MY BILLIONAIRE LOVER

GENEVIEVE POV

"Tada!" Anabelle's voice rang through my ears, as I slowly opened my eyes, staring at the mirror in front of me.

My midnight hair, which gets tangled at the slightest touch, was falling over my shoulder, my face draped in a nude makeup,my eyelashes short and too thick eyebrows.

Yet, I never liked my look. I could not help but focus on why my eyes and lips looked too big for my face.

And my cheeks, I think they look too chubby.

The only thing I was grateful for was that the make up hid the freckles on my face.

"You like what you see?'' My gaze cut to Anabelle, who was my second best friend and roommate.

Her lips had the biggest smile ever, and slowly I watched as it melted.

She noticed. She knew I didn't like my new look.

I tried to cover it up with a smile, but it was too late.

"I'm sorry, Anabelle. You really put in a lot of effort in this, but I still feel like I don't look good enough," I confessed, biting my lips slowly.

"Has Bryan ever complained?" She asked, referring to my boyfriend as I shook my head.

He never did. He loved me with my flaws. He never complained about my looks. Not only that, but he compliments me every time, being the perfect source to build my self-esteem which I was slowly losing.

"Then, he will appreciate it. You look beautiful and many will kill for your killer body shape. Get up, girl and have a nice date with your guy." Her words made my heart warm, as I tried discarding the thought of comparing myself with her.

It was unsuccessful ,my thoughts getting the best of me.

I wish I was like Anabelle sometimes. She has beautiful genes, with long flowing blonde hair,bright blue eyes, and pink lips that remind you of delicate flower petals.

Whenever I stood next to her, I always felt like her beauty overshadowed mine. I had watched a 'million times' when guys hit on her making me feel invisible.

I shook my head, discarding the almost waging thoughts. I stood up, and Anabelle pulled me into a hug.

"All the best, and happy second anniversary as a couple. Tell him to put a ring on your finger," she whispered as I chuckled.

It was as if she could read my mind. Bryan's message to meet him at his house today brought different thoughts to my head. I really hope he will propose to me soon.

The door flung open, my first best friend walked in with all smiles glistening on her face. She looked beautiful with her flowing yellow sundress and matching hat.

"Guess who is engaged?" She raised her left hand at us, shaking her head, all smiley face.

My heart skipped, and I felt a mixture of happiness and surprise at the same time,as I stared at the ring on her finger.

"Congratulations girl." Anabelle pulled her hand, admiring the ring.

"Congratulations Stella. Who is the fortunate guy? Why am I oblivious to the fact that you were in a relationship already?" I whined, as she facepalmed, letting out a breath.

"I'm sorry I kept it as a secret." She gave an apologetic look.

"Meanwhile, you will know the person soon. You look different, by the way. Are you going somewhere?" She asked, an attempt to divert my attention, which was actually a success.

But yet, her description of me caught me off guard. I looked 'different' , not 'beautiful'.

I shook my head,brushing it off.

"I am going to visit Bryan. We are celebrating our second year as a couple today." My lips curled into a smile, at the thought of him.

"Oh! You should be leaving then," Stella stated, as she walked in, slumping on the bed.

I glanced at Anabelle, who gave a thumbs up.

Yet, I couldn't help it. The sense of fluttery nervous feeling.

I really hope today will be the best day of my life.

*****

Even though it took me about ten minutes to walk down to Bryan's house, it wasn't enough to gather my thoughts together. And just when I got in front of his door, I could not help but feel a combination of anxiety and excitement at once.

Maybe because I had pictured him proposing to me today or the fact that I might end up disappointed if he doesn't.

I looked down at the bouquet of rose flowers in my hand, suddenly wondering if he would like it. That was not the only gift I had for him, though.

Puffing out air from my mouth, I pressed the doorbell as it rang. Five.... Ten seconds passed, yet no response.

I pressed on the doorbell again, taking one last glance at myself.

And then a sound came. "Babe." Bryan opened his door with a broad smile on his face, making my heart skip a bit.

"Come inside. Don't be shy." He beckoned, as he winked.

I allowed my legs to move inside, clutching to the bouquet of flowers.

This would be the first time I would be visiting him alone. On the last few occasions I came, Anabelle or Stella were always with me.

Bryan came in front of me, as he slowly leaned in, his lips crashing against mine. It was a slow and short kiss.

He pulled away, as I sneakily lifted my eyes to study his handsome features. He was dressed up in shorts with blue V shaped short sleeves, exposing his collarbones. He looked rather simple compared to the wear I had on plus the nude makeup on my face.

