Falling For The Billionaire: When Hate Turns To Love

__prologue__

Delina's childhood was a tumultuous journey, shaped by the chaos of her foster home. Her foster parents were locked in a constant cycle of argument and anger, their toxic relationship festering like an open wound. The source of their conflicts often centered around money-her foster mother's insatiable desire for luxuries, particularly jewelry. With each extravagant purchase, Delina's foster father's temper grew more volatile, until one fateful night, the tension reached a breaking point.

In a fit of rage, her foster father confronted her mother about the missing funds, accusing her of stealing his hard-earned money. His voice thundered through the house, drowning out Delina's attempts to calm them. The argument escalated until, in a moment of unthinkable violence, he took her life. The aftermath left Delina traumatized, not just by the brutality of that night but by the stark reality that her foster father would be imprisoned for his crime, leaving her utterly alone in a world that felt increasingly unsafe.

With her foster parents gone, Delina was thrust into the system, forced to confront her painful past. She longed for a fresh start, away from the memories that haunted her. After completing college, she made the brave decision to move in with her best friend, Bella, in a new city, hoping to escape the shadows of her childhood.

The transition was both exhilarating and terrifying. Bella, ever the supportive friend, welcomed Delina with open arms, eager to help her begin anew. Together, they sought financial stability in a city buzzing with opportunities. It was Bella who introduced Delina to the job at "Dias de Glamour," a glamorous event known for its upscale clientele and generous pay. The excitement of working in such an elegant setting sparked a glimmer of hope within Delina, as she envisioned a future free from her troubled past.

As they donned their waitress uniforms for the first time, Delina felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This new chapter was a chance for her to redefine her life and find her place in the world, far removed from the horrors of her childhood. Little did she know that this new beginning would lead her into the complicated and unpredictable world .

Delina's POV

I sat on my small bed, my mind haunted by the memory of that night. I could still feel the sting of my tears as I begged him to stop, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. His bloodshot eyes, filled with raw desire, left me powerless. I tried my best to endure the pain, but it became unbearable, and I passed out. When I woke up hours later, he was gone. The room was empty, except for my torn clothes beside the bed. My body ached all over as I tried to get dressed, but I had no choice but to put on some of his clothes that were left behind.

Walking down the street, I felt the eyes of strangers on me. A part of me feared they knew what had happened. When their stares became too intense, I glanced at my reflection in a nearby window. My neck was covered in hickeys. Embarrassment washed over me, and I wished for the ground to swallow me whole.

As I hurried away, I spotted my best friend, Bella. She stared at me with disgust. Her face twisted into a scowl as she uttered, "Oh my God, what happened to you? You look a mess."

Her eyes drifted to my neck, widening in shock. "Jeez, what's that? Don't tell me you're this cheap," she sneered.

I felt anger rise in me as i stare at her in disbelief "Do you even care about me? Are you here to help or mock me?" I snapped still wondering what has gotten into her .

Bella scoffed, "Help you? Look at yourself. What will people think if they see me with you? They'll call me a prostitute too. You look pathetic."

Her words cut deep. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't believe this was the same friend who had once been so kind. Ignoring her, I turned to leave. But then, I felt a sharp pain in my head. I spun around to see Bella holding a hockey stick, her face plastered with a cruel smile. She said something, but my vision blurred, and I collapsed.

The next thing I remember was waking up to the strong smell of antiseptic. I realized I was in a hospital. The small room was bare except for a chair, a table, and a tray of medical supplies. A drip was connected to my hand, nearly empty. I sighed in frustration as questions flooded my mind, but they were interrupted by the door opening.

"How are you feeling?" asked a nurse in her late thirties, her voice soft and gentle.

"I... I don't know," I whispered, tears filling my eyes.

"Hush, my dear, you'll be okay," she said, sitting beside me and gently holding my hand. "Thank goodness they brought you here on time. We almost lost you."

I stared at her, overwhelmed with emotion. "Do you know who did this to you?" she asked, her voice cautious.

I froze. I knew who had raped me. He had been drugged that night, but I couldn't forget. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to fully accept it. After a moment, I nodded slowly, my sobs making it difficult to speak.

