The Billionaire 1&2 novel Chapter 23

“Who is there?” Amber asked trying to act tough. She is on her morning walk around the garden when she felt someone following her. “Is there anyone here?” She asked again as she feels her surroundings.

She was startled when she heard a footstep behind her.

“Ma’am, are you okay?” A voice asked. When she turns around, it was no other than the new gardener. “Ma’am?” Julian asked.

“Oh, it’s you.” She breathes in, calming her nerves.

“Are you okay, ma’am?” Julian asked.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She answered. “What are you doing here? You should not be here today.” She cannot help not to ask. Ever since the man came to the mansion, she started feeling uncomfortable and that someone is eyeing on her.

“We didn’t finish the work yesterday, so Mang Tirso decided that we will come again today.” Julian answered while staring directly at her, making her uncomfortable. It seems that he’s been looking through her soul.

“Is that so. Then I’ll leave you here then so that you can continue your work.” She said and immediately leaves, she doesn’t want to be alone with that man.

Amber went directly to their room and checked her phone. Her heart beats fast when she saw a missed call and message from Rafael. She immediately opened and read his message.

Hi, hon, how are you? I hope you are doing fine. Don’t worry too much about me. I am doing well here… Well, maybe not because you’re not here beside me. But I will see you soon. Take Care!

She immediately dialled his number but disappointment awaits her as he cannot be reached. She decided to write a reply to his message.

I miss you, hon. Come back home, please.

She sighed and hit the send button. She wanted to talk to someone so she called Danielle.

“Hey, sis, how are you?” She asked when Danielle answered her call.

“I’m fine sis.” Danielle answered. “Do you have any news about the boys?” She asked, concern is evident on her voice.

“I just received a message from Rafael. He says that they are okay and they will be back soon.” She said.

“Is that so… That’s great then.” Danielle said and sighed. “If only Joshua call or message us, his parents are worried sick about him. We tried calling Gabriel but he is also out of reach.” Danielle said then she heard a loud commotion. “I’ll call you back later, sis.” Danielle hurriedly said and cuts off the line.

“What is happening to us?” She asked herself and let out a sigh. She is about to get out of the room to have breakfast when her phone rings again. She excitedly checked it hoping that it was Rafael but to her disappointment it was Shin Lim. She didn’t answer her phone and block the number.

“Good morning, mom, dad.” She greeted her in-laws who are in the dining table and waited for her.

“Good morning too, dear.” Allison greeted. “I was about to ask Berta to call you.” She added. “How is your sleep?” Allison asked.

“I can’t really sleep last night because I spend the whole afternoon sleeping. That is why I took an early walk around the garden.” Amber said as she took a sip on her milk.

“Is that so.” Allison nodded. “By the way, are you okay being alone here today?”

“Yes, mom, why?” She asked.

“Nico will be having a meeting later and I will be attending an outreach program. I want to bring you with me but the travel is quite far.”

“It’s okay, mom. I am fine here.” She said. “I plan to finish the book I am reading today.”

“Ma’am Amber, telephone call for you.” Linda said.

“Is it Rafa?” She asked thinking that Rafael might be calling her but she left her phone in the room.

“It is not Sir Rafa, but…”

“Oh…” She murmured; disappointment was all over her face. She excuses her self for a while to get the phone. “Hello, Amber speaking. Who is this?”

“Mrs. Anderson, how are you?” She nearly drops the telephone upon hearing that voice as fear and nervousness engulfs her. The caller is no other than the man who is pestering her for the past few days—Shin Lim!

“How did you know the telephone number here?” She asked, holding tightly the telephone.

“I have my ways, Mrs. Anderson.” Shin Lim simply answers but it spent chills throughout her body. “Do you think you can run away from me, eh?” He laughs devilishly. “You can hide but you can’t run!” He warned.

“I promise that I will pay the remaining balance but please wait for a while, I don’t have any money to pay you.” She pleaded in a soft voice in fear that someone in the house might hear her.

“And when is that?” The man growls.

“When Rafael comes home.” She answered. “So, please, wait for a while. I cannot just ask my in-laws for a huge sum of money. They will surely question me!”

“Hah! I believe that I’ve already given you enough time, Amber!” The man said firmly.

“Oh, please!” She pleaded desperately. “You are aware that I already sold all our properties, I have nothing left with me now, where else do you want me to get money?” She asked. “I literally sold my body to a man whom I just known for a while just to pay you.”

“enough of excuses! I lent your father my money and when he can’t pay me back, he committed suicide. Now, it is your responsibility to pay it back!” The man shouted in anger.

“But that was my father’s debt and not mine!” Amber insisted. “Just give me months and I will pay back the remaining balance.” She pleaded.

“No can do, Mrs. Anderson.” Shin Lim said. “Now that the thing I want is nearly in my reach, I will never stop until I get my hands on it! You know what I am talking about, Amber!” He said. “And I will not stop until you give it to me!”

“I don’t know what you are talking about so leave me alone!” She shouted and cuts of the call. What he said is making her confused and curious.