The Billornaire's Secret

A Gala Awaits

As they worked on their project together, sitting side by side in the library, the atmosphere was thick with concentration. Alexander was typing away on his laptop, his eyes fixed intently on the screen, while Olivia attempted to focus on her notes.

But her gaze kept drifting to him. She couldn't help but notice the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck or how his eyes crinkled at the corners when he concentrated.

Suddenly, Alexander let out a deep sigh, his shoulders sagging in defeat. Concern etched Olivia's face as she turned to him. "Hey, are you okay?"

He looked up, locking eyes with her for a moment, and she saw something vulnerable and raw flicker behind his usually guarded expression. But then, he looked away, retreating back behind his walls. "I'm fine," he muttered.

Despite his words, Olivia sensed a crack in the armor, a glimpse of vulnerability she was determined to explore. She reached out, lightly touching his arm. "Hey, don't shut down on me. What's going on?"

Alexander's eyes flashed with warning, but she caught the faintest glimmer of uncertainty. "It's just...this project," he said finally, his voice low. "It's bringing up stuff I'd rather forget."

Olivia's heart raced, curiosity piquing as she leaned in. "What do you mean?"

He hesitated, his eyes searching hers, then spoke, vulnerability creeping into his tone. "It's nothing."

Her heart sank at his reluctance.

Alexander's eyes locked onto hers, revealing raw pain, but then he quickly looked away, the familiar mask slipping back into place. "Let's just focus on the project, okay?" he said gruffly.

Olivia nodded, recognizing the need to respect his boundaries. But she was determined to help him confront his demons when he was ready.

Just then, Alexander's phone buzzed, breaking the silence between them. He glanced at the screen, and his expression shifted from vulnerable to guarded. "Excuse me," he said, standing up to take the call.

Olivia watched as he listened, his brow furrowing. "Yes, Jenkins," he said curtly. "I'll be right there."

He hung up and turned to her. "I have to go," he said abruptly. "Family business."

She nodded, curious. "Everything okay?"

Alexander hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I'll see you later, Olivia."

With that, he walked away, leaving her with a whirlwind of thoughts about what could possibly be happening.

Later that day, as Alexander arrived at the family mansion, Jenkins, the butler, awaited him in the study.

"Ah, young master," Jenkins said, his tone formal. "I'm glad you could make it. The master has been expecting you."

Alexander stepped inside, feeling an uneasy sense of foreboding settle in. His grandfather was sitting behind a large, imposing desk, his expression stern.

"Alexander," his grandfather began, his voice steady. "I have news. We're hosting a gala in a month's time, and I expect you to be there."

"A gala?" Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," his grandfather replied, his gaze unwavering. "It's time we showed the world that the family is still strong. And I want you to take an active role in it."

Alexander nodded, his stomach tightening. "What's the occasion?"

His grandfather's expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained serious. "Let's just say it's time you understood your responsibilities within this family. There are expectations, and you need to be prepared to meet them."

Alexander's heart sank. What responsibilities awaited him? And what role would he have to play in a world he had tried so hard to distance himself from?