"It'll be alright," she said, trying to comfort me, though I knew that nothing about this situation was alright. The person I trusted most had hurt me, and my best friend had betrayed me when I needed her the most. The pain was suffocating.

The nurse seemed to sense my turmoil. "Don't worry, you're out of danger now. What about your family? Shouldn't you contact them? They must be worried."

"I don't have a family," I whispered, feeling more lost than ever.

She smiled kindly. "It's alright. You can stay with me until you recover."

Tears of gratitude filled my eyes as I looked at her. I hadn't expected kindness after everything. "Thank you, ma'am" I said, my voice cracking.

"Call me Karen," she said with a warm smile with light in her eyes .

I nodded, my heart swelling with a mix of pain and relief. For the first time in a long while, I felt like there might still be some good left in the world.

Delina's POV

I jump down from my bed, trying to dispel my thoughts. Meeting Karen is the best thing that's happened to me these past few weeks, and I keep telling myself that over and over again. Karen is such a loving and caring woman. She's taken good care of me after the incident, staying by my side through everything. Yet, no matter how kind she is, I can't shake the nightmares due to the invent of that day , They plague me every night, haunting me. But she's never left my side, not once. I can't help but wonder if this is what a mother's love feels like.

Karen's POV

Lina is such a sweet girl, always reminding me of my lost-or should I say dead-daughter, Irene. Irene was my precious jewel, the one I loved wholeheartedly, even with the circumstances of her conception. Back when I was younger, I was a bit of a wild spirit, always going to parties and living life to the fullest. But one night, things changed when I got involved with a gangster. He took advantage of me. That's how I got pregnant with Irene.

I didn't expect him to abandon me. Despite my pleas, he told me I should get rid of the child. But when I went to the doctor, I was told that if I tried to abort, my chances of surviving were slim. I was terrified. I told him everything, hoping for support, but instead, he coldly said, "I won't be responsible for that thing in your womb." I was too scared to retaliate, and he warned me that if I spoke out, he'd harm my family. I couldn't put them at risk, so I kept quiet and ran away, ashamed and desperate to protect them.

I eventually begged my older brother for money, and he agreed to lend me some as long as I promised never to show my face again. I left the city and rented a cheap apartment, hiding away until my baby bump became obvious. I was so shy and embarrassed at first, but over time, I got used to it. Then, a man fell in love with me, and after some hesitation, I gave him a chance.

He was kind at first, and we eventually got married after I gave birth to my daughter. We both loved her-at least, that's what I thought. Little did I know that he was only pretending. One day, he sold her to traffickers. My Irene was only three years old. I was devastated. I cried for days, unable to believe that the man I'd married could do something so horrible. He told me that he did it because I loved her more than him, and because I couldn't give him more children due to the abortions I'd had when I was younger.

I tried to report him, but the police were on his side because of his family's influence in that city .

I was left with no choice but to leave him and the city entirely, heartbroken and destroyed. That's what brought me here. Every time I see Delina, I think of Irene. It's like she's a second chance for me to give the love I couldn't give my daughter. Taking care of her is my way of paying tribute to Irene.

*Delina's POV*

After breakfast, I suddenly feel queasy and rush to the bathroom to retch. I pour water on my face, trying to steady myself, but my head feels heavy, and a weird sensation keeps bothering me. "Ugh, what's happening to me?" I mutter under my breath. As I lie back on the bed, I pick up my phone and call Karen, who had given it to me for emergencies.

"Hi, Karen. Sorry to disturb you, but I'm feeling really weird right now. I just threw up."

There's a brief pause on the other end of the line before she responds. "Ahh, that's not good, sweetie. Maybe it's a fever, or something else. Can you come to the hospital right now?"

I laugh weakly. "Ugh, I'm feeling too lazy to move. I'll be fine, really. I think it's just because I haven't been sleeping well."

"Are you sure you'll be fine?" Karen sounds worried, but I don't want to cause her any more stress.

"Of course, don't worry so much. I'll just take a nap and see if that helps."

"Okay, take care, Lina. Love you."

"Love you too."

