A Billionaire’s Ruse

James didn’t give me an answer but was just staring at us.

“Come on James. Don’t be a spoilsport.” I shouted at him and Jim mimicked me

We both watched as he pulled off his shirt tentatively, then dipped his feet in the pool, he withdrew his feet so quickly and shivered. He closed his eyes and he dived into the pool screaming. We splashed water on ourselves laughing out loud.

Childhood with James was so pleasant, we went to a lot of places. We went together for picnics, studied together, played together and pranked my servants severally. He was my best friend and confidant.

My parents, or rather my dad, took a liking to him as he noticed we are close. My dad decided to sponsore his education much to my delight and that of James. My father gave him a free pass to and he was welcome anytime in my home.

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“Ma’am, you will be having a virtual meeting with the directors now. They are all ready for you.” Lilan said, dragging me away from my thoughts.

“I’ll be there shortly, prepare me a cup of coffee and get some sandwiches.” I ordered.

“Don’t forget to check the slides again to confirm their accuracy. You can leave once you’re done. It is getting late”

“I’ll do just that ma”. Lilan said, walking away.

She was my new intern but she lives a little away from the town, so I always avoid keeping her so late. I have offered her to move in with me, but she had politely declined my offer, because of her brother who suffers autism. He does not like new places.

I went into my study and sat down, then I began the meeting which ran for almost 2 hours.

After my meeting with the directors, I decided to retire to my room. Today was a hectic day.

I had stepped out of the study and was about making my way up the stairs, already picturing my bed waiting for me, when Edward came in and attacked me with an argument “You’ve been avoiding me since noon.” he accused.

“Hello to you too Edward.” I mimed sarcastically.

“I do not need your salutation Emily. I asked you a question and you are ignoring me.” He said testily

“Someone sure seem testy. Well, to answer your question, I never avoided houy. I have been busy. Like extremely busy edward. In fact, I just…” I was cut off.

“I don’t know what you’ve been up to recently, but that is your business. But ever since I asked for Five million dollars for my business from you, you’ve been acting off. Should this not be the time you show how supportive you are to me?” He blurted.

“I don’t see why you need that amount of money, Edward and you can testify that I am supportive of you even as we are not yet married. I do my best to give you everything you ask for that is within my powers.

I have asked if you on countless occasions, if were in some kind of trouble, but you just act out and go away for days”. I tried to explain.

“That is because I don’t see the need for you to know. “He replied and walked out.

“That is exactly what I was talking about. You always leave.

My mom came in when she heard our voices. My mom came to visit as she is taking time off work.

“Mum, can you see what you put me through eberyday?” I cried out when I saw her approaching me.

“I’m so sorry my baby. I will talk to him tomorrow, I promise.”She said assuredly

“Sorry does not cut it mum. You were the one who insisted we move in together immediately after the engagement and now for over a year, you can’t even convince him to take the next proper step. With this ring, I’m practically turning to the lady of the ring.” I said exasperatingly and walked to my room

Atleast my mum knows that she was the genesis of this while issue with Edward

I drifted into my thoughts.

I had no time to spare as I grew up, I had more meetings to hold, conferences to attend. I had to stand in for my father on a lot of occasion. My father made it that way, so that I can ease my way into the heart of the Board of Directors. His strategy is that I show them how good and irresistible I was, that they have no other option but to accept me

With all these many schedule, I no longer have the privilege of spending quality time with James anymore.

Most times, I kept him waiting after we have made an arrangement to meet. Because by the time I get home, i will be dead tired and all I would just want to do is to head straight to bed.

During my holidays one summer, I had planned to go on a picnic together with James. It was well drafted and I made sure it did not clash with my schedule or any other thing.

In fact, I had picked matching outfits for both of us. Black visors with pink and black armless top and trousers. Let me say I planned a holiday for both of us. I wanted to make it up to him for all the times I stood him up.

Just as I was waiting for him to come over so that we can leave for the airport together, I got a call from the office. A meeting that was prescheduled but got cancelled. I was told the meeting would begin in two hours time.

I was a guest speaker in this supposed meeting. It will benefit our company greatly and there was no way I could say no.

I had no option but to unpack, repack and fly to the neighboring state immediately.

Unfortunately, the meeting was to last for a week, I felt I had let him down again, but my hands were tied. This affects a whole lot of people who depend on my father’s wise decision to survive.