A ONE-NIGHT STAND WITH THE BILLIONAIRE RADIOLOGIST

I woke up at exactly 6:35 AM and stretched my body! I could hear the alarm still beeping. I got out of bed, walked to the cupboard, and turned it off. My mouth opened wide as I yawned for more sleep, but I used my hand to brush the exhaustion off my face.

I walked to the mirror and wiped my face with my hand to get my day started.

"And today is the big day," I murmured to myself. I had never anticipated a day like this, and every part of me rejoiced as I slowly made my way to the bathroom. A smile spread across my face, masking the nervousness bubbling inside.

I thought about the events that led up to today.

I had always dreamed of going to college, but my parents couldn't afford it. I had to work part-time jobs to save up for school, but most of the money went toward helping with household expenses. That is, until one fateful Sunday morning.

My pastor made an announcement during service. "There will be a scholarship exam for those who intend to attend college. This initiative is to help parents and guardians who find it difficult to support their children through higher education," he announced.

My brother, Anthony, tapped me on the shoulder as I was already half-asleep. He woke me up to hear the surprising news.

"This information is from the Institute of All Christian Fellowship. If you pass the scholarship exam, your tuition fees will be covered by the church for the entirety of your college journey," he added.

Mom, who was sitting in the front row of the church, turned toward me. She locked eyes with me and silently mouthed, "This is your time."

My family knew how much I had always wanted to go to college, and now, here I was, being given an opportunity!

After the announcement, I was so excited that I didn't even have dinner that evening. "I've finally been given the chance to prove myself!" I exclaimed. I quickly ran to my room and brought out books to study, determined to prepare. I didn't even stop to think about how overwhelming it all felt, I just knew I had to make it work.

I heard a knock on the door. It was, of course, my mom. I went straight to open it.

Mom entered the room almost immediately after I opened the door. Her face was glowing brighter than I had ever seen. I could tell she was just as happy for me as I was for myself. Mom has always shared in my happiness, my pain, and everything in between.

She walked over to my bed and sat down, still wearing that beautiful, wide smile. Finally, she spoke, "Ariel, I think God is on your side. He has given you an opportunity, and you need to do your best to make it work."

"I know, Mom. That's why I'm trying so hard to cram all this information into my head," I replied, holding my temples.

I could read my mother's thoughts in that moment, her eyes were filled with both hope and concern. She knew this might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and she was worried. But I reassured her, telling her I would make her proud.

After that conversation, I made a promise to myself. I would work as hard as I could, not just for me, but for her, too.

I threw myself into studying like never before. I read for hours on end, until I started developing migraines, but I pushed through it. I didn't care. All I wanted was to make it to college.

On a cold evening, dinner was served, and I was invited to join my family at the table. But I was so consumed with studying that I hadn't shared a meal with them in days. I decided to join them, just this once.

"Look who we have at the dinner table," Mom said, her voice full of disbelief as I sat down. I knew she was worried about my constant studying.

"Ariel, you need to take it easy on yourself. Give yourself a break before you burn out. You don't want to develop insomnia," Dad remarked.

Now I could tell everyone was concerned, but I was determined. I wanted this scholarship, and I knew I had to give it my all.

"Mom, Dad, I know I seem stressed, but I'm really not. Please, don't worry about me," I said, hoping to ease their minds.

Just as I spoke, a sharp pain shot through my head.

"Ouch," I murmured unintentionally.

Mom immediately turned to me. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"It's just a headache," I replied quietly.

Mom asked Anthony to get me some pills, but I insisted on getting them myself. As I turned to go to the cabinet, I stumbled, my legs giving out beneath me. I collapsed right there.

"Ariel!" Mom cried out, her voice full of panic. Dad rushed to my side.

"Ariel, are you okay?" he asked, but I couldn't respond. Everything went black.

Dad rushed me to the clinic.

In the clinic, I was diagnosed with fatigue and sleeplessness. The doctor advised that I get plenty of rest. Mom also pleaded with me to follow the doctor's advice and take it easy on myself, but I remained adamant. I no longer cared about my health, only the exam mattered. I was too scared to spend even a minute resting.

"Mom, I'm fine now. Can we go home? I still have some books to cover," I suggested.

Dad's face darkened with fury as he glared at me.

"Do you even realize what you're saying?" he fumed. "Your excessive reading got you here, and now you want to go home to do what? Continue studying? Are you serious?"

I could see the concern in his eyes, but I just couldn't afford to rest, not now. This might be my only chance to get into college, and I couldn't miss it.

"Dad, I'm fine, I promise. We need to go home now. I have to finish the book," I said, slowly getting off the bed.

"I swear, if you get out of that bed..." Dad's voice rose.

Mom intervened immediately. "You dare not! You're going to hit someone who's on a sickbed? Honey!" she questioned him.

"Does she know that?" he asked rhetorically, turning to me. "You think if you die from stress, the exams will still hold? They'll just send their condolences, right?" Dad lashed out, his anger palpable.

"God forbid! No one is sending condolences to anyone," Mom rebuked. "Then tell your daughter to have some pity on herself and get some rest," he said, storming out angrily.

I had never seen Dad so upset. It just showed how much he cared. Dad is someone who hardly expresses his emotions. I guess I really scared him earlier when I collapsed.

After a thorough checkup, I was finally discharged. We went home, and I headed straight to my room as soon as we arrived. I grabbed my book and continued studying.

And now, after all the drama, we were finally here. Today was the exam day, the very reason I had been studying so hard.

I went into the bathroom, took a warm bath, and came out with a towel wrapped around my chest. As I walked into my room, Mom entered behind me.

"Ariel, honey," she said in a soothing tone.

