do something and help me please..." My throat went dry, tears streaming out of my eyes.

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I could do about this. It's best if you get the money or..."

I cut him short, standing to my feet and making to leave. I knew he wasn't the cause of my predicament but I unleashed my frustrations on him, "I would lose my father. That's what you'd say right?"

I didn't hear him say anything as I walked out of the office. I raced to my father's hospital room to see how he was faring. I was shocked to my marrow when I saw his body, laying almost lifeless on the bed. "You wouldn't die, dad," I said, kissing his pale hands and turning to leave for work.

Soon I was at work, I tried to sneak into my office, hoping no one would notice my lateness except the receptionist who would always do.

"You are late again, Amelia?"

I knew the voice, it was Leo's, the CEO. I turned back, wiping my tears with the back of my hands. "I'm sorry, sir. I needed to..."

"It's alright. Just go into your office," he said, demonstrating with his hands.

As I pushed the door open, consumed by fear and anxiety, an idea struck me. 'Why not talk to Leo about your father? He seems nice and might be able to help," the voice whispered.

I threw my bag to the floor, running after him as he went into his office. Not even the noisy sound of my heels would make me relent in my pursuit.

"Yeah, Amelia. I'm all ears," Leo, the CEO of Rango Electronics said as I stepped into his office. Busy as ever, he never cared to look at my face. As if he wasn't the one outside the office a few minutes ago.

"I need assistance, boss."

He nodded, an indication that I should go on.

"I need assistance. My father, and the only family I have left is at the hospital and he is about to die," I paused to look at his face but he didn't appear to be bulging. "The doctor said he would be needing several organ transplants which need to be done in three days' time," I said, resolving to emotional blackmail as I let my tears flow freely.

"I'm sorry about that, Amelia. But you know this is not the best time. The company is in a financial mess at the moment. The best I could do was give you a three months salary advance, which I already did."

I kept quiet, letting my tears flow increasingly and thinking of potential way out.

"I hope you get the money you need elsewhere," he finalized.

The weight of his words rested on my head. I couldn't control the tears that were already gushing out of my eyes.

As I stepped towards the entrance, I felt a sharp itching on both eyes, forcing me to rub my palm vigorously against them. With my hands still glued to my eyes, I walked absentmindedly towards the door. My legs heavy, my heart aching, and vision blurry, but my determination surged above my challenges.

"One more thing, Amelia," my boss said again, his eyes filled with all seriousness as the words escaped his lips, "Do not let your problems weigh you down, this phase shall pass," he concluded, eyes fixed on mine.

As I turned towards the entrance again, ready to continue my journey out of the office, I felt my body make a clashing sound against something.

I opened my eyes and I couldn't believe my eyes. A sudden rush of adrenaline rushed in my body. I didn't know what to feel as I stared in awe. Fear? Excitement?

Just again, I felt a cold touch on my shoulder, such that it shocked my marrow.

NELSON'S POV

"But dad, I'm already 28, what else is the problem? Didn't you say I'd be legalized as the heir to your inheritance when I clock 22?" I snapped at my father, my eyes burning with anger.

"But your mom says you must get married, son," he replied pleadingly. "You see it's for your best, we need to ensure that you grow into a responsible child."

I kept quiet, I didn't say anything to his last words. Somehow I was angry at my father but I wasn't sure why. Maybe because he was too lenient to have allowed a woman to control his life or because he couldn't fight to protect his son's interest, perhaps, because she was not my biological mother?

Growing up, my father had always been too gentle. Unlike other rich business men that I knew who were always powerful and ruthless, my dad was the complete opposite.

"I can't continue with this, dad. Why can't you all consider my interest too? Would you have me marry the wrong partner because of inheritance?"

"Your mother knows best. You should discuss this with her and not me." With that, he stood to leave, his face etched in pity for me but he had no say on this.

"Step mother," I corrected him. I've always disliked that woman all along. She was wicked, cunning and always did things her way. "I'm never going to talk to that woman about it," I said to my father as he walked away.

I stood to my feet, pacing up and down the room hoping to alleviate my anger in the process but it didn't help. Again, I grabbed my earphones from the couch, I discarded the volume discretion as I reeled it up to the maximum volume. But that didn't help either.

