The billionaire's thirty-million-dollar bride

♥Cece's POV♥

Her hands were frailty and cautious, shaking gently as she reached for the hot tea. In her movements were so much of the woman she was and still is. They were ashen where the sunlight caught them, not ghostly like a pale zombie, but subdued and greyish. I think that's the first time I realized how vulnerable she was and how much of a toll the sickness had taken.

She was as tiny as a doll, pale with slender limbs. Her head was bald from the constant chemo and despite the sickness, she was playing with her pocket bible and still clinging so hard to faith. I loved her optimism and confidence; it kept her going and I had no intention whatsoever to break the news to her.

On getting to the hospital an hour ago, the doctor called for my attention only to inform me that chemotherapy had failed on mom; she had a sickness they couldn't cure and her liver was failing. Her body was slowly shutting down and no longer responding to treatment. The cancer had advanced from stage two to stage four.

How do I tell her the surgery wasn't worth it after getting her convinced to amputate her two breasts? It was terrible and I hated this weak sight of her. I wanted to do something to help, anything to aid her because it shattered my heart into tiny fragments but it was a lost battle because even the bible wasn't going to save her.

Cancer is a terminal illness, one that sounds like a death sentence when diagnosed with it. It does not only drain the body and soul but also one's health insurance apparently, leaving a huge dent in one's finances.

I felt devastated after my spiralling mother was injected anaesthetic to make her sleep. My mother was the reason I got into the porn industry despite the fact that I come from a proper and upright Christian family. My father's a role model at the church and it has always been the dream of my parents for me to be a nun. I was groomed for the role all my life. We were influential people in the church yet averagely comfortable financially. When my father couldn't foot the crazy hospital bills, I stared at the mirror one day and tore my nun attire to shreds, giving room for my inner beast to take over with the solid aim of kicking poverty in the ass and finally gaining my dream life of luxury with the baby girl lifestyle I always craved. I met William who is my manager coincidentally at the church during Sunday mass and he was starstruck by my beauty. He wouldn't stop complimenting my light blue eyes. He would always say I should be modelling because the world deserved to be dazzled by my unique beauty instead of covering myself and hiding in nun attires.

I've always been wild as a young teenager. I had this crazy urge to explore; satiate my curiosity. If I didn't know better, anyone would tag me as adventurous. I used to cycle around the neighbourhood to steal mangoes from a strict old soldier who would throw stones after me and yell curse words while I laughed loudly with my basket filled with large ripe mangoes I carted away and my jet-black hair flowing in the direction of the wind.

Mom collapsed one night when dad was away at a church convention. I called the ambulance as fear gripped my heart but the hospital requested some payments before proper care could be administered to her. Bewildered, I didn't know what to do. Dad's line directed me to his voice mail severally so I called the William, hoping that his offer to help was still valid.

William deposited a huge sum for the doctors to begin her treatment and that was when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was so overwhelming but Will stood his ground, helping in any way he could. It made me feel indebted to him, especially when mom started getting better and dad was still nowhere to be found. I felt I was turning my back against the teachings and principles of my religion by accepting this Good Samaritan's deal but Will promised to turn my life around if I could accept him as my personal Messiah and Saviour instead.

I tried to appear strong in her presence, offloading the groceries and food items I bought on my way here. She complained of a migraine and a nurse came in to inject her and within some minutes, she was fast asleep with her frail hands that clung to mine peeled off slowly as she fell unconscious.

I wiped the strain of tears off my face and stood up to exit the ward while saying a quick prayer for her. My eyes were blurry with tears, my body visibly shaken from the grievous news, my brain a mashed mess, and my senses melted into a puddle of crying mess. It hurts that I couldn't salvage this situation; all those thoughts were running through my mind when the force of an object knocked me out of my balance and I slowly felt myself tumbling down. I braced myself, ready for the impact of hitting my body on the cold tiles and bagging bruises and perhaps breaking a bone or two. And the aftermath would likely be a headache and torn skin when something caught me a few inches from falling.

