The Billionaire Hidden Heir

Babe, you are joking, right?" Asher Hudson bored his eyes into his lover of five years, Ellie Wynn. His expression was deep, his eyes exuded love and great affection he had for her. Ellie rubbed her face helplessly, a soft sigh escaped her lips. "Asher please," she mumbled and averted her gaze from him. "Asher? You called me Asher," his voice became bleak, his eyelids fluttered and he suddenly felt a pinning melancholy. She had never called him by his name for five years. "Babe please, have I done anything wrong?" " But she wagged her head.

"You haven't done anything to me, It's a decision I've taken." Perhaps because of guilt, she couldn't look him in the eyes. "Babe, you can't just leave me, you can't just throw away our five years of love," he raked his head, then rubbed his face. "You've always loved me, or was it all an illusion?" he took her hand, stroked it gently and placed a soft kiss on it. He lifted his eyes and stared tenderly at her, "I'm sorry if I have offended you, don't just leave me please," Ellie lowered her eyes, her hand which he held trembled slightly. The most difficult decision she had ever taken was putting an end to a relationship she cherished, telling the man she loved dearly that he was no longer good for her. "You can't look me in the eyes anymore babe," he trailed his fingers on her face and she quivered. She wanted to hug him, tell him she still loved him, but she was helpless. She shut her eyes and bit her lips as sob rose in her throat. She felt a great wrench of sorrow and fought to stop the tears that had come to settle in her eyes. "Babe, this isn't what I need now, I just lost a business deal, I need your kind words at this point please," his voice thickened with despondency. A business deal worth millions that had been successfully signed was suddenly cancelled. It wasn't the first time it had happened and it always left him devastated. He was the eldest son of Gage Hudson, a business mogul whose net worth was billions. With his businesses scattered around the country, his two sons were left to manage some, but Asher rarely recorded massive business deals and contracts. It was a usual occurrence that anytime he successfully wins a business deal, the other team would call to cancel it after some days. Despite how hard he had worked, it proved abortive. On the other hand, his younger brother, Cruz Hudson had all the accolades, several multimillion business deals, remarkable achievement and many more. Cruz should be called an epitome of success. But then, he had a supportive father, one who didn't write him off, but encouraged him. Despite how many times he had failed, Gage Hudson would always buoy him up. He also had a supportive lover, who believed in him, who had stuck with him through thick and thin, but the same lover was sitting in his office, putting an end to the love they shared. "I lost again babe, just like before," A great pang gripped Ellie's heart as she listened to his broken voice, she slowly raised her face and finally looked at him. "What happened again?" she asked in a voice which had been eaten up by grief. "I don't know, I don't just know, how do I tell father that I lost the deal again?" The great deal of sadness in his voice rendered it hoarse. Ellie, held his hand tightly, raised it and brought it to her lips. "You will record success one-day, don't give up please," Her lips sent tingling sensations round his body. That was what he needed, her comfort, her consolation, her encouragement. "Don't ever say you're leaving me," he placed a peck on her hand which gripped his. "I truly love you." his voice revealed the emotions she was familiar with. If it were before she would have snuggled in his arms. "Honey, can't you understand?" she stared fixedly at him, hoping he could see her challenges and understand her plight. Asher shifted closer to her, there faces close to each other. "Understand what? that you don't want me anymore? that you're leaving me?" he brushed her lips gently with his thumb. "Have you stopped loving me babe? Are you in love with someone else?" She quickly shut her eyes, her breathing became heavy and tears trickled down her round, smooth face. "Talk to me babe, have you stopped loving me, Ellie Wynn?" The more he asked, the more her tears fell. She opened her mouth to assure him, but her lips quivered instead. "Tell me you no longer love me," he cupped her face gently, then slowly wiped her tears which streamed down. "I.....I......Asher please!" her body quivered as her sorrowful tears fell. Slowly, she opened her eyes, then locked gaze with him. "I lo....lol.....please Asher, It's not easy on me too," she stuttered. He looked at her tenderly, her eyes said it all, her eyes held so much emotions. "What's going on babe?" She lifted her hand and touched his face. "My parents, they don't want us together," she trailed her finger to his lips, and left it there. "I love you Asher, I do, but........" The rest of her words were blocked by his lips. His kiss was soft and gentle. She allowed him relished her lips, giving in to his desires. "I love you Ellie," he muttered while savouring the taste of her lips, and just then, he lifted her and gently placed her on the longer sofa. With low moans escaping their lips, their hands fondling each other, their clothes went off their bodies and only