Billionaire's Prodigal Son

"Make sure you pack up the files when you're done for the day" Madam Mina said to me at the office "I'll be leaving to pick up my son from school and I won't be back to the office. Take care"

"Alright ma" I replied "I will do all the necessary things and send in memo's and meetings that will be scheduled for Monday".

"It's alright. I trust you" she said and walked out of the office. I sat back on my chair and continued working on my laptop.

I worked at a mini firm, M and M. It dealt with goods packaging and shipment. The firm was established ten years ago so it was still considered a small firm though it has been moving quite well.

I was working on filling an invoice to a logistics company for the delivering of goods to customers made the previous week. Since I was Madam Mina's secretary, I was directly responsible for most duties in the office. The rest were customer service representatives, dispatch riders and many more.

A rap on my desk brought me out of work mode, I raised up my head and smiled. It was Nick, my best friend and colleague.

"Hey Nick" I beamed and pushed up my glasses. "How you doing?"

"Hey Clara. How you doing?" he responded and mimicked me, I chuckled. "Really C, you're going to keep doing this?" he raised a brow at me.

"What? I'm working" I shot back.

"Yeahhhh" he stressed on the word, suspicion written all over his face. He rested his upper body on my desk, peering intently at my face. "Come on, cut it out C, Mina is not here anymore and she won't be back today. Cut yourself some slacks".

"So it's now Mina to you right? Wonderful" I shook my head and continued working on my laptop, He blocked my view and continued.

"Clara take a break. You don't have to keep pretending all the time" I hissed.

"If that's what it is to you, fine. But I have to get the shit done, you know today is Friday"

"Shit" He looked away and mumbled. I looked into his face surprised.

"What?! You forgot?"

"Chill" he scratched his head "So where are we going this time around?" He asked to ease the tension.

Friday was I and Nick's hangout to chill from the stress of the week. Most times we hung out alone and other times, with other friends and family.

"Well, this time around you have to bring a plus one because" I paused and stared at him, "I have a date with my boyfriend" I smiled sweetly.

He groaned "why does it have to be on our night?"

"I don't know why you don't like Ted, he's really a nice guy when you get to know him better" I explained.

"I'm not gay C. I'm not meant to like him, can't you see he is putting a separation between us?" he rolled his eyes in exasperation. "You know what? Have fun with your boyfriend, I won't tag along"

"Stop being a pussy Nicky boy. And stop saying he's separating us, hold up, are you in love with me?".

"Of course darling, I love you to the moon and never coming back, you know that already" he dramatized, not the reaction I was expecting though but I felt at ease.

"Then stop saying that"

"Why won't I? Before Ted is, Nick was. They should not be any form of asunder....." he continued blabbing on and on.

"Nick please! Let me concentrate. Come on, to your desk now. You also have work to do" I stood up from my sit and made an effort to push him away.

"Oh darling. I'm done with my work for the day, and now, I want to keep my sweet beautiful best friend, company" He replied holding on to me.

"It's almost closing time, please, let me concentrate and round up" I begged.

"So I am now a distraction?" he asked feigning being offended. I pouted and walked back to my desk, ignoring him.

"Hey come back here! I'm the one meant to do that!" he ran after me.

Nick and I were childhood friends. Our families did everything together, we were so inseparable. Though Nick's parents were well to do than my parents, he still decided to work at my workplace to uphold our best friend's mantra.

'Wherever you go, that's where I'll be'.

******

William's POV

"Will baby, you would be turning thirty by next year and no woman in your life, not even a crush. You know your dad, I have tried to hold him down for so long and I can't do that anymore" My mom's voice boomed, filling the office immediately she walked in.

"And I appreciate your help mother. But is this the urgent discussion you talked about?" I looked at her amused.

"Isn't it urgent enough?" she spat "Besides I am definitely not getting any younger. I need tiny feet all over my big lonely home" she gave me puppy's eyes.

I breathed in and out, completely blown out by the pressure mounted on me by my parents to get married. What's the freaking point of it by the way?

