THE HEIRESS AND THE TYCOON

The shrill sound of the alarm shattered the darkness, jerking Rome awake.

His breath came in ragged gasps, and his heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst from his chest.

Sweats clung to his body as if autumn had come early.

The dream had been so very detailed-his old home, his dad writhing in agony from poison and his mother screaming falling off a rooftop.

A darkness of the nightmare still haunted Rome even after he opened his eyes to find himself in darkness.

He fumbled for the pills on his nightstand, finding them and swallowing them dry, their bitterness stung him.

He sat up and looked around at the bareness of his room with its minimalist décor.

The black walls and cold furniture seemed suffocatingly close. they seemed to add to the feeling of loneliness he experienced.

His face wet with sweat, Rome glanced at the clock–4:00 AM.

His mind ran back between the remnants of a dream that still echoed inside it and the harsh reality he was living within.

After shaking off any traces of sleep, he went out to the balcony and lit a cigarette. The smoke rose curling up with the cool morning breeze.

This city's skyline stretched beneath him. that city that stood as testimony about what an empire he had built.

Taking in a long drag from this cigarette,

he muttered "I swear, I will make those who caused you pain suffer beyond their worst nightmares.

They will beg for death." The cigarette burned down to its filter as he spoke.

Waking to the bright morning light, her father's voice breaking through her slumber.

"Kylie! Kylie! It's time to wake up!" Her messy black hair tumbled over her face as she sat up, yawning and smiling at her father, who stood by her bed with a warm smile and hands in his pockets.

"Papa you are up early," she said, stretching.

"I'm always up early, don't you have plans today?" he asked, brows furrowed.

"Oh, I do! she replied, hurrying to the bathroom.

An hour later, Kylie feeling refreshed made her way to the dining room.Her father was still in his pajamas and she asked,

"Papa, aren't you going to work?"

"Papa is off today," he said with a warm smile.

Kylie's heart swelled at the sight of her father so relaxed. Since her mother's passing,

Robert the CEO of Davenge Enterprise, had worked tirelessly.

Seeing him take a break and support her made her love him even more. "I love you Papa" Kylie said as she headed out.

"I love you too princess, be careful" Robert called after her. his smile genuine.

Kylie met her best friend Dustin who is openly gay, at his spa. seeing Kylie at his spa made him so happy .

"Oh my girl! I missed you, I thought I was no longer important."

"Oh stop it sissy! It's just been two days," Kylie chuckled, and they laughed together.

Dustin's employees were accustomed to their playful banter, they simply smiled and went about their work.

"So where are we going most beautiful?" Dustin asked.

"We are going shopping and the bill's on me," Kylie said, waving her credit card.

Dustin's excitement bubbled up . "Having a rich best friend is so cool!"

"If I weren't rich, would you still be friends with me?" Kylie teased, rolling her eyes.

"Of course! We were meant to be best friends. Even if you were poor, you would still be the coolest and most beautiful.

I would always be there for you," Dustin said sincerely.

Kylie blushed at his words. "That's so sweet of you."

They drove to the mall, playing their favorite songs and vibing together.

At the mall, they first stopped at a restaurant. While eating, Kylie glanced at arguing couples and sighed.

"I don't think I will ever be in love," she said.

Dustin almost choking on his drink.

"Come on, Kylie! Stop being a b*tch

You are twenty-two, go fall in love, break up and move on if it doesn't work. You are still young, enjoy life!" Dustin urged.

"Love isn't my thing," Kylie replied. Dustin burst out laughing.

"So what is your thing then?" Her lips curled up in a smile "Nothing. I just want to be my dad's daughter."

"Darling, you can be your father's daughter and still live your own life. You are a virgin, and you want to stay that way forever?" Kylie shrugged, smiling.

"I'm just not interested in love or relationships. As for sex, I don't care."

"Oh, Kylie I give up. Live your boring life. I'm a lover boy."

Her face lit up "Keep being a lover boy.

When your heart gets broken, come to boring Kylie's shoulder to cry on b*tch."

He chuckled. "You win this time..."

"I always win" she replied, her face glowing with pride.

They left the restaurant and was heading to the clothing section. As they waited for the elevator, Dustin realized his phone was missing.

"Oh no! I think I left my phone at the restaurant. Go ahead to the clothing store and wait for me," he said, dashing off.

As the elevator doors slid open, Kylie lifted her gaze from the floor, and her pulse quickened. Inside stood a man of striking good looks.

His face had perfect symmetry, with high cheekbones and full lips.

His dark hair was neatly styled, his eyes a piercing blue, and his flawless complexion gave him an almost otherworldly appearance.

At 190 cm tall, he towered over Kylie making her feel tiny by comparison.

