Captivating The Brutish Billionaire

~Agathe~

"Seduce an old codger with heaps of money so that you can, at long last, fund your mother's surgery."

Settling down the emptied platter of highball glasses on the countertop, I glanced at Grazie to show her my baffled expression.

"You are in desperate need of cold cash, aren't you? It's all over your pretty face."

I looked down, choking sorrow radiating from my sapphire eyes. Grazie must have detected that something was rattling me ever since this morning.

My mind is in utter shambles. I received a call from the sole hospital in our village.

The chief doctor told me that my mother's condition had gotten worse. Her medications aren't working anymore and she needed to have her surgery as soon as possible.

And, it must transpire tonight or it would be too late for my poor mother. The sole complication was, I still don't have the ready money.

"I don't know what else to do, Graz." I muttered, and a lone tear fell from my eye. I hastily wiped it.

Working in a teensy restaurant like this in Snowflake Village and being paid below minimum wage couldn't magically provide me with the amount that I needed.

Being one of the underprivileged is both a torment and a pain in the rear.

"Agathe." Grazie doesn't know how to comfort me. Words are not enough to justify how heartbroken I was at the jiffy. My mother means the world to me.

"Just take my advice. Remember that old codger who always strived to talk to you?"

"Mr. Schneider? God. Hell, no."

The indignation in my tone was evident. That old codger was one of my admirers.

He is kind of well-off and has lived in Stonewood City all his life. Stonewood City is the sparkling city where every affluent clan in this country resides. It only stood beside our village.

Amidst all that, I wouldn't dare seduce him because he is already sixty nine, for Pete's sake! Way older to be my great grandfather!

"Why not, Agathe?" Grazie's voice woke me up from my chain of thoughts.

"You are beautiful. Use that. Have sex with the old codger once and for all then ask him a hundred million greenbacks for it."

My eyes widened in sheer embarrassment. Needless to say, sex is a taboo subject matter for me.

Everyone in our village is aware that I hadn't been touched or kissed by anyone. Though certainly, every man here fantasizes about me.

In spite of that, no one, forsooth, had captured my heart. Not that I am a hopeless romantic or something.

Or that I believed in one true love and a charming prince would sweep me off of my feet. No. Absolutely not.

I don't believe in love merely because I know it isn't for the likes of me. Who has nothing but my pride and dignity alone?

I learned the hard way that stinking rich people are only for stinking rich people.

Most importantly, I had been busy juggling my time to work and study. I have been providing for my mother since I was twelve after my father died in an avalanche.

Since then, I assumed his role in taking care of my mother. She is my lifeline. The only substantial reason I kept enduring this harsh world every single, excruciating day.

"Grazie, I would not trade my self worth just for the sake of acquiring dirty money from a dirty old codger."

"It wouldn't be called dirty if you worked hard for it. You know what I mean."

Grazie winked at me. I almost puked as censored images invaded my mind. Can't believe she managed to make me picture that scenario.

I don't know how she became one of my closest friends. Her words always baffle me and catch me off guard.

"No, thank you. I am waiting for the approval call from Silvestri Medical Hospital. They must sponsor my mother's surgery no matter what happens."

Grazie shook her head as I filled another batch of glasses with water to be served on tables four and six.

"Do you still hope that will happen? Agathe, it's been months. Besides, your mother never made it to their list."

My jaw clenched. I don't understand. I never will. Stonewood City was ruled by the Silvestri's for centuries. They are the most loaded and well-heeled clan in that city.

Their chains of hospitals had been sponsoring poor patients from every village around the city. Unluckily, my mother wasn't chosen to be their beneficiary.

I did everything to convince them that my mother deserved their sponsorship. However, they kept rejecting my mother's application for some unknown reason.

Something that had me loathing the surname 'Silvestri' for eternity.

"It will happen. And, if they demand me to pay everything back in the near future, I will."

I stated all of those things with burning determination in my eyes. Grazie raised her hands to give up convincing me and resumed brewing coffee for our customers.