My eyes were firmly shut as I waited for the harsh effect but alas! I was saved. I opened my eyes to find the most gorgeous brown orbs piercing my soul. It turned out my superman who came to my rescue is a more realistic version. A chocolate-skinned, tall and handsome model steadied me and for some minutes, I was lost for words.

His brown eyes reminded me of warm chocolate and his skin glistened on his Adonis bronze tone. His skin might be light chocolate but that did not dim the gold undertone from shimmering and leaving me slightly dazed. He was tall and lean with slightly chiselled muscles; probably a tower of 6ft5 with the body of a god. He looked like he was in his late twenties and judging by the fawning of the nurses and his nonchalance to their attention, it was obvious, that as a pretty-faced boy, he was used to having this effect on ladies. I cleared my throat and tried to comport myself in order to avoid looking like an idiot, assuming he didn't already see me as one.

"H-hi." I stuttered, my tone came out high-pitched so I cleared my throat to start again. "Um, thanks for saving me." I shrugged and pressed my thumb and index finger together.

His mouth was parted in surprise and his eyes were squinted. "Are you alright? You don't look too good."

His accent was British even though he didn't look like one. I could swear he seemed more American than British.

I felt butterflies erupt in my stomach. It was the first time in a really long while that someone said something touching to me, and actually meant it. Most guys just want to fuck me at first glance and I usually feel their eyes undressing me in seconds, but this good-looking stranger seemed different and I felt a warmth course through my veins.

"I'm fine." I offered a weak smile. "I guess," I added and swallowed when I felt a lump in my throat the moment I remembered mom.

"That's usually the automatic response to that question but I genuinely want to know how you feel." He finally removed his hands from my back and I inhaled and exhaled deeply, feeling cold already.

"You're right!" I sniffled. "I'm far from fine; my life is a freaking tornado at the moment, driving me to an unknown destination."

"I know this is not the appropriate question to ask at the moment, but would you like to sit at a cafe and have lunch?" He cocked a brow.

"Oh! I'm fine." I said but my stomach grumbled ferociously and my eyes widened in embarrassment.

"I guess I have my answer then." He linked his elbow with mine and dragged me outside the hospital.

Usually, unquestionable obedience is never my style, but I let myself be swept away by this good-looking stranger.

"Where are we going?" I swallowed, feeling a bit nervous to be following a stranger blindly.

"Just across the street. We can find a Domino's Pizza and order food while I offer you a listening ear." He mused and I let out a nearly silent giggle.

"You sound like you've been starved all week." I reiterated.

"Not really. I just have this crazy urge to fill you up because food normally gives me some form of closure and comfort." He offered me a genuine smile and my insides melted at his kindness.

"What's in it for you?" I furrowed my brows at the thrilling stranger that sent chills running down my spine.

"I hate the signatory antiseptic smell hospitals have and I would kill to breathe some fresh, clean air with good company, so feel free to call me egoistic." He winked and revealed his deep-rooted dimples.

"Now! There goes the confession I needed." I said and he chuckled before opening the door to the restaurant for me.

"After you." He half bowed and I shook my head and stepped in, eyeing my surroundings and looking for the perfect seat to perch on.

"Based on my experience, when one needs a personal space to remain inconspicuous while watching any ongoing drama with the people present, you head to the far ends."

"The far ends?" He arched that perfect brow at me and muttered in a questioning tone.

"Yes, which could pretty much be at any four corners of the building." I wiggled my brows at him and led the way.

The restaurant was mildly filled with customers littered around the room. There were artistic designs hung high above the wall to give it an exotic look but what made me more contented was the opaque glass that gave a panoramic view of the street. If I peered further, I could see the hospital from across the street.

I think Domino's opening a branch opposite the hospital was a strategic move. Starving nurses, visitors and doctors could easily rush down to grab lunch, provided they weren't diabetic.

A waitress came our way and handed us the menu. After glancing through the fabulous options and contemplating on what to settle for, he ordered a barbeque beef pizza and a sprite while I ordered a chicken pie pizza and a coke.