She barely noticed his irritated expression. . "Aren't you coming in?" he asked coldly. Startled, Kylie quickly apologized and stepped inside.

As the doors closed, she couldn't help but glance at him, noting his broad, masculine physique. She whispered to herself, "He's so hot."

The young man looked at her "Are you not going out? "he asked

"No I'm... no..tt she stammered.

As the elevator went down Kylie noticed they were heading to the 7th floor instead of the 6th.

"What is wrong with me"

she thought to herself Suddenly the lights went out, Kylie's heart raced.

"What is happening?" she asked, her voice trembling. The young man remained calm but his eyes were fixed on her and laced with curiosity

"Don't worry We will be out of here soon" He said.

He knelt down and patted her back, his gesture helped in soothing her anxiety and helping her feel more at ease.

As he continued to comfort her, Kylie tugged on his shirt.

A few minutes later, they heard voices outside the elevator.

The lights flickered back on, and the young man banged on the door.

"People are inside! Open the damn door!" he demanded in a thunderous voice.

He removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders, helping her stand. Kylie wished he would hold her a moment longer.

When the door finally opened, Kylie's first sight was Dustin and a few men in black, along with technicians who had repaired the elevator.

As they stepped out, the young man gently released his hold on her. She grasped his hand and smiled, "Thank you."

He nodded in response and left with the group of men in black.

Kylie watched him until he was out of sight. Dustin observing her, couldn't believe his eyes. This was the first time Kylie had gazed at a man with such admiration.

His jaw dropped as he called out

"Kylie Robert! He's out of sight now, you can stop looking. Your friend is standing right beside you."

Kylie glared at him. "How did you get here so quickly?"

"The escalator," he replied.

"What happened in there? Give me the full details, and don't leave anything out."

Kylie's ears turned red as she smiled. "The young man covered me with his coat while I was having a panic attack."

"Oh Kylie dear, you don't look like someone who just had a panic attack. You look like someone who got struck by love," Dustin teased.

Kylie smacked his hand. "Stop talking nonsense, Dustin."

"Alright my darling Khy, let me take you home. You need rest after that panic attack, not because you're in love," Dustin said sarcastically.

Kylie glared at him. "Dustin you're so unserious! I wasn't struck by love."

He chuckled. "I did not say anything, darling. Why are you getting all defensive?"

Kylie's face grew sullen. "You know exactly what you are doing."

"Why the sulking? I was just teasing," he said, laughing.

"Stop laughing at me. It's annoying," she said with a half-smile.

He nodded. "Yes darling, can we go home now? We can always come back for shopping another time."

She nodded. "Are you sure you are okay with that?"

"Sure I am ," he replied.

"Carry me sissy, I'm too weak to walk," she said with a sweet smile.

Dustin could never resist that smile. "Alright, my darling Kylie." He lifted her onto his back,and they walked out of the mall together.

Outside, their chatter caught the attention of someone watching from a car.

"Boss Rome, everything is done. We can leave now," one of the guards said.

The man in the car nodded and signaled his chauffeur. They drove off.

Kylie and Dustin got into the car and Dustin drove her home. When they arrived he ensured she was comfortably settled in her room before saying his goodbyes to her and Mr Robert, who was in his study.

A few minutes after Dustin left, Mr. Robert walked to Kylie's room, his face etched with concern. "What happened my dear?"

Seeing his worried expression, Kylie's eyes shifted downward, her brow furrowing slightly. She bit her lip and avoided direct eye contact.

"Kylie we promised no secrets and no lies. Tell me the truth what happened?"

Kylie took a deep breath and recounted the day's events, including the incident in the elevator and how the young man had helped her.

Mr. Robert noticed Kylie's bright smile as she described the young man patting her back and holding her close. His daughter, who rarely spoke about men seemed to have genuine admiration for this one. Could she have a crush? He decided not to press further.

"Do you want Papa to accompany you tonight?" he asked.

"Papa, I'm twenty two years old , I'm not a teenager or a baby anymore. I can sleep on my own," Kylie replied shyly.

He laughed. "You will always be my little baby, even when you're in your forties."

A dimpled smile appeared on her face. "I love you, Papa."

He kissed her forehead and smiled. "I love you, my little Khy. You should get some rest now."

With that, he left the room.

After dragging herself to the shower, Kylie lay down in bed, her mind occupied with thoughts of his deep voice, his face, his touch, and his scent. She could not understand why she felt this way,

she had never experienced such feelings for anyone before.

"Too bad I did not get his name," she whispered softly to herself.

Unable to sleep, she decided to draw. An accomplished artist, she used drawing as a hobby and chose to sketch the young man who had occupied her thoughts.

Once she finished the drawing, she lay back on her bed as sleep slowly took over her.