"Agathe, why are you just standing there? The man at table fifteen had been waiting for someone to take his order. Chop chop, girls. This isn't a gossip station."

That was our supervisor, Filo, who always loved to take out her frustration on the waitresses in this restaurant.

She had been an old maid at the age of forty two and she blamed it the most on me. Held me accountable by consistently telling me that I had bewitched all the men in this village.

As if I wanted that to happen in the first place. "Coming right up." I picked up the platter once more and walked past Filo.

After serving the glasses of water on tables four and six, I picked up my notepad from the pockets of my apron and strutted towards the last table.

It was located at the farthest back of the restaurant and the other tables around it were crowded with customers.

It was lunchtime and I was already famished. My stomach was rumbling probably because I hadn't eaten anything for breakfast. But, I still had to serve everyone's food first before I could eat.

Nearing table fifteen, I saw a man in an expensive black suit sitting in his chair like he owned the place. His broad back was facing me, that's why I couldn't see his face.

He was staring at the glass wall, watching how the icy snow beautifully cascaded down from the sky. I halted in my tracks when his manly scent instantaneously attacked my nose.

Oddly enough, he smelled so good I suddenly fancy closing my eyes to savor it. Good thing I halted myself. This isn't the perfect time to be doing that.

At long last, I stood in front of the man and was about to ask him for his order when I felt something punch me in the gut as soon as I stared back at his stunning, dark amber eyes.

He was remarkably good-looking and it felt like a mortal sin to be looking down on him. He has this perfect square jaw that screams utter authority.

A fine aristocratic nose, thin pinkish lips, long curly eyelashes, and thick brows highlighted his dazzling eyes more.

My gaze moved further down and even with the suit on, I can still perfectly distinguish how lean and muscular he is underneath those lavish clothing.

When he folded his long sleeves, I almost fainted. Veins popping out from his arms was now my favorite sight on earth.

Gulping, I cleared my throat. He probably noticed me gawking at him for a good ten seconds, compelling my cheeks to burn.

Goodness gracious. Who wouldn't? I have never seen such a gorgeous man before in my life.

Perhaps he was from the other villages? Or, from Stonewood City based on his lavish scent and suit?

"A fine afternoon, sir. What can I get for you?"

We locked eyes again and I held my breath. I only hope he wouldn't notice it. He tilted his head and scrutinized my whole existence, taking his time, and resting his chin over his hand.

"You."

I blinked, quite confused. What did he say again? "Uhm. Excuse me?"

His eyes darkened. His gaze never leaves mine. "I want. . you."

Ohh. I stood still, mouth wide open. How can those three words affect me that much? Perhaps, it was the deep and sexy baritone in his voice.

I scoffed, trying to conceal the effect of his words on me.

"I beg your pardon? Come again?" Maybe I heard it wrong.

"You heard me. Don't make me repeat myself." He uttered that without breaking eye contact.

What the hell? His vexing arrogance was all over the place.

"Sir, with all due respect." I beamed, a forced one. "I'm asking what you want to order because obviously, this is a restaurant. Not a pick-up bar. And, I'm not a harlot. I'm a waitress."

The gorgeous guy smirked. The dekko on his dark amber eyes palpably manifested his amusement.

He was about to respond, but my phone rang in my pocket. "Give me a second, sir."

I picked up my phone and answered it right away after seeing Dr. Farah's name on the caller's I.D..

"Doc, what is it?"

"Miss Capucine, it's about your mother. She had another attack once again. I'm sorry."

I unknowingly dropped my phone onto the floor, my whole world crumbling down to pieces. I ran away from there as fast as I could, weeping hard.

Utterly forgetting the gorgeous amber-eyed man. Something I never thought I would unequivocally regret later on.

~Agathe~

"Where is my mother, doctor Farah?" I inquired as soon as I arrived at the Snowflake Hospital fifteen minutes later.

I almost forgot to pay for the cab. Good thing the cab driver knew me and let me off the hook.

