ENCHANTED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

A new world

Lady Penelope watched as the two lover birds disappeared out of sight. She was happy that Ava was able to find love and follow her heart. She smiled and went about trying to fix the Duke's dinner. She felt humbled to have him in their home.

Ava was very happy as she toured Ethan around the mansion. "Are you passing the night here?" asked Ava. She wished he stayed back. "I am not sure. I still have some issues to attend to at the palace," said Ethan. Ava's face showed a little bit of sadness but was cheered up when Ethan said: "We have got to make the most of our time together." Ava smiled and went on to show him her baby's playground. Ethan smiled looking at her face "You are all grown up and now a woman. Your parents did a good job bringing up a fine young woman." Having said that, they headed for Ava's room which was just a few blocks away from the main building.

When Ethan entered, he was fascinated by the way she had it arranged and the color that was used in decorating the room. He was pleased to see how neatly she has her things arranged and was completely amazed at how everything looked tidy. He sat down while Ava offered him a drink. "Thank you, babe. I was just admiring your room. You have a lovely place."

Lady Penelope called out to them and had dinner before the Duke returned to his palace. They both came down immediately. The dinner was served around a big table with lots of dishes and a dessert to go along with it. Lady Penelope said the prayer and everybody dug into their food. Ava looked at Ethan and smiled.

She enjoyed steering at his face like a mother who just gave birth to a newborn baby.

Immediately after the food Ethan thanked the Sinclair family and told Ava he had to go. Ava escorted him back to his car, gave him a hot kiss, and saw him off. She was glad things were back to normal between them. She entered the mansion after Ethan drove out of the compound. "Mum, do you think I am making the right choice?" Ava looked at her mother with a serious look and tried to read her mother's expression.

Lady Penelope moved closer to her daughter and said "Walk with me." Ava followed behind her mother into the garden and as they walked, she told her a lot of love stories and how it all turned out between the couple and also gave her some advice. Ava was happy. And at the same time glad to see Lady Penelope as her mother. They headed back to the mansion because it was getting cold.

Ethan called Ava to let her know he was home safely and promised to see heart work tomorrow. "I love you." said before she hung up. Ethan smiled and said, "I love you more Ava Sinclair."

All Ethan could think of was Ava as he lay on the bed. He was so in love with her that he pictured them being together as a couple and having their kids running around the palace. He smiled at the thought of the kids. "I am going to be a great father," he said.

And with that, he slept off.

A loud bang woke him up the following day. Oliver had come into his room to use some of his perfume. "Jesus Christ," Ethan yelled.

Oliver looked apologetic for waking him up. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. Besides, it is past 10a, ain't you going to work?" Ethan looked up at the wall clock and was surprised the time was far gone. He rushed into the bathtub to take his bath. Oliver laughed and asked him how come he woke up late with his alarm on. "I guess I was just too tired," answered Ethan from the bathroom. "Please tell the cook I will be having scrambled egg and bread for breakfast and she should be fast about it."

Ethan left the bathroom and got dressed. He rushed down to have his breakfast and headed for work. Ava was looking worried as she steered at her watch and the company's entrance if she could see any sign of Ethan. She was about to put a call through again when he drove into the compound. "Thank God," she said silently.

Ethan came rushing into the company because he was having a meeting with the board of directors in thirty minutes over the progress of the company. He met Ava and smiled. "Sorry I got you worried," he said and headed to his office. Ava was relieved and headed to her office too.

He sunk into his seat and on his table were tons of files. He pick up his phone and called Ava "Honey, can you come to my office right now, please?"

Ava went to his office and was surprised to see lots of files on his table. She looked at him and said, "You need help with this right?"

Ethan looked up with a sorry face and said "Yes". Both set to work and they were able to sort out the necessary documents before Ethan ran off for the meeting.

Ava looked at him and smiled. She was so in love with him. She went back to her office and waited for his call so that they can have lunch together.

It was past 1 pm and Ethan wasn't through. Ava was hungry and was about to head out when she saw Victoria coming out from her office. Ava didn't want any trouble with her so she passed without saying a word. Both went their separate ways.

Ethan was done and couldn't find her in her office. He looked around for her and found her by the vending machine. He tip-toed to her and cover her face. Ava was shocked but she was calm. "please who are you?" Ethan laughed and came to her front. He apologized for keeping her waiting.

The day was Friday so the company had to close early. Victoria went to see Ethan and told him she would love to come over to the palace to discuss business with him. Ethan being the person he is was calm. " I will be expecting you," Ethan replied to her.