"You look beautiful." He complimented, as I smiled.

His blonde hair had been jelled, giving him a perfect look. His deep blue eyes, his well contoured nose, thick eyelashes fanning his face made him look breathtaking.

"You look handsome as usual. Never to be caught unfresh," I stated, as he winked, his lips curling into a smile.

He held my hands, leading me to the settee in the living room.

My gaze lingered around the room for a while, but was slightly disappointed that what I pictured didn't come through.

The balloons, the walls full of my pictures, and lightning were not there...

"Is everything fine?" His words jolted me out of my reverie, prompting me to give him a tight smile, handing him the bouquet of flowers in my hand.

"Happy anniversary as a couple." I spoke with enthusiasm lacing in my voice.

He offered me a smile, and held out his hand, taking the flowers.

"Happy anniversary babe. Thank you for this," he said, admiring the flowers.

"I got you something too."

Placing the flowers in the vase on the table, he dipped his hand in his pocket.

I drew my lips in tightly in anticipation. Was he going to propose?

It was a small box, as he slowly opened it, revealing something else. My heartbeat suddenly slowed down at the sight of what I saw, 'A bracelet.'

He held my wrist, placing the bracelet on it, helping me with it. I just stared at him.

It was a brown and black bracelet, with my name imprinted on it. It looked beautiful yet simple, but it wasn't what I wanted at the moment.

Or maybe I expected too much. Tomorrow was going to be my graduation from college and I shouldn't be thinking too much about marriage. I can't seem to help it, especially at the insecurities eating me up. What if someone else caught Bryan's attention?

"Thank you." I quickly pulled him in a hug, hoping to hide the disappointment on my face.

"Thank you for being the best girlfriend ever," he complimented, before pulling away.

It was enough to get a grip on myself.

I think I had been desperate to getting married to Bryan. I should just accept that he loves me and will propose to me at the right time.

His fingers brushed mine, a comfortable silence followed as we stared at each other.

"I think we should take our relationship to the next level." I gulped down nothing down my throat, trying to get the sense out of his words.

I stared at him with wide eyes when he inched closer, our nose meeting before he took my lips. His lips moved on mine, as he grabbed my waist closer, his hands slowly pulling the hem of my gown.

It was getting Intense and that was when it hit me. He wanted more.

I pulled away, trying to catch my breath. Yet, he inched closer.

"I can't do this. We can't have sex." I declared, and for a long second, his gaze was on me.

He held my hand, prompting me to look at him.

"I love you okay. We are a couple, and should make love," he insisted. His words made the inside of me churn with mixed feelings.

"I thought we had talked about this. We mutually agreed not to be intimate until our wedding night," I refuted.

He stood instantly, his height towering over me. His jaw clenched, as he looked furious.

"I can't wait any longer. It's been two years, Genevieve." My throat dried up at his words, my chest heaving slightly.

He has never called me Genevieve ever since we started dating.

I stood, afraid to meet his gaze.

"I can't. I hope you understand."

"Understand what exactly? Don't you love me? What do you want exactly?" He thundered, and I must confess that was the first time I witnessed him this angry.

It was weird, but It took me a lot of self-control not to give in to what he wanted. I really don't know if I was making the right decision.

I was insecure. I wish I could scream it out loud but words was stuck to my throat.

What if after having sex,he leaves me for someone else?

The thought alone made my heart thump.

My stare cut to his, as I was ready to speak.

"Marriage Bryan. We have been dating for two years already. Where is this relationship leading to?"I finally spoke up, glad I found my voice.

I thought I promised not to talk about marriage.

"Now I get it. You are desperate." I stared at him, struggling not to cry.

His demeanor had changed instantly and it was worrying me.

"Seriously. I..." He raised his hand, stopping me from speaking further.

"Save it. I'm breaking up with you," he deadpanned.

I blinked, frightened and confused.

"Wait. What? Bryan, calm down," I whimpered quietly, as I was slowly losing my voice.

"No, no,no. You are joking, right?" I asked, hoping he didn't mean it.

"I meant every word I said. Do you want to know the truth?" I nodded sheepishly at his words.

"I never loved you. We are only in a relationship because of a bet. You are just a bet, nothing serious. I dated you to use and dump you. I never...."I slapped him hard across his face, stopping him from spewing those disgusting words.

His words were like a verbal blow to my face. He never loved me, but wasted two years of my life.

I still found it hard to believe.

"Get out." His voice rose, as I stepped backward.