Sprinting inside the hospital's premises, I was an utter mess. Still in my waitress uniform and my long, wavy reddish locks were disheveled all over my face.

A runny nose and dried tears adorned my cheeks but I couldn't care less. I was shaking like a leaf, utterly frightened that something unacceptable happened to my mother.

"For now, she's stable, Miss Capucine."

Thank god.

"We did everything to stabilize her condition. But, I'm afraid that one final attack and your mother won't make it again."

I unconsciously dropped my knees on the floor. I sobbed, crying my heart out. Bawling like a wee child. Shoulders trembling from too much weeping.

"She was at her limit. Her fragile body can't take the medications anymore. The surgery she needed cannot be performed here and you know that. We must transfer her to a much more capable and larger hospital."

I suddenly remembered my mother's application for Silvestri Medical Hospital's sponsorship program. I hoisted myself up, clinging my hands to Dr. Farah's arm.

"What did the Silvestri Medical Hospital say about the follow-up for my mother's application, doctor? Please, I beg you. Tell me they had eventually approved it."

Looking disheartened, Dr. Farah shook her head. "They didn't. They rejected your mother for the fourth time."

That was the only substantial time I ever deciphered how unfortunate my whole life had been. I felt so hopeless, wrecked, and devastated.

How am I going to live my life without my mother? If she dies, what will happen to me?

That was one of the most dreadful thoughts rushing into my head as of the jiffy. It was compelling me to go berserk.

"This won't do." I wiped my tears indignantly, halting myself from crying more. I have to execute something if I desire to lengthen my mother's life.

"I'm going to Stonewood City myself and negotiate with the Silvestri's."

I am well acquainted with the fact that traveling into a city I know nothing about was downright perilous. High risk and fraught with unwanted danger.

Mainly because I have been living here in Snowflake Village for the past twenty years of my life. In spite of that, I am very much inclined to undertake everything just for my mother's well-being.

"Can I see my mom now, doc? I'll just bid her goodbye."

"By all means, Miss Capucine. Take your time."

Unbolting the door on her ward, I saw my mother lying pitifully on the bed. She seemed like she was in so much agony. Painful tears fell from my eyes again.

I can't even give her the most high-priced room in this teeny hospital. I strutted towards my mother and sat beside her bed.

"Mama. ."

I thought she was fast asleep, but my mother tried her best to open her eyes just to greet me and acknowledge my presence. "Agathe, sweetheart. My darling. ."

My mother lifted her hand and caressed my tear-stricken face.

"Ohh, mama. Forgive me." Every fiber in my body was hollering in sheer affliction while glancing down at her. She doesn't deserve this.

"Darling, don't be. As long as you're here, I couldn't be any better."

She uttered those words bit by bit, at a slow pace, taking her time. I couldn't kick up a fuss because her soft voice strengthened my battered soul.

"Please, don't leave me again inside this prison cell."

That I could not promise. We barely see each other because I was too occupied working my ass off ever since she was diagnosed with her disease.

I kissed my mother's forehead as gently as possible. "I won't, mama. I promise."

I lied. I hated doing that. Falsifying my own words because I unequivocally don't have the privilege to stay here and do absolutely nothing.

When my mother dozed off again, I stood up, my heart aching so much.