I hang up the phone and try to relax, but as soon as I stand, a wave of nausea hits me again. I clutch my stomach, feeling like something is seriously wrong. "No... I can't be sick. Not now! I don't want to be a burden to Karen," I whisper to myself. " you're a burden!" I curse under my breath and head to the kitchen, hoping to distract myself, but the smell of coffee makes my stomach churn even more.

The nausea is like a riptide, pulling me under and making me feel like I'm drowning. I cover my mouth and rush out of the kitchen, trying to hold back the urge to retch again. Something is definitely not right.

---

Somewhere in the heart of the city, a tall, dazzling building stands out against the skyline, a symbol of wealth and power. The Daniels family owns it, and it's the pride of the city. Inside the building, in a lavish office on the twentieth floor, a man in his late twenties stares at a computer screen, frustration etched across his face. His dark, perfectly arched eyebrows draw together as he stands and walks to the window, overlooking the bustling city below.

This man is Devon Daniels, the CEO of the Daniels Corporation. He sighs in frustration as the door to his office slowly opens. A woman in her late forties walks in, her elegance radiating as she moves with grace. She stops beside him, concern written on her face.

"What's wrong, son?" she asks softly.

"Mum, I'm tired of everything. Everyone here is just pissing me off."

She frowns, looking at him closely. "Ever since you came back from that event, you've been acting strange. Are you still thinking about that girl you met there?"

Devon's frown deepens. "Mum, please don't bring that up. I took advantage of her. She was innocent. I can't stop thinking about it."

Camille scowls. "Did you do it on purpose? You were under the influence of drugs. You didn't mean to do it, so stop beating yourself up."

Devon eyes flickered with sadness . "I know, but I still feel guilty. I hurt her."

She gives him a stern look. "I warned you not to go to that event, but you didn't listen. Now look at what's happened."

He wipes his face with a towel, shaking his head. "I'm not a child anymore, Mum. I can make my own decisions. But maybe if you hadn't insisted I take only two bodyguards, this wouldn't have happened."

Camille's voice rises in frustration. "You're blaming me now? I did that to stop you from going, but you insisted."

She storms out, leaving Devon alone with his guilt. He sits back at his desk, burying his face in his hands. How could things have gone so wrong?

---

Devon's thoughts drift back to the event that changed everything. He had been excited to attend the "Dias de Glamour" festival, a cultural showcase for middle-class families. He was curious to experience life outside his world of wealth and nobility. Against his parents' wishes, he insisted on going, hoping to explore and enjoy the festival in disguise.

It was there that he met Delina, a waitress serving drinks at the event. She wasn't like the other girls he knew-she was kind, strong-willed, and refused to let anyone push her around. Over time, they grew closer, sharing meals and talking about their lives, though Devon never revealed his true identity to her. But on the last day of the festival, something went terribly wrong.

Devon had been drugged. He could barely remember what happened, but he recalled running away from some thugs with Delina, ending up in an abandoned room. The next thing he knew, he was overcome with an uncontrollable desire. He had forced himself on her, unable to stop, driven by the effects of the drugs.

he snap out of his thoughts and

picked up his phone and made a call. On the other end, a man in his late twenties was busy with paperwork when his phone rang. He answered in a sharp tone, "Hello, devil."

Devon paused for a moment before responding in a chilling voice, "I've got a job for you."

"Oops! Who's offended the devil this time?" the man laughed. "Alright, what's the job?"

"I want you to find the whereabouts of a certain woman," Devon said.

Blake's eyebrows furrowed, and he let out a shrill laugh. "Whoa, who's the lady? Is it Milly?"

Devon lost his patience, hung up, and tossed the phone aside, breathing heavily. His phone began to ring incessantly, but he ignored it. After it became too much, he picked it up and blacklisted Blake.

Blake, on the other hand, groaned. "That devil blacklisted me! Damn, I've really offended him. He won't go easy on me."

After Blake finished speaking, a woman walked in, her graceful steps highlighting her curves. She leaned in and kissed his forehead as he smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Ashely, what are you up to?" he asked sweetly.

"I'm here to keep my man busy," she replied with a smirk.

Blake chuckled softly. "I'm busy enough, Ashley. But I just angered the devil. If I don't go and beg for mercy, I might not get paid for the next two months."

