Author's Note:

This story have different POVs. If you prefer only one side of the story, this may not be for you.
Two Languages aside from English were used. I would appreciate it if you read the footnotes at the end of each chapter for the translations.
I am not a professional writer and English is not my native language. Feel free to criticize constructively if it suits you.
Thank you in advance for reading The Billionaire's Wish! 😊❤️

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"Mama, I beg you please let me go. . .Please?  I can't do this. I will be miserable for the rest of my life."

"Sometimes you have to sacrifice for the sake of your family. You deserve a good life and we can no longer provide you with that."

"Mother, there will be another way. I will do anything for our family, but please... not this!"

"Im sorry. Your father and I already agreed to this. The wedding is tomorrow evening."

She left my room and I felt desolation. The fear of not knowing how to remain the good daughter while maintaining my sanity and freedom.

As I remembered my last conversation with my mother 2 nights ago.  I felt pain and tears threatened to fall.

"There are things that money can buy, but not my happiness. I can come up with a solution to our problem. I have to. I need to. Oh God, please I desperately need your intervention right now."

As I ponder on this while trying to enjoy what is left of my measly breakfast, I heard a resounding blast. The building shook! A loud shriek from the kitchen and pandemonium in the packed cafe ensued, pushing me out of my trance and into alertness.

"Get out of here now! Call the Fire Department!" someone shouted from the cafe.

I quickly got out of the building.  I was already running when I felt the air left my lungs and a strong force propelled me into the air, towards something. . . something hard and muscular?

"What the fu*k!"

Even with the cursing, I cannot help but tremble from that sultry voice. The voice of the person who caught me and steadied me. . . before blackness engulfed me.

Lance's POV

"What the fu*k!"

Something or rather someone was thrown into me. I almost got out of balance, thank goodness for my athletic stance, I was able to catch her and balance myself.

A loud explosion, the noise had reverberated over the town as efficiently as a thunder clap and by now the fire and police department's finest would be on their way, siren's blazing.

I had no time to search for the cause of the explosion. I felt her went limp, maybe she lost consciousness due to the impact.

"Miss! Wake up! we have to go somewhere safe! Oh crap! I don't need this now!"

Seeing that she probably is knocked out, I carried her bridal style and proceeded to search for cover.

By then, several debris were falling out from the building of the cafe I was supposed to meet a client. There was chaos near the smoky vicinity, and so I ran away with her in my arms.

Cassandra's POV - Blast from the past

Lopez Financing Corporation is one of the biggest and trusted companies in Spain.

This is the legacy that I will inherit in the future, or so I thought.

After graduating from Harvard majoring in a double degree in Finance and Economics at 19 years old, yes, I was young when I studied and was accelerated in school, I joined our company. It was not an option. Being an only child, the "heiress", I had to think of the future of our family's company and those under our employment.

Being Maria Cassandra Villanueva Lopez is not an easy job.

I had to study until my eyes bleed. I had to learn and excel in everything.

I have dreams but I chose to live their dreams for me.

The pressure I felt growing up is nothing like the pressure I am feeling right now.

We are now facing bankruptcy! How and why? I'm not sure. But it is inevitable.

We are going to lose everything and I have to deal with this before it gets worse.

"Cassandra!" from the intercom, I heard my father, the CEO called me into his office.

"Im coming Papa." I responded in the intercom link.

"Meet us for Dinner tonight, we have something important to announce."

"Papa, I still have a lot of paperworks to finish before the meeting with the Board of Directors next week. Can't it wait until Sunday?"

"No! You have been slaving yourself for weeks now. But still you have no lead. We still have not found the culprit who did this to us. Embezzling money is a crime! We have to make them pay but it cannot help us bring our company back to its former glory!"

"Relax Papa. No need to be overworked. I am doing this for us remember?"

"I know, prove it tonight by meeting us for dinner. I will send you the location and time."

"Can't we just have dinner here at the office?"

"No. Va a seguir mis instrucciones y no hay más discusión. Tu puedes ir." No. You are going to follow my instructions and there's no more discussion. You can go."

I left the room feeling heavy and useless.