"I would do anything to save you, mama. Even if it costs my life. And, my dignity."

~~~

"We're here, lady. Silvestri Medical Hospital."

It took me exactly six hours to arrive at my destination. I have used up all of my savings for this journey so I better not fuck up.

I handed my last cash to the cab driver. As I stood in front of the extravagant hospital owned by the most influential clan in this country, I felt rather small and powerless.

The hospital in the Snowflake Village stood no chance at all. Everything in this city hollers delicate grandeur and sheer elegance.

Wherever I glance, all I see are sparkling street lamps and shimmering glass walls. Everyone wears glittering dresses and perfectly ironed three-piece suits while I am still in my wrinkled pink, waitress uniform.

It was already quarter to seven in the evening but this city still seemed so much alive. "Ouch."

Someone bumped into me but never uttered an apology. I bit my lower lip to suppress my tears.

I should be firm and unwavering in times like this. I kept telling myself again and again. With that thought in mind, I trudged toward the Silvestri Medical Hospital's main entrance.

A staff nurse at the reception desk immediately eyed me from head to toe. She has this condemning look in her eyes. Silently apprising me that I don't belong there.

"Excuse me." I greeted the staff nurse with a forced smile. "I'm here to see the one who owns this hospital, please."

The staff nurse's lips formed a mocking smile. "You mean, Mr. Gunther Percival Silvestri?"

"Yes, I'm here to speak with Mr. Silvestri. Where should I go?"

"Do you have an appointment with him?"

I was suddenly at a loss for words. How should I answer that?

"I don't but-" She cut me off.

"If you don't have an appointment with the big boss, then you should leave, miss. It's a protocol. He's a busy man."

I didn't budge at my spot. I won't go home without negotiating with Mr. Silvestri, whoever the bloody hell he was.

On top of that, I couldn't go anywhere else.

God, please. Send me a miracle. I am so lost and so close to breaking down.

"Dear me. Mr. Silvestri is here."

I heard the other staff nurses mutter to the one I was talking to. The staff nurse glanced behind me and gasped.

"Hell's bells! I thought he wasn't going to work today?"

My eyebrows arched and moved my body to look behind me as well. I instantly came to a realization that this is my chance! God answered my prayer right away!

However, when I perceived the man the staff nurses were talking about, my eyes widened in perturbation. I knew him!

He was the same gorgeous, amber-eyed man who tried to hit on me from the restaurant where I was working as a waitress at the Snowflake Village. He is Mr. Silvestri? How come?

The gorgeous amber-eyed man was casually strutting his way inside the hospital's premises like a regal king. His hands were placed inside his pants' pockets and his handsome face was stoic, void of any emotions.

He was surrounded by two to three bodyguards and goddam, they were bulky. Enough to wipe me off the map.

In spite of that, I swallowed my gnawing fear and blocked Mr. Silvestri's way. He was as astounded as I am when his eyes glinted in recognition upon staring back at me.

Baffled gasps from the staff nurses filled the air but I blatantly ignored them.

"You? How fascinating."

Heavens. His deep voice is making me forget about all my suffering.

"Hi. Yes, it's me. I know this is going to be weird given that I left you earlier at the restaurant. But, can I talk to you? It's about my mother's application for your hospital's sponsorship program for cancer patients."

There. I said it. As embarrassing as it was, I begged.

I didn't even breathe. I can hear my loud heartbeats inside my ear as I wait for Mr. Silvestri's response.

One of his bodyguards held my arm. "I'm sorry, miss, but Gunther is feeling a little bit under the weather."

"Wait. Hold on. I just want to talk, please. Please. Hear me first."

I am almost crying, I fancied the marbled floor to devour me whole. I didn't like doing this anyway, but this is a matter of life and death situation for me.

I never removed my gaze from the gorgeous amber-eyed man so did he. Until he grimly stared at his bodyguard and looked down at his grip on my arm.

"Let her go, Calixto. I'll talk to her."

The bodyguard named Calixto saluted Mr. Silvestri. "Aye, aye, boss."

After that, the gorgeous amber-eyed man stared back at me. "Follow me."

It was almost like an enchantment. I found myself obeying without any hesitation.

I tagged along with him until we arrived in front of what looked like his own office, after a few turns and half a minute of suffocating ride on the lift. The capital letters C.E.O. was engraved on his office's door.

My heart was racing when I stepped inside his workroom. Until he closed the door and sat on his swivel chair.

"So, what can I do for you?"

His dark amber eyes shimmered in menace, his lips curving in a dangerous smirk. Why do I feel like I entered a lion's den?

~Gunther~

"Could you clarify that for me? I don't think I understand, Atty. Schneider."

I was having a light breakfast on the front porch of my villa together with my deceased grandmother's most trusted lawyer, Atty. Spencer Schneider.

