Page 41 of Billionaire's Fantasy
I let out a small sigh of relief. I’ve been working on this project for years now, pouring all my energy and passion into it. It started as a dream, a way to make a difference in the world and give back to the brave men and women who served our country. As a veteran myself, I know firsthand the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and I wanted to create something that would make that transition easier for others.
That’s why I founded these security firms, with the goal of providing employment opportunities to veterans who were struggling to find jobs. I recruited the best and brightest from the military, people who had the skills and expertise to keep our clients safe in any situation. But more than that, I wanted to create a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood among our employees, a sense of belonging that many veterans struggle to find after leaving the service.
It hasn’t been easy. There were days when I doubted myself, when I wondered if I was doing the right thing. But every time I visited one of our offices and saw the pride and dedication in our employees’ eyes, I knew that I was on the right track. And now, as our business grows and we expand into new markets, I feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that I’ve never experienced before.
Of course, it’s not just about the business. There’s something else driving me, something that I don’t quite understand yet. Maybe it’s the way her eyes lit up when she talked about serving or the way her smile made my heart skip a beat.
As I hang up, my mind fixates on her—Jackie, or as I called her, my sparrow girl. My ex-girlfriend, the person I planned on building a future with. We had served together in the military before I made a misstep that cost me a lot. It was something minor, but it had tragic consequences. I was supposed to have her back. I was supposed to always have her back, but I had not done proper due diligence and it had cost me everything.
I still carry the emotional and physical scars to remember her.
I remember how she used to call me her protector, and how she would always tell me that she felt safe with me. I let out a small chuckle as I recall how she would always try to feed the birds in the base’s garden, and how she would always bring one home with her. She was a free spirit, and she had a way of making everything feel lighter.
But now, she’s gone. And sometimes, it feels like she took a part of me with her.
I shake my head, trying to clear the memories from my mind. I need to focus on the present and the future. I have a business to run, and veterans to help.
I take a deep breath and get back to work going through contracts, following up on the checks including the airport at Bimini, but the thought of Jackie lingers in the back of my mind. She was such an important part of my life, and it’s hard to accept that she’s gone.
As I wrap up my work for the day, I find myself lost in thought once again. I think about all the things we did together, and how much I miss her.
But then, I remember why I started these security firms in the first place. To help veterans who are struggling, just like Jackie was. And as long as I’m doing that, I know she would be proud of me.
I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Jackie may be gone, but her memory lives on. And if I’m helping others in her honor, I know I’m doing the right thing.
With that all settled, I pick up my phone and dial the missed call. Mr. Scott. I have not spoken to him in a few days. I never even got back to him after Amber told me to.
The conversation is direct and transactional like they always are. He asks about projections for the new financial year, and I inform him that my assistant will forward all the details as soon as we hang up.
After the call, I can’t help but feel guilty. This man had asked me to fly his daughter Amber around, and I agreed. But what he doesn’t know is that Amber and I started seeing each other romantically. I haven’t told her about our business relationship yet, and I’m not sure how to broach the subject.
As a billionaire, I can afford to fund my companies on my own but having investors like Mr. Scott helps keep things running smoothly. Still, I feel like I’m being dishonest with Amber by not telling her about our connection. It’s eating away at me.
I take a deep breath and head out to the balcony to clear my head. The warm breeze brushes against my skin, and I take in the stunning view of the ocean. I can see the waves crashing against the shore. It’s a beautiful sight, but my mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Amber and Mr. Scott.
I know I need to tell Amber the truth, but I’m not sure how to do it without risking our relationship. I don’t want her to think that I only started seeing her because of her father’s investments. That’s not true. I genuinely care about her, and I know she feels the same way about me.
But the longer I keep this secret from her, the harder it becomes. I can feel the guilt and anxiety building up inside of me. I need to find a way to tell her the truth and make things right.
I take a deep breath and head back when I hear a knock on my door.
On the other side is Amber, and what a fucking sight she is!
She is wearing a short red dress, and a pair of sandals, her blonde hair piled up on her head. “Hello there.”
“Hi!” she whispers back. “Thought I would bring you this.” She presents me with a brown paper bag, the smell wafting from it making my stomach immediately growl.
“What is it?”
“Why don’t you let me in and find out?”
This is a bad idea. I literally just got off the phone with her dad. I was going to have a conversation with her before we went any further, so I know that letting her in, especially with that dress clinging to her body the way that it is, is a definite bad idea.
I do it anyway.
She presses the bag into my hand before walking past me, and the vanilla scent that follows her almost has me wagging my tail like a dog.
I close the door and lean against it, watching her.