"Mom I have a woman you know that"

She laughed sarcastically "which one, Porsha? Oh please, you know how your Father sees her. I don't even like her"

"Why does everything have to go in Father's direction? I'm getting tired of it, can't I leave my own life?"

"I'm really sorry baby. Your father has done a lot for you, and what do you do in return? You defy him every single time. This is the only chance you have at pleasing him"

My mind was taken back to the past. I was always the bad sheep and I still am. My younger brother is the family's sweetheart, he always obeys and does whatever my commands.

My father had asked me to go for football in my high school, I chose tennis. He requested I go to Cambridge, I chose Harvard. He wanted me to be a medical doctor, I chose to be a businessman. I even ran away from home to achieve it.

That's not even the crime. I always brought out my father's dirty secret outside to whoever cared to listen. I made sure I soiled his name wherever we went. Name it, I did a lot of nasty things one could never imagine. I showed them the William who was calm and kind on the outside but on the inside was an evil strict man who never cared about his family.

Till now, my dad and I are not in talking terms, whatever he had to say to me, he related it through my mom. Wondered what my mother saw in him.

I was jolted out of the reverie by my mom calling my name.

"What are you thinking about son?" I love my mom so much and even wanted to save her from my father, but she never gave me a reason for her saving even when he abused and maltreated her.

"Uh, nothing. You were saying?" I said scratching the nape of my neck.

"Your Father gave you an ultimatum. He is giving you six months to bring a bride home or you forfeit your business" her face creased, worry lines etched on her face.

"What the?!

"Are you done now? We need to head home to glam you up for your fancy date" Nick asked, towering over my desk.

"Thought you don't like Ted" I mumbled.

"I still don't like him. I'm just giving you my support"

"Well thank you" he gave a 'Are you done?' look towards my laptop.

I took the cue and responded "Yeah, trying to round up the remaining invoice for KK's investments" I sighed

"Mehn, that company is the most stressful. They could break a person's bone all in the name of work" I chuckled lightly.

"Perfection" I responded, dreamily singing "Isn't that their motto?"

He hissed "Oh please!" He rolled his eyes. I laughed.

"Alright I'm done" I rose from my desk picking up my bag. "You ready?" I said, shooting my million-dollar smile.

"Never less than ready" he took a poise and sent back a smile. I laughed and entwined my hand in his.

"We look so good together don't we?"

"Silly" I giggled.

The drive home was long, but the music eased a little bit of the stress we had at work.

We finally got to my apartment, Nick always made a stop at my place before going to his.

"Whew! Home sweet home" he breathed and plopped on my sofa. My homey house was always welcoming, giving me the vibe I needed.

The sofa was a cream color complementing a pastel pink wall. The kitchen on the other side of the house, was a shade of grey and pastel green because I loved pastel colors.

"What do you want for lunch? I asked him and walked over to drop my bag inside my room.

"Nah girl I'm pumped.

I want to prove to your baby boy through your dressing that your best friend is doing a better job than him"

"What is your problem?" I laughed. "Ted hasn't done anything wrong"

"You think so?" he spat acting like a drag queen. "Why would he come to date you after all he did to you in high school? He has a secret agenda"

"You're just being paranoid boy. Or maybe hungry" I reasoned.

"I know what I'm talking about. It is I, Nick speaking, not the hunger"

"Mhmmm" I looked at him suspiciously.

"No, really C. I'm being serious, there's this hunch I'm getting and it's not good"

"Alright enough, sugar boy. You need to eat" I pulled him from the sofa.

"She doesn't believe me" he pouted. I threw him a deathly glare.

"Ted is a good guy" I argued and without giving any chance to speak further, I continued "Enough of Ted, how do we make up for our lost hangout?" I walked to the kitchen, pulling out two plates of macaroons and cheese to the microwave.

"Now you're talking" a smile spread across his face, his eyes twinkling with delight.

Nick was an outdoor person while I was the Netflix and chill person, always indoors. It was him and my job that took me outside my house most of the time.

"Currently I don't have a figured-out location yet. So your date today would determine where we would go tomorrow. Maybe a bar, club, fancy restaurant, the park, you know"

"How can the party Nick become clueless in his specialty?" I asked amused.