"So what did you come to do at the hospital?" I took a small bite from a slice of my pizza.

"I'm a member of the hospital's administrative body and once in a while, we come together to brainstorm on how to take the company to greater heights." His sprite made a snapping sound the moment he popped the can drink openly.

"Oh!" I bobbed my head. "Now isn't that impressive? Are you a doctor?" I inquired.

"Nope! Just a major stakeholder." He mused while munching slowly.

"Still, good to know." I bobbed my head.

"So, how can I help put a smile on your face?"

"You are already feeding my sorrow-filled ass." I punched the air with pizza.

"I meant to put a full stop to what's brooding your mind."

"Oh!" I shrugged my shoulders and dusted the crumbs of the pizza bread off my hands. "You can't. It's a terminal disease that has no cure and it has a firm grip on my mother's life."

"I'm so sorry to hear that." He rested his chin on his palm and I watched as his face saddened a bit.

"No biggies. I just have to learn to accept it, which can be hard because she is my pillar and backbone." I bit my lower lips and looked away sadly.

"I can totally relate because I lost my grandfather, who was my biggest cheerleader and supporter, to prostate cancer."

"Oh my God!" I slapped my hand over my mouth and gasped.

"It happened earlier this year but it still feels like yesterday." His eyes fell to the ground as shook his head.

"How did you get over it?" My tone was soft but I couldn't help my curiosity.

"Well, I basically went through all the stages of grief." He stared me in the face. "Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance."

"Damn! Sorry about that." My knees buckled as I bit my lips even harder. I stopped the moment I tasted the metallic salty taste of my blood.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'll be here for you and the best thing for your mother is the relief and peace that comes afterwards." He raised a brow, silently asking me if I understood and I nodded.

"She has been going through tremendous and insufferable pain for so long. She deserves rest if it puts her out of her misery."

"But I don't want her gone." Tears fell down my cheeks and I sniffled.

"She is never going to leave you alone in this world, she will always be protecting you like some form of a celestial body in the afterlife, but for now, think about what's best for her." He handed me a tissue, which I gracefully accepted, to wipe my tear-stained cheeks since they were ruining my mild makeup but I didn't care.

I shook with sobs and when I felt my throat getting parched and itchy, I grabbed my coke for the first time, twisted the cover, and chug down half of the content.

"I know it is painful to you, but does it make you happy watching those nurses plunge in substances into her system?" He tilted his head.

"No!" I shook my head without stopping. "I hate the sight of her deteriorating further while clutching her bible so tightly, waiting for a miracle that wouldn't come." I shook even further.

"Alright! Breathe in and out." His eyes widened as he saw that I was spiralling and panicking. I sucked in a huge breath and let out a heavy exhale, following his command.

"Good! You will be fine, I assure you." He placed his soft palm on my shoulder and rubbed a bit for comfort.

It might come as a shock but I felt understood by this stranger. He allowed me to rant without judging. I felt lighter afterwards.

"I feel so much better talking to you. My mood's been lifted compared to when I left the ward feeling hopeless and destitute." His touch made his scent slowly pour into my nostrils, filling me with that sandalwood male cologne. He smelt fresh and clean. He was just my typical spec but I had no idea if he was taken or not.

I suddenly felt ashamed of myself. My mom was dying and I was wondering about the relationship status of this kind-hearted stranger.

I should focus on enjoying the rest of my limited with him before heading back to the doll house.

I'm glad I could be of help." He smiled. "It's my unique destiny to help beautiful ladies in this life." He tucked some strands of my hair behind my right ear and I let out a burst of boisterous laughter.

"So what are you then? A player?" I wiggled my brows at him playfully.

"Nope! Although I have the reputation of a bad boy." He teasingly narrowed his eyes at me and I felt chills run down my spine.

He really was a beauty to behold!

"Aren't you one?" I pressed on.

"Most people who look like me are termed bad boys once you're hot and command the attention of everyone when you step into a room."