Taking one hard glance at me, he left farther into his room.

It was at that moment the world started spinning around me. And it was surprising I didn't cry. Instead, I felt my chest too tight, almost suffocating.

I ran outside, closing the door behind me. I stopped, and it was at that moment a phrase from a song came to my mind, 'It's Alright To Cry.'

I felt my heart break into a thousand pieces. A lone tear slipped down my face.

Few seconds passed. I fell to the ground, as I broke down in tears.

GENEVIEVE POV

I laid on my bed, trying to fight off the pain lunging from my forehead. Opening my eyes, which felt blurry for some seconds until slowly,everything began to get clearer.

I hissed at the sharp pain jolting out of my head, as it suddenly stopped. My eyes met with that of Anabelle, who sat close to me on my bed.

"Are you okay?" She pressed her hand on my arm, as I tried to raise my body, but failed.

"Thank you, Anabelle," I whispered, the flash of yesterday's event clouding my mind all of a sudden.

"I'm breaking up with you." His words found its way to my mind,making my chest heavy.

He broke up with me.

Taking one last effort, I pulled myself up, as Anabelle rose to her feet, helping to adjust the pillow to my back.

Her face looked worried, making me guilty for all the trouble I must have caused her.

"Today is our graduation, Genevieve. Will you be strong enough to go?" She asked, as I nodded.

"Of course. How many more hours to go?"

She sighed.

"It's already 8 am ,giving us just four hours to prepare." My eyes widened at her revelation as I stood up instantly, surprising myself.

Much to my anticipation, my head hurts again as I hissed. Anabelle pulled my hand, making me sit on the bed.

"You don't have to rush. Calm down okay? I prepared something for you to eat. Afterward, you can use some pain reliever." I smiled at her, my heart warm and full of gratitude for her love towards me.

"Where is Stella?" My gaze lingered round the room, as she was not on her bed.

"She left for her fiancé's place last night."

Just like that, the sour feeling came haunting me. I thought I could have been engaged yesterday, but sadly, Bryan broke up with me.

All through the time I took a few bites of the food Anabelle prepared, a lot came to the puddle of thoughts I already have. I had more strength after on, as I cleared away the plates.

I felt strengthened, as I settled on the bed, while watching Anabelle pick out some clothes. As if noticing my gaze, she walked towards me, sitting beside me.

She held my palms, looking at me.

"How do you really feel?" She asked, and just like that, I felt tense.

"I don't know for real. At one point, I just feel physical pains, on the other hand, I feel as if my heart will rip apart anytime soon," I stated, my voice coming out rather low.

"I wasted two years with him, Anabelle. I love him so much. Yesterday, everything turned upside down. All I could do was cry and sleep. Thank you so much for being patient with me." Anabelle gave me a smile, and I must confess it was contagious.

I gave a tight smile.

"Today is supposed to be the best day of my life in College. I am graduating. You are too. Congratulations to us," I said, as I pulled her into a hug.

"It will be fine. Just be a strong girl. You can do this," she whispered, and it was worth it.

It was probably going to be my mantra for the rest of the day, and I really hope I don't break down.

In an elegant short-sleeved body-con gown and open wedge heels, I walked alongside Anabelle, smiling at her jokes.

I could feel stares on me, but being with Anabelle was able to defuse the tension and feelings of insecurities that were lunging from the pit of my stomach.

For the time being, I was trying hard to let go of the worries, and heartbreak still wrenched in my heart. I wasn't doing quite well.

"Any update about Stella?" I asked as we passed through the corridor leading to the graduation hall.

"Well, she is coming with her fiancé, apparently," she stated, as I nodded.

My body tried to resist the thought of Bryan with me. I had always imagined he would be with me during my graduation party, hands in hand, taking pictures and celebrating my success. But everything was lost.

My phone beeped, jolting me out of my reverie, prompting me to stop, as Anabelle stopped too.

I glanced at my phone screen, the message appearing, leaving my heart skipping.

"I... I would like to visit the restroom. I will meet you in the hall soon."

I could feel Anabelle's scrutinizing gaze on me, making me feel more nervous.

"Okay. Be quick," she said, patting my shoulder, as I watched her sashayed walk away.

I clamped my phone against my palm, as I turned to leave instantly. Every step I took made my heart pound, as I anticipated if what I read was true.

"If you want to know about why your ex-boyfriend broke up with you, visit the restroom behind the graduation hall."

That was the message, and it was enough to keep me yearning to know more.

I pressed on the knob of the restroom with only one question in mind: What could possibly go wrong?

