The Billionaire's Chaotic Heart

ALESSIA

"I can see that you are a few minutes earlier than your appointment with Mr. Robinson, I am afraid he can't attend to you right now, he is pretty occupied." The secretary politely told me. "You might want to wait until your scheduled appointment with him over there." She gave me a smile as she pointed me to where the couch was.

I knew exactly what I was there for, to take the first step in saving my sister, Lia. I knew I needed to do this, as a matter of fact, I was sure I was willing to do whatever it takes to get my sister back.

As I was waiting for Mr. Robinson, I was trying to distance my mind from the weight of all these emotions that were squeezing my brain for how many days now. Although my initial reaction to this idea was to protest against it, I saw no other way to confront everything than this. Either this would work or not, at least it would not add up to my list of regrets.

I remembered that day so we'll, the moment when Mr. Martin dropped the news that changed the course, not only of my life, but also of my sister's. Thankfully, I had my Aunt Edith with me who actually orchestrated the idea of seeking help from the Robertsons.

"Auntie, what are we going to do now?" I was on the verge of tears again. To be honest, my eyes had been stinging since we left the restaurant earlier. Not only were my ears ringing, but my eyes were also hurting.

Because I refused to comply with what the old man wanted, he dragged Lia along and took her away. I couldn't do anything to stop him. Aside from my sister's willingness to go along, the old man also threatened that no help would come if Aunt Edith tried to prevent their departure.

"There's only one way that I can think of to save your sister," Aunt Edith replied.

"What is it?"

"Ask for help from your father's friend, the owner of Artisan Furnitures. If your parents arranged you to marry their son, maybe they can also help you now," my aunt suggested.

The idea of going to the Robinsons and asking them for help frightened me. Not only because I have never seen and met them in person, but I knew that this huge of a favor may require something huge in return. What was even more frightening was the fact that these people, together with my own parents, had agreed to an arranged marriage for their respective child.

The only thing that came to mind after dissecting that idea was the thought of being married to a man, whose face I had never laid my eyes on. Either I take the fate of being married to a stranger or letting that horrible old man, Mr. Martin, destroy the life of my younger sister.

"What do you want to happen? Which one do you prefer to be arranged in marriage, you or your sister? Do you have anyone else in mind whom you can ask help from if you don't want to approach your father's friend?" That very question of Aunt Edith had ignited the big-sister instinct inside my heart.

No matter how I looked at it, one of us would be in danger with Mr. Martin. Who should sacrifice? I knew that I should be receptive to the idea that it should be me being the eldest. Lia was too young to just marry Mr. Martin, who seemed to be older than my parents.

After that conversation with Aunt Edith, I wasted no time and researched about the Robinsons' Company, Artisan Furnitures. I easily got all the details I needed to contact them. Gladly, three days later I was able to book an appointment with Mr. Robinson himself.

I was feeling nervous as I was waiting, and the realization of facing someone I hadn't talked to before had finally hit me. I hadn't met Mr. Robinson in person yet. My father never mentioned that he was friends with the owner of Artisan Furnitures. I had some ideas about who the business associates of my parents were, but I only found out now that my father and the owner of one of the most famous furniture manufacturers were friends.

But come to think of it, our companies have similarities. The names of our companies are similar. My parents' company is Artisan Pages Corporation, while my father's friend's company is Artisan Furnitures. They also both source their raw materials from trees. It's a mystery that my parents never mentioned this to me. Even their conversation about the arranged marriage was never mentioned by my parents before. What could be the problem?

"Excuse me, miss."

I suddenly looked up when I heard someone spoke beside me. I was surprised to notice the elderly woman standing right in front of me. The woman's face was unfamiliar to me, but she had a broad smile as she gazed at me.

"Are you Miss Alessia Harris?"

"Yes, ma'am."

The woman's eyes sparkled. "I'm so happy to see you, dear," the woman said before she bowed and hugged me tightly.

Although I was surprised by the elderly woman's reaction, I still felt compelled to hug her.

"Oops! Sorry. I forgot to introduce myself, dear," the woman said as she released me. "I'm Mrs. Lavinia Robinson," the woman introduced herself to me, extending her hand.

I was pleased to hear her name. I stood up and shook the woman's hand. I asked her if she was the wife of Mr. Robinson.

I could see the delight in her face as she was telling me that she was the wife of the person that I was looking for. She took my hand as she led the way going to where her husband was.

As we entered the office, we approached an elderly man who seemed to have just ended a conversation with someone over his phone.

"Donnie! Sia is here!" Mrs. Robinson happily announced as she approached the elderly man.

The elderly man immediately stood up and greeted his wife with a kiss on the cheek.

