MARRIED TO A BILLIONAIRE IN COMA

Aliyah's pov

"Cheers to the good old days!" I say, rising my glass of Hennessy into the air.

"It's been a roller coaster ride and I'll definitely miss you guys."

The fresh air at the rooftop hit me full force, making me shiver. I used the excuse of the cold to wrap my arms around Jason.

One look at him and I knew he was already craving me.

"Happy graduation day baby," I muttered seductively. "Congratulations to us all." Carey said, glancing round and lifting her glass in the air to a toast.

"To more happy years!" Everyone else on the rooftop yelled.

I laughed out loud when I saw all of our friends engrossed in dancing. I and Carey were already tipsy. We had been drinking all day. I had been a good child from zero to - I was turning 24 tonight, I and Carey are both turning 24 tonight - it was a good enough reason to get drunk and not be a good girl.

I and Carey quietly sat back at a small corner table, enjoying the city view while we watched our classmates have fun. Where had Jason ran off to? I hoped he wouldn't be long.

We poured another glass of wine, tension vibrating between us. "Happy birthday to the love of my life and her best friend." Jason say from behind. At Jason's comment, I and Carey glanced back and found him holding a cake in his hands, while a younger boy held another and walked beside Jason.

When Jason began singing, everyone else paid attention and joined in singing I and Carey a birthday song. We lived in the moment, smiling nicely at everyone and nodding our heads. We were obviously drunk. "You have a lovely smile," Jason said, pulling me into his arms. "Happiest birthday sweetheart."

My wine glass jangled in my hand. I cleared my throat, wishing there was something I could say to break the tension I was feeling.

"Thank you baby." I finally said, looking into his eyes. "My cake is so beautiful.." My tone and voice came off very excited and eager to cut my cake.

The surprise birthday party Jason planned for I and Carey began. Over the years, I had always celebrated all my birthdays with Carey. She was my best friend.

My favourite. And since college, Jason has always found ways of making our birthdays memorable. He was the perfect and best man for me. I could tell from looks in school that he was on every girl's wish list - yet he chose me. "Before you cut your cake this year, I'd like to give you this gift." Jason grinned, rubbing my hands affectionately. "Okay babe." I nodded excitedly.

I loved his touch, the way he made me feel. My eyes darted to the few guests that were spilling out to the walkway. Those were uninvited by the way. Jason drew closer and held me in his arms, his hold gentle as if I were a fragile flower. A handed a pen and notebook to me.

"Happy birthday to the love of my life," Jason said. "Tonight, I'm gifting you this pen and notebook as a symbol of my love."

He placed a kiss on my forehead. "Everyday I'd like you to write in this notebook how beautiful I made your life, because from today onwards, I'll be making every second of your life extraordinary." I could hear everyone's laughter, it was contagious and I smiled at them, passionately hugging Jason.

Jason always made me feel special. He was always flirting with me and I loved him for it. He was proud of us. I held the note book and pen in my hands, still smiling.

"Thank you baby," I said loudly. "This is worth more than Gold and I promise to do as you say. I love you." "I love you too," Jason responded. "After tonight's party, we'll be discussing and planning our wedding." "I see no one got me a gift," Carey pouted. "Don't forget, it's also my birthday!" "Duh!" I laughed at Carey.

"Go get yourself a man." Jason moved away from my embrace and handed a box to Carey. "Happy birthday, Carey." "Yayyy!" Carey screamed in excitement, unwrapping the box. It was a Louis Vuitton hand bag!

"Thank you, Jay.." Carey seemed very excited about her birthday gift. "You're welcome." Jason walked back to me and we both settled into a chair. Glancing at the table, I could hear my mobile phone ring.

"Hello, mom.." I said, walking a bit away from the noise. "What?" I frowned deeply. "Mom, please don't do this.. please..I'm having the best time of my life..no mom, this is my moment - our moment, so please let us be." I ended the call even though my mom was speaking. I look at Jason, he is with Carey on the table, both are obviously waiting for me before cutting the cake.