"One of my specialties. Besides we can be clueless if we have attended all places in town"

"We?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Duh, the party people" he rolled his eyes.

"Oh," I turned to the microwave and took out the food. I turned it into a plate and served it with a glass of orange juice, Nick's favorite.

"Here you go," I said and took mine already in the process of digging and munching the food.

Nick threw me a disgusted look.

"What?!" I fired at him.

"You eat like a pig Clara" he snorted.

"Thank you for the compliment Nick" I rolled my eyes.

"You need to stop eating so wildly, how many times would I tell you this? You are a lady, eat like one" he tried to brush food off my body. 'No wonder you attract people like Ted' he mumbled a little above a murmur.

"Whatever" I rolled my eyes again. "you need to help me out with my outfit, I hope you know that. So hurry up"

I could never get angry at Nick's venomous words, they were as silly as he was. Besides he also made me feel good about myself most times.

"No excuses young lady" he spoke and started eating.

We ate in silence, only taking a few glances, making silly faces, and chuckling. Finally, lunchtime was over.

"Time for glam up!" he yelled melodiously and clapped twice.

"You would make me go deaf and crazy Nick" I spoke, a little bit annoyed.

"Girl, enjoy my company while it lasts. You would miss me"

"You are so unbelievable, Nick"

After a long time picking out outfits, we finally settled on a short flay black net layered gown with bowed straps.

I complemented the gown with silver stiletto heels and a clutch bag, the jewelry was little, just a thin necklace, short dangling earrings, and a bracelet. I did my makeup and Nick did my hair, yeah, one of his specialties as well. He packed my hair into a ponytail with two strands hanging in front.

I did a twirl and Nick cheered, we were ready to go. The date was six and it was already five-fifty.

"Shall we?" he asked giving me his arm.

"Sure" I responded with a smile.

In the car, Nick kept giving me different advice rambling and rambling. I had to shut him out a few times to settle my mind on the love of my life, Ted.

Ted and I were high school classmates, then he barely knew me because he had tons and tons of girls frolicking around him. I, on the other hand, was a nerd who stuck only with Nick.

Most times, I felt lonely because Nick was another school cutie and he was with one girl or another. But I stuck to him since he was the only friend I had who still gave me attention.

Ted, constantly made fun of me with his gang whenever I was noticed. He caused me so much embarrassment and pain until we graduated.

We bumped into each other after college when I was still an intern at M and M and from there our relationship started. Nick never approved of him since he abused me way back, but I have forgiven him and we love each other. That's all that matters.

An abrupt stop jolted me back to the present.

"What the fuck Nick!" I yelled and turned to look at him. He had an extremely shocked face like he had just seen a ghost, I peered closer and turned towards the direction he was staring at. He had bumped into someone's car and the car looked so expensive.

"Damn!" he said finally and jumped out of the car, I followed him.

"C please stay in the car" he pleaded.

"I have to help Nick, let's beg him together," I said to him with fierce determination. Our faces paled when we saw the damage and a handsome stranger leaning on the car. He was screaming luxury, not Nick's kind of luxury.

A billionaire's kind of luxury.

Clara's POV

"So what are you planning on doing concerning the damage you have caused?" The handsome stranger spoke.

"I eh uh I'm" Nick stuttered, his face looking like he would burst into tears anytime soon.

"We didn't mean to do it sir. It wasn't intentional, believe me. We can't pay for the damages because this car is-is-is quite expensive" I gulped and laughed nervously.

"What?" He said and turned, irritation visible in his voice.

Finally, he faced us properly but was wearing a black mask. He was looking like a Mafia boss, with his all black leather outfit. I wondered the world he came out from. From his eyes and upper face, it looked like it was sculptured. Just that view made me conclude instantly that he was handsome.

Definitely not this world.

"What we meant to say is......" I was interrupted by his rude reply.

"Save your explanations. It won't do any good" with that, he entered his car and zoomed off.

"Rude" I frowned and turned to face Nick. A gush of relief swept over his face even with fear registered fully.

"It's okay. He's gone now. Come on, let's go, you need to go home and rest" I walked him back to the car.

