The Billionaire She loves

Sophia Henderson strode through the grand reception area of Hammond House, her heels clicking on the floor as she made her way from the entrance to the third floor that housed her office cubicle. The edifice, at twelve floors housed the offices of Atlantis City News and some of its commercial affiliates, was were she worked as a journalist.

She had on a long plain blue wrap dress held in place across her waist by a narrow black belt that clung snugly to her figure and gave her a euphoric feel. Most times, on work days, she wore much looser blouses on short skirts or her favorite: simple A-line dresses that flowed with a mix of neutral colors bursting on the eyes of the beholder. The early morning sun rays that poured inside the building from the wide wall windows gave a beautiful ambience and to a weekday morning. The light glinting off the windows in bursts of colours opposite her gave her a sense of warmth and comfort. Over the six years she had worked here, she had come to regard Atlantis City News like a second home.

This was were she had gotten her first job after graduation and her internship in another establishment and where she had made some really good friends.

As she walked by, she checked up on the latest in the news. Atlantis was a sprawling cosmopolitan city, something she appreciated in its apperarance which was representative of all the cultures that could be found in it. And the city was lively, with sporadic open parties, to late evening food joints and the music clubs that kept people up, dancing through the night.

Something that greatly contrasted with earlier events that month in neighbouring Sunderland city.

Reports of violent cyclones ripping through the region had made the news since last week, with loss of lives and property worth millions. The clean up was still continuing and would probably be over in a few weeks. But Sophia knew that the mental scars of such loss wouldn't leave so soon from the minds of the residents and survivors of the disasters. Many were in storm shelters getting used to the idea that they wouldn't see their old homes ever again or as how they remembered them to be.

Her phone pinged with a message from Lisa, her best friend and flatmate as she stepped into the elevator and pressed for the third floor. Come to the Diamond bar as soon as you close from work.

Sophia smiled. It had become a tradition between them and two other friends, Nessa and Claire, to go out on evening dates to various clubs and bars just to hangout and have fun. However, despite the other two having moved out to their respective boyfriends' places, the ritual still continued with Lisa and Sophia. Though not as often. Sophia's job in media demanded more of her time than before, and then Lisa often had to travel out of state for one professional meeting or the other, beside attending to the many clients she had in her freelance business management work.

That wasn't the only thing on Sophia's mind. There was Dave, an ambitious lawyer, attached to a prominent chamber who had recently caught her attention. They had met at a mutual friend's birthday party some weeks ago and warmed up to each other. And then ran into each other later at a birthday party where she found out he was Andrea's cousin. As far as she was concerned they were still in the sizing up stage. Something she hoped to prolong as much as possible.

You need to get a life outside of your work and studies her mother and friends often told her. That was after Sam her last boyfriend had dumped her in favour of a young, barely-out-of-high school blonde who was aspiring to be a top model.

It was a painful heart break coming after six years of commitment and devotion to the relationship. Her other relationships had ended on mutual agreement on the ground of incompatibility.

All men aren't like Sam she had been reminded over and over again anytime she failed to express willingness to explore love once more.

Don't think I can make it today. I have an outing with Dave, she quickly typed back.

Promptly, Lisa replied with a question mark behind outing. She was either going out on a date or not. Not anything in between she pointed out. Sophia laughed at her friend's candid expression. They would catch up later she thought as she sent a message to focus back on work, before going offline. The elevator doors opened and she stepped out into the passage. All of Sophia's close friends had steady relationships which was a painful reminder of what she sometimes missed. Even her acquaintances seemed better at the dating gane than her. Still, there was a chance she would discover love with that special someone, sooner or later. It was Sophia's firm belief.

The workroom was a spacious open area filled with desks in cubicles on one side and groups of sofa seats arranged around small polished wooden tables that provided for an informal work setting that she always enjoyed. The place bustled with people intent on their respective activities. Andrea, a close friend, who worked at the current affairs desk, sat along with others at a desk, seriously occupied with the day's work. The race for senatorial seats had began and the fevered air of campaigning pinged the very heart beat of the polity. Nodding a greeting to them, she dumped her bag on her table and headed into the break room for some hot coffee. She would ould need the energy for the challenges of the day ahead. There were reports to be completed, news stories to be followed up and interviews to be arranged. All of which was among the things to look forward to on any weekday morning, Sophia thought as she picked her cup and headed back to her space to settle for the day.

