Taken By The Arrogant Billionaire

It was her day off. She had the whole day to spend with her pup.

She patted its head. “Should we go out for a walk? Hm? Should we?” She was distracted when the doorbell rang. She raised a brow, not expecting any guest. Or was it Jared? For some unknown reason, the thought thrilled her.

She took a deep breath before opening the door, but it wasn’t who she hoped for.

“Mrs Anderson” What was she doing here? How did she know her house?

“I know you must be wondering why I am here, but can you at least let me in first?”

Valerie moved aside and she walked in.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“You have a nice place” she looked around the house. “You live alone?”

“No. My friend too. Why are you here?”

“You don’t look that excited to see me”

“Why should I? I barely know you”

Mrs Anderson smiled. “Of course”

She walked towards the table and dropped the bag she was carrying. “I have not seen you since you left my party some time ago. I wanted to apologize since you left unhappily. I may not know Jared that much, but he looks like he could be a real piece of work sometimes”

“You don’t have to. It’s not your fault”

She opened the bag and brought out food containers, opening them one after the other under Valerie’s astonished gaze.

“Who are all these for?”

“You, of course”

“For me? Why would you bring me all these?”

“First, I figured that you won’t have enough time to cook considering your work, so I cooked these. Second, I have not thanked you for retrieving my purse and an apology for what happened at the ball”

“I already said it isn’t your fault and as for the purse, there’s no need to go this far just to thank me”

“Okay. Just scratch that. The first reason then”

“I can’t and will not accept this”

“Come on. You look so thin and frail. Trust me, some home cooked meal will do you good” She walked towards the refrigerator and opened it. She shot Valerie a knowing look when she saw what was in it. Eggs, vegetables, and water.

She began to arrange the food containers in the refrigerator.

“You are doing this without my permission”

“Trust me, you’ll enjoy it”

There was one container left. She opened it, dipped the spoon in it and brought it close to her mouth, silently telling her to open up.

The aroma filled her nostrils and her mouth opened on their own.

“How is it?”

Valerie was speechless. It tasted wonderful. Her eyes suddenly watered, yet she didn’t know why.

Mrs Anderson noticed.

“Are you crying? Does it taste bad?”

She sniffed. “No. It’s delicious. I don’t understand why I’m crying”

“There there. It’s alright” she handed her a handkerchief and helped her to the sofa.

“I’m sorry. I’m usually not like this. I don’t know what came over me”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry. I will -” She was interrupted by a phone call. “Alright….. I’ll be there soon” she hung up. “I have to go. Will you be fine alone? I can stay if you want”

“No. Please, you can leave”

Mrs Anderson stretched out her hand. “Your phone”

“My phone? What for?”

Mrs Anderson looked around and saw it on a table nearby.

“I’m guessing that is it” She said, picking it up. She typed something on it and gave it back to her. “My number is there if you need to call me”

“Why did you do that? Why would I need to call you”

“Goodbye, young lady….. oh, and there’s no need to walk me out” She smiled and walked out.

****************

Sandy sat on the sofa when she received an unexpected guest.

“Mum. You didn’t tell me you were coming?” She tried to stand up but was stopped by Mrs Smith.

“There’s no need to. I was in the neighborhood, so I decided to stop by to see you. Where is Dylan? Is he not home? He left you all alone when he knows your due date is in a few weeks?”

Sandy smiled awkwardly. “He still has to do his job as the president. Also, he is trying his best to make me happy”

Mrs Smith sighed. “That boy”

“Why don’t we move out to the garden?”

She helped her up and they went out together.

“Mum, I was wondering if you could show me Dylan’s childhood pictures again”

“I don’t have them here. But I’ll make sure to show you next time. What about yours? I have never seen them”

“My mum has them, but I have some on my phone” she stretched the phone towards her.

“Wow! Is this you? You look so cute and chubby”

“That was on my one-year birthday. My dad on the left and my mum on the right”

Mrs Smith continued scrolling and suddenly paused. “Who is this? She looks familiar”

“Oh, that’s my friend, Valerie. You must have seen her before”

“That must be why she looked familiar” The next few pictures were that of Valerie. She was about to return the phone when she unintentionally scrolled left and she froze. Her heart leapt.

“Who is this girl?”

Sandy peeked.

“That is my other friend, Layla. I don’t think you know her, as she doesn’t show her face often. She is pretty, isn’t she? Just that she acts like a tomboy. She would have looked even more beautiful if she wore dresses, but no. She hates them”

Mrs Smith’s hands shook, but she tried to steady it.

“For how long have you known each other?”

“Probably five years”

“Five….” her throat tightened.

“Mum, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Can I take this picture of her?”

Sandy sat up. “Why? Is something wrong?”

“No. I just think she is pretty. You know I love pretty things” she took a picture of Layla and returned the phone. “Honey, I’m afraid I have to leave early” Sandy was going to suspect there was something wrong if she stayed longer.

She entered the car breathing heavily. It was impossible. Cheryl died years ago. So how…….

“To the president’s office”

She dialed a number.

“Hello” Jared’s hard voice could be heard on the other end.

“Go to your brother’s office. I’m on my way there”

“I’m really busy at the-”

“I must not get there before you” she warned sternly before hanging up.

A few minutes later, she burst into Dylan’s office. Dylan sat at the table while Jared sat on the sofa with his legs crossed. Dylan stood up as soon as she entered.

“Mum, is everything alright? Jared said it sounded urgent”

“It is urgent. I think Cheryl is alive” The two men shared a look.

“Mum, what are you talking about out of the blue?”

She showed them a picture of Layla. “Look at this. This is Sandy’s friend. Doesn’t she look so much like my Cheryl?”

She stared at their expressionless faces and suddenly came to a realization.

“Wait, did you two know about this?”