sounds of moans, groans and kisses filled the room. "I'll become a better man for you babe, stay with me," he whispered as he thrust in her. He deepened their kiss, snaked his tongue into her mouth and enjoyed the feeling of her lips on it. When it was over, he laid above her, stared deeply into her eyes, lost of words to say, then after a moment, he revealed a smile, then kissed her lips. "I love you babe, don't worry, I'll talk to your parents." "No, there's no point." She gently pushed him aside, got off the sofa, picked up her clothes and lingerie which were scattered on the floor, wore them, then picked up her purse which was lying on the smaller sofa. "I'll be on my way," she turned to leave but he held her immediately. "I'll pick you up tonight," he gently turned her around and kissed her deeply, his heart was beating rapidly, the wind of loneliness suddenly brushed his skin and he hugged her tightly. " She wrapped her hands around him and rested her head on his chest, listening to the thundering of his heart. "No matter what Asher, don't be discouraged, you'll records success one-day. Always remember I love you." Her words lightened her mood, that he smiled broadly. "Yes, I will record success, see you later my love," then she disengaged from their embrace and left the office. Once out of the office, her tears fell heavily. She hurried to the elevator, and released a heart piercing sob. It was goodbye, she was leaving him. "I love you Asher," she muttered

Once out of the company, she quickly got into her car, shut the door and cried bitterly. Five years of love just ended, she had been forced to leave the man she loved. When her eyes became painful and her nose sour that she couldn't cry anymore, she got the engine started, then sped off. Asher remained in the office after closing of work, he was reluctant to leave since he didn't know how to face his father. When darkness has covered everywhere, he picked up his briefcase and left the office. Once home, he got off the car and headed into the house, his heart beating heavily.

The moment he pushed the door opened, he met everyone in the sitting room except his father. His heart skipped a beat, and he unconsciously clenched his fist. He became momentarily paralysed as every eyes were locked on him. No doubt, they must have heard of the cancelled deal because their gazes exuded despise, scorn and mockery. "Failure!!" Cruz Hudson spat. "Watch your words Cruz," Asher warned. Though he failed again but wouldn't stand and watch his younger brother disrespect him. "Keep quiet! aren't you a failure?" Nova Hudson, their mother reprimanded him immediately. "Mother?" Asher wagged his head, his mouth slackened as he stared at the two. Their mother had never supported him and at the same time, Cruz had never disrespected him. "You spend the Hudson's money, yet can't record a single success!! aren't you ashamed of yourself?" Asher looked down, swallowed hard, gulping down his sadness. "I'm working hard mother, I'll definitely succeed," he began to walk towards them. "Don't come close!!" Nova barked, causing Asher to stop dead in his tracks. "Don't stain us with your failure!" her words cut deep into Asher's heart, his eyes drooped and he stared intently at his mother, then his younger brother. "I'm not a failure mother," his words strangled in his throat and came out hoarse. "If I were you, I'll hide my face daily. If I were you I'll hand over the management of D-Tech!!" She sneered at him. "Look at Cruz, the true son of his father, an excellent business man! But look at you, a disgusting fellow," Asher gave them one more intense stare, then walked away. "Only failures run," and there was a burst of laughter from the two. "And good things avoid them too! Love not an exception!" Cruz added mockingly causing Asher to halt momentarily. His words brought the memories of Ellie and their interaction earlier that day. She was in his office to end their relationship of five years. He felt an ache in his belly at the thought of losing Ellie. "Love can't avoid me, Ellie won't leave me," he mumbled. "Lunatic!" Nova yelled when she heard his incoherent words. "Enough!!" The deep, masculine voice thundered and the whole room became silent. Cruz glanced at his mother and quickly returned to the sofa he was sitting earlier. The one person he wouldn't dare disrespect was his father. "Since when did you learn to disrespect your elder brother?" Gage Hudson barged in and advanced angrily towards Cruz who stood up immediately and hurried to his mother's side. "How dare you call him a failure woman!" His furious voice reverberated through the room, his finger pointed aggressively at his wife. Asher felt a sudden relief, despite how many times he failed, his father never discredited him, he would always stand up for him. "He's your son for goodness sake! you should encourage him and not discourage him with your unpleasant words!!" His finger which was pointing at her trembled as he spoke. "And you!!" He turned to face Cruz who had retreated to his mother's side, his head lowered. "Successful men don't speak carelessly or is your success questionable?" Cruz raised his head briskly, his eyes widened in shock and his mouth hung open. "Dad are you...." "I won't warn you again," he interrupted Cruz, walked over to Asher, patted him gently on the shoulder. "Go freshen