I tried to walk up to both but paused, it'll be easier to discuss with Carey privately than standing in silence and trying to recite her wordings. I caught Carey looking at me and decided it was a good time to use my eyes and pass her a message.

Carey's face stiffened by the time she got to me. "Who's the kill joy?"

"Mom!" I uselessly throw my hands in the air, a sign escaping my lips. "Which of the moms?" Carey looked at my mouth.

"Both of them spoke very rudely on the phone." "What do they want?" Carey shrugged. "We didn't ask for their money..." "They were at the graduation ceremony in the school's auditorium, can we just have this few hours to ourselves?" "We are." Carey say, smiling mischievously at me.

"Don't let them ruin the fun, common! Let's go cut the cake." "Hey beautiful ladies, common! Let the party begin." Jason yelled from across the table impatiently. "Carey, but you do know after the party I'll be having Jason drive us back home, right? We told our mothers we'll be sleeping at mine tonight and you know.."

"No way!" Carey cut me off, irritatedly.

"After the party, I'm going for another party at the club." "No, no, no.." I shook my head disapprovingly. "I gave mom my word." "Grow up Aliyah and quit being a scared little puppy!" She rolled her eyes. "Are you aware we'll get in trouble and dad.. he'll discipline us.

No, Carey, you're in this alone." "With all pleasure," She scoffed.

"After Jason drops you off at home, with your permission, I'll like him to drive me to the club." "Jason will do no such thing, he's not your driver!" I snapped.

"Fine, whatever!" She snapped back.

"Let's go." My eyes narrowed and head shot up. I was reluctant, but even before I could react, Carey pulled me by my hand and led me back to our table.

I could hear Jason cheering me up and our other friends taking quick photos of us Immediately I finished cutting the cake, Jason slipped his arm around my shoulders.

"Put your hands above your head and slowly move towards the drive where the police vehicles are parked." Officer Jerry said.

Attempting to pull myself together, I turned around with the rest of my friends to see who the harsh, commanding voice belonged to. The police? We all used our palms to cover our faces, shielding from the flashlight of the police officers. "I said your hands should be above your head, not around your eyes!" Officer Jerry yelled, walking closer to the young friends.

"You are under arrest." "Why?" I angrily ask, dropping my hands. "We didn't wrong anyone, we haven't been causing trouble, only having fun." Officer Jerry ordered his junior officers to handcuff each and everyone one of us. I could see the fear on their faces, especially Jason.

"Sir, we found this in his pocket," An officer said, pulling Jason towards Officer Jerry. He handed a powered substance to Officer Jerry. "Drugs?" Officer Jerry looked at Jason in bewilderment

"I swear on my life it doesn't belong to him!" I yelled defensively. "Someone is trying to set us up." "Move them to the vehicles." Officer Jerry moved around the rooftop, inspecting corners.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stepped into the police vehicle. "Can I call my mom?" I asked rhetorically. Why were we been arrested? I had never been in legal trouble all my life. This would be my first time going to a police station handcuffed like a criminal.

Was it because of the drugs they found on Jason? I knew Jason, he wasn't into drugs, he had been a good boy all the time. Who was trying to set us up?

Was someone murdered in the hotel we were at celebrating?

A thousand and one questions raced my mind as they drove. What if they weren't real police officers but kidnappers? I looked at Carey. She was equally in tears. The city suddenly looked dark, gloomy and abandoned. They were no cars on the road.

ALIYAH'S POV

The police officers arrived at the station, and led us to the counter, we quietly followed. "Mom!" I and Carey screamed when we saw both of our mothers discussing with the police officers. "Glad you're here, they arrested us unlawfully." I said to my mother, mustering up my spirit.

"How did you know we were here?" Mrs. Elsa looked at Carey and I in vexation.