On stepping inside, I froze at the sight in front of me.

Bryan and Stella all acting cozy in front of the mirror, their bodies pressed against each other in a passionate kiss. They stopped, glancing at the intruder-me.

I was the surprised one, as their gaze swept past me without a change in their facial expression. They looked rather calm.

"What is going on here?" I asked, trying to be as calm as possible.

"Well, we are a couple. Can't you see?" Stella sneered, as Bryan looked at her, as if dazed by her beauty.

"How long has this been going on?" I still spoke despite the shock coursing through my body.

"Close to a year, darling. He put a ring on my finger already. Where is yours?" She asked mockingly, as they both laughed at me.

No. This is not happening, right?

"Babe, let's go already. You have already answered the loser."

That was Bryan and this time, it hurts even more knowing he called me a loser. I just stood, as they walked past me, the door closing behind me.

I remembered Bryan's words when he broke up with me.

"I never loved you. We are only in a relationship because of a bet. You are just a bet, nothing serious. I dated you to use and dump you."

I couldn't hold it any longer as I broke into tears.

I stared at the bracelet Bryan gave me the previous day,clutching on it,before pulling it out and lunging it into the waste bin.

He tricked me. They both did. I trusted them.

Even if Bryan was trying to date Stella, she should have refuted, knowing we were in a relationship.

Close to a year. Why didn't I notice?

I washed my face after being satisfied with the release of tears on my face. The tears had messed up the makeup Anabelle diligently worked on. The best thing was to clean it all, and I knew for a certainty she would be displeased. I was glad no one came in while I ugly cried. It would have been awkward.

I allowed a few minutes pass, as I stepped out. I glanced at my wrist watch,before hastening my footsteps.

My eyes met with Anabelle, her brows creased, as she walked towards me.

"What took you so long? And are you aware of those two?" She asked, worry boldly written on her face.

I nodded as I cleared my throat.

"I saw them in the restroom. It's fine. I'm sorry I gave in to tears again, ruining the makeup."

"It's fine. You look good without make – up anyway." She gave a thumbs up, as I find it difficult to accept her words.

Bryan always said those words to me too.

They are all lies.

"We will talk about them later. For now, we have to hurry. The program had begun."

She held my hand, as we both walked at a fast pace.

Despite today being the day of my graduation, my mind was roving through the scene that happened at the restroom.

And it only worsened when I saw them walking hand in hand into the hall. I wished I could slap that smile off their face. It was at that moment I wished my parents had come.

Anabelle nudged me in the arm, as I looked at her.

"The more you look at them, the more you will get hurt. Focus on today. It's a happy day, not a day to mourn over their betrayal. They are not worth it," she whispered, as I nodded.

I was determined to keep it up throughout the rest of the day. Peeking at Anabelle, I wished I was closer to her, instead of Stella, and I was grateful she proved to be a friend in time of distress.

It has been quite a long time and I couldn't wait for the graduation ceremony to end soon. I really wanted to go home.

The event went in a blur, with pain and anxiety nudging in the pit of my stomach, and when it was getting to the end, I wasn't sure I could hold up much longer.

It was the prize giving part, and I was trying so hard for my mind not to wander.

"The best graduating student is Genevieve Armstrong."

The cheers went up along with the applause.

My heart joyfully pounded. Annabelle gave me that go ahead look.

I smiled realizing that was the only thing that made me happy today, but yet the heartbreak was still there.

Yes, I was happy. At Least for now.

GENEVIEVE POV

Words alone cannot express how happy I was. My heart was full, soaring with gratitude and joy at how long I've come. It was a moment I anticipated, and I was glad it came to pass.

All my hardwork didn't go to waste. My burning of the midnight candle led to a happy ending. My heart was joyfully pounding, and I could feel that happiness radiating in every part of my body.

But yet, I felt my mouth might hurt from too much smile I had to put on for today. Even with the event over, I still had to take pictures with the school administrators.

We had already taken tons of pictures, and I could not help but admire how their faces looked radiant as ever. At that moment, I wished my parents were around, but sadly, I could not reach them.

The photo shoot ended, and my legs were aching to meet Anabelle outside. Ever since the end of the graduation ceremony, I was the only one with the school administrators inside the school hall.

Taking another round of hugs, pecks, and congratulatory greetings from them all, we all stepped out of the hall. My eyes met with Anabelle, whose grin was outstretched as I walked closer to her, pulling her into a hug.