up and meet me in my study," his once angry voice dissipated and a small smile danced on his face as he spoke to Asher. Asher nodded readily, "Thank you dad." Then he hurried away. Gage Hudson stared murderously at his younger son and wife, then left the sitting room in large strides. Once in his room, he dropped his briefcase on the bed, loosened his tie, then took out his phone. He dialed her number but he couldn't get through. He tried couple of times, yet couldn't reach her. He stared at the mobile phone in his hand and frowned deeply. Again, he dialed the number and got the same response, "not reachable," He suddenly felt a rush of nervous energy within him. For five years, he had never called without getting an immediate response. Her expression while she was leaving his office earlier that day flashed in his memory, her words resounded in his head. "Always remember that I love you." His muscles tightened and his fingers twitched. Would that be her last words to him? "No!" He wagged his head continuously forcing the thoughts off his mind. "Perhaps she has ran out of battery," he mumbled. Dispelling the thought completely, he made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. Done, he headed to his father's study. After a gentle knock, he pushed the door and stepped in. "Dad," he called out while walking towards an empty sofa. Gage Hudson glanced at him, then returned his gaze on the computer in front of him. "What do you plan to do?" He asked. Asher spread out his hands helplessly, then slowly sat down. "I don't have an idea." His voice was barely audible. "I've tried so hard yet it's the same." He had used different strategies, yet couldn't boast of a good successful business contract. "You haven't tried enough." Gage Hudson got up, then sat beside him on the same sofa. "What else should I do? I feel so ashamed to face you. Dad I haven't made you proud, it hurts so much." The business given to him to manage had been experiencing setback while Cruz had been counting numerous breakthrough. "That's because you are too soft, Asher you need to be ruthless, show no mercy to your opponents, fight like your life depends on it. The business word is dark, only the strong can survive." Asher listened keenly as he spoke. "I don't mean you should be evil, but be formidable!! trust no one son, guard your business secrets, plant your spies everywhere. These are the secrets of a successful business man, I trust you, you have what it takes to break through the dark world of business." Asher narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, perhaps his father was right. He trusted so much, he was too soft hearted. He bobbed his head, his lips curled up into a smile, "Thank you dad for your support, I'll definitely not forget these words." He patted him on the back. "I believe in you, get a good rest, don't think much about the deal." Asher smiled broadly, rose to his feet and left the study. Gage Hudson stared at his back and his eyes darkened. "Cruz!!" He grunted.

It was late in the night but Ellie couldn't sleep, memories of the past kept replaying in her head. What would Asher be doing by then? Was he asleep or restless just like her? Was he thinking of her just like she was thinking of him? He must have tried calling her. She gently turned and her gaze fell on her phone which was on the nightstand, she had turned the phone off because she knew he would call. She didn't want to talk to him, didn't want to hear his heart piercing pleas.

It was over between them, her parents were insistent, she had received numerous threats from them that she was left with no choice than to take the decision which had made her heart throb painfully. She picked up his picture which was beside her and gently trailed her finger across it. "I'm sorry Asher!" Her eyes misted over and her sorrowful tears streamed down. She quickly wiped her eyes, placed the picture on her chest then shut her eyes, hoping to drift into sleep. It's been a week, Asher saw Ellie last. All effort to reach her was futile. He had gone to her family house several times but was denied access into the house, then it dawned on him that she must have finally left him. Her parents who were once amiable became hostile and used unpleasant words on him. Right in his office, he had lost concentration. He stared at the stack of documents on his office desk waiting for his attention, then sighed deeply. He picked up one document, turned it over, scanned it quickly then slowly dropped it on the desk. He leaned back in his swivel chair and placed his palm on his forehead. His gaze landed on the picture frame at the end of the office desk. "Ellie!" He felt several layers of unsettling emotions as he stared at the frame. He picked up the frame, stared intently at it and his lips curled upward. "Don't do this to me babe!" He gently dropped the frame, raked his head carelessly, then took out his phone. He stared momentarily at the mobile phone, then dialed the familiar number but as usual, he was unable to get through. "What exactly did I do wrong?" He mumbled. He rested his head on the desk, he was obviously losing it. One week without listening to her sweet voice, no response to his messages, no willingness to see him. Even when he visited her office which happened to be her father's company, he discovered she was no longer occupying the