The Price of a Billionaire's Heart

After my brother went bankrupt, I was handed over to a powerful business magnate in San Francisco's elite circles to settle the debt.

I stayed with him for three years, until I discovered I was unexpectedly pregnant.

That night, I cautiously tested the waters, Do you like children?

His calm eyes seemed to see right through me, "No, they're troublesome. And illegitimate children are even more complicated."

My heart sankI knew it was time to leave.

But in less than a month, Ferdinand hauled me over his shoulder, blankets and all, his voice terrifyingly deep, "The debt isn't paid off yet. Did you really think running away would be that easy?"

I was drifting in and out of sleep when I heard the bedroom door open.

A gaze lingered on me for a long moment before I was pulled into an embrace that carried the faint dampness of a recent shower..

The faint scent of alcohol on the man made me frown. Groggily, I lifted my head to look at Ferdinand.

"You've been drinking?"

Ferdinands voice was husky as he replied flatly, "Had some business today, just a little."

I nodded drowsily, but the man grew restless.

His calloused hands, deftly slipped under my nightgownhe knew all my sensitive spots.

I was too sleepy and just wanted to rest, so I turned into his embrace, wrapping my arms around his lean waist and pressing my face against his broad chest.

I murmured softly, "Let's sleep, I'm so tired today."

Ferdinand traced my cheek, then his dry lips pressed against mine. I heard his raspy voice, "You don't have to do anything, what are you tired for?"

Then his large hands gripped my waist tightly, and he flipped over, pinning me beneath him.

His scorching kisses trailed down my neck, across my chest

When I tried to push his arms away, he caught my wrists and pressed them above my head. In that moment, I was like a lamb awaiting slaughter.

My nightgown was soon stripped off, and his robe had somehow been tossed aside.

I had no choice but to yield to his demanding rhythm, over and over again...

When I woke the next morning, it was almost eleven.

Ferdinand was long gone.

I had already been cleanedthe sticky feeling from last nights sweat was completely gone.

I put on the robe beside me, but the moment I stepped out of bed, my legs almost gave out.

Looking at the red marks all over my body, I couldnt help but curse inwardly.

He really acts all proper and dignified in the public, but in bed, he turns into a complete animaland Im the chew toy he cant stop biting.

Bitten and gnawed all over

I sat on the edge of the bed for a while to steady myself before heading downstairs.

The housekeeper, Martha, was cleaning.

When she saw me, she quickly said, "Miss Stella, you're awake. I made some hearty beef stewperfect for replenishing your energy. Let me get you a bowl."

The rich smell of stew suddenly turned my stomach.

Covering my nose, I hurriedly declined, "No, I just woke upI cant eat anything yet."

Martha looked surprisedit was rare for me to have no appetite. After all, there were times when Ferdinand wore me out so much I could eat a whole chicken in one meal, which had shocked her.

Later, Martha made me some oatmeal and toast. I was enjoying them when I got a message from my friend, another "companion" in a similar situation, Scarlett.

[You awake?]

[Yeah, whats up? Want to go shopping?]

[Hah, you know me so well. I got a $5 million card from Jacob last nighttoday, everythings on me.]

I teased her in reply, [That $5 million didnt come easy, did it? I havent seen you out for dayswere you stuck in bed the whole time?]

Her response was a string of embarrassed emojis.

At noon, Scarlett and I met at the mall and first grabbed a cup of coffee.

But not far away, I spotted a familiar figureit was Ferdinand.

Only, there was a woman with himnot his mother, not his sister.

It was a woman Id never seen before.

Scarlett followed my gaze, and I noticed her trying to avoid my eyes and pull me away.

Knowing her, that meant something was up.

After a bit of pressuring, Scarlett hesitantly said, "I heard from that jerk Jacobhe said Ferdinands first love is back."

"First love?"

"Yeah, I heard shes six years older than him. She married abroad before, but apparently shes back nowprobably divorced."

For some reason, my heart felt a faint sting.

But I quickly shook it offI should be happy. The woman Ferdinand loves is back. Maybe hell let me go early.

Scarlett looked at me nervously, "Are you... upset?"

I forced a smile, "Ive always been about physical, not emotional."

Scarletts eyes dimmed, "Right. Physical is all we get."

We shopped for a long time, and Scarlett picked a restaurant for lunch.

But before I could take a bite, that nauseous feeling from the morning returned.

I rushed to the restroom, but nothing came up.

Scarlett followed me worriedly. I splashed cold water on my face and gave her a weak smile.