With one final attempt, I grabbed my car keys and off I dashed into the road.

On the road, my heart ached in bitterness and disdain. I wondered how my father could have submitted himself to a woman; his wife. I quickly discarded the thought as it made me harbor more hatred for my step- mother. With "Lonely Dirt Road by Dax" playing in the background, I pressed my legs harder on the accelerator, firing on into the distance.

Putting my hatred aside, I grabbed my phone, sent a call to my step- mother, waiting impatiently for her gloomy voice.

"Dad said I have to get married to be legalized as the heir to the inheritance. Is that the only requirement left?" I barked, discarding her greeting.

"Yes, do you have any problem with that, d-e-a-r son?" she laughed from the other end. The way she laughed when my mother died.

"I don't know if I can keep up with that demand," I said after hesitating for some time. "Isn't dad supposed to be the one giving orders?"

"Well, young man. I regret to remind you that I'm the one in charge and nobody can change that," she whispered, voice thick. "You have just a month to meet the requirements else, you'll lose your inheritance to my son just as your mother lost her position to me," she finalized before the line went dead.

The nasty reminder of my mother's death felt like a stab in the chest. The picture of her kind smile even in her own blood flooded my mind. I needed to prove my masculinity. I couldn't afford to be a shrimp like my father- I was determined to make Linda, my father's wife, pay with her life if she had a hand in my mother's death.

I sped mercilessly into the distance, stopping only when the traffic indicator light stopped me. I smirked each time I remembered I had no destination in mind but then, an idea struck me. "Leo should help me with this."

In a few minutes, I was at Leo's office. My anger still clung to me like as much as the fabric I was putting on. I didn't care if it was an office, I pushed the door open without knocking.

As the door gave way into the office, my breath caught up in my throat. Standing before me was a beautiful young lady. Despite her cheeks being soaked in tears, she looked stunning still.

I was still lost in bewilderment when my hand voluntarily found its way to her shoulder, "Hey, you don't look alright. You're crying too much," I managed to say when she looked up. I seriously wished my eyes didn't give my thoughts away.

A short moment later she was out of the office, but I couldn't get my mind off her. I had completely forgotten about the reason for my visit until I heard Leo's voice.

"You seemed to have found your missing rib," he teased.

I knew he was right but I wasn't going to admit to the truth, not even after I had always boasted to be an alpha male. "C'mon friend, don't be childish. There was nothing serious in trying to comfort a girl who cried like someone who had just lost her father," I retorted.

"Well, she's at the brink."

"I don't understand," I said, adjusting my position.

"Amelia needs to raise money for her father's surgery or she would lose him. She wanted to borrow from the company but the financial situation is bad," Leo explained further.

"That's bad, really bad," I commiserate. "I need assistance, friend. I need to get married before the month ends."

"Hahaha! Do I need to remind you that you don't have a girlfriend?"

"And that's why I need your help. It's either I get married or lose my father's wealth to someone else."

Leo's brows raised, "Is it so serious?" "I have an idea," he said, his eyes beaming with seriousness and his face portrayed genuineness.

AMELIA'S POV

"Hey, you don't look alright. You are crying too much," the man said, bringing an end to my moment of wonder.

The presence of this man got me captivated and glued to the spot. His towering height, his muscular arms and broad chest sent shivers to my body.

"I'm fine," I finally managed to respond before reaching for the door. "And... I'm sorry for bumping into you."

"It's alright," he waved, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.

I reached for the door in a hurry, humiliated by my reaction. I knew I admired the man but I secretly prayed he didn't read through my actions.

Soon, the day's work was over. I picked my bag and was ready to leave the office. Frustration settled on me again. Fresh as ever I remembered that my father had less than 68 hours to live if I didn't get the money.

I took a taxi and headed to Clara's place. At least , " a problem shared is half solved they say."

"Hey, shaddy," Clara said. That was her way of addressing me fondly.

I didn't say anything, I sank heavily into the sofa, my heart ached just as if it was being pounded against a rock. I opened my mouth slightly, letting out a silent painful moan.

