Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Nora
I found Max pacing up and down on my porch, his anxiety showed through a deep frown and slitted eyes. I called him in. He remained standing.
“ I will marry you.” I mumbled, my eyes on the floor.
“Sorry what?.” I raised my voice, almost shouted, “ l said l will marry you.”
A big smile split his face, dammit he was a handsome beast.
Granny got up, “ well kids, l will leave you to talk, l need to rest.”
Max went to her and shook her hand, “thank you Mrs Reidy, I will start the ball rolling, before the end of the week you will have your surgery.” Tears of gratitude filled my granny’s eyes. “ Thank you young Ratliff, you have no idea what you have done.” Max patted her back and steered her towards her room.
He came back and towered over me, “ let's go to the Ratliff Restaurants, we will talk there.”
“ Why can't we talk here?.”
He eyed the sofa like it was a poisonous snake.
“ Ok let's go, let me fetch my phone.” I informed my granny we were leaving.
As we approached the cars, a man opened the door, we got in. My word, such luxury, some individuals came to the world holding a silver spoon. We arrived at the restaurant and the same waiter who helped me yesterday shepherded us to a private booth, we took our seats.
Max handed me a menu, “ order anything you like.”
Lord, the names of food on this thing. I pushed the menu back, “ I will have whatever you are having.”
Max pinned me with an amused stare, “ok.”
Our orders came and as we ate Max kickstarted the conversation. “ This is how our arrangement will work, we will be married for two years, in that two years, you will bear me a male child, if it's a girl, you will get pregnant until you give me a boy. Each year you will get 20 millions, when you leave l will double it.”
My appetite dwindled to zero. I pushed the plate away. “ You are kidding right? You mean if l keep delivering only girls, l might be tied to you for years?.”
“Correct.”
Max replied arrogantly. l stood up, the room suddenly felt stuffy. l needed air. He sprang to his feetas he realised l was leaving. l hurried to the door, a hand spun me around, my forehead hit his sturdy chest, a hand closed around my chin and jerked it upwards, the other encircled my waist. “ One of the things we have to correct is your attitude, you don't walk out in the middle of a conversation, it's rude. I wonder what kind of Dr you are going to be, you are mannerless.”
l slapped his hand,“ so why are you marrying me? Marry one of your well behaved socialites, leave me alone.”
I wrenched myself out of his arms and continued to head out. As my hand touched the door handle, he said,“ your grandmother looks like a good woman, it would be a pity to lose her because her grandaughter is a tantrum thrower.”
I spun around and glared at him,“ that's low, even for you.”
“ But it's the truth, we are talking, the next thing you throw a tantrum and walk out. Come back, let's finish this. l'm a busy man.”
l trudged back to the table and sat down. How was this marriage going to work when l hated my husband to be? Max put his fisted hands on the table, his broad shoulders hunched. His dark eyes bore into mine, intimidating. “ Monday morning, meet me at the City Hall at ten o'clock. l don't trust you. so your grandmother’s surgery will take place after we get married, clear?.”