On their way home Ethan told Ava what was going on and asked her out for the weekend. "how is that going to work when you have a business meeting with the she-devil?" Her voice showed a sign of being jealous. Ethan noticed that and laughed. "Don't worry about that, we will make it work." He dropped her at her house and zoom off.

Victoria woke up early trying to make it in time for the visit. She was so desperate that it was written all over her face. " I am going to make Ethan mine," she said aloud, not minding who was around her at the moment." She then thought of how to get Ava out of the picture because she knew Ethan and her were in love. " I need to think of something and it has to be fast. I can let Ava have Ethan to herself. She doesn't deserve him." as she was talking to herself her phone rang.

She smiled seeing who the caller was and quickly thought of a plan. She picked up the call and responded to the caller " Hi Derek, how are you doing? I have a job for you. Can you carry it out soon and please I don't want any mistakes. It should be a clean job."

Derek was the kingpin of the "thunder dragons." They were known for their notorious act and bank theft but they were able to stay off the radar so the police didn't know much about them.

"Don't worry Miss Harrington, it is going to be a thorough job. You know what to do. Please forward the money into the account with you." Victoria nodded and with that, the call ended.

She smiled with the assurance that she had settled Ava's case and thought of what to do to make Ethan love her the way he had loved Ava. "That shouldn't be a problem, I just need to know what makes Ava special and why he wants to always be around her," she said.

It was now 10am. She washed up and had breakfast before heading to the palace. She was thrilled because she has never been inside the palace and this was going to be her first time. She tried her best to look nice and modest. She wanted to capture the duke's heart so she needs to be on her best behavior. She wore a gown showing a bit of her skin and her fresh legs. She also applied light makeup and was set.

She entered the car and drove off to the palace. Ethan woke up and was trying to get ready for both ladies. He needs to look like a Duke according to his title. He washed up while his servant helped him dress for the first time. He was trying to impress both ladies.

" I need to look like the king I am. Or what do you think Jason?"

Jason, who was helping him dress, looked up and said "Of course your majesty."

After he was done he ordered Jason to go tell the cook to make some delicacy that he would be hosting some guests soon. Jason ran off and delivered his message. Oliver came into his room and saw how handsome his brother looked. "woah! You are looking more handsome every day brother. Are you looking hot for Ava or Victoria? Because I know she is hot too. I would love to have her for myself if you wouldn't mind." Oliver said.

Ethan who has been looking at the mirror all this while looked at Oliver and smiled "Well am doing my best to represent my father. Moreover, I am the regent so I need to dress appropriately."

Oliver looked at him because he hadn't answered his question. "Well I love Ava and I would like to spend a lifetime with her. Victoria is beautiful no doubt but she is a nut. She is desperate and wants to have me for herself. Am not a prize or anything. I am the Duke." Ethan replied.

Oliver was now sure Ethan loved Ava and would do anything for her. As both men were talking, Victoria entered the compound with her car.

"I think she is here," said Oliver. Ethan peeped trying to confirm if she was the one. "She is here, she is looking hot," Ethan said. And dash out to accompany her into the palace. Oliver looked puzzled and said to himself " I thought this was supposed to be a business meeting." and head out to see what was going on.

Victoria stepped out of the car and was dumbstruck by what she saw. She looked at Ethan and what she saw made her marvel. He was a male model and he was adored by the fairer sex for his Teutonic-gold hair. It was a casual jumble sometimes but mostly neat and flowing. His crescent-of-moon eyebrows were thin and narrow. He carried an imperious nose well and his angular cheekbones carved down towards a flinty jaw. Unusually for a model, he had a manly, Samson physique. The catwalk loved the way he glided with an athletic grace without skipping a beat.

His mariner-blue eyes were round and darted constantly, a-gleam with delight and the vigor of youth. They were soft, Irish eyes and swam with joy. They shone brightly, as two sapphires dipped in milky pools. Everyone commented on his vivacious character and his gentle nature. His voice could be foghorn loud when he was booming out a guffaw but it was normally mellifluous. His gap year clothes always made him appear younger than his years. The swirl of his loamy cologne had them swooning in the aisles.

Ethan was equally taken aback when he saw Victoria. She has a round face that is soft and smooth to touch. Her attractiveness is enhanced by her rosy cheeks and red and well-shaped lips.

When she smiles, she shows her perfectly shaped pearl-like teeth.