Ashley laughed. "He's really the devil, huh? You should go and beg for mercy before he punishes you. I mean, I need to go shopping every month."

Blake frowned. "Hmph! Do you even care about me? Just leave, I don't want to see your face, vixen."

Ashley chuckled darkly. "Of course I'm a vixen, but you won't stop being with me. What a pity," she grinned. "Don't worry, Blakey. I'll give you some space."

Ashley walked out of the room with the same sexy strut, and Blake slammed his fist on the table in frustration.

Despite their banter, Blake and Ashley loved each other, though they were carefree and often exchanged harsh words. Ashley liked to act bossy, as if Blake had just met her.

Meanwhile, Devon arrived at his manor. The butler greeted him with a warm smile, and Devon nodded in reply. After a refreshing bath, he lay on his bed, eyes fixed on his phone. His brows knitted as he stared at a message written in a strange language and code. He called one of his informants.

"Hello, Ray. I don't understand why the message is in a different language and code. Can you explain?"

There was a brief silence on the other end before Ray spoke. "That's what baffles me. I'm not sure, but I think someone's hiding something."

Devon sighed deeply. "Strange. Do you think someone's monitoring our movements?"

"I think so. When I first hacked the system, it was in English, but before I could gain full control, it changed into something entirely different."

"Hmmm, that's serious. Keep an eye on all the hospitals in the area and beyond. She might check herself after the incident."

"But sir... my team and I have already checked, and we found nothing. It seems like someone erased any records of complaints about rape or pregnancy."

There was silence before the call ended. Devon ruffled his hair in frustration, feeling useless and overwhelmed.

---

**Karen's Residence**

Karen had just returned from the hospital when she knocked on the door. Delina opened it with a fake grin that made Karen uneasy. "Lina, are you okay?" Karen asked.

Delina shook her head. "Not really. I've been feeling sick since morning. I've thrown up a few times and can't seem to eat."

Karen stood in a daze for a moment before snapping out of it. She checked Delina's temperature and noticed it was abnormal. "You might have a fever. Let's go back to the hospital."

"No, it's okay," Delina insisted, wiping sweat from her forehead. "I just need more sleep."

Karen found Delina's behavior odd. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes," Delina replied, though her heart raced. Reluctantly, she agreed to go with Karen to the hospital.

--

**At the Hospital**

After a few minutes, the results from Delina's blood sample were ready.

---

**Delina's POV**

When I started experiencing these strange symptoms, I had different thoughts and fears, but I couldn't accept them. I became suspicious when I missed my period, but I convinced myself it was just an aftereffect of the rape. Yet, the thought kept nagging at me.

---

**Doctor's Office**

Dr. Michael smiled as Karen and Delina entered his office. "Good day, ma'am. Sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's fine," Karen replied, though she was nervous. The doctor brought out the results from a white envelope.

"Mrs. Smith, the results show that she's pregnant, but the baby isn't in good condition. We need to admit her to save the baby."

"We're not keeping the baby," Delina blurted out in a frightened tone, surprising the doctor.

"It's okay, Doctor. I'll talk to her," Karen reassured him. Turning to Delina, she asked, "Why would you want to harm the innocent child?"

Delina, still in shock, began to tear up. She suspected the truth, but hearing it confirmed was overwhelming. She stared into space, sobbing, while Karen held her in an embrace. The doctor excused himself to give them some time.

Delina kept whispering, "I can't accept it." Karen felt a deep sadness for her, remembering her own youth and struggles.

"Hush, dear. Don't worry, I'll take care of you both. I promise."

"You don't have to," Delina sniffed. "I don't want to trouble you."

Karen sighed deeply. "Don't worry about the expenses. I'll take care of everything. I don't have any family to care for, and my life is pretty boring. I'd be glad to help."

"But I don't want to burden you..." Delina sobbed.

"Don't cry," Karen began, but before she could finish, the doctor returned.

"Have you both made a decision?" he asked.

"Yes, Doctor. We're keeping the baby," Karen said with a bright smile.

Delina was admitted, and after a week, the baby was out of danger. She was discharged from the hospital soon after and she got back home.

