Destined To Be: The Trillionare is Mine.

Chapter 1

Unbelievable moments

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as I, Flora Grace, watched from a narrow path near the family house, feeling the weight of my world collapse around me. My entire life had changed in the blink of an eye. Only a few days had passed since my parents' accident-since they were taken from me in a way I could never have anticipated. With them gone, I'd hoped, even expected, that my family would step up and rally around me. Instead, their reaction was a cold dismissal.

Standing outside the wrought-iron gates of the Grace estate, I thought about everything I'd been through in such a short time. I had begged my uncles and aunts to let me stay, to give me a small space in the house where I'd grown up. But their faces had twisted in disgust and resentment, as if I were a burden they wanted nothing to do with.

"Flora, we have our own lives to live. You can't expect us to carry your troubles on our shoulders," my Uncle Edward had sneered, his eyes narrow and unforgiving.

My Aunt Lydia had been equally harsh, casting me out as if I were a stranger. "It's best you find your own way, dear. Your parents are gone, and there's nothing left here for you."

The words echoed in my mind as I turned away, their coldness chilling me to my core. I was now homeless, penniless, and utterly alone. My only choice was to leave everything I had ever known. With one last glance at the house, I walked away with nothing but the clothes on my back, wondering where I would go and how I would survive.

I had no idea that, at my lowest point, someone was about to enter my life in a way that would change everything.

---

The next few days were rough. I wandered from place to place, searching for somewhere to sleep. I spent a night under a bridge and another huddled in the doorway of a closed shop. I hadn't eaten in nearly three days and could feel my strength slipping away. Each step felt heavier than the last, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep going. Just as I was about to give up, I found myself in a small park near the city center.

I collapsed onto a bench, too exhausted to care who might be watching. The world spun around me as I stared at the ground, my vision blurring. I closed my eyes, trying to gather enough energy to stand up and continue walking, but I couldn't.

"Excuse me, miss, are you alright?"

The voice was soft yet firm, with a hint of genuine concern. I opened my eyes to see a tall man standing in front of me, looking down with a gentle expression. He had dark, piercing eyes, a neatly trimmed beard, and wore an expensive suit that looked like it belonged in a fashion magazine. His presence felt almost surreal-like he didn't belong in this world of hardship and struggle I'd come to know.

"Are you alright?" he asked again, his gaze never leaving mine.

I wanted to respond, to tell him I was fine, but I couldn't find the words. Instead, a single tear rolled down my cheek, betraying how vulnerable I truly felt.

"Here," he said, extending his hand toward me. "Let's get you something to eat."

My stomach growled involuntarily, as if it had been waiting for those words. I nodded weakly, allowing him to help me to my feet. As we walked, he introduced himself.

"My name is Mark Grifford," he said, his voice calm and steady. "I live nearby and couldn't help but notice that you seemed...in need of some help."

"Flora," I managed to whisper. "Flora Grace."

We walked in silence until we reached a nearby café. Mark guided me inside and ordered food, letting me sit down to rest. When the food arrived, I couldn't hold back. I ate as if it were my first meal in ages, which, in a way, it was. I barely noticed Mark watching me with a look of curiosity mixed with concern.

Once I finished eating, Mark leaned forward, his eyes intent. "Flora, forgive me if I'm overstepping, but...what happened to you? You don't seem like someone who should be out on the streets."

His question brought back all the memories I'd been trying to bury-the accident, my parents' death, the rejection from my family. I explained everything to him, leaving out no details, my voice trembling as I recounted the story. Mark listened patiently, nodding in understanding, never once interrupting me.

By the time I finished, I felt a strange sense of relief. It was as if I'd shed a weight I didn't realize I was carrying. Mark sat in silence for a few moments, his expression unreadable.

"I can't imagine what you've been through, Flora," he said finally, his voice filled with empathy. "Losing your parents, being abandoned by your family-it's a lot for anyone to bear, especially someone so young."

