Prologue

"No, Mom, I can't come home for vacation. I need to stay back and hit the books for the next assessments," Bella told her mom, her voice tinged with exhaustion. She missed her parents dearly, but she had to pinch pennies and work overtime while cramming for the next semester.

"Oh, Bella, your dad misses you so much," her mom's voice cracked on the phone, filled with mixed emotions.

"Tell him I miss him too. I miss you, Mom," Bella's voice quivered, her eyes welling up with tears. "But if I don't land this scholarship, there's no way I'll be able to continue my studies here." Her voice fell, heavy with disappointment.

"Why don't you ask Ryder for some help? He's loaded and could easily lend you some money," her mom whispered, trying to keep her voice low so her husband wouldn’t hear.

"Mom," Bella sighed, rolling her eyes. "I know he can cover my tuition, but I don't want to rely on favors. I want to earn it on my own," Bella said firmly.

Ryder was Bella's best friend and the most eligible bachelor in town. He was filthy rich and ridiculously handsome. But he was off-limits in that way—he saw Bella as his kid sister, and they had shared a close bond since they were kids.

"Okay, Mom. I really have to go now. I love you. Bye," Bella hurriedly said, glancing at the clock. Her next class was starting in five minutes.

Hanging up her phone, Bella jogged to her class as fast as she could.

__________________________________________

IN ANOTHER PART OF THE CITY

"Sir, you have an appointment tomorrow. Can I schedule it for 2:00 p.m.?" Lara, Ryder’s secretary, asked, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a hint of nervousness.

"Lara," Ryder sighed, rubbing his temples, "you know I don't work on weekends. Tomorrow, I have a lunch planned with my family. Please clear my schedule." His tone was firm, almost exasperated. "If it's not urgent, book the appointment for Monday. Otherwise, let me know if I can make time for this meeting."

Lara nodded, trying to maintain her composure under his intense gaze. "Understood, Mr. Knight. I’ll check if it's urgent and get back to you."

Ryder leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. "Thank you, Lara. And please, make sure nothing else comes up for tomorrow. I need this time with my family."

"Of course, sir," Lara replied, a slight sensual tremor in her voice. She halted for a moment, her hooded eyes lingering on his chiseled features before she turned to leave.

As she walked away, Ryder could feel her checking him out and it irked him. He was used to the attention, the lingering looks, and sometimes, it was flattering. But more often than not, it was just exhausting. He wanted people to see him for more than just his wealth and looks.

He stood up, stretching his tall frame, and grabbed his coat. The office was quieting down as evening approached. Ryder headed straight to the parking lot, the cool evening air doing little to soothe his restless mind. He slid into his red Ferrari, the leather seat familiar and comforting. With a twist of the key, the engine roared to life, and he sped off towards home.

Ryder Knight, a twenty-eight-year-old billionaire and owner of Knight Enterprises, had climbed the ladder of success rapidly. He was not only a business genius but also possessed a charisma that drew people to him. Yet, beneath his confident exterior, there was a man weary of superficial connections.

As he drove through the bustling streets of New York City, his mind wandered to Bella. She was one of the few people who saw him for who he truly was. He thought about their childhood, how they grew up together, and the countless memories they shared. Bella never treated him differently, even after he became the most sought-after bachelor in the city.

Arriving home, Ryder parked his Ferrari in the garage and entered his lavish penthouse. The city lights twinkled outside, a stark contrast to the solitude he felt inside. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and stood by the window, gazing at the skyline. Ryder took a sip of his whiskey, feeling the burn down his throat.

"Sometimes, I wonder if it's all worth it," he muttered to himself, his reflection in the window looking back at him, tired and contemplative. The weight of his responsibilities and the loneliness of his success settled heavily on his shoulders as he stood there, lost in thought.