A Billionaire’s Ruse

It was a rollercoaster story. She had cried at some point and smiled at some other times.

“I always thought about you, but there was no way to get to you. I just want to assure you of that.”

“Thanks Jim. What about James? Is he here with you.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Jim gave me a sad smile, “No Em. James is a missionary in Africa now.”

“What? In Africa.”

“Yes Em. He obeyed the call two years ago.”

O my God. “How do you communicate?”

“We don’t. He calls us when he misses us. He had forbidden us to call or message him first.”

I am happy for James. This was not expected but at least he is doing what he likes.

“So, what are you here for?” I asked him, sipping my coffee. Bla… it had gone cold.

“There is a criminal lurking around this place according to information we got and I came here to get him.”

“But you are not a detective. You are a lawyer.”

“Yes, I am a lawyer and not an investigator. But I have gathered experience with my little time in the crime division and I’ve been asked to assist in apprehending him. So, I thought I should look into it myself when I heard he had been spotted somewhere here. He is an international criminal.

This investigation has gone on for over two years now and unfortunately, no one has gotten a hold of him yet.” he complained.

“So how should I come in? Do you need my assistance?” I joked

“Don’t bother Emily, I’ll get him.” he boasted.

“Alright, I was only joking by the way. Meanwhile, I will love for you to visit me in my home soon. I will be able to entertain you better and we can be more relaxed.” I said

“I will visit you during the week.”

“Okay. I will be expecting your call.” I said standing up and picking my back from the chair beside me.

“See you soon Em.” Jim waved at me as I left the cafe and into the sun.

Narrator’s POV

The week flew by so fast and the weekend was here again. Emily had no other plans but to soak herself in a hot bath while catching up with reading.

It had been over a week since Edward had come home, but she had learnt to live with it.

“It is either we get married this year or I… beg him to marry me.* She heaved a heavy sigh as she prepared for her ritual for the day.

There was a knock on her door. “Who could that be? I had specifically told them I did not want any disturbance.” She murmured.

She took her robe and put it on.

“What is it Hope?” She asked the maid, standing in front of her

“You have a guest ma’am. He says his name is Jim Forlorn.”

“Jim? Are you sure? ” she asked hope surprised

“Yes ma’am.”

“I am coming.” She said closing the door and quickly wore something.

She got out of her room and peeked from the stairs and truly Jim was there.

“Hi Em.” James said as she walked down the stairs. She had not given him my house address

“How on earth did you get here?” She asked in bewilderment.

“I have my ways.” He replied smiling.

“Really? Alright. So what should I offer you?” I asked. Well, she had no reason to be alarmed. Jim was her good friend.

“Soda will do.” He said as he looked around the house.

The ceilings are high, and the walls are adorned with expensive paintings and tapestries. There’s a large fireplace in the center of the room, with a massive mantelpiece and a roaring fire. The furniture is luxurious, with plush sofas and armchairs arranged around the room. A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over everything. It’s a space that exudes wealth and sophistication.

The servants are impeccably dressed and groomed, and they move around the house with quiet efficiency. They’re polite and professional, and they seem to take great pride in their work.

He noticed that there are several display cases lining the walls. In these cases are all sorts of mementos and keepsakes, from pictures of Evelyn and her parents, her husband with various important people to souvenirs from her travels around the world. There’s also a large bookshelf filled with leather-bound volumes, some of them quite rare and expensive.

“Here you go.”

Throughout the discussion, James could not help but stare at a particular portrait on the wall.

The face looked familiar, he thought within himself.

“That’s my fiance Edward” she said when she noticed that he was staring at the portrait.

She went ahead and told him how they met. How it was an arranged meeting spearheaded by her mom. How her mum had made fliers and announce that she wanted suitors for her daughter.

“So, where is Edward from?” he asked curiously.

“I don’t know. But he is from London.” She replied rolling her eyes, “Mum said something about his parents. She thinks they are late.”

“She thinks?” he asked with his eyes opened wide. “So she accepted someone she has zero knowledge about where he came from? With no background check? Nothing?” He asked in bewilderment. “And you accepted such?”

She sighed deeply and said, “I don’t know Jim. I did not think it through then. I was just heartbroken and blind to so many things that are affecting my life then.”

Emily’s POV

“Recently, he has been requesting for a lot of money. He has been acting strange and he takes strange calls. Hehides his phone from me and sometimes, rushes out of the house with a particular servant. He is the only one he is close with in all the house.” I explained to him.

It felt good to tell this problem to a guy. A man. Someone that can relate and probably give me the best advice.

“Is he around?”

“Who?”

“The servant.” Why is he asking about the servant and not reacting to what I told him.

“Oh you mean Rogers. No they went out together, as usual.”

“Ohh, ok I’ll be on my way now Emily.”

“So soon.”

“Yes. I just remembered that I have to quickly attend to some things at work.” Jim explained

“Alright Jim. See you some other time.” She said as she waved him goodbye.