The Billornaire's Secret

Under the Stars

Olivia led Alexander to a secluded hill, the night sky above them blanketed with twinkling stars. The air was crisp, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves around them. She remembered his words from the gala, the way his eyes lit up as he spoke about his mother and their stargazing nights.

Setting up a cozy spot with blankets and pillows, she glanced at him as he took in the breathtaking view. His silhouette against the starry backdrop was striking, a perfect juxtaposition of light and shadow.

“It’s beautiful,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Just like you said,” Olivia replied, smiling softly. “You used to go stargazing with your mom, right?”

He nodded, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—a blend of warmth and pain. “Yeah... she loved the stars. She always told me to follow my own star.”

Olivia’s heart swelled with affection for him. She leaned closer, her shoulder brushing against his. “Do you think she’s watching over you?”

Alexander sighed, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his usually guarded demeanor. “Sometimes, I feel like she is. But as my birthday approaches, the memories become sharper. I hate that I can’t control my emotions. I’ve been pushing you away, and I hate myself even more for that.”

Her heart ached for him, the weight of his words settling between them. She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his, feeling the warmth radiate from his skin. “You don’t have to go through this alone, Alexander. I’m here for you.”

His gaze shifted to the stars, the faint glow reflecting in his eyes. “You’re not going anywhere, are you?” he asked, almost as if he needed reassurance.

“No,” she replied firmly, her heart racing. “I’m right here.”

For a moment, the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them under the vast, shimmering sky. Alexander inhaled deeply, as if preparing for something monumental.

“I think... I’m finally ready to tell you about my past,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Olivia’s breath hitched in anticipation. She felt a rush of adrenaline—this was it. The moment she’d been waiting for. “Okay,” she encouraged softly, squeezing his hand tighter.

As he prepared to share his truth, the scene shifted in her mind, and the world around them blurred into a sunlit kitchen filled with laughter and love.

---

**Flashback Scene**

The kitchen was alive with warmth and the sweet smell of blueberries. Alexander, eleven years old, burst through the door, excitement bubbling over as he called out, “Mom, Dad, it’s my birthday! Can we have pancakes?”

Emily, his mother, looked down at him, her smile bright as she hugged him tightly. “Of course, sweetie. Your favorite blueberry pancakes, just like every year.”

William, his father, sat at the table, sipping coffee, ruffling Alexander’s hair. “Happy birthday, buddy! Ethan, help your brother get the decorations out. Let’s make this day unforgettable.”

Ethan, his older brother, grinned from the corner. “Already on it, Dad.” He high-fived Alexander. “Let’s make this the best day ever, little bro!”

As they gathered around the table, the smell of pancakes filled the air. Emily asked, “What’s the plan for today, Alexander?”

He beamed, barely able to contain his excitement. “Gaming party with my friends, then laser tag!”