She opened her laptop and clicked on the file that contained the report she was to write on the famous pop music star, Lia, for the newspaper's entertainment section. She loved following the lives of celebrities and stars. Finding out what made them tick and appeal to a large following. Though she personally thought most, if not all celebrities of any kind were self-centered and expected the world to fall down and worship them without hesitation. Something she experienced as a rookie in her internship year when she interviewed the up and coming, but not so well-known pop singer, Shirley Don. After the interview, while some of her colleagues were busy getting autographs and taking pictures, she had been busy with finishing up to get back into her office for more paper work and to meet more guests for various show interviews. The six foot something guest had asked if she was a snob in the middle of a large audience which made her skin flush with anger. Eventually, to avoid a awkward situation she settled for an autograph which she promptly discarded as soon as she reached home.

Andrea came by holding an open morning daily in her hand. It was the one printed from over the weekend. "Have you seen the weekend news?" Of course she had but she admitted she didn't quite follow all the news provided in the papers She also knew that anytime Andrea said that, it had to be important news. She focused on her colleague. "What happened?"

Sally shoved the open paper into her hand and waved her hand across a page. In bold black letters across the top of the left page was a headline about the ongoing relief efforts for residents of with assistance from private individuals. Among those mentioned was Alexander Hamilton, founder and CEO of Hamilton Investment Incorporated. His company had sent ten trucks filled with relief materials of foodstuff, medicines and bedding supplies. There was only the picture of the vice-chairman of administration as his representative along with others who had been on hand to deliver the materials at the shelter.

"That seems a bit odd," Sophia said. "He's always mentioned in connection with something here in Atlantis."

"Maybe he has vested interest," Sally suggested. "But someone told me he might be in a bid to test the waters for a political office." It wasn't surprising for Sophia. His father had once ran for and won a senatorial seat. That was many years ago before he ventured into the world of investment banking. Slowly, the Hamilton empire had taken shape to become one of the leaders in the financial world.

"Well, what matters is that it shows he may be very compassionate at heart," Sophia concluded. In her mind she thought otherwise. Moguls and magnates had a tendency to focus on only economic gain. Something that she knew from childhood, especially the global downturn of 2008.

Just then the door leading to their boss' office opened, and Felix McKenzie smiling face peered at them from his door. He was a beefy middle-aged man with a mop of brown hair sprinkled with the first show of graying hair. And he always wore his trademark brown checkered jackets over black trousers, and equally black and shiny shoes. Tales of his exploits as a young investigate journalist were always shared among the staff, most of whom held him in awe. In the media industry, he was a icon.

He acknowledged Sally's presence with a nod before turning to Sophia. "Sophie, morning," he beamed. "Could we have a moment?" he said, indicating to his office.

"Yes, Felix. No problem." Sophia stood up from her sea, pulling down the sides of her dress. It clung to her skin like tape which suddenly made her feel uncomfortable and have a rethink about her choice of wear. Or maybe it was just her imagination.

Felix's office was warm and homely, and like the rest of the main building, it had white colored walls, a large polished oak desk that gleamed in the light and large windows, shrouded by blinds, that gave a panoramic view of Atlantis skyline and overlooked a section of the city's main business district. Further afield the Atlantic coastline could be seen as a strip of yellow against a solid grey of wave barriers and buildings. His desk contained some pictures of his family, a wife and three kids and behind his chair a large wall painting presented to him as a a donation for his tenth anniversary as the Chief News Editor.

"Please, take a seat," Felix offered her, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk and picking up his morning cup of tea. Another unique thing about him. He came to lean against the table across from her.

She sat down, feeling easy and calm. It wouldn't be the first time he had called to see her over something in his office.

"I see that you have read the weekend news about the business tycoon. Mr. Alexander Hamilton was at the storm shelter yesterday during the presentation of the emergency supplies," he informed her.

Shock and confusion washed over her face and Sophia knew she might probably be looking as red as tomatoes. She leaned forward. "Sorry, sir. But the newspaper article only mentioned a company representative at the event and not him."

"That's because he's very private and would stop at nothing to keep that air around him." He smile, crossing his arms on his chest as a look of surprise came over her face. "This Friday, Hamilton Incorporated is hosting a gala dinner for their corporation's recently launched humanitarian project." She was surprised considering she had only heard about that just yesterday.

He paused to allow the words sink in. "And that means I am one of the invited guests. But I have a task for you. On Wednesday, you would have to conduct an interview with an important personality," he continued to explain.

