CHAPTER 9: DENYING THE BILLIONAIRE

Melissa

My heart swelled with joy knowing how rough the past few years have been. Standing in front of thousands at the annual conference was a dream come true for me.

Immediately the director gave his little speech and welcomed me to the stage, I was elated.

The students made it more resounding when they roared with joy when my name was called.

I found my way to the stage in style, swaying my hips gently from one end to the other. My 3 inch heels made pointy noises on the tiled floor. I was clothed in a green tight dress, just stopping below my knees. The past few years, I had become confident of my own figure but past traumas made me steer clear from men.

I reclined gently to the length of the microphone, speaking into it. The spotlight was fixed on me and it felt like I was on top of the world. For that moment, I felt free.

"Oh wow, thank you so much. I had no idea I was a fan of many," I said, earning approvals and laughs from students in the hall.

I gave my acknowledgements to everyone who stood by me; the director, my best friend—Jane, my triplets and the students.

I held the printed document given to me by the director. It was a courtesy to appreciate every dignitaries who left their hard work to grace our conference with their presence.

"Sir and Lady Thatcher of our lovely city of Carlton, it's an honor to have you here," I started with the most important people in our midst. They were like royalty in Carlton and having them here was like our biggest achievement.

They both stood up and waved to the public as everyone clapped their hands.

I spent the next few minutes calling out other dignitaries who did exactly like the Thatcher family.

"James Talon," a man in his 50s stood up with the help of a walking stick, waving at everyone.

The last name on the list drained the life out of me. I wasn't expecting him to be there.

In a lifetime, I thought I was free from all my worries but it looked like the past had finally caught up with me.

I had to compose myself, it was all I had always dreamed of. I couldn't let it be ruined just by a single person.

"Al-Al-Alexander Pierce," my words were failing me badly and it was making me look unprofessional. I looked up and it was exactly who I thought.

Over the past few years, he has grown so fine and beautiful. He stood up, arranging his suit, waving and bowing simultaneously.

My gaze wouldn't flinch from him and as he reclined to his seat, our eyes merged, refusing to break the connection.

I managed to get through the end of the program, each time my eyes happened to cross his path, those deep brown eyes wouldn't shift away. It was fixated on me all through.

Everyone stood up, announcing the price they'd donate for the school. Alexander said his own was going to be private and he had no intentions of saying his amount there.

"Proud bastard," I muttered under my breath.

I stood at the entrance of the door with the director, thanking each one of them.

I sighted Alexander still sitting in the hall, right in the same position.

"Why is the billionaire not leaving?" The director whispered in my ears. "I'll go talk to him to see if he needs anything."

I could almost hug the director for deciding to go, I thought I'll be the one to be assigned to him.

He came back with the most absurd news ever. "He said he would like to talk to you for a while. I think the billionaire has been smitten by you, please give him a chance, you need a man in your life."

I watched the director leave, just both of us were left in the hall. Only if the director knew that every problem in my life was orchestrated by this man. I gathered my courage and took a quick breathing exercise, it helped me whenever I was scared of doing things.

I could only hope that it worked here as well.

"Sir Alexander, good day. How can I help you?" I tried to be formal in every way, not showing a hint of being scared.

He gently stood up and his eyes said otherwise. He looked at me with so much emotion in his eyes, they were placed there just for me to see. His eyes watered and a single tear fell from the corner of his eyes.

"Melissa," my name came out in a whisper. "Melissa, it's me Alexander. Your husband." 

The husband part came out so low.

"Sir Alex, I have no idea what you are talking about. Today's the first day I'll be meeting the famous Alexander Pierce, perhaps I'm not the woman you seek."

"It's you Melissa, I've been disorganized ever since you left. Please, don't do this to me. I beg of you," he tried to touch me but I was faster.

"Once again Sir Alex, I do not know what you are saying. If you don't have anything else to-"

My words were cut off by a lady walking into the hall. She was dressed in expensive clothings and came straight to Alexander, kissing him on the cheeks.

"Baby, I've been looking everywhere for you," she said. "Why are you still here?"

"Cindy, what are you doing here?" I heard him mutter, saying it between gritted teeths. His expression had gone from soft, calm glares to a hard one, the type he always gave me whenever he wanted to carry out his evil bidding.

"I take it that you have mistaken me for someone else, I'll leave you be now. Please enjoy your stay in Carlton," I gave a faint smile and walked away as fast as possible.

"Mel-" I had already disappeared towards the door, thanking whoever that lady was. She saved me from a long act of pretense.

I could hear his voice from the hall, angry and pissed at the lady. Whatever it was with him, I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to live my life away from him.

But knowing Alexander, he wouldn't stop at anything. He was going to be coming after me real bad and I knew that I was out of options.

I couldn't run anymore, I wouldn't even dare to. It's high time I faced my past once and for all.