In the Arms of Possessive Billionaire

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes life gives us a story we didn’t expect to get or make, every so often life will throw us a gigantic ball that we weren’t quite prepared for.

In real life, we don’t know what’s going to happen next. But you know what? Sometimes life isn’t about figuring out what to do next. The real challenge is simply doing the things we know we should be doing.

I took a deep breath and rushed into the kitchen to make a follow-up order, but another customer raised his hand to get my attention.

“Miss,” The old man said as I approached him, pulling the order slip and ballpen inside the small pocket of my uniform.

“Good afternoon, sir. My name is Kharris, and I will be serving you today. Are you ready to place your order?” I smiled as I finished the greeting script that I say almost every minute. I’m still a little out of breath because I haven’t stopped moving since the clock struck at noon.

“Good day, Kharris.” What a lovely name. Can you be my order instead?” said the elderly man, biting his dark, chapped lips. He’s probably in his late fifties and already has a family.

Just earlier, I had to deal with a brat mocking me and a rude old man’s constant complaint, and now I have to deal with a freaking pervert.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not on the menu. I am not a food.” I smiled politely and made sure I could keep my composure no matter what happened. I just kept on telling myself that the customer is always right even though I don’t believe in that bullshit.

I desperately need this work, and I can’t be fired because I just started this week.

Last month, I lost my job after punching my client in the face because of the sexual assault he committed against me. Even after explaining to my former boss that the client had harassed me and that I was only defending myself, I was still blamed and held responsible. My insane boss was not content with simply firing me; instead, he threatened me and made me blacklisted. Now, no matter how many architecture firms I apply to, no one will hire me.

“Can I have your phone number instead? I’m a regular here, and I’m guessing you’re a new hire? I’ll give you a generous tip. Do you have a boyfriend?”

“I’m sorry, sir, I already have a child,” I said, still smiling stupidly.

“Really? How old are you?”

“I just turned 30, sir.”

“You’re the same age as my eldest; by the way, how about your husband? Are you married?” My brow furrowed slightly in response to his question, but I quickly forced a smile to get rid of it.

“I’m a single mom and I have no intention of looking for a partner, sir,” I attempted to be polite as much as possible, but I’m getting frustrated because my time is being wasted. Some customers are already calling for attention but no one is attending to them because the restaurant is full and my workmates can no longer decide what and who should come first.

This is extremely annoying and frustrating. Why do I have to deal with this type of customer during peak hours? Argh! I knew right away that luck wasn’t on my side today. Just this morning, I woke up late which caused Ashan to be late for daycare, I also forgot to put the laundry inside the house, so it got wet again when it rained.

“How come? You’re still quite young. I will support you with your child. Don’t you need a sugar daddy?” I clenched my fist without knowing and crumpled the order slip I was holding. I took a deep breath and forced myself to relax. It’s ridiculous how the word “sugar daddy” makes me think of certain someone.

“Not at all, sir. I don’t need one.” I said, still smiling like an idiot.

Hold it in, Kharris. Don’t snap, you have bills to pay.

“May I take your order at this time, sir?” I asked politely because I felt like I was starting to run out of patience; if that started happening, I’m quite certain that I’d be fired. Despite my lack of experience in the hospitality industry, I was fortunate enough to be accepted here at the restaurant, and I don’t want to squander it.

“Come on, you’re the one I want to order. Stop being so difficult, you don’t belong here for casual dining,” said the old man, who reached out to touch me but I backed away slightly. I hadn’t realized my coworker was passing by with a tray full of drinks, so when I bumped into him, it all fell off all over the place.

“Oh my God! Sorry.” I quickly apologized before sitting down and assisting Elijah in picking up the broken glasses.

“Wait! Don’t touch it. You might get hurt.” He came to a halt as he touched my wrist. Fortunately, no customers were injured or wet, however, all the glasses have been broken, and I may be charged because I was at fault.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to...”

“It’s okay, I’ll take care of it,” Elijah said, and I nodded gently before turning back to face the customer. When our manager approached the nearby tables to apologize for what had happened, I bit my lower lip. I really felt bad.

“See? You may not have to work here if you accept my offer,” the old man insisted, making my brow scowl slightly.

As long as I can work, I will work anywhere to ensure that I can meet Ashan’s needs. I don’t care if a lot of people question why I became a waitress despite finishing college at one of the top universities in the country.

It didn’t matter to me if my work was far from the course I finished. I don’t mind working as long as I have a job because it’s difficult to earn money these days, and I can’t let my pride consume me, especially since I have a child to support.

“If you are looking for something to satisfy your sexual needs, go to a strip club, not a restaurant. Also, think about your family.” I couldn’t help but say what I wanted to say earlier and it’s funny how I could still smile knowing that I’d be fired today.