"Thought I was going to die" he mumbled, finally finding his voice.

"Gosh, Nick. You act like a baby, why would you think of that?"

"Did you not see the way he was friggin dressed?! A Mafia" He pouted, stressing on the last word. I chuckled.

"You're just being paranoid. Gosh! I'm so late to my date, alright now, move the car" Nick threw me a glare and ignited the car.

*****

Finally we got to the restaurant, a small inexpensive cozy eat-out. Just what I needed to create a lovely atmosphere for I and Ted and also to ease the tension of the incident that took place on my way. Nick left immediately he dropped me and I headed towards the front door, Ted already gave me a hint on where he was seated.

When I got to the table, I saw him busy with his phone. I smiled and called out to him.

"Hey baby" I moved to peck him on his cheeks "sorry I'm late". He breathed out and gave me an angry face.

"What took you so long? I have been waiting for over an hour? I am literally now a laughing stock in front of these people"

"Chill babe, you didn't even say hi to me. Something happened on the way that caused the delay". Ted was always on the habit of making me feel less of myself, always making me feel like I don't deserve him. But I turned blind eyes to all his excesses, loving him more than he did.

"So what happened that took your precious time?" he responded not showing any smile and acting like he doesn't even want to give my story a chance. Am I a liar?

"Well....." I went on to narrate the tale that happened earlier while Ted acted so indifferent like I was talking to a rock. He was so busy with his phone.

"Are you listening Ted?" I paused when I noticed he hadn't given any listening ear.

"Yes. So you want to tell me that you met someone dressed like a Mafia boss and all the rest that happened kept you from coming here?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"I know right? It's so crazy that I find it hard to believe myself" he mumbled something inaudible and I didn't even care to listen.

"Who brought you?" he asked after a minute of silence.

"Oh, Nick did" I beamed.

"Hmmmm" he hummed

"Ted?" I spoke up after another bout of silence. There was no reply.

"Please let's not have another fight today. We came to have a good time, please" he hesitated and heaved before speaking.

"It's not like I don't want to have a good time today, I'm stressed and something bad happened at work. That's the main reason I asked you out on a date, to spend time with my babe and ease tension", a blush crept up to my face. I took in hands and smiled.

"And that is just what will happen. And don't forget, you can always tell me anything"

"Thanks Cici"

"Anytime my love"

We really had a good time. Sometimes Ted was unpredictable, one minute he is nice, the next minute, he is rude as hell. After a wonderful dinner, he dropped a bombshell. One I had been avoiding for a while.

"Let's spend the night together Cici love. It's past nine already and I can't leave you all alone this night" he pleaded.

Hell no, I know what he wanted. And sex was something I wasn't willing to give to any guy until I'm married. 'there's no damn way I'm going home with you this night' I thought to myself before speaking up.

"Come on Ted, you don't have to worry, I'll be fine" I said nervously.

"Why?" he was beginning to get irritated.

"I have a very important meeting tomorrow with Nick's parents and we both know that when I come over, I would definitely spend longer time with you or even the whole day" he eyed me and stood up angrily.

"Ted please, at least be a gentle man for once" I held onto his hands.

"Fine. Let me walk you outside"

"Thank you" I held his hands and walked out of the restaurant.

When we got outside, he did not even give me a hug or anything. He just left without a glance.

"Call me when you get home ok?" I yelled. When he left, my shoulders dropped, this wasn't the way I was expecting my night to go but Ted would always be Ted.

Why was I still with him anyways? Love, maybe. Standing helplessly and looking around, I decided to book a cab. My phone rang.

"Hey Nick"

"Hmm C, there's something other than excitement in your voice. Tell me, how did your date go?" he said with a hint of mockery in his voice.

"Well, Ted left without a proper goodbye. And I'm still in front of the restaurant" I responded in dismay.

"What?!" he yelled over the phone "Is he out of his mind to treat a lady that way? Hold on, I'm on my way"

"No Nick, you don't have to bother. I'm about to book a ride home" I protested.

"No buts. And you're coming home with me by the way. Mom and Dad are at home already"

"Alright then"