I nodded like a puppet, it sucked to be destitute, now l had to bow to Max like a low life. I hated it. The day l got the job, this marriage would see the last of me.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 5. Artificial insemination
MaxMy secretary Zoey Catland and l settled into Ted Reese's office. We haggled over the price of one of my helicopters Ted wished to hire for a year. You see, apart from the airplanes, l owned helicopters. Three were leased to the government, on a yearly basis for an astronomical amount.Ted needed two. AS we went back and forth with the negotiations, Ted’s landline phone rang. He answered and passed the phone to me. I frowned, irritated. The phone call floored me, my wife was at the reception area, looking for me. My wife? Since when? I hoped Nora was not going about telling people l was her husband. What did the troublesome girl want now? I gave permission to let her come up. She arrived in a fluster, her face flushed, hair all over the place, she resembled a Tasmanian devil. Her eyes raked over Zoey before she greeted everybody. So that was the reason Nora followed me to the meeting? Zoey? Women and their endless tricks, which included monitoring.It was one of the many reasons
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 6. Heartbreak
NoraOn Sunday morning, my best friend Cathy, brought a salon to my house. The whole works. By the time the lady finished, my usual lackluster hair gleamed with health like Max’s. The makeup lady would come tomorrow morning before I got married. “ So, how does it feel to marry a total stranger.?” I boxed her ears," don't start, you know why l'm doing it.” “ l know but, knowing doesn't make me wonder less. Where is granny's dress?.”“ Move your ass, you are squashing my dress. Use your head, granny is very sick. Max's mother has invited us to her restaurant after the signing. You can't come, family only.”Cathy pouted,“ but l'm your family, l will stand in for granny.”“ Nope.”“So, tomorrow night, please check everything and report back to me. From size to style. I want the dirtiest details.” I put on my earrings, looked at Cathy’s face in the mirror, “find your own man, get married, l'm not the kiss and tell type.”Cathy pursed her lips in disappointment. Intimacy between couples
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 7. Payback
Max's POV I tossed and turned, sleep eluded me. Nora Reidy brought out the beast in me, l had no idea why. Tonight l hurt her feelings deliberately, l wanted her gone as soon as possible. The woman who would grace my bed would be my choice, not someone who was thrown on my lap. Marriage was not for everyone, some people like me did not have a fundamental need to reproduce, which was the main reason for marriage. I got s.x whenever i wanted, there was no need to marry for it.Nora was a beauty, with a stunning figure, that big butt made my mouth water, that was my secret to know not hers. The way she glowed today still bothered me, her intoxicating scent refused to leave my mind. Dammit, l was a confused man. Her image refused to recede to the back of my mind, her hurt gorgeous face tormented me. Maybe l went overboard with my harsh comments tonight, l was a rude ass who disregarded other people’s feelings sometimes but tonight l was worse. At midnight as the sleep continued to flee
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 8. Conspiracy
Roseline Shaman burst through the living room doors of her parent's house. She halted in the middle and screamed, “ dad, mum.”The elder Shamans descended the stairs in a hurry. Angela Shaman tripped in a haste to reach her beloved daughter. Her husband caught her in time, they reached the living in a minute and surrounded their daughter.Angela hugged her, Caesar Shaman patted her back. “ What's wrong baby, tell daddy.” “ Dad l'm done for, my heart is in tatters. Max is married.” “ What?.” Roseline 's parents said in unison.“ Tonight l swung by the restaurant and found Martha there. She told me Max had just left with his wife. He got married this morning, mum l'm dying inside.” Caesar Shaman loved his daughter with all his heart, anything that threatened her happiness he crushed. He had connections in the Mafia, he used those connections as much as he could, to thwart his opponents.Pity Max was out of question, he was his future son in law otherwise he would squash him. He whip
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 9. The results