It has been two months since my grandma passed away at the age of eighty one. It was a very grim moment for my family, especially for me.

It took me weeks to recuperate. Mind, body and soul. The most unbearable time to bounce back to my old self after my cherished Abuela had crossed the Styx.

Under those circumstances, Atty. Schneider had been patient with me. He had been dying to read me my grandma's last will and testament.

"You heard me right, Gunther." Atty. Schneider took a sip of his piping hot coffee.

Panting merely because I just finished working out, I rested my head on the back of my seat. I was sweating hard, in spite of the frosty weather.

"I can't claim my inheritance if I am not married. Yes, I heard you. Loud and clear, Attorney."

Sarcasm was dripping from my voice, even if I don't fancy doing that. Hastily, I sat bolt upright and clenched my jaw.

"Nevertheless, what baffles me is the fact that my Abuela desires me to marry a girl I haven't seen in my entire life. Who is she, anyway? Where did grandma meet this girl?"

That exact jiffy, Atty. Schneider plonked down a folder of documents on the table.

"That is the girl's file." Atty. Schneider opened the folder in front of me. I immediately noticed a picture.

"Her name is Agathe Clementine Capucine. Twenty years old. Had lived in Snowflake Village all her life."

I picked up the file and scrutinized the girl's picture attached to it.

"A redhead." I murmured, slightly fascinated. I must admit, she looked pretty.

The girl was sporting a cute, pink waitress uniform. In the picture, she was serving food to a group of old women inside a shabby-looking restaurant.

Smiling widely, despite the evident tiredness reflecting on her face. Yet, what piqued my curiosity was her eyes.

It looked so dejected. Lifeless. Filled with sorrow. Like mine. "What is so special about her that grandma opted for her to be my wife?"

Atty. Schneider smiled triumphantly. He detected that I was immediately interested in the girl.

If not, I wouldn't be asking more. Let alone waste my precious energy to even think about her.

"She's beautiful, boss. Can't you see it?" Out of nowhere, Calixto, my head bodyguard, appeared behind me. A mischievous grin is plastered on his lips.

"I'm not talking to you, Calixto. Go fuck yourself."

"Too early for that, Gunther."

I shook my head. He can talk to me like that because we are practically the same age. But, I know he still respects me so much.

"Miss Capucine had helped your grandmother one time when she was visiting Snowflake Village. Someone stole Mrs. Silvestri's pouch while walking inside the village's public market. Your grandma shouted for help, but no one dared to lend her a hand."

I massaged my temples. That sounded like a headache. "Why would she go to a place like that in the first place, Attorney? When did that happen? Why am I only knowing about this now?"

Atty. Schneider didn't answer me. Instead, he resumed his little storytelling.

"Unexpectedly, out of thin air, Miss Capucine fearlessly chased down the robber. Not knowing who the madame was. Five minutes after that, Miss Capucine returned to your grandmother with the pouch on her hand and with a few bruises on her knees and ankles. Afterwards, Miss Capucine left. Without asking for anything in return from Mrs. Silvestri. Not even a penny."

Grandmother's attorney didn't explain any further. Because now, I understand. Grandma probably chose the girl because she wasn't like the other woman out there solely aiming for our wealth and high status in this city.

I glanced at my front lawn adorned with bushes of roses, where my silver-gray Siberian husky is playing with Calixto right this instant. I observed them while pondering hard.

"Even so, what makes you think she will agree to get hitched with me, Attorney?"

I don't think my grandma didn't think this through.

"Madame made sure that Miss Capucine will be left with no choice but to marry you, Gunther. Your grandmother rejected Miss Capucine's application for your hospital to sponsor her mother's surgery. At the right time, she will come to you."

I smirked, devilishly. "Grandma and her cunning ways to torture other people."

I stared down at the girl's photo one more time. "Agathe Clementine Capucine." I murmured her name. To my surprise, it sounded so good on my lips.

Interesting.

"Dare I ask? What if I don't agree to tie the knot with her instead? What is going to happen, Atty. Schneider?"

"Assuredly. Half of your inheritance would be claimed by your parents. The other half would be donated to charitable foundations and endowed institutions under the Madame's name."

As if that wasn't distressing enough, Atty. Schneider dropped another explosive bomb.

"You have to marry Miss Capucine under the condition that you are in love with her. And, vice versa. Otherwise, even if you did walk down the aisle with her, it would be considered null and void if you won't fall for her."

"Good grief." I can't believe that!

"Remember, Gunther. You only have two to three months left to undertake everything. If you fail, you will be deprived of everything that is rightfully yours."