The next morning, Kylie wanted to thank him properly but had no idea how to find him or even his name. She decided to visit the mall alone, hoping to either see him again or gather some information about him.

She showed the staff the portrait she had drawn, but their answers were unhelpful. Determined, she tried again the following day, with the same result-no useful information about him.

Kylie drove to Dustin's spa. He was good at getting information about people, but she was hesitant to tell him because he would likely tease her about her feelings for the guy.

"Kylie, do you need something from me? Dustin asked, noticing her troubled look.

She paused then pulled out the portrait. "Can you help me find him."

Dustin burst into laughter. "Kylie, you hardly ever draw anyone, but you drew this cutie from the mall. Are you in love?"

Knowing he would tease her, she glared at him.

"Stop it, Dustin. am not in love. I just feel indebted to him and want to repay him for helping me. That's all."

Dustin chuckled recognizing her feelings even if she would not admit it. "Alright my dear, i will help you find him, but there's one condition."

"What condition?" she asked.

"You will have to go on a date with a straight friend of mine who likes you," he said.

"Come on Dustin, do you have to do this?" she protested.

"If you don't agree, then I won't look for your Prince Charming " he replied.

She glared angrily and smacked his hand. "He's not my Prince Charming Fine, I will go."

He smiled. "You won't regret going on this date, my darling."

Days had passed, and Dustin still hadn't uncovered any information about the mysterious man.

That evening, as he wiped his hands on a towel, his phone buzzed. It was Kylie. "I'm picking you up in fifteen" she said, her voice light, but with a hint of something he couldn't quite place.

She arrived at his spa a few minutes later, her car stopping in front. He stepped out into the cool evening air, the scent of lavender still lingering in the doorway.

Together, they walked to a nearby restaurant, the evening shadows stretching long behind them.

"Any news about him?" Kylie asked, breaking the silence as they slid into a booth.

Dustin sighed, the weight of frustration pressing down on his chest. He leaned back against the booth.. arms crossed "Kylie, I think this guy might be dangerous. There's nothing about him. No records, no history-like he doesn't exist."

Kylie studied him for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. She reached for her glass of water, tapping the rim absentmindedly. "He doesn't seem dangerous to me. Maybe he just values his privacy"

Dustin's fingers drummed on the edge of the table, his thoughts racing. What if she's right? Dustin was deep in thought, wondering if Kylie might be right.

Kylie sighed softly, the sound laced with disappointment. She let her gaze fall to her plate, pushing her food around "I guess l'm not destined to meet him, huh?"

Dustin watched her for a moment, feeling a pang of guilt. He opened his mouth to say something but the words caught in his throat.

Instead, he reached across the table.. placing his hand over hers "Maybe one day"

*****

The next morning, Kylie dialed Dustin's number, excitement practically humming in her voice. "I've been thinking about it all night and I'm really serious about opening the café" she said, the words tumbling out.

Dustin's heart gave a quick, happy leap when he heard her "That's amazing, Kylie!" His voice was warm with support " think you'd be incredible at it. Let's talk about it

-what do you have in mind?"

They spoke for a long time, bouncing ideas back and forth, their conversation filled with laughter and the thrill of possibility. By the end of the call, Kylie was already picturing the dream in motion. "I'm going to tell my dad" she said

She hung up and made her way to her dad's room, her footsteps light with anticipation. But when she opened the door, it was empty. She frowned, then heard the soft buzz of her phone. It was a message from him "Lunch with a client today. Let's catch up later"

Kylie sighed, glancing at the clock before pulling on her jacket. Time to meet Dustin.

They had to find the right location for her dream.

When they met up, the first place they visited had too much foot traffic and the second was too cramped. At the third, they didn't even get past the front door. Dustin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "None of these are right"

Kylie exhaled in frustration, her shoulders slumping. "It's been a tiring day. How about we try again tomorrow?"

"That works for me" Dustin agreed. "I have got work at the spa to catch up on anyway."

He gave her a quick hug and they said their goodbyes. Kylie's eyes lingered on him for a moment before she turned to leave. She called her dad as she walked toward her car. "Where are you? I'm on my way."

Her dad's texted location led her to a posh restaurant a few blocks away. As she pulled up, she noticed a group of men dressed in black suits standing by the entrance, their presence almost imposing. She felt a flicker of unease but pushed it aside as she admired the stunning exterior of the place-glassy windows and sleek lines. Inside, the décor was modern and chic, with deep velvet chairs.

The moment she stepped through the door, her dad spotted her. He waved from a corner booth. Kylie's gaze flicked across the room, landing on him immediately. But as she walked closer, she noticed a man sitting with him-his back turned, obscuring his face.

The man's posture was stiff, almost too formal.

