Between Two Billionaires Chapter 1
LIAM
"You should go somewhere peaceful. So you can find yourself, young Master Liam Roosevelt."
What Mrs Rose Black said to me during my last rehabilitation session sank again. My hands tightly grip my backpack, which I have personally prepared before our trip-- Since I cannot get out of the car during the ferry transportation to the island. I uncomplainingly wait inside the vehicle with butler Clayton Clark.
At the age of 41, he's a mean type after what happened to Isaiah. His white complexity truly blends with his royal blue tuxedo that I always want to see whenever he is around.
Total silence makes a difference inside the vehicle because we are both mute. Out of topic for a conversation. Clark becomes overprotected ever since I got out of the tranquil clinic. A few moments later, the ferry docks.
Clark's hands become full even when we go to Sunset Beach Hotel. I skipped the reservation as I wait in the lobby until a room representative leads the way to my room for three days.
"Would you like me to present the amenities of your room, sir?" he asked unsure about the way he looked at my ocean blue eyes.
I cannot lift the edge of my lips into a curve smile. However, Butler Clark becomes the voice of my mute mouth as he insisted on his offer. When we go inside the room, I sigh heavily as I sit on the soft matrimonial bed.
"I need to be with you until you're vacation expires—"
"I don't need someone to be by my side right now, Clark." My voice becomes hoarse and indicates a strong emotion. Nonetheless, his adamant will resurfaces just like a father—protecting his only son.
Before, I know Clark is not just working for me. He is also ready to sacrifice his time and waste his efforts even sometimes I am not worthy of it.
"Young master, Liam. You cannot be such a stubborn type at the age of twenty-five. I am here to be your servant and that's my contract with Mr Nolan."
My glass is full of his excuses that are the same. I look at him in the eyes and say, "I will triple your salary when you leave me alone here for the whole duration—"
"I decline your offer, young master. Mrs Black said I need to keep my eyes on you before I see you floating in the ocean at sunrise. You're not completely healed from having acute depression. I must confiscate all materials here."
I let him take away what he thinks are harming me. Clark has his reason why, and I completely understand his side. In exchange, his mind changes in split seconds.
"Your identity here is completely discreet and only the staff are allowed to call you by your name. Foods are served at eight in the evening, and breakfast will be at seven. You will meet me during lunchtime to update you."
What he is saying is inane. I don't have an appetite to digest what he wants me to do. I let Clark talk until he is tired of doing so… when his saliva spoils, I let him leave the room.
Mrs Black is right, I need total concentration for myself to heal. Time will tell, but forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting. I still can't forgive Hudson! That asshole ruined my life!
Tears kept flowing when I realize I can't do a single thing for avenging Isaiah. Breathing in and out profoundly can help a little bit, but not enough when I think about Hudson's devilish grin.
I kept eating alone inside the room—chilling for Netflix before I go out for a night walk alongside the front beach. Wearing my shorts and sando, I go out alone and look at the beach at night. What a wonderful sight to see—away from the pollution of the city.
My work can wait, but my mental health cannot hold on a little longer. Luckily, they're all understanding about my feelings. I hold onto their promise to keep me safe from the estranged brother.
If our blood doesn't run the same—I killed him in front of his family. However, Hudson is my older step-brother, running the elite bodyguard agency that was founded by dad.
I've been the manager and CEO of Zircon in New York, however, I cannot manage my emotions when I see him last time. I cannot do a thing! I feel useless when I think about what happened to Isaiah.
Loneliness goes again, but I go inside the bar to each some nachos. Several people are having good times on the dance floor with the dancing lights and the strong smell of liquor.
I restrained myself from drinking since it will only trigger my anxiety. I am not like this before… these changes make me go crazy!
After I left the bar, I went to my bed. Until the morning comes, I open my eyes—but, cannot feel my chest. It's embarrassing on my side but merciful to them.
Mrs Black said I need to trust this process if I want to cure myself. I kept on feeling this until the next morning when Clark joins me with my lunch.
"Tomorrow we need to go, young master," he reminds me of my short sojourn stay. I nod while chewing the pasta.
"Yes, I understand."
His hand covers my other hand over the tissue. It is warm, yet full of care. "Are you sure… you will be alright when we go back to New York?"
Clark's emotionless eyes become puffy in seconds. I heave a sigh.
"I need to face this alone this time around," my response satisfies him. To his extent, Butler Clark let me entertain myself for the last night of my stay.
After I prepare my things and then said to the counter that I would like to eat my breakfast at the bar. I patiently wait for it as I watch the people around me enjoy their life.
If Isaiah is here with me… we will hang out together and go to the hotel room even our sights are blurry. All of it is just a bite of unrealistic imagery that I cannot bring back even my money can't be measured.