I worked with this company for almost two years and I have not once doubted anyone. But it's different now. I want to find out the person behind this mess but I have this strange feeling that I may be out of time.

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I do not usually dress up for dinner since I do not have time for any fancy setups. But a strict instruction from my father to dress like its a ball made me wince in pain.

I hate dressing up. I am a jeans and shirt kind of girl. I may be of a rich stature but I never dressed fancy like those socialites I know. I not only think that it is unnecessary to dress up but also a waste of time. Nobody notices me anyways.

My assistant Keri ordered the silver gown with flower embroidery and deep v neck. It fitted me nicely and showed my curves. It was very classy and elegant and suited my black waves and honey brown eyes. My petite figure is nothing compared to the runway models or celebrities, but I felt pretty when I saw myself in the mirror. Thanks to the stylist that Keri forced me to go to. My make up was natural and enhanced the features of my face and my hair looked divine. I looked like the star I have been dreaming to be.

Well, that is just my long buried ultimate desire, to be an actress and singer. But of course, that is just silly me thinking about crazy things.

"You are sunlight, and high moon, joined by the God's of fortune... " As much as I would love to finish Lea Salonga's Ms. Saigon song, I picked up my cellphone as my mother's picture was flashing on the screen. Oh boy, here goes.

"Mama."

"Hija, the driver is waiting outside your building. Please do not keep us waiting. We have been here for 5 minutes."

"I am coming Mama. My condo is just 5 minutes away from there, I could have walked."

"Nonsense! I hope you are wearing something appropriate."

"Yes, I am. See you soon Mother." I ended the call feeling frustrated. They really do not trust my judgment. Frankly, when it comes to dressing up, I don't trust myself as well.

The drive to the Italian restaurant was quick. I don't know why but I feel like something was going to happen. I have this strange gut feel about tonight. I just hope Im wrong.

As I entered the hall, I felt all eyes were on me. Suddenly feeling self conscious, I walked forward and as I adjusted myself with the feeling of being the centre of attention, I noticed it. There was a large screen playing some of my pictures and another person's. But the caption was what made me freeze on the spot.

It was like I was brought into a nightmare that I cannot wake up from.

"Miguel & Cassandra's Engagement Party"

I could almost taste the tears that was threatening to fall. I saw my parents approach me with a warning glare. They saw my expression and they know I am not liking their surprise, or should I say ambush?

"Mama! Papa! what is the meaning of this?! This is absurd! How can you do this to me?!"

My mother approached me cautiously.

"Cassie honey, I apologise if we may have surprised you."

"Surprised is an understatement! You're killing me here."

"Cassandra, just sit down on our table and let us discuss this like adults. The guests are looking at us. Do not embarrass us here."

I cannot contain the hurt and betrayal I am feeling. Hearing from them that I am embarrassing them yet again fuelled more hurt. I decided to run to the washroom and cried my heart out.

Thankfully, nobody followed me. Or so I thought.

As I make my way out of the washroom, I saw my father waiting for me.

With my bloodshot eyes, and ruined make up, he hugged me.

"Honey, we are sorry but Miguel's family can help us with our business. With this family merger, they promised to fund our company's debts and will bring back our family's wealth.  We did not consult you as we thought you will do this for us, for our company and for our people. We knew we can always count on you."

"I get it Papa. But as much as I would like to help our company, I also have to live for my happiness. For years, I have been slaving to be a perfect daughter for you and I gave up my dreams to work in your perfect company. But not to this. I will not sign up for a loveless marriage and especially not to that arrogant person!"

"Cassandra, we need to do this. Otherwise, we will lose everything that we have worked hard for. I cannot go back to being poor. Especially now that we are old. I want to retain the luxurious life we were always used to."

"Im sorry Papa if you think I am being selfish. I just want to be happy. I have been giving my everything to this company, to you and mother. But Im sorry, I just cannot do this."

I looked at my father and saw the change in his expression from pleading to anger. I knew this would happen. This is the only time I tried to assert my feelings and rights to him.

"You have no say on this! Either you do this or I will disown you as my daughter!"

He barked at me before storming out back to the hall.