Kylie stopped a few paces away, trying to read the situation, but it was hard to get a sense of who he was.

She glanced around the restaurant, noting the silence. Not a single other customer in sight.

The whole place seemed to have been cleared out just for them. Had they booked it exclusively?

"Hi, Papa" she said, walking toward her father, her voice light but with a hint of curiosity. She leaned down to hug him,

Mr Robert's face lit up with a grin "Khy, meet Mr. Rome"

Kylie's breath caught in her throat. The man turned slowly and the moment she saw his face, everything seemed to freeze. Her eyes widened in shock and her mouth opened slightly in surprise. Her cheeks flushed as she blinked rapidly, trying to process the recognition.

Seeing his daughter's reaction, Mr Robert furrowed his brows "Khy, are you okay?"

Kylie took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She extended her hand quickly, offering a bright smile that was laced with a hint of nervousness. "Hi Mr Rome, I'm Kylie Robert, but you can call me Khy"

Mr. Rome's lips curled into a small smile as he shook her hand. "Nice to see you again, Kylie"

Mr. Robert blinked in surprise, his eyebrows rising "You know each other?"

Kylie nodded, her gaze still lingering on Mr Rome "Papa, he's the young man who helped me at the mall"

Mr. Robert turned to Mr. Rome, offering a grateful nod "Thank you for looking out for her."

Mr. Rome's face remained unreadable as he shrugged "It's nothing, Mr. Robert, If it were anyone else.. I would do the same"

Kylie looked up at him, her eyes shining brightly He's really handsome. She thought

When he looked at her, she felt a rush of heat to her cheeks and couldn't help but admire him. His mannerisms, his way of speaking and everything he did fascinated her.

While her father and Mr. Rome continued their discussion, Kylie took out her phone to snap a quick picture of him, forgetting her flashlight was on.

"Khy, your phone's flashlight is on," Robert said with a stern look.

Her face turned a deep red from embarrassment. She immediately apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Rome."

A few minutes later, as they wrapped up their meeting, Mr. Robert extended his hand for a handshake "I'm hoping to work with you, Mr. Rome"

"You will hear from my assistant, Mr. Robert," Rome replied, shaking his hand.

Just as Rome was about to leave, Robert invited him for dinner to properly thank him for helping his daughter.

Rome initially declined, but Kylie persisted.

"I feel indebted to you. I know you would do the same for anyone, but I want to treat you to dinner at my home and thank you properly, Mr. Rome."

Rome raised one eyebrow, his eyes widening slightly. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed carefully on her.

"Is that why you have been searching hard for me so intently?"

Kylie's cheeks flushed lightly, and she lowered her gaze, her lips pressing into a small, unsure smile.

and she gave a modest nod, her eyes darting briefly towards him before quickly looking away. wondering how he had figured out her efforts to find him.

He nodded. "Alright, I'm free tomorrow evening," he agreed and left with quick strides.

Kylie's face lit up with a beaming smile, her eyes sparkling with joy as she hugged her father tightly.

Her father's eyes softened with affection, a proud smile spreading across his face as he observed Kylie's genuine admiration and evident love for Rome and her little trick to take a picture.

At Davenge Enterprise, Kylie and her father enter the office, they were greeted by a room that excludes power and sophistication.

The office is spacious with high ceilings and large windows that let in natural light, offering a view of the city.

Mr. Robert's secretary, was soon asked to fetch coffee.

"Khy, do you like Mr. Rome?" Robert asked.

Kylie's eyes widened in surprise, and her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and realization.

She shifted her gaze downward, biting her lower lip while her fingers nervously twisted together. After a brief pause, she looked up with a shy, sincere smile,

"I think so, Papa" Robert's eyes crinkled at the corners, his smile broadening with warmth, His eyebrows lifted slightly, and he placed a comforting hand on Kylie's shoulder,

"I'm happy and nervous at the same time, my dear."

A puzzled look crossed Kylie's face.

"Why?"

"Because you might not prioritize me anymore," he said with a sad smile.

"You will always come first, so don't be nervous. And besides, I'm not getting married soon, Papa," she replied calmly.

His face lit up in a smile. "My daughter is so grown now," Robert said, hugging her.

"I want you to be sure of your feelings for Rome."

"Can you tell me about Mr. Rome, Papa?" she asked.

He chuckled. "I don't know much about him, but here's what I know.

He's a young, successful businessman and the CEO of Roman Group Corporation.

His company dominates the business world and is worth trillions of dollars.

His identity remains largely unknown because he prefers to keep a low profile."

"Oh really? He looks so young and has achieved a lot. He has this cold and dangerous aura around him. How old is he, Papa?"

"He's only 27, my dear. To thrive in the business world, you need to protect yourself, and I believe that's why he seems so aloof."