Delina's POV

When we got back home, I went straight to the room Karen had given me. I lay on the bed, my thoughts overwhelmed by everything that had happened that night. Tears streamed down my face as I wondered why my life had turned out this way. I glanced at my still-flat belly and felt a surge of resentment. Why did this baby choose to make my life miserable? I couldn't bring myself to like the child, even though I'm its mother. The thought of ending it had crossed my mind more than once, but I couldn't do that anymore-not after Karen's words of encouragement. Was this what people meant by a mother's love? I laughed bitterly at the thought.

I've never known warmth from anyone except Karen. Everyone I trusted betrayed me-my best friend, the father of my child. I trusted him because he seemed so gentle, respectful, and everything about him felt right. I even had feelings for him. But after that night, those feelings turned to nothing but hatred and pain.

I clenched my fist, vowing that if we ever crossed paths again, I would either kill him or make him suffer as I have.

---

**Two Days Later at the Daniel's Manor**

Blake struggled with the bodyguards outside the manor. "Hey, let me in! I'm here to see Devon."

One of the bodyguards blocked his way. "Our master is not in a good mood today. Come back tomorrow."

"No, I need to see him now!" Blake pushed back against the guards, his frustration mounting. He hated being treated like this, knowing full well Devon was behind it all. "That devil," he cursed under his breath.

As he continued to struggle, the gate opened, and a sleek black Hyundai began to drive out. Blake shook off the guards and chased after the car, but there was no way he could keep up with its speed. Defeated, he stopped, both furious and disappointed. "He's too much! He won't even give me a chance to explain," Blake muttered, catching his breath.

Suddenly, the sound of steady, echoing footsteps made his blood run cold. He knew that sound-it was the devil's shoes. Devon was coming. Blake froze, his muscles locking up with fear. The aura around Devon was suffocating, and Blake could feel the danger looming closer. His mind went blank as a cold hand patted his back. He shivered violently, and Devon's amused laugh rang out, chilling him to the bone.

Blake dared not move, afraid to look at Devon. He remained frozen in place until Devon grabbed him by the shoulder, causing him to lose his balance and fall into Devon's arms, their position awkwardly close-like a couple about to kiss. Terrified, Blake whispered, "Devon, please, spare me. If anyone sees us like this, they'll think you're into men. It'll be bad for both of us."

Devon looked at him in disbelief. Even now, Blake had the guts to say something so annoying. Devon thought about what to do next when Blake, still holding onto him, pleaded, "I'm sorry for what I said, but please don't drop me."

Devon smirked and let him go, sending Blake crashing to the ground with a groan. Devon gave quick orders to the guards, who carried Blake inside the manor.

After freshening up and dressing in a luxurious platinum velvet robe, Devon made his way to the sitting room where Blake waited. "What brings you here?" Devon asked, pretending to be unaware of the situation.

"Well, we were talking on the phone earlier, but the conversation didn't end well. I'm sorry about that."

"It's fine," Devon said with a shrug. "Let's get to the point. I want you to find a girl for me. I was drugged, and I took advantage of her. I need to find her. If I do, I'll compensate her-and if she's willing, I'll marry her." he said with determination in his eyes.

Blake's eyes widened in surprise. "You're serious? But does she deserve to be your wife just because of what happened?"

"That's not the point, Blake. She deserves more than I can ever give her. She was innocent and pure, and I can't stop blaming myself. I know she's in great pain right now."

Blake nodded, understanding Devon's guilt. "We'll track down the person who drugged you. That's the real culprit here."

"It won't be easy. The person covered their tracks well. They wiped all the street footage and the recordings from the event I attended. Only my parents and Milly knew I was going to the show, but my parents wouldn't harm me, and Milly...well, I don't think she's involved either."

Blake frowned. "Milly, huh? I've never liked her. She's always clinging to you, and your parents act like she's your future wife."

Devon sighed. "She's just a distraction to keep my parents off my back. When I find the person I truly love, I'll marry her. But I don't think Milly is a suspect. Still, we can't let our guard down. I want you to lead some of my men to investigate every hospital in the area. Check for any cases of abortion or reported rape."

Blake nodded seriously. "I'll get on it right away."

After leaving the manor, Blake went straight to Devon's men and briefed them. For several days, they searched diligently, but no news came in.