"Who?" she asked warily. There was no big deal about conducting an interview since she handled the entertainment desk and previously he'd asked her to handle something for him which had been a delightful and eye-opening experience for her with just a few hurdles to cross over. And so far she had enjoyed all the interviews she had hosted. So, she didn't anticipate what he said next.

He tapped his desk. "Fiona is covering another story now but last week we got clearance to interview Mr. Hamilton. Unfortunately, she won't be available to do the interview with the Mr. Hamilton. I thought you might be the one to do it."

The tap of his fingers felt like was sticking and she had to make an split-second decision. Sophia suddenly panicked, her voice lost in the aftermath of processing the information in her head the words interview and Hamilton swirled around. Her heart freezing in her chest constricting so hard. Fiona David was an accomplished journalist though she had worked longer at Atlantis city News than Sophia. Which made her a kickass journalist. She could fit into any mode and conduct an interview excellently without much stress unlike her. When she found her voice she simply asked, "Interview him? But why me and now?"

"Yes.You will have to do the interview for us. Since you have the most aptitude for it." She wondered if he was referring to an incident years ago at her place of internship when she hadn't fussed over a celebrity she'd interviewed.

"Have you made an appointment for it or it's already finalized to hold?" she managed to say.

"It's finalized. You will do it the day after tomorrow, Sophia," he said as he tapped her shoulder. He reached behind him and removed a file which he handed over to her. "That's the brief Fiona prepared beforehand. It will be helpful if you took a look through it."

"Finalized?" she squeaked, taking the file from him. Felix only responded with a smile.

"If you are going for the dinner gala, why can't someone else go with you, cover the event and interview him," she insisted.

She was still trying to wrap her head around the whole issue of her interviewing one of Atlantis' richest men. Calmly, Felix explained that there were very few reporters he could trust with such a delicate job. The man was very particular in his dealings with people and most of the staff here would walk away with the same negative stereotypes they formed about him, without looking at the facts.

Sophia's mind raced with possible excuses to decline the task until an idea hit her. "What about Claire? Isn't she coming for the dinner?" Claire Simmons was the senior editor for the current affairs news desk.

"She will be going to Austin for a programme and won't be back until next week. You are our main hope," he said, his brown eyes holding hers to bend her will.

"I will do it," she said reluctantly, after a stretch. She picked up the folder and began looking through it. When she had seen enough she stood up and excused herself.

"One more thing, Sophia," Felix called. She turned to face him, hoping there wasn't an extra demand coming. "Just be yourself," he advised.

She nodded with a small smile on her face, and headed out of his office.

Sally observed Sophia as she came back to her desk, still reeling from the new development. "You look like you just saw a ghost. What happened?" she asked, eyeing Felix's door.

Sophia related what happened and moaned about her inability to hold conversation straight with anyone for longer than five minutes."What am I going to do now?"

"Alexander Hamilton? Like seriously," Sally echoed. She came around to her side. "He needs me to do it on Wednesday. Sally only shot her a sympathetic look. "It can't be that hard to do." Sophia rolled her eyes at her. Easier said than done.

The day passed by quickly in a flurry of reports, news writing and editing and when she was free in between her scheduled tasks, Sophia managed to glance through the brief file she had on Alexander.

He was a thirty-three, born to Senator Phil Hamilton and wife, Miranda Hamilton in Lakestown, a few hours drive from Sunderland City. Founder and CEO Hamilton Corporation and from one of Atlantis prominent families. He was a graduate of Investment Banking from Princeton University, sum cum laude and apparently had an avid interest in golf and polo.

She rolled her eyes in obvious disgust when his personal life didn't reveal much except that he had once dated the one-time top model, Sean James, which had barely lasted three years before they broke up. In between his relationships were women that he had affairs with, all from different parts of the entertainment industry. The pictures were a top notch window of a man who certainly was a ladies man and who wielded charm and with that had them flocking towards him. His lips were surprisingly pink for a male and seductive she found herself noticing . Was he one of those men that applied a bit of make-up to look good? The thick mass of dark hair gave him an alluring aura of elegance and refinement.

At lunch time Sophia was more focused on her phone than her food as she made searches online throughout her meal, eager on getting to work on the interview. Andrea and Sally chatted on when she suddenly broke in, "Does anyone of you know who Mr. Alexander Hamilton's lover is?" She had gone through the file and yet there was no mention of a lover or partner anywhere in it. Something she knew most of the rich and famous couldn't keep out of the media no matter how hard they tried.

"Alexander Hamilton?" the two ladies echoed before sharing a stare. "The CEO of Hamilton Incorporated has many lovers."