The weight on my shoulder that I keep on carrying must be thrown away. I pretend to be someone ordinary as I sit at the front bar.
The handsome Bartender notices me, but give me pineapple juice for my drink tonight. "Thank you so much for your hospitality," I compliment him as his ears turn reddish.
"My pleasure, sir. Please inform me if you need something."
He goes to his work and I am left alone, watching the bustling people enjoying.
"Even half… please. I will pay you," a drunk voice hooks my attention. I scrutinize the crowd who is talking until I see the same bartender talking to a drunk man.
"This is his favourite expensive drink. I can afford it too!" he keeps on pestering, but the bartender keeps on declining his request.
He piques my attention when I have a glimpse of his almost empty wallet.
"I will show him that I can afford it too after leaving me alone…" This man is speaking the same language as mine. For a long time, the contemplation I have been longing for—I can see it in his eyes.
"I will get two of his order…"
The drunk handsome man looks straight into my eyes. It was full of confusion when the corner of his eyes crinkled in my speedy presence.
"Coming up, sir."
The music is loud like my heartbeat when I interrupt someone. However, his face gives a soothing charismatic zest. No one makes me palpitate in the first meeting.
"I don't need your money. I can pay for my bill—"
I cut off his nonsense. "That's why your wallet is hanging on for its life." He becomes silent after hearing my valid reason for treating him tonight.
The bartender appears with two orders. I gaze at it then at the drunk man beside me.
He takes a sip then looks at me. "Do you experience heartbreak?"
A bold question for a man that he first meets. "Yes," I audaciously answer his inquiry.
"When?"
"I don't know. How about you?" He puts the Moscow Mule beside my order—trying to sit comfortably while facing my direction.
His white and well-built body make an alteration of what I can imagine.
"They say… people go here to unwind. I guess I am right this time." He gives a light chuckle right in front of my face. I don't know him by name, but I feel comfortable in his presence.
The same feeling I felt when Isaiah was alive.
He continues to share, "it's so hard to walk this time without the person who builds you up… then shatters you to pieces."
"Is it your girlfriend? who abandoned you this time?" is a simple question, but on the contrary, his lips are tight in saying a single word. I smile at him, naturally.
The last time I feel smiling—the muscles on my face are heavy to lift. However, with this man … I can smile completely fine without any reason.
"I'd met this person five years ago, rich and kind. I don't know what went wrong this time—we hid our relationship for that span of time. Now, I cannot believe when we met each other. This person told me the marriage was confirmed … but I am not the one."
My lips automatically parted in his honest speech. I cannot believe someone like him can stand alone this time without any help. In life… there are reasons why you will meet someone who has a greater problem than you.
"That was awful… can you forgive him?" It feels like I am talking to myself. However, I look at him with an optimistic aura.
"Time will always tell. Emotions have no switch to alter… what I feel right now." I don't know his name until this point when the Moscow Mule is done. I discreetly put it with the pineapple juice to show that I drink it with him.
He seems not to respond and cranes his neck downwards. Even the trendy music cannot wake him up this time. The bouncer approaches me.
"Sir, can I help you?" I insisted on his offer because I could support him. I asked the receptionist, and she said this man was next to my room. I don't notice him since I'm here for a couple of days.
I continue supporting him until I get the extra key for his room. As I open it… I aim for the switch; however, I am startled when this man presses me to the wall!
I try to put my hands on his chest and slowly push him away.
"Victor… you said you love me, right?" he is crying on my shoulder. I feel weak this time when his sobs are so painful to hear. I feel my heart tearing since I know the feeling of losing someone.
"Why did you decide to marry the woman you've met a couple of months? I've been with you for almost five years. Yet, in our monthsary… I am alone on this island that we planned all along the road to Connecti-cut."
My body became immovable like a stone when I kept on hearing his cries. I closed the door and lightly hugs his body. I know the pain of losing someone.
However, when I am ready to turn on the switch because the dim-lighted place is somewhat terrifying.
I clicked the lampshade beneath our collided bodies. I can feel my breath racing as well as this handsome man. He pressed his head on the chest and sobbed painfully.
"Don't worry. I am here for you…" for the first time, I tell it to someone I don't know. I've been aloof for some time as Ivy told me I am not worthy of her time after I drastically changed when Isaiah died.
When I am in his embrace—I cannot feel the hole inside my chest. I can feel like a whole person.
He looks me in the eyes. "Victor?" he keeps on mentioning this name. I guess this man is gay but discreet.
"Yes?" my response becomes soft. This man keeps on staring at me until I can feel the tip of his nose colliding with mine. I am nailed to the wall when something spectacular is crawling on my skin.
His hot breath becomes a burning sensation when the alcohol taste lips crash to mine. Slowly. I feel moved by his drunk body… it's my first time kissing a man!