"You seem worried? Have you been thinking about Alex again?" Clara said, concern etched on her face as she leaned closer.

"It's not about Alex, Clara. I'm going to lose my father in less than 68 hours..."

She cut me short by placing her index finger across my lips, "Don't say that baby. There's power in the tongue. We are children of God and we should act and speak in faith," she declared.

I leaned further a bit, irritated by her words. Clara was my friend but she was always being religious. "Stop it, Clara," I yelled. "This is not some faith or religious beliefs. I need to get $30 million within two days if I don't want my father dead. Don't you get it?"

"Oh good Lord! Is it that bad? Just believe in God... No, I mean how do we go about this?" She whispered, her voice cracking.

"I don't know. I can't afford to lose my father now. He's the only relative I have," I sobbed harder, resting my head on her shoulder.

Just then, my phone beeped, a message from an unknown number, it read:

"I know about your father's condition. I could be of help if you want. Block D, no. 12, Landmark Lounge. 6PM."

I checked the time; 5:45. I looked at Clara, whose mouth was opened in bewilderment as she read through my phone's screen. " Who is that?" She asked.

"I don't know either."

I sprang up, my mind whirling to and fro. Who could it be? Who else knows about my father's illness apart from the doctor? But those questions didn't really matter at the moment. I just needed to save my father.

"I need to go, Clara," I said, my voice laced in uncertainty.

"Wait. I'll come with you," she shouted. As we both barged out of the house.

In less than 10 minutes, we were at the venue. I walked forward, urgency visible in my footsteps but Clara lagged intentionally.

"You should calm down, Amelia. We have to be security conscious too, everything is not just about your father," she pouted.

I slowed my pace, turning slightly, "How dare you talk about my father? I would sacrifice everything for my father, kindly back out if you're not ready to support me," the anger in my voice couldn't be concealed. A part of me knew Clara was only trying to watch out for me but I was blinded by my quest for saving my father.

The next moments were encapsulated in silence until a young man appeared from nowhere. "Hi, ladies. I guess one of you is Amelia?"

I looked at Clara in surprise and she reciprocated the same thing, "Yeah...I am Amelia," I stammered, surprised still.

"Mr. Nelson, your host asked that I lead you," he stated convincingly.

I stood frozen in the doorway, with Clara by my side. The room seemed to shrink. We had finally arrived and walked into the magnificent lounge.

My eyes scanned relentlessly, hoping to see the anonymous benefactor who had promised to help with my father's urgent surgery expenses.

"Here, ladies. Meet the prestigious Mr Nelson," the young man announced before vanishing again.

My heart beat in a thousand, my legs trembled seriously beneath my body, cold balls of sweat were already formed in my forehead as I beheld the deadly looking man.

"Welcome, Amelia," he said, finally pulling off his dark shades. "And you, young lady," he pointed at Clara.

But nothing could have prepared me for the shock that awaited me. Seated across a clustered table, with a dry smile spreading across his face, was none other than the man at my boss' office earlier. His eyes, as usual, were stern and unyielding, but now it seemed to gleam with a hidden intention.

My heart raced as I struggled to process the unexpected twist. The fact that I had stumbled upon him in a compromising position in my boss' office earlier that day, and now, here he is again, masquerading as a mysterious benefactor heightened my fear.

Instantly, Clara's hand found mine, her eyes scanning the room in confusion and concern. "Amelia, what's going on?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of my racing heart.

I couldn't cast my gaze away from this mysterious handsome man. "I don't know him" I whispered back, my voice shaking. "I saw him in my boss' office earlier today..."

"I heard about your father's health condition and I'm willing to help you settle his surgical expenses and clear your debts," he cut me short.

I wiped my face with my palm, trying to be sure I wasn't dreaming. I suddenly felt excited, and my lips uncontrollably curved into a smile. I couldn't help but admire the young man seated right in front of me. His overall demeanor commanded wealth and his captivating gaze seemed to be pierced into my being. 'I hate to do this, I shouldn't be admiring a man when my father is dying,' I said in my head trying to restore my senses.

"But a condition is attached," he said almost shouting, his masculine voice shattering my heart in pieces.