Scarlett suddenly seemed to remember something. She leaned in mysteriously, "Stella, has your period come this month?"

Her question made me realizemy period was over two weeks late.

Seeing my stunned expression, she continued, "Stella, are you pregnant?!"

My jaw dropped, "No... it cant be. We always used..."

Then it hit mea month ago, Ferdinand was drugged.

That time, he took me again and again in the car. He was too rushed and didnt use anything

I slowly looked down at my stomach. Could it be? Just that one time without protection and

Soon, the hospital confirmed it. When the doctor handed me the report showing five weeks pregnant, my world felt like it was crashing down.

But before it completely fell apart, my attention was caught by Ferdinand and his first love, Eleanor, being greeted by the hospital director at the entrance.

I watched, mesmerized and numb, as they walked into the obstetrics department. Without thinking, I followed and hid around a corner.

I waited until Ferdinand and Eleanor emerged after a long time.

Eleanor's eyes were shining as she held up a test report, swinging it gently.

Ferdinand smiled slightly. Because people kept passing by, his words were fragmented, but I still caught the key phrases:

"This baby came at just the right time... a product of love."

Eleanor excitedly hugged Ferdinands arm. He stiffened slightly, then looked at her with a soft gaze.

A handsome man and a beautiful womana perfect match.

For a moment, the world spun. Scarlett quickly steadied me.

I sat on a hospital bench, unsure how much time passed.

I touched my stomachI never should have hoped for more.

A bitter laugh escaped me, but I couldnt stop the tears.

Chloe held me tightly, furious, cursing the scumbag men who play around without fearing consequences.

I pushed down the heaviness in my chest and shook my head at her.

That night, Ferdinand didnt return until very late.

Id waited for him on the sofa for a long time.

When he saw me still awake, he looked surprised.

"Why arent you asleep?"

I smiled, "Wanted to wait for you."

I stood up, approached him, and wrapped my arms around his waist.

The faint scent of womens perfume on him made my heart sink.

Id grown greedyId fallen for my keeper and wanted to own him completely.

He finished showering and was drying his hair when I casually asked, "Ferdinand, do you like kids?"

Ferdinand paused, then replied calmly, "No, theyre troublesome. And illegitimate children are even more complicated."

Even though I already knew the answer, hearing it from him directly still stung.

His deep eyes stared at me as if seeing right through me.

I forced a smile, "Just curious what someone like you would be like as a father! Im going to sleep."

I buried myself under the covers, holding back tears no matter how much it hurt.

I couldnt crywhat if my keeper found out his mistress was pregnant?

So in the following days, I paid close attention to Ferdinands schedule.

When I heard he was going on a business trip to Australia next week, I sent a message to a certain number.

The next few days, Ferdinandd been incredibly busy lately, returning late every night.

Every night, I waited for him on the living room sofa, hugging my knees lost in thought.

When Ferdinand came through the door and saw me, he frowned impatiently, loosening his tie.

Then he said flatly, "You dont need to wait for me anymore."

I lowered my head with a bitter smile and took his suit jacket.

It carried a faint scent of jasminenot my perfume, not Ferdinands.

It wasnt hard to guess whose it was.

Ferdinand started sleeping in the study. The man who used to want me every night had grown distant.

Was he drawing a line between us?

The next evening, I must have fallen asleep waiting for him on the sofa.

When I woke, it was already bright outside, and I was still on the sofa.

A blanket was draped over me. I checked my watch7 a.m.

I looked aroundat this hour, Ferdinand should be having breakfast.

I got up and hurried to the dining room, but only the housekeeper was setting the table.

I asked, "Wheres Ferdinand?"

The housekeeper smiled, "Mr. Ferdinand didnt return last night, Miss Stella. Would you like breakfast?"

I nodded numbly. As soon as I sat down, my phone buzzed with a news alert.

The headline made me click instinctively: [Ferdinand Spotted Entering Hotel with Mystery Woman Last Night at 11 PMWedding Bells Soon?!]

There was even a photoFerdinand wearing the suit Id picked for him.

The woman beside him was no strangerit was Eleanor!

Though they werent touching, what else could they be doing entering a hotel together?!

Maybe it was my emotions affecting me, but even the side dishes the housekeeper set made me nauseous.

I dry-heaved in the bathroom for a long time. The housekeeper worriedly asked if I needed a doctor.

I waved it off, "Its nothing, just didnt sleep well last night."

I spent the day curled in bedno appetite, no energy.