“What? Are you kidding me?” My friend Reo asked on the phone as I walked down the street. As soon as I clocked out, I told him what had happened: the customer complained how I had deeply offended him, and the manager fired me regardless of how I explained myself.

“Yeah, so I need to look for a new job,” I sighed, looking at the sky, which had been thundering and flashing with lightning. “Has Ashan fallen asleep yet?”

“No, he’s waiting for you,” Reo answered and I nodded before looking at the gummy bears I was carrying.

“Tell him I have a gift ㅡ” I couldn’t continue what I was about to say when someone covered my mouth as I turned into the dark alley. I was trying hard to struggle, but before I knew it... I had already passed out.

“Ngh!” I could feel the sting in my head and even with difficulty I tried to open my eyes, everything was blurry but I still tried to slowly focus my vision until saw an unfamiliar face.

“W-Who are you?” I asked, perplexed.

“The name’s Leon. Are you the daughter of Dimetre Villa Luna?” I was a little taken aback when I heard the name of my worthless father.

“I-I am, why?” My brow furrowed. When I looked behind my back, I noticed that my hands were tied from the back of my seat. What the hell is going on? What exactly did my father do? I’ve already cut ties with him!

“We’ve been looking for you.” said the man in the suit with a black eye patch on his left eye. I’m not sure what’s going on, but one thing is certain: I’m in danger. When I noticed the man had a gun, I forcefully swallowed, and somehow — I’m having a feeling of déjà vu.

This is not the first time I’ve been abducted, but I’m worried that something will happen to me and my son would be left behind. Unlike in the past, I was confident that someone would save me in this situation but that is no longer the case. My savior’s protecting another woman now.

“Here, read this. Your father and I have an agreement,” Leon said, handing me the paper handed to him by the man he had called. My eyes narrowed as I read the letter’s contents. With each word I read, I felt like I was going to erupt in rage. What in the world was my father thinking? Just How long does he intend to make me suffer?

“You are the collateral for his ten million debts, as long as he is unable to repay the money he borrowed from me. You will work for me.” I clench my fists in rage. I knew something was wrong with my father, but I had no idea it was this bad. How was he able to lure his daughter into the loan shark? How was he able to hand me his debt?

For years, he mistreated me, tormented, and gaslighted me. Isn’t that enough for him? I just clenched my fists and looked directly at the man in front of me. He still appears young; he’s likely in his late thirties—just like the father of my son.

“I owe you nothing, why would I work for you?” Leon grinned as I asked boldly.

“Your father used you as collateral for his debt, he went missing, and we still don’t know where the fuck he is.” He picked up his cellphone, and my heart skipped a beat when he showed me a picture of my son. He smiled, making me break out in cold sweat.

“He’s your son, right? I’m sure you don’t want him to get involved in your current problem, but don’t worry... I’m not going to touch him as long as you do what I tell you to do. Ten million is not a penny, Kharris.” I swallowed hard, sweat dripping from the side of my brow. My mind is going blank and I can’t think straight.

“W-What work am I going to do?” I questioned, afraid that it would be something illegal.

“Hostess, all you need to do is entertain a VIP guest whenever they need one. And if they demand that you sleep with them, you need to give them your service.”

“Wait, what?!” I exclaimed in disbelief. “Are you insane?”

“Think about your son,” he said with a smile, making my fists tighten.

“Goddamn it!” I cursed, it had never occurred to me to make money with my body in that manner. Just thinking about sleeping with different and several men makes me puke.

“Choose, Kharris.” said Leon.

“When do I start?” He grinned with satisfaction and reached for the fringe of my hair, but I quickly resisted.

“I have an important client coming in tonight. I have a meeting with him, but I have to go somewhere else, so while I’m gone... You need to entertain him.”

“Is there no other job? I will do whatever you ask of me except this.”

“No, you’re perfect for this job. You’re beautiful and sexy, just like your father told me,” he said, forcing me to look at him. I can’t snap at him because he might do something to Ashan if I keep disrespecting him.

“Fine.” I agreed even though I really wanted to cry. What in the world am I doing? My mind went blank, and I could not really think of any option but to accept the job. I must prioritize Ashan’s safety first.

“Wait! Can’t you take me there without touching me?” I demanded angrily to the man who would take me to the room where Leon’s meeting was. They dressed me as soon as I signed the contract so that I could begin working as a hostess.

“Goddamn it! Let go—” I couldn’t finish what I was about to say when I noticed that someone had already entered the room as we walked in. I looked around the room and noticed that there was only an L-shaped couch, air conditioning, a chandelier, and large television. Nothing special.