We pulled out of the hug, as we made our way out. Every step I took reminded me that I was the overall best graduating student as people congratulated me, those I knew and those I haven't for once seen in my life.

"You should see the look on Bryan and Stella's faces when you were called on stage. It was priceless."

And just those words from Anabelle left my mood suddenly going sour. I thought I had forgotten all about them.

As if noticing my mood, she hissed. "I'm sorry. I..." I rested my hand on her shoulder, stopping her from speaking further.

"It's fine. We should take some pictures," I grinned, as we both raced outside, meeting hundreds of graduating students.

Every photograph we took was enough to remind me of our journey together. It has been one of the best.

"Genevieve." I turned abruptly upon hearing my name.

My heart leaped with joy as I saw my parents.

"Congratulations darling." My mum embraced me.

"You came late," I whined, as she smiled, before proceeding to hug Anabelle, who had been looking happily at our reunion.

"I'm sorry to cut this short, but we have to leave now Genevieve," dad stated. I glanced at mum, who simply nodded.

What is happening?

A lot seemed to be going on, and if I wasn't careful enough, I might be putting a lot of strain on my mental health.

While happy with my parents' arrival, I could not help but felt everything was cut short. I was supposed to meet Anabelle's family for the first time. I wonder how the poor girl must be feeling now.

I have been on scholarship since high school and even down to my College. My parents were not financially stable and every so often, I was grateful I was the only child.

But seeing them in one of the latest Corolla cars only surprised me.

Recently, dad complained about his business failing, and even though I had contributed some amount to help, I doubt if it had gone far enough with the business.

And even when I asked mum about it, by whispering, she only told me to be patient.

I will be, but I hope my patience won't wear off soon.

Just when I decided to rest my head, my eyes squinted at the direction my dad was heading to. It was different from the route to our house.

"Dad, where are we going?" I asked, my mind a little unsettled.

A lot keeps happening today.

"Our new house, Genevieve. We have a lot of good news to share with you."

I held my palms against my mouth, excitement jolting out of me. I was speechless. Yet, I wondered how everything moved so quickly.

Within a few minutes, the car was parked in front of a house. The house my dad was referring to left me stunned beyond what words can describe.

It was in an estate, a three-bedroom flat that was well furnished even from the outside.I entered as mum directed me to my room.

Behind the closed doors of my new room, painted in sky blue with rainbow colors imprinted, it took my breath away. The bed was comfortable and it felt so real.

"Mum, all this happened within three months I left home? How?" It came as questions from me to her, and I really wish she could answer the tons of questions ravaging my head.

Instead, she placed her hand on my shoulder, squeezing it lightly.

"It's alright, my daughter. We will answer your questions, but for now, you should rest. We will be having a guest in the next three hours." I nodded, not wanting to bother her any longer.

But that didn't stop me from trying to think of everything, especially the past. I had to acknowledge my mum and dad had changed. They looked better than before.

We once lived in a manageable apartment with two rooms along a living room which contained two sofas, a TV SET, and a center table. It was a little home that had kept us secured for years, not until today, when it all changed.

"It's fine mum. I will freshen up," I stated, as she left the room.

I was in a pool of thoughts until I realized I needed to tone it down a bit. I already had a long day, one enough to bring down my emotional restraint.

As long as all these – the buildings, cars came from a good source, I'm cool with it. And with those final thoughts, I walked to the bathroom-my best place to find solace.

With my eyes covered, I walked carefully to the living room. My parents insisted as it was meant to be a surprise and I could not help but wonder what it was.

With my mum's hands gently lifted off my face, I came in contact with the supposed surprise as I felt my body tremble.

My gaze landed on a man, his handsome face well shown under the light. He was dressed in a three-piece suit, as I was lost for some seconds.

He looked dazzling.

I shook my head, darting my eyes to my mum and dad. My dad had a complicated look, while my mum simply averted her gaze from mine.

I glanced back at the stranger sitting comfortably on the sofa, his eyes fixed intently at me as if he were in a staring competition.

"Can someone explain what is going on here?" I asked, trying my best to calm myself.

"Mum, dad, who is this person and why is he the surprise you had for me?" My heart pounded at every word I said.

Silence followed.

I had anticipated a gift as a surprise, but never in my world would I imagine my parents had another surprise for me?

I was indeed surprised.

"I am Anderson, your betrothed husband." His alluring voice passed through my ears, as I felt my inside churn.

My eyes widened in shock, as I felt almost numb.

"That is true, Genevieve. You are getting married to him," my dad finally spoke.

Within seconds, I felt the world spinning.

What the hell?