~~~

[Present Time]

"Approve my mother's application for your hospital's sponsorship program."

Now, that sounded like a threat. I love her oozing self-assuredness and stick-to-it-iveness.

I tilted my head to one side, eyeing her from head to toe. Fondling my lips with my thumb.

"Why would I do that, Miss whoever you are? I don't know you. I don't know your mother either."

I casually muttered, stressing every word.

She bit her lower lip in utter embarrassment. Goddamn it. My attention was right away shifted to her lips.

I utterly don't want to keep treading the same rake but like the very first time I set my eyes on her, not a mere picture of her anymore like the files that Atty. Schneider had given me, I was downright mesmerized by her alluring beauty.

How can someone who is eight years younger than me enthrall me like that?

Her long, bright reddish locks could evoke intense desires I never knew I had. Her eyes resemble the color of the sky when it was the calmest.

Her petite figure and height make me suddenly want to protect her from something I don't know about. Does that even make sense?

To my slight bafflement, she trudged towards my table and reached out her hand. "I am Agathe Clementine Capucine from Snowflake Village, Mr. Silvestri."

I know, love. I know.

"I strongly believed we met. From the restaurant, hours ago. So, you've been sponsoring other cancer patients from the other villages. Why can't you do the same to my mother? She needed that fucking surgery tonight."

I was so fascinated by how her expressions can alter from seeking my mercy to utterly loathing me. And, vice versa.

She was full of indignation. I should probably show her who has the entire upper hand here.

I stood up and stopped in front of her. Towering her. Intimidating her.

I leaned forward and murmured near her ear.

"Simple. Those were my former employees who retired and now reside in those villages close to your hometown. Their retirement benefits cover that privilege to be in my sponsorship program."

I straightened my back, desiring to watch the remaining hope in her eyes collapse, entirely.

"Despite that fact, I think I can make an exception. Just for you, Miss Capucine."

I walked past her and stayed behind her back. "If that is, you are willing to do anything for me in return."

I sniffed her hair and blew hot air near her neck. Goosebumps spread all over her arm and skin. I grinned like the devil himself.

"What. ." She stuttered. "What do you want me to do?"

I strutted back to my working table, sat on it, and crossed my arms over my chest. I glanced back at her, smirking.

"Strip naked. And, leave nothing on your body."

To say she was utterly bewildered was an understatement. She looked rather offended, something I hadn't expected.

"Well. What are you waiting for, Miss Capucine? Here I thought you'd do anything for your mother?"

She clenched her jaw.

"One snap of my finger and your mother will have that surgery. All you have to do is peel off your clothes."

"Rubbish. You're insane."

Dumbfounded, I creased my forehead. "What?"

She took a step towards me and in the blink of an eye, a resounding slap landed on my face.

What the fuck?

She was bawling hard when I was the one who got thwacked in the cheeks.

"That is for thinking that you can bully me just because you have the money, power and a handsome face!"

And, as if she wasn't content, she picked up my glass of water on the table and splashed it all over my face.

Now, I am beyond infuriated. Gritting my teeth in a towering rage.

How dare she!

"Chilling, isn't it? Might help to cleanse your trashy personality."

With that, she vanished from my sight. Utterly thinking that she can go away after what she had done.

I shakingly called up Calixto on my phone. "Get her."