office. No one was willing to reveal her current office, no one was willing to give out her contact. He raised his head from the desk, stared at the documents again, then began to read through them one at a time. By the time he was done, it was already close of work. He stacked the documents, opened his office cabinet and carefully placed them inside. He picked up his briefcase, glanced carefully round the room, then headed to the door. He was about to open the door when he immediately stopped. "Home?" He mumbled. He recalled how uncomfortable home was. His father who would protect him from the harsh claws of his mother and brother travelled for a business trip. He glanced at his wrist watch then sighed softly. He turned, proceeded to his desk and dropped his briefcase on it. With his hands in his pant pockets, he walked to the window wall and gazed at the bustling city. The numerous vehicles plying the busy road, the street lights, security lights all made the city beautiful in the night His phone rang and he quickly took it out hoping it would be Ellie, but sighed in annoyance when he saw the name of the caller. "Come to Bar de baron," the voice of his friend Javon Tanner was heard over the phone the moment he answered the call. "I don't think I can come," he refused immediately. There was silence over the phone, then Javon's deep breath was heard. "It's Thursday, buddy," Asher glanced at the clock, "I know, Jay but I can't come," His voice was almost inaudible. It was their routine to meet up in the bar every Thursday. "Are you okay?" Javon asked when he noticed his muffled voice. "Yeah, I'm just stressed." He raked his head carelessly, he was yet to tell Javon, since he hoped he would resolve whatever the problem was with Ellie. "Oh, I see, then tomorrow," his lively voice sounded. "Yes, tomorrow," and he ended the call. He gazed outside and realized it was totally dark. Quickly, he picked up his briefcase and headed out of the car office to his car which was parked in the parking lot. Instead of heading home, he drove to the Wynn's family house. Once he arrived the Wynn's residence, he pulled over somewhere close to the mansion, then killed the car engine. With his heart thundering in his chest and his palms suddenly sweaty, he made his way into the house and rang the bell. Soon, the housekeeper came out. The moment she saw him, her brows clumped. "Miss Ellie isn't in," she rushed her words while taking quick glances behind her. Asher observed her reaction, obviously, she wasn't truthful. "I want to see her parents," "They aren't in," she hurried to shut the door, but Asher held the door. "Who's there?why are you wasting time?" It was Isabella Wynn. Asher chuckled lightly, "you said she isn't around," Just as the housekeeper was about to respond, the door was fully opened and Isabella Wynn came into sight. "You again?" A sudden frown warped her face. "What are doing here?" She queried angrily. Asher revealed a small smile, "let me see Ellie please, I'm sorry if I've done anything wrong," Isabella snorted, "keep fooling yourself until you receive their wedding invite," Wedding? The words smacked his head, his forehead creased and he wagged his head. "No, she can't abandon me," A hysteric laughter erupted from Isabella. "Fool, keep dreaming, Cruz will make a better son in law," Cruz? Asher slowly averted his gaze on her, then narrowed his eyes, "Cruz?" He muttered, but she heard him clearly. "Yes, Cruz, Cruz Hudson or weren't you informed?" His jaw dropped and his heart thundered against his ribcage. He stared at her in disbelief, his eyelids blinked repeatedly. Cruz and Ellie? How? "No,no, that's not true,"How can Ellie leave him for Cruz? Same Cruz she despised because of his arrogance. Impossible! Isabella released a low mocking laughter as she stared at him in disgust. "I have no time to entertain losers and nonentities, please leave Asher." She stepped away to close the door but he quickly held it. "I don't believe you, tell Ellie to see me!" His voice became deep and firm. "Tell her I won't leave until she sses me. I know she's inside! Ellie come out!!" His muscles tensed, his eyes reddened and his chest pulsated. "Come out Ellie!!" His voice thundered in the night and ignited Isabella's anger. "Uncultured man!! Fool!! How dare you shout in my house?" She glared furiously at him, but Asher stared at her in total disappointment. "All Ive done was to love your daughter, all I want was a blissful life with her, what did I do wrong!! Why do you want us apart!!" His voice was full of sorrow, pain and sadness. "What did I do!!" This time his voice rumbled, his nostril flared and his eyes shot lasers. Isabella Wynn quickly stepped back as fear crawled over her body. She had never seen him furious. His eyes bored aggressively into her face, and she shuddered greatly. Quickly, she shut the door, placed her palm on her racing chest and took a deep breath of relief. "Ellie, I'll not leave until you see me," his voice shrilled through the quiet night. Slowly he sat on the pavement, his eyes stared lifelessly into the dark night. Soon it began to drizzle, yet he didn't flinch. He sat there not moving as the rain drenched him. The roaring thunder and sizzling lightning had no effect on him. He sat like a statue unmoving as the thought of how miserable his life was turning into flooded his head.