I knew what my mother was thinking. That I and Carey had started following the bad kids they always warned us about. "Mom.." Carey moved to Mrs. Thelma, her mother.

"Tell them to let us go right away, how dare them?!" She turned to fully face officer Jerry. "My father can get you arrested, I just need to put a call across to him."

"Not when I was the one that ordered for the arrest." Mrs. Thelma moved her glare from Carey to I. I immediately looked away.

"You what?" Carey asked, made a face and cursed.

"Mom! Have you gone insane?" "Mom," I moved closer to her. "What's Mrs. Thelma saying? You guys had us arrested? Why?" My voice was breaking.

"Yes I had you arrested," Mrs. Elsa exhaled. "And that is because I found out this drug addict!" She pointed at Jason. "Proposed to you and you accepted his marriage proposal.." She was fuming.

"Mom.." I took a step closer to her.

"First, I'm sorry, please forgive me. I really wanted to tell you but..I was waiting for the right time. Mom, I love Jason and I'll love to marry him.. he's a great guy, a drug abuse advocate, not the other way round.. someone slipped drugs in his pocket to have him framed..mom, please I'm sorry." "So how and why I'm I cut in the middle of this?" Carey looked at my mother, shrugging.

"Well I'm not engaged to nobody." She moved back her gaze to Mrs. Thelma. "Mom, please get these officers to let me go." "Shut up." Mrs. Thelma said.

"I warned you not to stay out late partying with dangerous people but did you listen? I and Elsa planned an expensive birthday surprise party for both of you, to also celebrate your graduation but what did you do? Stand us up for hours!"

I and Carey exchanged embarrassed glances. "You could have easily told us.. it's not our fault, we were only trying to have fun." Carey defended.

"We weren't out with dangerous people, we were out with our friends."

"I'm sorry." I said, looking into my mother's eyes. "I'm really sorry..I had no idea." "You accepted a marriage proposal without letting me know, Aliyah?" Mrs. Elsa sniffed back tears. "I guess you're all grown now and know what's best for you." She shot Jason a deadly glare before taking her eyes back to me.

"Your father would be grunting in his grave." She stormed out. Mrs. Thelma took a few steps towards me. She touched my chin.

"You got it wrong this time, Aliyah. Ordinarily, this is something Carey can and will do, but not you my child." Carey couldn't hold her laughter, it was loud and mocking. "I'm sorry mom, but I was going to tell you about him." I said, my face bent.

"Please help me plead with mom."

"I'll try." Mrs. Thelma responded then walked out.

Slowly I raised my face to look at Jason. I caught him pacing round with his handcuffs. I felt sorry for him but I even felt more guilty that I hurt my mother.

I'd never hurt her intentionally, she's everything I have. Ever seen I lost dad to cardiac arrest, she's been the only one. And maybe Carey, Mrs. Thelma and Jason. "I will sue this division, just wait until my father gets here." Jason threatened. "I am Jason Donald, do you hear that?" He moved closer to Officer Jerry. "Jason Donald! The new CEO of Legacy Group of companies." Officer Jerry responded with a scoffing laugh. "Kelan Donald is the CEO of Legacy Group of companies.

And I know Kelan for a fact, he's not a drug abuser." "Fuck you man!" Jason said. "Stop lying." Officer Jerry knew better.

All the while he was unaware of Jason's identity, but after the confrontation, he proceeded with Jason's bail papers. "Hurry up with that if you love your job." Jason said.

"I'm leaving here with everyone else too." "Excluding Aliyah and Carey." Officer Jerry replied.

"No, I'm..." I interrupted Jason with a glare, shaking my head in disapproval. "No, Jason..I can't go against my mother." Carey laughed. "Officer hurry up..I have a party to attend." Jason nodded. "As you wish, but don't forget, I need your help, tonight."

"Can't it wait?" I asked. Jason's voice softened. "My life depends on it."

"Just go, I'll wait for my mom and when I'm done with her, I'll meet you at our favorite spot."