Nora's POV Max left me alone following the botched lovemaking. We existed as housemates, we breakfasted and lunched together but hardly communicated. He fulfilled his promise to my granny, her surgery happened one week after our union. One month after the surgery my grandmother was on the road to recovery, she gradually put on the much needed weight. Max bought me a car, hired a live-in house help. My husband was an enigma to me. He was moody, downright cruel, arrogant, trampled on people's feelings without care but a giver on the other side. His generosity astounded me, l witnessed as he built a house for a handicapped child who lived on the streets. He failed to mention it to me, l saw it on the news like everyone else. Exactly a month after my marriage, l woke up to good news. The results were out, l was at the top of my class. I drove to my granny's house, found her on the porch, knitting booties. I hugged her, kissed her all over her beloved face. The wrinkles were fewer, sh
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 10. Father in law
Nora's POV I sat on the living room floor, my back against the couch, earphones in my ears, eyes closed. Majority of my peers listened to hip hop and reggae. l preferred soul music, it soothed my spirit. Hands removed my earphones, a face appeared in my sight. “Come, let's go to my home office.”Max helped me to my feet. I followed him into his office. My wondering eyes saw a family portrait on the wall, “ who are the others, l recognise Mrs Ratliff, Martha and you.” Max came and stood behind me, his cologne swirled around me, “ the silver fox is my father, on the chairs are my grandfather and grandmother.” “ Do you have to always look fierce? You are scowling in the photo.”Max massaged my shoulders, when did he develop the need to touch me? But deep down l liked it, it was better than our usual cold treatment that we subjected our lives to.I turned and peered at him, “ so, what is it?.” Instead of answering he caressed my cheek, his eyes intent on my face. “ From now on keep a
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 11. Sick
Max's POVI closed the door, zoomed in on my wife. She back walked to the bed until the back of her knees hit the bed, her eyes watching me wearily. As her butt met the bed, l was upon her. I braced my fisted hands on both sides of her hips and crowded her. Her fragrant breath teased my senses, l breathed into her face. “ What's with the look? Can't l come to my wife’s bedroom to say goodnight?.” She blinked and flattered her lashes, “ we already said goodnight at the door.” “ True, but what if l wanted more, would you give it to me?.”She scooted towards the middle of the bed, her chest heaving. I followed her and pinned her down. “ Give you what?.” She whispered, her wide eyes resembled a trapped mongoose.I pecked her nose, “ come on darling, you know what l mean.”Her gaze turned into a glare, “ if you mean s.x forget it. I still have a big butt, it has not shrunk.”Dammit, my words came to bite me in the ass. I got down from the bed, hauled her off the bed, sat down and tugged
The Billionaire's Torment Chapter 12. Hospitalised
Nora's POV My body hurt, my head hurt, everything hurt. I focused my bleary eyes on the bright ceiling, l recognised it as the hospital ceiling. Last night I went to bed with a slight fever and a bad headache. The rest was a blur. “ Hello Mrs Ratliff, how are you feeling?.”I swivelled my head in the voice's direction. Dr Ralph and Dr Selborne smiled down at me. I gave them a weak smile. At least the attending Drs were my acquaintances. Dr Ralph was Max's best friend since childhood. He, Max and The Falcon owner, Shad Rolan were as thick as thieves. Dr Selborne was my secret crush from the moment I laid my orbs on him, not only me, most of the female medical students fancied him. The day Max and l clashed, l thought he looked familiar, now l realised he and Dr Selborne resembled each other in structure and weight. Viewed from behind, they were identical. My new name from my future colleagues' mouth sounded strange. I grimaced. "I feel terrible, l ache everywhere.”My voice sounded
Latest Chapter
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 65. Confession
NoraChapter 65. The meeting Nora“So, when do you want to meet Caesar? There's no pressure, ok baby?” Max questioned, as he trimmed his beard. His eyes found mine in the mirror. I was babysitting him as he made himself presentable. “ I think the sooner l do it, the better. How about tomorrow evening?.” Max lathered his face, “ it's fine. Who would you prefer to be there?” He poured water onto his face then wiped his face. “ I know who l don't want there, Angela. Everyone else is welcome.” Max dropped the towel in the washing basket. He took my hand and we headed to the kitchen for breakfast.Matilda's breakfast spread made my salivary glands ooze. We dug in with gusto, “ Max, don't expect much from this meeting. I'm agreeing because you convinced me it will save my life. I have zero feelings for that man. He doesn't evoke a father -daughter feeling inside me. He leaves me cold emotionally.” I poured out my feelings.The thought of an interaction between Caesar and I gave me gooseb
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 1 Job hunting