"Are you Sia? Greg's daughter?" the elderly man asked me.

"Yes, sir. Do you know me?"

"Of course!" Both the husband and the wife replied simultaneously.

"How could we forget you when Greg and I agreed a long time ago that you and Claude would get married when the time was right?"

After hearing those words, I knew that I never had to ask myself about the name that he just mentioned. Clearly, the Claude that he just mentioned was the same man I was being arranged a marriage with.

I cleared my throat, but that didn't ease the nervousness that was devouring me in that instance. The last thing Mrs. Robinson said didn't sit well with me.

"Ma'am, Sir," I said, shifting my gaze between the couple in front of me, "I didn't come here for the agreement between you and my parents. Actually, I have another purpose."

The couple exchanged glances. "What is it, dear?" Mrs. Robinson asked.

I took a deep breath before speaking. I needed to gather all the courage there was in the world. I knew right then that I had no one else to turn to for help, and there I was right in front of these lovely old couple, wishing that they would be the lifeline that I needed.

"I would like to ask for a favor from you, if possible. When my parents passed away, we found out that they had a large debt with Horizon Bank. If it's not paid, they will foreclose on the house and land they left for me and my sister. Additionally, Artisan Pages is also at risk of collapsing, so we have no other resources. We tried talking to the bank owner. But he will only help us if my sister marries him. In fact, he already took Lia the other day. I don't know how to get my sister back now."

The woman gasped. Mr. Robinson released a heavy sigh. "To be honest, I've known about your father's problem for a long time. I even offered help, but he refused to accept it. Then I heard what happened to him and your mother. I didn't catch up with him. We didn't even attend the wake and burial because we were in Europe at that time, taking care of Claude, who was in critical condition. I don't know how we can help you now because it's hard to go up against someone like Martin."

I wanted to collapse upon hearing what the couple said. I was lost for words, and it felt as if an arrow pierced through my heart. I was ready to beg, I was ready for anything that they would ask in return, no matter the consequences.

The couple exchanged glances again. I was already gathering all my strength assuming that the next thing that I would hear from them was an apology for not being able to be of help.

"Let's do this, dear. I'll talk to Harding," Referring to Mr. Martin. "I'll help you lift up your father's company and take back your sister as well as your house and land. If I can do that, I hope you can also help me and my husband."

I just needed to hear those so I could loosen up a bit. I started to breathe again; my heart felt free from a chain that was suffocating it.

I felt hopeful at Mrs. Robinson's words. "Okay. I'll do whatever you want as long as you help me." That was the point when I felt that I would give in to anything, and I meant anything.

"That's settled then. I'll call you once I've sorted everything out, dear."

Feeling hopeful, I thanked the couple as I bid them goodbye. As I reached home, I tried calling my sister's phone, but all my attempts were unsuccessful. It worried me even more, and I couldn't help but think that something bad was happening to her. I tried calling her some more times, but still, her number was unreachable.

My phone rang, and I swiftly reached for it thinking my sister was returning my call already. But it wasn't Lia, instead it was Mrs. Robinson telling me that they had spoken with Mr. Martin, and that her husband wanted to see me in their office.

"Really? Okay. Let me just change into something more appropriate. I'll be there soon," I replied excitedly.

"I'll send my driver to pick you up so you won't have any trouble. There's also a surprise waiting for you."

I couldn't tell if I was excited or nervous about the surprise that Mrs. Robinson mentioned. But whatever that was, I hoped it wouldn't put me in danger. My paranoia had been building up, I felt like everything would not do good on me but harm. I hoped my instincts were wrong.

I dismissed my concerns. I hurriedly got myself dressed and prepared. Less than half an hour after I spoke to Mrs. Robinson, the driver arrived to pick me up.

I went to Aunt Edith and informed her about me going back to the Robinsons, I knew she was worried about me too, but she never really doubted what I could do. Upon arriving at the Grand Artisan Pavilions, the receptionist escorted me to Mr. Robinson's office.

As we were entering the office, I instantly saw somebody that I had been dying to see the past few days. I could no longer stop my heart from overtaking me. I was moved to tears when I saw Lia there with the Robinson couple. I quickly approached my sister and hugged her tightly.

"Thank God you're back!" I exclaimed joyfully.

Lia bit her lip while wiping her tears. "Sia, I am sorry to disappoint you, but I just went with Uncle Donovan and Aunt Lavinia to properly bid farewell to you. I'll also leave and return to Mr. Martin," Lia said tearfully.

The joy that was building up in my heart suddenly stopped, and I was trying to convince myself that I didn't hear those words from Lia.

"What?" I almost ruptured my eardrums hearing that. "Are you kidding, Lia?"