I could hear my heart beat. What could be so important? Was he in trouble? "Please don't fail me, Aliyah." Jason pleaded. A police officer freed his hands and the rest of us. But I didn't move, I slowly sank into the couch, covering my face with palms. Everything about tonight was confusing.

"Hey holy child of her mom," Carey teased. "I'm leaving." "Carey please.. don't respect our mothers that way." I said.

"For once listen to me." Carey rolled her eyes. "Enjoy your experience with these officers." She used her hands to rearrange her red hair.

"They ruined my hair.." She frowned deeply. "Will you be fine by yourself?" Jason asked. "Yes, just go." I replied. "I'll try my best to meet you." "I love you." Jason quickly placed a kiss on my forehead then walked out with Carey and the rest of our friends.

They all looked at me with sympathy. "Aliyah?" Officer Jerry called out. I looked at him with some surprise. "Yeah?" I was registering his expression. Officer Jerry could feel me shaking. "From the way you've spoken and acted, I'll say you're a golden child."

I was unaware when a smile escaped my lips. "You have a beautiful and charming smile, Aliyah, and a pleasing personality as well.." He shifted into his chair.

"You're a great kid, what the hell are you doing with Jason Donald?"

"Excuse you?" The smile disappeared and I was became defensive. "I released him to go as a free man because of his father's wealth and influence in the society. I'd be in trouble by tomorrow if I let Donald's son, especially his second son spend a night in this cell."

Now I was getting bored. Jason was a harmless sweet boy that was simply envied by a lot of people that weren't in his status. I remembered when my father was alive.

He was a multi billionaire running the affairs of the city. Everyone judged me wrongly, mistaking me to be a spoiled, arrogant brat. But no, I wasn't. So I could easily relate to what Jason was going through.

"You're wrong about Jason," I said. "He's not like that and it's not his fault if his father wouldn't let him experience any form of pain." "Stay away from Jason Donald, and you'll be glad you did." He replied firmly.

"You're a beautiful girl, you can do better." "I'm done having this conversation sir, I just want to see my mother." I stretched.

It was funny how the effects of alcohol wore off the moment the police arrived at the rooftop. That was some real shit! I scoffed silently. My heart was beating fast and my mind buried in thoughts.

Tonight, mom reminded me of dad. But I knew dad would be happy and impressed with him wherever he was. I was living my life rightly, maybe except for tonight. My thoughts were interrupted when Mrs. Thelma and my mom noisily walked inside. They were arguing. "Common look at her," Mrs. Thelma said. "She's remorseful..Elsa, she's going home, no way I'm letting her sleep here tonight." My mom frowned. "You're so lucky Aliyah is yours, what if you had Carey?" Mrs. Thelma asked. "Carey is blunt at least." My mom responded. "She'd never hide a relationship from us, let alone and engagement." I walked to my mom, tears rolling down my cheeks, but even before I could talk, she cut me off. "You won't guilt trip me..I won't let you do it." She snapped.

"Mom, I'm sincerely sorry." I muttered. "Get yourself settled in my car, I don't need your apology or explanation." I nodded and quietly left, walking sadly towards her car. What have I gotten myself into? How was I going to meet Jason tonight? What was so important that couldn't wait till morning?

***

"Mmm.." Mrs. Elsa said, handing me a gift bag. "Happy birthday." She managed to add. The happiness and smile on my face was priceless. "Thank you Mom, I love you." I hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry.."

"It's fine." She gave a weak smile.

"You're just coming back from the police station, and I'm sorry I had you arrested." She paused for a while then continued. "Freshen up then come down so we can cut your cake.. we'll talk about that thug you're engaged to by tomorrow morning." I could only nod. She was gone.

I stood up and locked my bedroom door. The excitement of the birthday gift disappeared and I placed the gift bag safely in my wardrobe. I reached for my engagement ring in the wardrobe and fixed it to sit pretty on my finger. Closing the wardrobe, I glanced at the wall clock.