Those last words, simple words made my heart break. I felt like my world is breaking up into pieces. Pieces that I know I cannot mend. Even how hard I tried to.

The feelings of abandonment resurfaced. All my insecurities while growing up came to me like an avalanche.

I can now confirm that I will never be enough for them. I am only born for one purpose.

To serve them and their beloved company.

In Beverly Hills, California - A day before the explosion

Richard Lance Montgomery, the handsome and famous owner and billionaire CEO of Triple M Productions, paced the hall as he waited for his fiancee. He was one of the most sought after bachelors in California. He was the only heir of the biggest financial investment firm in the world but he opted to build a business of his own which he successfully turned into a billion dollar company.

While waiting for his girlfriend, Lindsay, he scanned the crowd. Many elites in society and celebrities as well as the biggest names in the corporate and business world are present on his party. He was after all one of them.

He thought, Lindsay was taking too long. She was supposed to be at the events hall for their engagement party an hour ago.

"I wonder where she is."

30 minutes ago, he sent Lindsay's bestfriend Suzie to her room while he greeted some of their guests.

Growing impatient, he went up to the floor where she is staying. He opened the door to check on her.
And that is when his world started to crumble down.

What he saw will forever haunt and taunt him.

He saw his girlfriend of six years and fiancee of three months, naked and in bed kissing her best friend. Lance did not even consider that any of them was a lesbian.

Lance was utterly stunned and so were the two girls kissing on the hotel bed.

"Lindsay. What are you doing?" He uttered the words even though he knew that the girl he was about to get engaged to was cheating on him, on the day of their official engagement.

Lindsay looked at him with pity and said "Im sorry Lance, I have been fighting this for so long and now I cannot contain it. I love her. Im sorry but the engagement is off."

Suzie just stared and hugged the crying Lindsay.

As the shock disipated. The fury and hurt surfaced.

"You know what?! Screw you! Fu*k you both! You have no right to call off the engagement because I'm calling it off myself! You filthy bitch! How can you humiliate me like this?! After everything I have done for you? This is what I get!"

"Lance..."

"Forget it! Don't even think of explaining yourself! Get out! Both of you! I paid for this! I paid for all of this! Get out now!"

He was fuming with rage as he left the room and rode the elevator down to meet his head of security.

At the lobby of the hotel. He saw his security team.

"Ramon, escort Lindsay and Suzie out of this hotel. I also want all of her things gone from my penthouse this instant! Don't ask! Just do as I say!"

He took off on his red Ferrari and drove around the city. Without any destination he just roamed around to clear his mind and to calm his furious heart.

He suffered so much pain in his life already and he was not expecting to be betrayed that way.

He thought about everything he and Lindsay shared, their friendship and their good times together. He tried to understand if it was his fault. But the thing is he cannot think of any reason why he could be subject to such betrayal.

Was he trusting and blind enough not to notice the signs? His busy schedule and drive to success was never an issue with them.

Everything was unexpected. Now, all his plans gone to waste. He knew that this hurt he was feeling was not heart break for the love he lost but rather a painful wake up call that betrayal will always be part of life.

After an hour of driving and ignoring the ringing cellphone, he answered his bestfriend's call.

"Dude where the hell are you! What happened! Your securities dragged your fiancee out of the hotel!"

"She's not my fiancee. She cheated on me with her friend! I don't want to talk about this. I'll just go away for sometime. Could you just take care of everything for me until I get back?"

"Lance, of course. Don't worry I always got your back. Im just here whenever you need me. Are you sure you're alright?"

Lance was grateful that behind all these drama, he still have one person to trust.

"Thanks man! Yes, I will be fine. I have suffered worst than this." And so he turned the phone off so no one can trace where he is going.

That is the question.

"Where should I go? What must I do?"

*** Complete story is available at Dreame.com Thank you.

Lance's POV - After the Explosion

After yesterday's drama I knew what to do. But before I could set my life on its new track, I have some business to take care of.

I was supposed to meet a client before I head out of town, that was on the cafe where the explosion happened. I have been working on this project for months and my breakup with my ex should not be a hindrance for my business. Good thing that the client I was meeting was usually late then eventually cancelled after he heard of the disaster on the cafe where we were supposed to meet up, or else I would have more than I can take on my now full plate of problems.