I knew she was here to talk to me about the exam.

"Yes, Mom?" I responded.

"I just want to wish you good luck," she said excitedly.

"Thanks, Mom," I replied.

"I believe in you. Go out there and do your best," she added with confidence.

"I will, Mom," I affirmed.

"Okay, it's obvious everyone in the family believes I'll go out there and crush this exam. Did I put their hopes this high?" I thought to myself.

Mom walked to the door and turned to me with a warm smile. "Make sure to pick a dress that will bring you good luck," she said before walking out.

I dressed up and left the room, holding on to the faith that I would indeed pass the exam, just like I had declared.

The exam center was quite far from the house. I took two buses to get there. Mom told me to wear something that would bring me luck, so I wore a purple dress. I don't know how it works, but I've always had this feeling that purple brings good luck! Or maybe it's just because I adore the color. I'm not really sure.

Finally, I was done with the "Almighty Exam" that had kept me on edge for weeks. I headed straight home afterward.

"How was the exam?" Anthony asked the moment I walked through the door.

I didn't respond. I just walked straight to the freezer, opened it with a gasp, and pulled out a bottle of chilled water. I drank it down in seconds. My body needed it more than anything at that moment.

I drank until I was satisfied, ignoring the crackling sound the bottle made.

Mom and Anthony watched me in bewilderment.

"Are you okay, honey?" she asked.

I stayed silent for a few seconds. Finally, I exhaled deeply, like I had just finished battling a wild creature. "Mom, I'm fine," I said, letting out a sigh.

Anthony gave me a pointed look, his black eyes sharp as if they wanted to say something.

"Why are you glaring at me, young man?" I asked.

"Because you're acting weird right now," he replied, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, I'm fine. All I need now is rest, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. Mom, please, no one should disturb me," I said before quietly retiring to my room.

I fell right onto my bed as I entered! A smile sparkled across my face. I hugged my pillow tightly as I screamed, "Yes!"

It felt like a burden had been lifted from my chest. It had been a rollercoaster of endless reading and sleepless nights, with not even a spare minute for myself. Now, I was back to being the "Outgoing Ariel Coleman" I truly am. I was free at last. I giggled as I rolled across the bed.

I got up, walked straight to my cupboard, and opened it.

Actually, I'm a girl with unique taste! I like catchy things and bright colors. My cupboard is my favorite item in my room. It's made of plastic but painted in a soft shade of pink and light lilac, my two favorite colors. It's filled with all my things, from my diary to notes, pills, and accessories.

I feel it's safer to keep important things in there, unlike the wardrobe where I just toss things in carelessly when I'm tired!

As I opened the cupboard, I reached for my phone. "Oh, baby, I've missed you," I said as I pulled it out and held it close. I puckered my lips to give it a kiss and stopped for a second. "Can I do this? Or should I ask for permission first?" I asked rhetorically, gazing at my phone. "I don't care," I muttered, and smooched it.

I hadn't held my phone since the scholarship announcement. I had really dedicated my time to the exams, and I prayed it would all work out. I grabbed my phone and walked back to the bed to lie down.

Just then, I heard a knock at the door. "Ariel, can I come in?" Anthony asked.

"I thought I told you I need to rest, didn't I?" I snapped.

"Just a minute, please?" he asked.

"Okay, come in," I replied.

He walked into the room, holding a jar of juice and a burger! He quietly moved closer to my bed. "Here, it's for you," he said, stretching out his hand to me.

I immediately sat upright and reached for his offer. "Aww, thank you," I said with a broad smile.

I took a sip of the juice. "It's my favorite! How did you get it?" I asked.

Anthony replied, "Well, someone has to save up to get snacks for days like this."

"Days like this?" I raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

I took a bite of the burger. "Oh, wow," I muttered.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"I love it," I admitted, taking another bite and washing it down with the juice.

"I wonder how I still have space in my belly to eat this when I just had a meal," I mused. Anthony gave me a "I wonder too" look and laughed while gazing at me intently.

Thoughtfully, I recalled the statement he made: "Days like this." What does he even mean? I thought to myself.

"Ariel, not to be negative or anything, but what if you're not selected for the scholarship? What will you do?" Anthony asked politely.

I lifted my head and stared at him, bewildered. "Why this question all of a sudden?" I asked, confused.

"No, no, I don't mean to be a pessimist, I just wanted to know if you have a backup plan. You know, we can't put all our eggs in one basket," he said.

Anthony was right. Even though it wasn't the best time to bring this up, he wasn't far from the truth. I had been so focused on preparing for the exams that I didn't think about a backup plan. I had all my thoughts on one thing: the scholarship. But what if I didn't get it? What would I do?

I lost myself in thought.

"Ariel, are you okay?" Anthony asked. "I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry I even asked in the first place," he added, looking guilty.

"No, you're right, Anthony. You just reminded me that this scholarship isn't an automatic pass to college. You made me realize that, just like me, there are thousands of other girls and boys out there applying for it too. But I had so much confidence in myself that I didn't notice I didn't have a backup plan," I said.

"I'm not saying you won't get it. I'm saying you shouldn't put all your trust and hope in it. Be ready for both the good and the bad," he said.

"Yes, I will," I replied, taking another bite from the burger. "I'll look for a backup plan, but I'll still pray I get it," I proclaimed.

"Of course, we will pray," Anthony added.

"Just curious, what do you mean by 'days like this'?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Oh, days like this are when you need to be taken care of. You've been through a lot of stress, and I thought a snack would cheer you up a bit," he replied.

"Aww, thanks for being thoughtful. With those words, one might think you're older," I chuckled. We both laughed.

Anthony made his way out.