It was past 11pm and I needed to meet Jason. I knew he was waiting for me. I changed into a simple Jean and big sweater, then quietly climbed out from my window. Once my feet were on the ground, I looked at the dark street then took to my heels.

ALIYAH'S POV

I met Jason at our favorite hotel. It belonged to his father and currently under Jason's supervision.

We were both in one of the rooms in the hotel, our favourite room.

Jason bent and kissed me, slow and deep while he rubbed his erection against my belly.

"Jason.." I pulled away. "My mom is probably looking for me by now, what is important that couldn't wait until tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow is my elder brother's wedding," He cleared his throat and straightened. "He's getting married tomorrow."

"Oh..okay.." I said patiently, waiting for the part that was important. "Kelan?"

He nodded. "But there's a big problem.."

"Tell me.." I silently wished nothing was wrong somewhere.

"His bride to be was kidnapped the early hours of this morning.." He broke into tears.

"What?" My voice softened and I moved closer to pull him into my embrace. "I'm so sorry to this..this is disheartening..how? Why?"

"Envy and jealousy.." He held my hands. "They're always envious of my family.."

I shut my eyes close, remembering how they tried to kill my father on several occasions.

"We can't tell Kelan about this, he'll commit suicide.." Jason said.

"But he has to know.."

"And we can't cancel the wedding..the world mustn't know or more attacks will be planned." He looked at me helplessly.

"What do they want?" I asked, trying to imagine the kind of danger the poor lady will be subjected to at the moment. "Money?" Jason nodded as a reply.

"I need your help.." Jason tightened his hold on my hands, but it was gentle.

"Say."

"Can you walk in the shoes of the bride while I look for the bride and bring her back?" Jason looked deep into my eyes, tears in his. "Please baby, don't say no..I can't ask anyone of this, because you're the only one I trust."

I paused, trembling. I was trying to stay calm and put myself together. "Jason, are you asking me to get married to your elder brother?"

"Hell no!" He let go of my hands and stood to his feet. "It'll be a charade. All you need to do is dress up as her, covered in your face veil while I go in search of her. Before the marriage rites begin I'll be back with her and you'll change dresses."

"Can I think about this, please?" I asked, worried.

"The wedding is tomorrow," Jason kneeled in front of me, I could see fresh tears build in his eyes. "Please baby..my love.. don't do this to me, you're the only one I love and trust. Please don't fail me."

"I need to ask my mom before i give you an answer." I looked away.

"You don't need to, it's just for tomorrow." Jason said. "If reverse was the case I won't hesitate to help you."

"You make it sound so easy..Jason.." I swallowed hard, staring at my engagement ring.

Jason followed my eyes. "It's just an act..I'm not getting you married to my brother." He was disgruntled with my continued somewhat refusal to play the role of his brother's bride for a few hours.

"I know.."

Jason gave me a long look. "Will you help me or not?"

I stared down at the ground for a few seconds before replying. "I will."

Jason bent to brush a soft kiss over my mouth. In a low whisper, he said, "Thank you baby..tell me when you're ready to allow me make you moan."

It took a few seconds after his kiss to get my eyes opened again. "I'll need to call my mom, so she doesn't think I'm in trouble."

"Or try to frame me up or get me arrested." Jason frowned. "What will you tell her when you call?"

"That I'm at the club with Carey." I stood and walked toward the bathroom door.

***

I woke up the next morning with a terrible bad headache. I couldn't feel my heart beat. It was numb. I had texted Carey and told her about everything Jason wanted me to do.

We face timed and spoke a lot. Carey encouraged me and agreed to lay low and wait for me at hotel until I was done acting my script.

Today was the drama day. I turned lazily in bed.

"Good morning sleeping beauty." Jason placed a kiss on my lips.

"Good morning." I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.

