A Billionaire’s Ruse

“When I heard what my mom did to you, I immediately ran to your house. I knocked and I called out your name. I called out James’s name. I called out Papa’s name, but there was no answer.

“I was there in front of your house, crying. That was when a neighbor told me you guys had left already.” I said crying sadly.

I was broken Jim. I was sick for days , I cried my eyes out. I Searched for you guys, I even visited our favorite places. I waited night and day for at least a call from James.” I continued.

“But… but you both never did. You were also my friend Jim, but you did not even reach out to me also.” I accused him.

“I believed you both had forgotten about me, and my mom, she was so sorry. She also helped to look for you. She was just concerned for me, albeit, in a not so good way.” I finished with tears on my face.

“I don’t want you crying Emily. It is okay.” Jim consoled me

“You should know I won’t leave you like that. I pleaded with James to wait till you get back, but he could not. Your mother was on our neck to not contact your and he was hurt.

“James said he begged her but all his pleas fell on deaf ears. Well, I have no right to be offended anymore. James is doing great and I mean, look at me now, I am a big guy.” He boasted, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

“But truly, Your mom’s words and actions broke something in James. It gave him a new thought that he had to make something out of his life.” He concluded, taking a sip of his tea.

Sitting down one on one with Jim, has made me notice his manly features. He was no longer the skrawny little teenager running after James and I whenever we go out.”

Jim is now tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and piercing brown eyes. His face is ruggedly handsome, with a strong jaw and full lips. But his best feature is his smile – it’s warm and genuine, and it lits up his whole face.

To lighten the mood further, i asked him a question in an interview style sort of way, “So James dear, you mentioned you are a lawyer earlier.

“When I heard of the name James Forlorn, I wondered Who this man was that made people talk so much about him and how he was the best in the game. I never knew it was you. So tell me, how did you get here? What made you change your name. I want to know.”Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“The journey was a rough one, Em. A very tough one.” Jim replied with a distant look in his eyes.

“After we left town, papa, James and I went to the capital. We were stranded for days, and even weeks. We were sleeping outside; the car park, bridges or in front of shops. No shelter, no food and then he fell ill.” He said and his voice broke just slightly. He took a deep breath and continued.

“Papa developed cold from sleeping outside. We tried our best to make ends meet. I got a cleaning job while James got a delivery man job.

“At work, I tried to explain the situation of my dad to the management, but they told me, that is a family issue and it is not tolerated in a business institute. According to him, they all have family issues, but they don’t bother others about it.” I was sobbing silently at his sad story.

“I felt bad at the sound of that. Papa’s health deteriorated and we were helpless. Papa was hospitalized and I struggled to get another job whilst working there. James did other various menial jobs just to save up for Papa’s drugs and our daily upkeep.

“One day, It rained so hard and I was out there on an errand. After I got paid, I wanted to head straight to the hospital to meet up with James so we could pay for the bills, but I got stucked and there was no way I could return because of the storm. I thought James must be stranded too. Then, I got a call from the hospital.” Jim stopped to take a breath.

“Papa has passed away.” He cried and I sobbed into my palm.

“I was confused Em. I still saw him this morning and he said he would wait for me this evening so we could all play a game of chess just like the old times.

“It was a huge blow on my face. I blamed myself for not working harder. James blamed himself for not being able to provide for my dad after causing such a mess with your family.” He clenched his hands

“I was pained that we got no last words from my papa. He wasn’t supposed to die like this.” He said as he wiped the tear from his eyes with a brown handkerchief.

“Together, James and I determined that our Papa’s labour over us won’t be in vain.” He continued with a calm voice.

“My next employer was a nice person. After hearing about Papa’s passing, they felt bad and decided to adopt me. They only had a son, he is a year older than I am. He treats me like his younger brother, not minding my race or colour. His name is Alexio.” he explained.

“I went back to school and so did James. One day, he asked me what I wanted to study, I said law. I knou goji would be surprised I chose Law instead of Medicine. Papa wanted me to study Law, his reasons best known to him, I had to honor him by studying this.

“I graduated from the university, ran few other programmes as well, worked hard, and here I am.” standing up and turning for the camera.

“I’m so happy for you Jim”. Emily said after hearing his success story.