My flight to the Philippines was supposed to be in an hour but I am still here at my Penthouse waiting for this certain someone to wake up. I already called my doctor friend to check on her. He said she would be fine and was just slightly shaken up.

I am intrigued by her. She looks so fragile and serene while she sleeps. I have been looking at her for the past 30 minutes and I think I have memorized her features.

She is pretty. Well, pretty is an understatement. I think she looks captivatingly beautiful. Her heart shaped face, her well defined brows and nose, her impossibly long and curled lashes, her soft looking skin and her lips. God, those lips! I wonder how that would taste.

"Damnation! What am I thinking, I may be losing my mind. I just broke up with my cheating girlfriend and here I am lusting over this unconscious person" I was silently scolding myself when she opened her eyes.

Her honey brown eyes that made my heart jump. She looked at me, blinked several times as if in awe. Then replaced with fear as she probably realized that I am a stranger. She looked around the room before staring back at me.

I may look like an idiot as I think I have been so openly staring at her. I had to mask my emotions as she is causing turmoil on my brain. I was confident I did not hit my head. Now Im not so sure.

"Where am I? What happened? Who are you?" she asked.

"At my penthouse. You were thrown into me at the cafe. I am Lance Montgomery. What's your name?" I was still looking at her eyes, but then she looked away.

"Thank you for saving me. I am. . . "

Suddenly she was silent. Oh God, please don't tell me she forgot who she is! I have so much to worry about.

Cassandra's POV

I feel strange. I feel someone is staring at me and I have to open my eyes. I heard a voice whispering something. That voice. I opened my eyes and I think I was suddenly out of breath.

He is the most handsome man I have ever seen. Well, it probably is the first description I can think of as I am very disoriented. I feel like having an adrenaline rush.

I realized I have been so engrossed with his gorgeous features that I momentarily forget where I am and what happened.

"Where am I? What happened? Who are you?"

"At my penthouse. You were thrown into me at the cafe. I am Lance Montgomery. What's your name?" He replied.

Oh God, why does that voice have to sound so sexy? I had to look away from our eye contact or else I will be turned into a puddle.

"Thank you for saving me. I am. . . " I was about to tell him my name when an idea popped into my now semi functioning mind.

"I am Cassie Nueva."

He looked relieved when I answered. I wonder why is that? As I looked around the room, I knew I have the solution to my problems. I just have to put the ball into motion.

"Sorry to intrude on your privacy and to be a burden but. . . I have to ask you a huge favor." I nervously continued.

"And what would that huge favor be?" He asked in that deep voice of his and I almost run out of the room from my nervousness and fear of rejection.

"I am wondering if. . .probably I could stay here for a while.  Ahm, I will work for my stay. I can do your house chores. Wash the laundry. Cook your meals. . .Clean. . ." I was blabbering on when he raised his hands to stop me from talking.

"I have a housekeeper and I don't have a lawn. This is a Penthouse. And, why do you suppose would I do that?"

"Well, because . . . "

Well, that is a good question. I am out of words. My university degree and numerous academic awards cannot help my brain function now.

"I am. . ." Crap!

I see him eyeing at me with a dark haze in his eyes. I just had to look away or else I may be trapped by his alluring gaze.

"I have a proposal." And I had to look back at him and his intense gaze.

"What?"

"Accompany me on my vacation, pretend to be my. . .girlfriend and we will see from then."

I almost choked on my saliva when I heard his proposal.

Think Cassie! This is your chance to escape. You have limited funds, you are out of options. You need to get away. Soon they will trace you and you cannot let that happen.

"I don't have all day Cassie."

His voice got me out of my reverie and I had no choice but to answer.

"Ye. . . eherm. . .Yes."

I took the risk. Looking at his victorious grin or was it a smirk? I have never felt so excited and scared at the same time.

Lance can be described as cold, calculating, manipulative and intelligent. But never impulsive. He never made a decision without thinking of the repercussions and effect that it may result to.

That was until Cassie. Cassie who was now sleeping beside him. He unbuckled his seat belt and hers as well. He carried her to the plane's cabin so she can sleep more comfortably. He laid her gently on the bed before returning to his seat.