"I heard he changes them like he drinks a glass of water," Sally supplied, sipping at her milk shake.

"And he really isn't seen in the media like before, especially since some years ago," Andrea empahsied. "But why do you want to know?"

Sophia explained what her assignment was to Andrea's gasp of surprise. And the latter deemednit perfect to give her a breakdown of how not to fall into the trap of his charm and appeal.

But the answers didn't satisfy her curiosity by any drop. Sophia decided to pause with her research online until later and went back to work.

A white Lexus was waiting on the kerb with Dave standing outside, his hands in his pockets when Sophia closed from work. He beamed at Sophia and gave a mock salute when she stepped out of the building. The car park which was partially in view from the street was still full with people chatting away before they parted ways to go home so she didn't think much of it until he took her into his arms when she drew near and pecked her. His body felt warm against hers.

"What was that for?" she asked, drawing away from his arms. She earnestly didn't want to think it was what she really thought it was.

"How was your day?" he asked instead, taking her hand and leading her to the passenger door.

"Fine, but crazy," she replied.

When he was at the wheel, she gave him a rundown of the day's events.

"Does he make you that uncomfortable?" he asked glancing at her. For a brief moment she didn't know whether to be honest or give a made up answer. "Let's say I find it hard to focus or connect with people from such backgrounds.

Dave only looked at her, hiseyes expressionless.

They settled to have a quick evening snack of hotdogs and chips at Grills and Fries. Late evening traffic whizzed past in the background.

"Have you thought about it this way? That maybe you are not quite open to people of affluent backgrounds? "he eyed her.

"Not really. Though I feel someone like him has a sense of entitlement in their attitude," she defended.

Though Dave suggested she dropped the assignment entirely, and Sophia continues to balk at the idea, she wasn't so sure she wanted to back out now. Her interest in Alexander had sparked and it burnt low but fierce in her mind. Shortly after, they headed home, with Sophia claiming she needed an early night cope with the slight headache she felt.

Initially, Sophia thought Lisa was asleep with the silence that reigned in the flat from outside of the house until she approached the front door. Inside, the TV was on a movie channel with the lights dim across the hallway and into the dining. She swept through only to be confronted by as a silent until she stood in the hallway Lisa's leaning form against the door jamb of the dinning room. She was in bum shorts and sleeveless linens top, arms folded across her chest. She appraised Sophia critically. "Who was your date this evening?"

Sophia went red deeply. She hadn't considered the possibility that her flatmate would be keeping an eye out for her arrival.

"Lisa, give her a break. She's just arrived and needs her rest," a warm voice laughed somewhere from inside. The voice was from a lady with chestnut hair in long braids and wide eyes who came out from the kitchen bearing a plate of dinner. It was Melinda, a close friend of Lisa and well-known to Sophia. It was a great relief to Sophia that there was someone around to give her a breather from Lisa's expected barrage of questions.

"I came in with a friend from dinner," she supplied, shrugging off her coat and getting out of her shoes.

"Who deemed it fit to drop you off at your place this late like a gentleman?"

Sophia paused removing her shoes and stared. Surely, Lisa hadn't seen her getting out of the back door or identifying that there was a man had been with her in the car.

"I saw a male figure," Lisa pointed out, indicating towards the far left window that offered a view of visitors in their

cars as they came into the premises.

"It was Dave. He picked me up for an early dinner," Sophia explained.

"So what happened at your date with Dave?" Lisa asked with a mischievous smile on her face. Sophia rolled her eyes. Trust Lisa to make a mountain out of a molehill.

It wasn't a date Sophia insisted when she saw Melinda's eyes widen. She only just had to cancel the outing. And even when Lisa scoffed that she was way too stuck in the rut of her strictly platonic life which was unhealthy, Sophia knew deep down that was only a matter of time before she would fall into the vortex of falling in love again. And that would only be when she met the right guy.

"We just had drinks and food. That's all," Sophia said.

"So, has Dave made any move yet?" Melinda asked, but Sophia only raised her brows in confusion.

"Surely, he would have reacted some way to you or even hinted that he is interested in having a relationship with you," Melinda argued which elicited an audible sigh of approval from Lisa.

"He said we could hang out during the weekend,"Sophia said simply. She wasn't keen on giving impressions or looking for them when they were virtually non-existent.

"And make sure you stick to it. Otherwise, you would earn my displeasure if you don't go out with him," Lisa threatened.

The three ladies settled in for the night and Sophia slept off with images of a dark-haired man with seductively pink lips.