Billionaire Redemption

CHAPTER ONE

"Have you seen the news? He is everywhere. And for what?! Sleeping with numerous ladies. Is that who you want me to marry? All for what?! Money?!" Lila screamed at the top of her voice

"Those are all rumors darling" Her father said in a comforting voice

"And what would someone like him want from someone like me? What does he stands to gain? Have you asked yourself this?!" she yelled again trying to force the threating tears from dropping.

"Lila, can you not be selfish for once in your life?! Magnus Thompson angrily yelled. "Will you stop thinking about yourself alone and think about your mother! You're marrying Damien Kingston, and that's final. This isn't a suggestion, it's an order. Quit Arguing because it won't change a thing. You are meeting with him tomorrow by 3pm, Eleven Madison Park!" he said in a more frustrated voice now.

Lila furiously ran up the stairs as tears streamed down her face, her father's voice echoed through the corridor. She was done arguing with him; and it was obvious he wasn't changing his mind anytime soon.

She quickly banged her room door and snapped the lock forcefully. Her mind is racing with emotions. She leaned against the door, trying to steady her breath.

"I am almost fucking engaged," She yelled at the top of her voice

"You have been almost fucking Engaged for three years now, darling" she heard her father said from the hallway, "Admit it baby, Richmond doesn't have what it takes to marry you." he continued, in a calm voice.

"I can't marry Damien Kingston! I don't love him. How can you force me into marrying someone like Damien Kingston, that ruthless business tycoon?"

Everywhere became silent, he didn't bother replying this time.

Tears rolled down her eyes as she sank to the floor, pressing her knees firmly to her chest. The reality of her situation was suffocating, and she hadn't a say to it.

She lay on the cold floor hugging her knee so close to her chest.

#########

The beep from Lila's phone woke her up about three hours later. She couldn't believe she slept the whole time on the floor.

"Ouch..." she groaned as she stretched, placing her right hand at the back of her neck as she winced from the pain that enveloped her whole body . "Hello" she said, her voice still thick with sleep. She sluggishly sat up rubbing her palm over her temple.

"Wha...what?! No! Doctor, you can't do that! I'll be there in a jiffy!"

Her mind raced with fear as she took a cab to the hospital.

When she arrived, she burst through the door and walked hurriedly to the reception's desk.

"Where is Dr. Stevens?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The receptionist looked up before replying. "He should be in his office. I'll let him know you're...."

She didn't bother waiting for the receptionist to finish her sentence before walking down the hallway as soon as she got a glimpse of Dr Steve.

"Dr. Stevens, please, you can't stop my mother from receiving treatment. Lila pleaded immediately, her eyes were hot from the tears boiling in them. "I just need a little more time to get the money."

He sighed, his expression softening. "Lila, you've been saying this for a week now. We've done all we can, even without the necessary funds. I'll give you until the end of the week to come up with the remaining balance. If you can't raise it by then, we'll have no choice but to stop the treatment."

Lila nodded. "Thank you, Doctor. I will, I promise." She softly brushed her thumb across the stream of tears on her cheek as she watched him enter his office.

########

Lila decided to see Richmond before heading home.

"Hey babe! Open up?!" she said while knocking on his door.

Richmond's face brightened when he caught sight of her from the window. "You didn't call before coming" he said as he opened the door and gave way for her to go in.

"Oh, I didn't realize I needed permission to see my favorite guy," Lila teased.

Lila hugged him tightly as soon as she got in. His musky scent filled her senses. "I love you, sweetie," she whispered.

"I love you too," Richmond replied, as he softly brushed his index around her hairline.

"Coffee? Juice?" He asked

"Coffee would be great baby"

"Okay," He concurred.

He frequently stole several glances at her while making the coffee. "So, how was your day?" he finally asked.

"It was good," She lied as a smile curled up her lip. "But being with you makes everything even better."

Richmond squeezed her hand, grinning. "Same here, but you've got me curious ever since you texted. So, what's on your mind?"

She took a deep breath, she had texted him earlier after the argument with her dad, that she needed to talk to him, but looking at his cute face now she didn't think she had the courage to tell him what her father was plotting.

"How would he take it, I can't afford to tell him, I'll just sort things out myself" she thought to herself.

She let out a faint smile before speaking "I'm just worried baby. About my mother! She keeps getting worse with each passing day and I feel helpless not being able to do anything. She's been on oxygen for months now, and the tumor in her heart has gotten worse. She needs an urgent heart transplant, or... she won't make it." Tears rolled down her eyes freely as her voice cracked.

Richmond's expression grew serious as Lila continued, "I've poured every bit of profit from my fashion house into my mom's treatment, and now the business is on the verge of bankruptcy. I even took a loan, using the company as collateral. I'm trapped, Richmond. I don't know what to do, I feel helpless."

He held her arm firm as he heaved a helpless sigh while she continued "Now, the doctors are threatening to discharge my mom if I don't deposit some money" her eyes were already red from the severe flow of water that was rushing down "A day without the oxygen and she is gone".

Richmond reached to dry her cheeks, not taking his eyes away from her eyeball. He was silent for a long while, not saying a word, just admiring the beauty in front of him.

He paused, his mind racing for a solution. "What if we launch a crowdfunding campaign? We can share your mother's story and reach out to people for help. I can talk to a few friends, I am sure a few will be moved to support us. We can also organize a charity event to raise funds. There has to be a way."

She looked at him, her heart aching with the weight of their situation. "Do you really think we can raise enough money in time? The surgery needs to happen soon."

He took her hands in his, his eyes filled with determination. "I believe we can do it, Lila. We have to try. We can't give up on us or your mother."

Lila shook her head, "No Richmond, we won't give up."