My younger sister shook her head vigorously. "I'm serious, Sis. If I don't go back to that old man, not only will we lose our house and land, but your life might also be in danger."

My eyes widened. "W-what do you mean?" I wish I could tell her that if it was my life that was at stake in return for her freedom, I would personally hand it over to that monster that seemed to have chained my sister.

"Harding Martin knows people. He can make anyone disappear. Your sister is afraid that you'll be in danger if she doesn't return to Harding," Mr. Robinson answered my question.

I almost ran out of breath at what I heard.

"What about you now, Lia? Can you get along with that old man? Who knows what might happen to you in his company?" I was also afraid for my sister; I was actually more afraid for my sister being with that man than me losing my life. It felt like the entire sky had fallen on our shoulders.

"Don't worry, dear. Harding promised not to harm Lia. I saw that he's really interested in your sister. Who knows, maybe he'll learn to love your sister just as he loved his deceased wife."

To my ears, Mr. Robinson's last words sounded like a pipe dream. If only I could do something, I wouldn't want my younger sister to be in such a situation. Lia's all that's left for me besides our aunt. Despite being the eldest, I couldn't do anything for my sister, and it made me sick to think that there was nothing I could do about it.

"O-okay, I'll let you go back there. But call me all the time, okay? I want to know what's happening with you every day. Don't keep anything from me," I instructed her with such heavy heart, making her feel that I was not in favor of it, but assuring her that I trust her completely.

Lia nodded. I hugged my sister tightly again. We hugged for a few more minutes while crying incessantly. When our feelings calmed down, we parted ways. I could only wish that I could do more to protect her.

"I'm leaving now, Sia. Don't worry, I'll endure this for both of us. I'll study hard and finish college so that when the time comes that I'm tired of that old man, I can still support myself."

I forced a smile. I knew my sister so well; between us two, she was the brave one. She may look weak on the outside, but she's stronger than me. Our personalities were the opposite. I looked brave and strong when looked at, but in reality, I was the other way around. I learned to pretend to be strong to stay away from the bullies.

After my sister left, I remained silent for a few minutes, quietly shedding tears. I couldn't understand what mistake we, as siblings, had committed to deserve such a fate. As I wept, the Robinson couple watched me silently.

When I finally stopped crying, Mr. Robinson spoke up.

"I did everything I could, but this is the farthest that I could go, Sia. I'm sorry I couldn't save your sister."

"It's okay, you have done enough." I replied.

"Thank you, dear. Don't worry, I'll help you revive Artisan Pages. I'll invest a significant amount of capital. While you're studying, I'll appoint a temporary manager for your business. Once you graduate, you'll undergo training for a few months, and then you'll become the CEO. Is that okay with you?"

I nodded quickly. "Yes, sir." I knew that it was too good to be true of him to throw such gesture without expecting anything in return, so I asked him about it.

Mr. Robinson hesitated at my question. He glanced at his wife.

"I won't ask for anything in return for my help, Sia. Your father and I were friends, so it's only right that I help you. Besides, I also failed to fulfill my promise to save your sister."

I sighed. I didn't want to owe anyone, especially since I wasn't really that close to this friend of my father.

"I insist, sir. Even if you couldn't save Lia, you still did your part. I don't want to have debts to others. If I can afford to pay, why should I borrow then?"

Mr. Robinson let out a deep sigh.

"We don't want to force you, dear. But if you insist, perhaps you'd like to continue our deal with your parents," Mrs. Robinson said.

I seemed to know where the lady's words were leading. "Alright. I'll marry your son," I said courageously. The influence and power of the Robinson family would help me recover my sister one day. I needed to strengthen myself too just like Lia.

"Are you sure, dear? You haven't even seen or met my son," Mrs. Robinson asked, seeking reassurance.

"It's okay. My parents probably wouldn't agree if your son were unattractive. They'd probably be pleased with my decision if they were still alive."

Mr. Robinson glanced at his wife, and instructed her to call up their son and ask him to come to the office right away.

"Will you, two, excuse me for some moment?" Mrs. Robinson asked before leaving us. "I hope you won't regret your decision, dear. You don't have to do this," she added.

I looked at the old woman and thanked her for reminding me about it. I also assured her that my decision was final. The agreement between them and my parents was for me to fulfill, and I knew that there was already no turning back.

Mr. Robinson remained silent. He just turned around quietly and approached the glass wall.

Mrs. Robinson returned shortly.

"Is Claude on his way here?" he asked, then turned to me.

"You can still change your mind, dear. Just think of us as your second parents, that's why we're helping you."

I raised an eyebrow. It was starting to sound as if they didn't want me to marry their son. I told them how her words were making me feel.