At some point, Ferdinand returned.

He seemed exhausted and went straight to shower.

I stayed in bed motionless. It took him a while to notice me.

He didnt seem to realize anything was wrong, just said flatly, "The latest Herms bag is in the walk-in."

I forced a smile, "Thank you... Mr. Ferdinand."

He paused while drying his hair, then looked at me, "What did you call me?"

"Mr. Ferdinand."

Ferdinand chuckled coldly, then strode over, his deep eyes locking on me, "Since when do you call me that?"

I smiled, "Well, you are my boss. Should show some respect."

Ferdinand frowned impatiently, studying me for a long moment before saying coldly, "Suit yourself."

That night, Ferdinand finally slept in the bedroom, but it felt like there was a wall between us.

For several days, it was like this between us.

Soon, it was time for Ferdinands business trip. That morning, we ate breakfast across from each other.

Just before he left, I heard him say calmly, "If you want anything, just send me a list."

I gave a faint "mm." Ferdinands brown eyes held mine for a moment before he turned and left.

The day after he left, I destroyed all my contacts, exchanged some money for cash, left the rest in Scarletts account, and disappeared.

Id already bought a plane ticket early. In an airport far from home, I saw my brother for the first time in three years.

My brother looked more mature and rugged than before.

Soon, he took me to where he lived nowa beautiful estate.

It was true that my brother went bankrupt three years ago, but me being handed over to Ferdinand was my idea.

My brother wanted to take me abroad, but I refused.

I wanted to gamblegamble on years of secret affection. Even if I couldnt have his heart, Id have his body.

So that day, I showed up alone in the rain at Ferdinands doorstep. He seemed stunned.

I explained why I was there. His face darkened, and he cursed in frustration.

He furiously called my brother, but my brother had already turned off his phone as Id asked.

Ferdinand couldnt reach him. That night, I developed a fever from the rain and fainted in front of him.

He had no choice but to take me in. Since my brother owed him a substantial debt, I stayed to "repay" it. Later, I got him drunk and seduced him.

After that, Ferdinand seemed to discover a new worldhe was insatiable.

Everyone around him knew about me. At first, they mocked how the once-pampered young miss had become a mistress.

But Ferdinand shut them down with a look. Initially, I thought he might have some feelings for me.

Until once, a business associate asked if I was just a fling. Ferdinand stayed silentthats when I knew Id lost the bet.

But even so, no other women were ever around him. Plus, he was handsome and skilled in bed. I consoled myself that physical was enough.

I never expected he had someone he lovedand now she was back.

Thats when I knew I had to leave.

Now, my brother looked at me worriedly but put on a brave face, "Stella, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Ill find you someone even hotter. You have no idea how many good-looking guys there are overseas."

I smiled faintly, "Its okay, brother. Im pregnant. Ill have you and the babythats enough."

My brother jolted as if scalded, eyes wide, "Ferdinands?!"

"Yeah."

Damn it! Im going to break that bastards legsI dont care if he comes after me!

I quickly pulled him back. He doesnt know. Im over him. I just want to be with you now."

He sighed, gently patting my head. "Its my fault. If I hadnt gone bankrupt, you wouldnt have suffered like this. But Stella, believe meIve almost paid off the debt. Well have a better life."

"Okay, I believe you, bro."

My brother was very busy, so I was often alone.

One day, I heard knocking. Thinking it was my brother forgetting his keys, I opened the dooronly to see someone terrifyingly familiar: Ferdinand.

I panicked and tried to slam the door, but he blocked it with one strong arm.

He strode in, wrapped me in a blanket like a burrito, and threw me over his shoulder.

I struggled furiously, "Ferdinand, put me down!"

He responded with a sharp smack on my butt.

Then I heard his intimidating voice, "The debt isnt paid off. Did you really think running was that easy?"

Soon, he dumped me into the car.

A loud door slam separated us.

Ferdinand seemed deeply irritated. He left me in the car while he stood outside, lighting a cigarette with a frownthe smoke blurring his features.

After a long while, he got in. Seeing me glaring angrily, Ferdinand smirked coldly, his voice raspy.

"Why did you run?"

I snorted, "I got bored. Im done playing."

Then I added, "Werent you reluctant to take me as your mistress anyway? Well, Im done."

Ferdinand seemed amused yet furious. He gripped my chin tightly, "But Im not done with you enough!"

I had to hand it to himmanaging a woman at home and another outside without exhausting himself. Didnt he worry about overexertion?