"Hmm! Cocky much?" I sipped my coke loudly.

"No, but there are ladies that try to impose themselves on me, and in the course of trying to respectfully decline, I'm seen as the automatic bad boy because I have been told severally that I have a pretty face."

"So what do I address you as?" I cocked a brow at him.

"What do you think you should address me as?" He countered.

I blushed inwardly knowing that he was flirting with me. "Mr Cocky Much?!"

"Damn! Do you still think I'm cocky after hearing my side of the story? I'm offended; you broke my heart." He clutched his chest and coughed dramatically like he was dying while I giggled loudly.

"Are you okay, sir?" A waitress rushed towards us with a bottle of water and tried to slap his back.

"I'm perfectly fine. Thanks." He sat upright and raised his hands as if to surrender. The waitress looked mad for being played while I held my laughter in with swollen cheeks because I didn't trust myself and could burst into another fit of laughter in moments.

She hissed and stormed off while I let out all the tension I've been holding in my lungs and chuckled wildly, hitting the table and he joined me.

"You should have a degree in theatrics." I finally said after calming down.

"Unfortunately, I don't, because mine is inbuilt, purely talent." He raised a shoulder.

"I see." I grabbed my phone and gasped at the time. Time flew past us so fast and my phone currently read past eight at night. I guess I was too wrapped up enjoying this-- shit! I don't even know what to tag it unless going on a date with a stranger is a thing. I guess I could refer to it as an outing because it seemed perfect.

"Ready to leave me already?" He pouted, giving me this little cute adorable look that one would never be able to refuse.

"Yeah, sadly. I'm way past my curfew. My house has rules and one of them is being home by nine pm or risking being locked out." I grabbed my bag and tucked in my phone and other accessories.

"What is your name?" He inquired spontaneously.

Usually, I don't give my names to strangers but he has proven to be more than just one today. He was there for me, he listened to me rant, he fed me, and offered words of encouragement. And let's not forget, he livened my mood as well as flirted with me without for once hinting at sleeping with me. I love the fact that he was different from the others and it pleased me so I broke my usual code of conduct.

"I'm Cecilia but you can call me Cece and I'll address you as the boy with the pretty face."

"Thanks for keeping me company today, Cece." He stood up and saw me off to my car after settling the bill and he did one more thing that shocked me. He didn't ask for my number. Instead, he claimed if we were destined to meet again, fate would make our paths cross before watching me zoom off. Deep down, I was glad he didn't ask for it too because I never intend on meeting this mysterious stranger again.

I just needed someone to listen to how I felt without worrying about the aftermath and he perfectly served the role.

A pinging notification from my phone startled me and I picked it up and saw a mail notification from my manager, William Barrett.

Usually, Will does text me on WhatsApp for trivial issues and mundane reminders but getting a mail from him seemed pretty important. I unlocked my phone and clicked on the new mail.

A chilly wind blew past and ruffled my hair as my mouth was wide parted in shock and my eyes in utmost disbelief at what I saw.

It was an important message about how a die-hard fan was offering to sponsor my mom's treatment by flying her to India to get the best of all medical treatments and in addition, a large sum of cash which was estimated to be about a hundred thousand dollars was deposited at the office but what stunned me the most was that the good Samaritan chose to remain anonymous.

It was pretty shocking that it wasn't even Christmas and yet I felt like I had just gotten a gift I didn't bargain for from Santa Claus.

I was overwhelmed with Joy, I wanted to scream into the air and dance on the street so people would question my sanity. It was a big relief to be honest.

My heart hammered thunderously as I started racking my brain, wondering who was behind putting a smile on my face and that of my mom. Tears of joy trailed down my eyes till I could taste the warm salty tears.

I could feel the inner detective in me resurrect as I made a solemn vow to myself to uncover the mystery that left me thrilled.

I immediately sent Will a reply telling him I'd be there in a jiffy. It was a day well spent and now I have to focus on beating the curfew so, with that thought held in mind, I stepped on the gas.