"Of course not, dear. We agreed to the arrangement with your parents because we want you for our son. But we're just worried about you. Claude can be difficult to deal with. We are just thinking that you might have a hard time with him."

"I'll do my best to get along with your son," I promised.

"You'll only be together for a year. After that, you'll go your separate ways. We just want to teach Claude a lesson. If you happen to have a child, it's up to you whether to leave the child with us or take him with you. What's important to us is to get to know our grandchild and spend time with them occasionally," Mrs. Robinson said.

Those were the conditions, it sounded easy at my end. I knew how short the duration of a year could be, it would only feel like three nights and the next morning, it was over. But I had other thoughts about a span of a single year too, it could also feel endlessly long, depending on the situation.

"That's a deal, Mr. & Mrs. Robinsons," I quickly agreed. I could repay my debt of gratitude to the couple and help them if needed.

"I'll call a lawyer to draft the contract," Mr. Robinson said. Just like that, the next thing we knew, he was already speaking with his lawyer over the phone.

Mrs. Robinson sat beside me and asked about personal matters concerning me. We had been talking for a few minutes when the office door suddenly opened.

"Good morning! Why did you call me here?" a baritone voice said.

My attention immediately shifted when I heard the newcomer's question.

My eyes almost bulged when I saw the man who had just entered. He might be the most handsome man I had ever seen in person. He was handsome in the most rugged way. He looked every inch of a bad boy from head to toe.

His hair was thick and long, almost covering his eyes because of the long fringe that formed a curtain around his forehead. He also had thick eyebrows and a round set of eyes that seemed to be always angry when he stared. His shoulders were broad, and his white T-shirt hugged his chest tightly.

As my gaze lowered to his body, I quickly swallowed. I didn't know if his jeans were just too tight or was he hiding something big inside because I could almost see the bulge in front.

I lowered my eyes to the floor. I noticed that the man who was facing me was wearing leather boots. What did this man ride to the office? A motorcycle, perhaps.

I didn't like these kinds of men. I preferred those who looked harmless like Jaime. Sh*t! Why did I remember him again? I hadn't seen him for years. I should have forgotten him because no matter what I do, he only liked Nienna. He would never like me.

The man stepped forward. I thought he was coming towards me, but he approached Mrs. Robinson instead. He kissed the woman's cheek and then approached Mr. Robinson.

"Who is this girl, dad?"

I raised an eyebrow at what I heard. Did this guy consider me a child? Shouldn't he call me a lady or a woman, instead?

I looked at my outfit, a mini-dress and flat sandals. The hem of my flowery dress reached only to my knees. Didn't I look like a young lady in my attire? Did I need to wear a plain-colored short dress and high-heeled shoes to be considered a lady?

"She is your fiancée, son," Mrs. Robinson answered his question.

The man turned to me

"Excuse me, miss. You're not my type. You're skinny, and you look more like a girl than a woman. Besides, I have no intention of marrying anyone."

I almost fell off my seat. Thankfully, I held onto the armrest. The son of the Robinson couple spoke too frankly and brutally.

The young man wasn't done yet. He approached me and stood in front of me.

"What do I have to do to change your mind about marrying me?" he asked, his hands on his hips.

I couldn't respond. I just stared at him, drowning in his gaze.

He leaned forward and placed his hands on the armrest of my seat. I was forced to put my hands on my thighs because one of his hands brushed against mine.

"How much do I have to pay you to disappear and not show up in front of me again?"

I was mortified. I actually didn't see this coming. My heart was still processing the fact that I could not do anything about my sister, and here I am being bombarded with insults by

someone who acts as if he owns the world.

"Claude!" the couple called out simultaneously.

But it seemed like the young man didn't hear them. He was still staring at me. His eyes were almost ablaze.

"I'm asking you! Why won't you answer me?"

His voice was almost deafening. I was nervous, but I didn't want to back down.

"I'll still marry you even if you don't want to. Your money will be my money when we get married," I replied in the softest voice I could muster.

The young man's eyes narrowed. He was about to raise his hand and strangle me, but Mrs. Robinson quickly stopped him.

"Claude, that's enough! Don't scare Sia!"

"D*mn!" Claude cursed loudly before backing away and leaving the office.

I wanted to cry, but I held myself back.

"I'm sorry, dear. That's just how my son is. It might be better if you don't marry him. Who knows what else he might do to you," Mrs. Robinson suggested.

I smiled bitterly. "I will still do it, ma'am. I won't back down. After all, it's only a year of marriage, right?"

I decided to leave it up to fate. If I could get closer to Claude, perhaps he could also help me forget about Jaime once and for all.

The couple sighed deeply at the same time.