"I need to leave now," Jason said. "I'll be back with her even before you know it, okay? Just have faith in me."

I nodded.

"You have to eat, before you begin the day." It sounded as though he was ordering me to eat. "I told the kitchen to bring you today's special, a killer chicken salad on croissants, with fresh fruit."

"Okay." I responded. Not even food could entice me. I wasn't going to eat and Jason didn't need to know.

"I love you." Jason placed kisses on my neck. He opened the door and walked out. He was gone.

Looking round the bedroom, I suddenly felt confident. Jason would never fail me.

A heard a knock and immediately two young girls walked into the bedroom.

"Are you Aliyah?" Valencia questioned rudely.

"Yes." I responded. "Who are you?"

"It doesn't matter," Valencia answered, rolling her eyes. "You'll soon get to find out yourself."

"We're here to help you get dressed." Becky smiled at me. "My name is Becky and I'm very good in make up and outfit styling, trust me, you'd absolutely be in love with your looks by the time I'm done."

I didn't smile back. It wasn't my wedding. I didn't care about looking good.

Becky unpacked her box and began.

I was dressed in a beautiful long flowing white gown. The fabric screamed money. By the time Becky was done, I looked at the mirror and indeed I looked stunning.

Only if this was my wedding and Jason's - I'd make a beautiful bride.

The wedding was to start in exactly five minutes.

I waited and waited for Jason but he was no where to be found. His lines weren't going.

"Do you know how I can reach Jason?" I asked Becky. I didn't dare to ask the saucy one.

"Shall we?" Valencia stretched forth her hand. "After me."

It was time and I had to continue my role. Valencia and Becky were waiting to walk me to the hall. There was no turning back.

When Becky pushed the door open and Valencia held me by the hand, hot tears rolled down my cheek.

Valencia took me to a hall, it was a very small hall, with few people I had never seen, about to get married to a man i know nothing about.

It was supposed to be Kelan Donald's wedding, so I wondered why they were only few guests. I could count and number them.

I stood in front of the alter, I had to be confident. I managed to keep a straight face. I looked and studied all the guests. Neither looked happy.

I looked left and right, wondering where Kelan was or who he was. I had never seen him.

"My elder brother, Kelan, the groom, is unable to show up but he sends his vows." Valencia whispered into my ears, then slipped a paper into my hand. "Here."

I was happy abit, after all he wasn't here physically..I didn't have to deal with him. And just maybe, it was Jason working. Just maybe he'd be here soon.

Although I had a bad feeling about everything, there was nothing I could do.

The priest began with the marriage rites.

I couldn't hold myself. My face was washed in tears.

"Quit crying, you're irritating everyone." Valencia whispered into my ears. "You're almost done."

I felt my legs tremble. I recited all the marital rites.

"Today, I join Aliyah Lanez and Kelan Donald in holy matrimony." The priest said firmly and the guests clapped.

I ran out from the hall but Valencia followed. I was stopped by security and ordered to go to the reception.

"There will be consequences for all your actions." Valencia said, after grunting. "Don't say I didn't earn you."

I was made to sit in the reception and watch everyone Merry. This seemed to be the only time they appeared crazy.

I sat impatiently without touching my food until it was nightfall. There were no tears left to cry. All I needed was Jason. Where the hell was he?

***

Valencia led me to a very dark room, and said, "Your husband awaits you." She chuckled and left.

I walked into the room slowly. "Jason.. Jason!" I repeatedly called his name but got no response. "Jason talk to me! What in God's name is happening? I'm losing my mind.." I broke into fresh tears. "Jason!"

I traced my hand around the wall and got to the switch. Once the room brightened, my reality struck me. I froze looking around the big room filled with medical equipment, down to the face of a handsome young man laying helplessly with red petals scattered around him.

"It has to be a dream.." I kept repeating. I didn't bother to clean the tears that were rolling down my cheeks.

I heard a knock on the door and stared at the door, breathing high.