His words were kind, but they didn't change my reality. I was still alone, still struggling. However, there was something about the way he looked at me that made me feel...seen. For the first time in days, I didn't feel invisible.

"I want to help you, Flora," Mark said, his tone resolute. "If you're willing to accept it."

"Help me?" I echoed, unsure of what he meant.

"Yes," he replied. "I can offer you a place to stay, at least until you figure out your next steps. And if there's anything else you need...you only have to ask."

The kindness in his voice was overwhelming. I was wary, unsure if I could trust him, yet something in his eyes reassured me. Mark didn't seem like he was offering charity. It felt like he genuinely wanted to help, with no strings attached.

---

A few hours later, I found myself standing in a beautiful apartment with sleek, modern furniture and large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. Mark had led me here, insisting that I make myself at home. It was strange being in such a luxurious space after the days I'd spent on the streets. I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong here, but Mark seemed to sense my discomfort.

"You're welcome here, Flora," he said gently. "Consider this place yours for as long as you need."

I spent the first night in the guest room, marveling at the softness of the bed and the warmth of the blankets. It was a small luxury, but it felt like a miracle. As I lay there, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't help but wonder why Mark had helped me. He had no reason to care about someone like me, and yet he'd taken me in without hesitation.

Over the next few days, Mark became a steady presence in my life. He was often busy with work, but whenever he was home, he made time to talk to me, asking about my day, sharing stories from his life, and listening as I talked about my parents and the life I'd lost. I found myself opening up to him in ways I hadn't expected.

One evening, as we sat together in the living room, Mark looked at me thoughtfully. "Flora, have you thought about what you'd like to do moving forward?"

I hesitated, unsure how to answer. My life had been so chaotic that I hadn't even considered the future. "I...I don't know," I admitted. "I haven't really thought about it."

"Well, if you could do anything, what would it be?" he asked, his gaze steady.

I thought about it for a moment before answering. "I always wanted to do something meaningful. Something that would make my parents proud. But now...I don't even know where to start."

Mark smiled, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "You're stronger than you think, Flora. And I have a feeling that whatever you choose, you'll succeed."

His words filled me with a renewed sense of hope. For the first time since my parents' death, I felt like I had a purpose, a reason to keep going. Mark's support was the lifeline I hadn't known I needed.

---

One evening, after we'd spent hours talking and laughing, Mark leaned back and gave me a contemplative look. "Flora, there's something I want to discuss with you," he began, his voice serious.

"What is it?" I asked, sensing a shift in his tone.

"It's a proposal," he said, choosing his words carefully. "An arrangement that might benefit both of us."

I was intrigued, though unsure of what he meant. "What kind of arrangement?"

Mark hesitated, his eyes locking onto mine. "I need a partner-someone I can trust, someone who can stand by me in public. I have a reputation to uphold, and a partnership with someone like you could be mutually beneficial."

His words took me by surprise. A partnership? I'd barely begun to rebuild my life, and now he was suggesting an arrangement that sounded...intense. But as I thought about it, I realized that this might be the chance I needed to secure my future.

"What would this partnership involve?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"It's a contracted relationship," Mark explained, his tone measured. "We'd attend events together, present ourselves as a couple. In return, you'd have financial security, a place to live, and a way to rebuild your life."

The idea was overwhelming, yet strangely appealing. It was unconventional, but given my circumstances, it could be the answer to my problems. Still, I had to be sure of one thing.

"Mark," I said cautiously, "are there...expect

ations beyond this partnership?"

He shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "No, Flora. This would be a professional arrangement. You'd be free to make your own choices, and I'd never ask anything of you that you're uncomfortable with."

A strange sense of relief washed over me. This was a lifeline, an opportunity to rebuild my life and start fresh. And Mark had been nothing but kind and respectful. If he was willing to extend this offer, maybe it was time I took a leap of faith.

After a long pause, I nodded, meeting his gaze with newfound determination. "Alright, Mark. I'll accept your offer."