He was not sure what happened to him at his Penthouse, but the moment he saw the worry and fear in her eyes, he wanted to protect her. He wanted to shield her from anything and anyone that may hurt her.

He had never felt so protective of anyone. Not even Lindsay who has been with him for years. But just one look at Cassie's expressive eyes and his mind and emotions goes haywire. Not even a day passed since their meeting but there was some irresistible pull that makes him want to keep her safe.

They were on his private jet on their way to his secluded Island in Zambales. He secretly bought this two years ago to be his sanctuary. They have just finished construction of the rest house and private resort. Nobody knew he has this property and this is what he needs.

To escape the gossips and rumors about his failed engagement. To forget the hurt from the betrayal of the person whom he thought could never make him feel worthless and unhappy. Lindsay.

They were happy. Or he believed they were. Their story was very simple. They have been friends during his later years in high school. They knew everything about each other. Or he thought he knew everything about her.

Their friendship was what made them start dating. They were tired of telling each other their break up stories from their relationships.  So they agreed to give it a try with each other. They clicked because they were both sensible. Never jealous. Always cool with each other's individual journey in life.

They have been together for six years excluding the time that they were still friends. They were each other's first in everything, well except the sex thing.

Lindsay and Lance were the perfect couple. They do not argue, they discuss their issues rationally without raising each other's voices. They never had a disagreement in their six years of dating. Perhaps because they rarely see each other. They were both busy with work. Lindsay being a Runway model and constantly travelling while he is also caught up with his company. Lance helped Lindsay achieve her dreams by providing her with connections and even money so she can live the glamorous life of a model.

The quality time they have is during phone conversations and weekly video calls. Everything they do were planned. They have to fit their relationship into their hectic schedule.  Never did they demand any time from each other and that helped for them to be both successful in their chosen careers.

Three months ago, he was put in a compromising situation where his grandparents, the grandparents that took care of him when his parents died, asked him when he will settle down. He was not paying attention that he responded with "Soon."

And so the planning began without the proper proposal.

His grandparents were excited that finally he will be settling down. He had been so busy with work that only their monthly dinner at their ancestral home was their avenue to catch up. He had no choice but to push through with the "proposal". He knew there would not be a problem with Lindsay.

He called Lindsay and asked her to have dinner with him. He flew to Paris just to see her.

No surprises, just a simple proposal during dinner and she readily accepted. He thought he was happy. He felt comfortable, yes, but happy? Now he wondered. Their agreed marriage now sounded like a business agreement, not a lifelong commitment.

Lindsay agreed to be his wife but she will not bear him a child until after 3 years. That is one of the conditions that they agreed to since she still have her modelling contract. Lance also stipulated that they will have a prenuptial agreement so both their interests would be protected. They agreed to have only one child since they are both busy with their careers and raising a child might be a problem.

Now, as he remembered that night where they seemed to plan their future, he cannot help but feel disappointed with himself. That was not planning their future, that was merely an agreement to their terms to get married. A contract to be together by two consenting adults. Rational and logical. Come to think of it, none of them seemed happy that they were finally engaged, they were simply relieved that at one point, their relationship was on the right track.

He is now starting to doubt whether he wanted to get married before or he just wanted to prove a point to his grandparents. That he can settle down and raise a family.

He is starting to see that his relationship with Lindsay is nothing more but a convenient and programmed commitment. They were very comfortable with each other but there was no chemistry. There was not even a sexual pull or impulsive desire to be together.

He was not a romantic. He was a very sensible guy who valued his time. And time with Lindsay was always calculated. Always planned. No spontaneity. Maybe that was what drove her to do what she did. Sad as it may seem but he was now starting to feel that he was not worthy to be loved by anyone.

He is hurting because of his bruised ego and not his failed relationship.

His heart is not capable of loving anyone anymore. He need to find out how to love. Maybe when he does, the heaviness he was feeling may be lifted and be replaced with the real happiness he once had.

He was in deep thought, caught in his own bubble and did not notice Cassie who was concernedly looking at him from the hallway of the plane.