She has a flat belly and a narrow waist. A well-shaped back and legs complete her beauty.

Ethan smiled when she moved closer "Welcome to my palace." Victoria came close and bowed to him, giving him the courtesy of his lordship. They both went into the palace. As they were about to sit Ava entered also, they both were stunned by her natural beauty and we marveled at the way she carefully takes her step while walking. She was a rare gem. Ethan walked forward and kissed her on the cheek whispering into her ears "You look beautiful honey."

Ava smiled and came into the palace. She saw Victoria and greeted her. Victoria snubbed her because she had always seen her as a competition. They settled down at the great hall over a delicacy of foods. They ate silently while Victoria steered about Ethan and Ava who couldn't stop looking at each other.

"Oh gosh, they give me the creeps. I wish I could take her place right now. She doesn't deserve him." Victoria thought. They finished the food and finalized the contract. "What can we do for fun?" Victoria asked Ethan.

"We can play truth or dare," replied Victoria trying to come up with mischief. Ava sat down looking at them. She is okay with whatever they come up with because she was equally bored and would want to be alone with Ethan.

Ethan chipped and said, "Maybe we can go clubbing." Victoria's eyes shone with delight and saw an opportunity to hatch her plan.

"a brilliant idea. I would very much love that," she said.

Ava nodded in agreement too. Oliver came out of his room and asked if he could tag along with them. "Of course," said Ava, who enjoyed Oliver's company.

They all entered the car and zoomed off. They went to the popular club that the elite frequent. Ethan and Oliver went to order leaving Victoria and Ava all alone.

Victoria looked at her and said "You shouldn't be here. I wish I met him first and not you because you don't deserve him, he is way above you." The words hit Ava hard and she replied "It ain't a competition. I just hope that Ethan sees you for what you truly are. Besides he chose me and not you so deal with it."

Both were at each other's throats before the men were back. They booked a table and sat down to enjoy their ordered drinks.

Victoria stood up and said she wanted to use the lady's toilet "Excuse me guys, I want to use the toilet." she immediately left them. Ava said, "Honey you know I don't like her right?" Ethan nodded and said "What choice do we have, let's just all calm down. It will be fine."

Victoria called Derek and told him there was an opportunity for the kidnapping. "Hello Derek, can you make it happen today? Because I can't stand her for another second," she said. Derek sighed over the phone and told her to send her fees. Victoria sent him some money and called him back to confirm If he had seen the cash.

"I have seen the cash. Expect a clean job by the end of the day. Should we have her killed or beat her up?" Derek asked her. "No, just have her locked up. That is all I want," answered Victoria.

Victoria went back to join the group and said they should all dance.

Oliver decided to dance with Victoria while Ethan said he was dancing with Ava. They went to the dance floor and they were shaking their bodies to the rhythm of the music.

Derek and his group came in and signaled Victoria of their presence. Ava was getting tired and told Ethan she needed some air. " I want to get some air, honey. I will be back." she made her way to the door and was out of sight.

Derek and his men followed her. " I want you to stay alert and be on her trail. He told one of his men." Ava sat outside as she enjoyed the view of the outside world. As she was about to take a sip of the juice with her, she saw some men staring at her. She got scared but tried not to show it. "oh! My God, am I being followed down here? " Ava was scared.

She got up and was about to make her way back to Ethan and the others. She halted suddenly when one of Derek's men pulled a gun on her. She immediately started sweating and pleaded for mercy. A car was parked in front of her. "get in before I blow your brains out." shouted Derek who was getting impatient with her.

She was bundled into the car and they zoomed off. Those who saw the incident shouted and ran in different directions.

Ethan was getting worried when he didn't see Ava. " What the hell is happening and why isn't she back in the club?" He left Oliver and Victoria to search for her. He met some people talking about the incident and asked what happened. "Some armed men just kidnapped a lady right now," said a young man who saw what happened. Ethan was confused and didn't know what to do. He called Ava's phone which ran right in front of him on the floor. He picked it up and went back into the club to tell Oliver and Victoria what happened.

"What did you just say? You mean she was taking, right under our nose?" said Oliver. He was annoyed and kicked the chair in front of him. Victoria pretended to be scared. "Can I drive you home?" asked Oliver. " I will be fine," replied Victoria.

Her phone rang. It was Drek calling her "Mission complete." Derek said over the phone. Victoria smiled and said "alright."