I was about to say something when I noticed a familiar scent. As a result, I turned to face the man who had been standing in front of the window, still talking on the phone. When I realized how familiar his back was to me, I began to feel nervous.

He had his back to me but I could still see how gorgeous he looked. My mind was reeling, I couldn’t figure out if it was him or not. Am I hallucinating or what?

“Sir Uno.” I suddenly felt nervous when I heard what the man next to me said. He’s still holding my arm but I stopped caring and didn’t bother to argue with him about it.

“What’s with the fuss—” Uno couldn’t finish what he was about to say when he turned around and our eyes met. I swallowed hard when he gave me a distasteful look before glaring at the man next to me.

“What exactly is going on? I’m here to see Leon, not some random woman.” I was taken aback when he said that as if he didn’t know who I was. Maybe he doesn’t recognize me because I’ve changed so much over the years. For a brief second, I breathed a sigh of relief. I’m too ashamed that he has to see that I look like a slut after we broke up five years ago.

“Sir Leon will be late at the scheduled time, so he sent Kharris to entertain you while you wait for him to return.” I averted my gaze and clutched the hem of my dress tightly, not caring if it crumpled. Fuck! Why does he have to mention my name? Now, I could feel Uno’s anger oozing from here.

“How dare you casually utter her name?” I quickly turned my head to Uno when he said something I didn’t expect him to say. He was still glaring at the man beside me, at his hand, which was still holding me to be exact. “Let her go.”

The man released me hesitantly as I swallowed hard. Uno recognized me but still referred to me as a random woman. Well, I guess I deserved that. I’m the one who left him after all, it’s only natural for him to disregard me.

“Touch her again or you won’t have any hands next time.” Uno warned coldly, “Now fuck off and leave us alone.”

I could feel my hands sweating when the man quickly exited the room as if his life depended on it. When I returned my attention to Uno, I was surprised to see him slowly approach me.

His face became more manly, his shoulders broader. His hair was long and he became more masculine, his presence was very powerful. He was nothing like he had been before. It was difficult to ignore his physical appearance when I’m just standing right in front of him.

This was our first meeting after five years. It’s normal for me to be nervous and it’s normal for my heart to feel like it’s going to burst. I’m not sure why, or perhaps he still has a strong effect on me. I wished I could tell him to back off, but I couldn’t.

He was already kissing me on the lips before I could even comprehend what was going on. I stood there in shock, not able to speakㅡwell, I wouldn’t have known what to say anyway. All I knew was that I wanted to run away but I was too stunned by his aura, I couldn’t even struggle when he grabbed my back to pull it and bring our bodies closer. For a moment, my heart stopped beating as I closed my eyes slightly when he put his mouth closer to my ear to whisper.

“Long time no see, baby girl.”

“S-Stop calling me that, you’re already married,” I said as I touched his hard chest, and just as I was about to push him away, the door suddenly opened. Leon casually came in, obviously taken aback since Uno and I were quite close to each other.

“Oh, you bewitched him—” What Leo was about to say was interrupted when Uno punched him in the face real hard. I held my mouth in surprise because I didn’t expect things to escalate quickly. What in the world is going on?

“What’s your problem, man?” Leon asked holding his jaw, he even licked the blood from his lips and grinned. I’m getting a headache from this.

“Bewitch me? Are you kidding me? I didn’t sign up for this bullshit.” Uno said through gritted teeth before he took off his suit and put it gently on my shoulder, “Let’s go.”

“Woah there! Take it easy. What exactly are you doing?” Leon blocked the door and looked at me as if he had grown more interested in me.

“I’m bringing her along.”

“You can’t take what’s mine, man.”

“What? I dare you to say that again.” Uno said to Leon. I clenched my fist and remove his hand on my wrist before moving slightly away from him. He looks at me in disbelief but I just hid my lip. I already signed the contract, I can’t leave or elseㅡmy son will suffer.

“She will not be able to leave until she has paid off her father’s debt. She works for me, right Khariss?” Leon looked at me and I just nodded slowly.

“How much does she owe? I’ll pay for it,” said Uno, causing my eyes to widen. Until now, he still has that sugar daddy vibes.

“Hmm, I see. Kharris appears to be very important to you... Are you perhaps the father of her son? You are the spitting image of him.”

“No!” I quickly denied but I came out defensive. Shit! Why is this happening?

“Father of her son?” Uno turned his gaze to me but I quickly turned away, I felt my chest tighten. I’ve been doing a good job hiding my whereabouts for five years, will all that just go to nothing? I don’t want to be involved with Uno again, not after we broke each other’s hearts.

“Kharris Villa Luna, look at me and explain what’s going on.”