Ethan took his phone and called the police station who immediately came over upon hearing that it was the Duke who called himself. They came and collected everyone at the club statement. " Where is Miss Harrington?" one of the police officers asked the duke.

"She went home after the incident," replied Ethan. "Well, we need to hear her side of the story too." The police requested to see the video footage of everywhere in the club but Derek and his men were experts; they had carefully evaded all cameras. It was a clean job indeed. The police started investigating right away. They make a public announcement on all social media describing Ava and a bounty for whoever helps in finding her.

Ethan looked sad, he didn't know how to confront the Sinclair family to explain what happened. " I hope she is alright?" said Ethan. Looking worried. " don't worry she will be. Ava is a strong woman." replied Oliver. The brothers drove out of the clubhouse heading for Sinclair's mansion.

Suddenly, Ethan's phone rang and Lady Penelope's voice made him stop the car. " What happened to my daughter? Is she there with you? Please pass the phone to her if she is with you." she said, sobbing. Ethan calmed her down and said "We are on our way to your house ma'am." with that he ignited his car and drove again, cutting off the call. It was a sad day for everyone

Victoria got home and was feeling scared because she was sure Derek's gang was notorious and might decide to rape Ava. So, she called to make sure she was fine. "Hy handsome, please make sure the girl is untouched. She is better to us alive than dead. And pls make sure she is well-fed." she said.

Derek, who was very angry, shouted at her on the phone "You didn't tell me we were here kidnapping a very prominent member of the society. You are paying double what we asked for, or else am asking a huge ransom on her head." he shouted on the phone.

Victoria was scared so we agreed to pay double the amount they negotiated and even added more for Ava's upkeep.

Ethan and Oliver got to Sinclair's Mansion. They met Lady Penelope outside who was eager to know about her daughter's kidnap. The prince was about to break the news when Ava's father drove hastily into the compound. He has heard what happened and has come back home. He invited the regent and Oliver into his mansion and asked his servant to give them a glass of water.

When they were settled he asked them what was going on.

"We had gone clubbing to relieve work stress when Ava suddenly felt stuffy and decided to step outside the club. I would have followed her but she said she was going to be fine on her own so I stayed back." said the poor Duke. Ava's father sighted with his hand on his forehead.

"Have you tried calling her cell phone?" asked Mr. Sinclair. She dropped it in the course of the struggle, Oliver replied. " Oh my God, have you tried calling the police," asked Ava's father again

Ethan explained in detail that he had called the police and the action was put in place to make sure she was seen alive. Mr. Sinclair moved close to his wife and told her all would be fine.

The princes stood up and begged to be released. "Please keep me informed of any latest developments from the police..we will also pull a few strings over here too," said Mr Sinclair.

Ava's woke up to find herself in a furnished apartment; she wondered who owned such a fine mansion. A lot of thoughts flooded her mind. "Could it be my ex? But who exactly could it be ?" She has dated a lot of men. She wasn't sure. So, she kept quiet and knew they would eventually show themselves to her. She was a little scared but still kept her calm.

She heard some footsteps coming toward the door and her heart began to raise "I am finished." she uttered some words and quickly covered her face so that she won't see who the person is. Derek entered the room to find Ava crouching behind a chair covering her face. Derek laughed "You can open your eyes. It is okay. Even if you leave here alive there is nothing you can do to bring us to justice." he said. He was so sure of himself that Ava began to fear for her life.

"Don't worry you are safe here. You just need to be here with us till what we want happens." Derek explained. Ava looked at her kidnapper and was in awe to see that he was a fine young man. He was covered in tattoos. The tattoo was so intricate that you couldn't tell where one part ended and another part began.

Ava regained her sense and started asking questions "Who asked you to do this to me? I haven't harmed anyone? Please, why must I be here? And till when must I be here." Ava asked Derek, look nong for closure. Derek looked at her and saw she was really beautiful.

"Don't worry about all that. You are safe here. What would you like to eat ?" Derek asked her.

" I don't feel like eating anything," she replied. But her stomach grumbled giving her away. She clinched to it while Derek laughed and said "Don't worry I will make you something to eat." He left and closed the door behind him.

Ava wondered what type of man he is and prayed she got out of there alive.

Ethan was worried. He has never been this worried before. He thought of what to do but nothing was coming to his mind. He called the station and asked what the progress was. " Your Highness Miss Ava has a lot of enemies who want her dead. She had broken so many men's hearts. So, this is bound to happen.

Ethan was annoyed and yelled at them " Who doesn't have a dirty past huh? This shows you are lazy at your job and don't know what to do to find her. I am giving you 84 hours to locate and track her or else you will be sorry." he said and hung the call.

He was sweating profusely under the air condition that was blowing steadily. He took off his clothes and relaxed on the bed.

One of the inspectors called back and requested they speak with his Victoria Harrington. Ethan said there was no problem. "Let me know when you are ready. I will take you there myself," he replied to the inspector.

"Can we go now?" he asked Ethan." Of course." I will be on my way now. Ethan got dressed and went to the station. He was welcomed warmly and they immediately left for Victoria's residence. Ethan was able to locate her based on the address she left at the office. " I think we are here," Ethan said. He got out of the car. He entered the main gate but the security was quick to stop them." How can I help you please?" asked the security man.

Ethan explained to him that Miss Vitoria works for him. "Can I call her to inform her of your arrival? or have you called her before coming? He asked Ethan.

" Go ahead and call her." replied one of the inspectors. He called the main building. Victoria asked him to allow them in. Ethan led the way in. Victoria met them at the door and ushered them in "Welcome gentlemen, your Highness." she said.

She asked them to sit. " Do you mind coffee?" she asked them. One of the inspectors said he would take one while the other said they were okay.

"Do you recall what happened the last time you went clubbing?" asked one of the inspectors. "Of course, we went to have fun but my friend ended up being kidnapped," Victoria said with a gentle voice. The inspector later went on to ask her that she excused herself to go to the guest room, and it took her a while before she came back. " would you mind telling us what that was about." asked the inspector.

"Well I went to take a leak and that was all," said Victoria trying to avoid the inspector's gaze. "Can I see your phone please? " asked one of the inspectors. She handed her phone to them. They went through her call list and found nothing incriminating on it. "here you go." She was given back her phone while they enjoyed their coffee and cookies before heading out of the mansion.

Ethan stayed back and explained to her that they needed to inspect every one. Victoria looked at him and said, "I understand your highness." Ethan wanted to leave but Victoria said he should stay back while she make him some food. Ethan stood up and wanted to leave " I am not hungry. All I can think of right now is Ava's safety. I need to make sure she is alright. Plus the kidnappers are not making any demands. Can you imagine that? " Ethan said angrily. Kicking against the chair In front of him.

Victoria moved to him and placed her arms on his shoulder trying to call him down. " Everything will be alright Ethan. We just need to be positive in this kind of situation." Ethan was about to leave when Victoria pulled him back and kissed him.

Ethan wanted to pull back but couldn't. Victoria was too hard to resist. Victoria was about to unzip his pants when Ethan held her hands "That's enough. I am not supposed to be doing this." He looked at Victoria and said bye. He headed for his car murmuring and causing his luck for staying alone with her.

The Sinclair family is also trying every means to make sure their daughter comes back to them. They make a handbill of her picture and distribute it around the street telling each person to please reach out to them if they found her. " I am tired." Lady Penelope said. She looked at her husband, "Let's go home, honey." Mr. Sinclair said. Later that night there was a news splash displaying Ava's picture declaring her wanted.

" We just have to hope the kidnapper calls for a ransom so we can know what this is all about," said Isabella. Who just got back into the country. " Am so sorry Mum that I wasn't around for my little sister," she said hugging Lady Penelope

Ava washed up and sat down waiting for Derek to come in with the food. " I just Mumh mum and Dad are not panicking right now," she said. Derek came into the room bearing gifts. He had cooked some pasta. He played it carefully on the table and asked her to have a bite. Ava looked at him and couldn't eat it. "It's not poisonous, you can eat," he said and took a bite. Ava waited for some time before she digs in. The food tastes so sweet that Ava looked up and asked if he was a caterer. " The food tasted delicious. I enjoyed it. Thanks." said Ava

Derek looked at her and smiled. Well, thanks for the compliment. He packed the dishes and headed out. He commanded one of his men to enter the room to keep a close eye on Ava so she wouldn't escape. "Alright boss." said the voice. He entered the room and looked at Ava.

Ava was shocked and immediately said "John, What the hell are you doing here? Are you the one that had me kidnapped?" John looked at her and didn't know what to say.

"shhh keep your voice down, I didn't know it was you we were coming for until I saw you on the day you were kidnapped. so calm down and we can talk this out. Ava was happy at last that she saw a face she knew. " You have to tell me everything without leaving a detail out," she begged John