NoraThe metered taxi deposited me, Nora Reidy, at the corner of my intended destination. My neck worked overtime as l studied my environment. Downtown Bluewaters was cleaner, less crowded than my noisy, overcrowded stomping ground, the upper part of town.The upper part of town hosted a cauldron of races, blacks, whites, brown. Any colour you know, Bluewaters had it. Here the prominent race appeared to be white.The stationary and moving cars looked expensive. The few people l saw on the street wore costly clothes, shoes and accessories. I felt naked in my washed out jeans, scruffy sneakers and a sweater that had seen better days.I turned a corner and the Ratliff offices came into sight. I uncapped my bottle filled with iced water from home. l could not afford to pay for the taxi and buy bottled water at the same time. I gulped down the water and studied the building. All my hopes were pinned on this building. If l failed to get the job today, my world faced total collapse.You see,
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 27. Framed
MaxI stood at the window watching the traffic below when i heard a knock, somebody came in without permission. “Sorry Max for badging in your office without permission but things are bad, you are being made a fool of. I can't stand it.” I turned around at the voice of my sister. What was this instigator doing in my office? When the shit hit the fan, she chose her side, our father’s side.Her action came as no surprise, my father always took her side in my altercations with her. My eyes tracked her as she came across the room towards me.“Who is making me a fool?.” Her eyes glinted with an unnamed emotion. She flushed down to her neck. “It's painful for me to see you in this situation but it had to be done to protect you. Your wife is the gutter rat we warned you against.”My anger was instant. “Get out. From today onwards never set your feet in my office again..”l barked at her, she walked backwards, the fear in her eyes warring with defiance. As she put one foot behind the oth
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 3. Marriage proposal
Nora I watched as Maxwell Ratliff bounded up the steps. I mentally observed my house from a stranger's perspective; chipped blocks, rusty roof. A house that appeared ready to give up the ghost anytime. His presence made me uneasy. To meet me at his workplace was one thing, to follow me home and witness my living conditions was another. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment. He halted in front of me, l peered at him. “ Hello.”His resonant voice greeted. “Hi, armored SUVs, is that not an overkill?.” l joked to hide my uneasiness. He looked over his shoulder, “ no it's not. My father was nearly killed sometime ago. The culprits mistook him for me, so they are a necessary devil.” My eyes widened, “ you are a Mafia Lord?.” His deep throated laughter surprised me. His scowling face yesterday made me think he was incapable of such an act. “ I'm not, but l have Mafia friends. We had a meeting that day with one of them. My dad went home while l finished up at the office. They ambushed my c
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 10. Father in law
Nora's POV I sat on the living room floor, my back against the couch, earphones in my ears, eyes closed. Majority of my peers listened to hip hop, reggae, l preferred soul music.It soothed my spirit. Hands removed my earphones, a face appeared in my sight. “Come, let's go to my home office.”Max helped me to my feet. I followed him into his office. My wondering eyes saw a family portrait on the wall, “ who are the others, l recognise Mrs Ratliff, Martha and you.” Max came and stood behind me, his cologne swirled around me, “ the silver fox is my father, on the chairs are my grandfather and grandmother.” “ Do you have to always look fierce? You are scowling in the photo.”Max massaged my shoulders, when did he develop the need to touch me? But deep down l liked it, it was better than our usual cold treatment that we subjected our lives to.I turned and peered at him, “ so, what is it?.” Instead of answering he caressed my cheek, his eyes intent on my face. “ From now on keep a cale
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 64. Where l belonged
NoraTo discover my father was a thug gutted me. My face burned, l threw the cotton wool l used to tone my face away. In my mood l forgot l was dealing with a delicate structure and scrubbed too hard. Initially l was angry that my mother allowed herself to be used by that despicable man. As the days went by and my anger subsided l put myself in my mother's shoes. She was a young naive girl, Caesar Shaman, a young man ready for marriage.He used his financial muscle to lure her, deceive her and have his way with her. To discover such a man played a part in my existence appalled me.I grew up without him, l was a full grown woman now, l did not need him. He attempted to meet me after my mother's confession, l turned him down. I finished my morning routine and joined granny and Onica Reidy in the kitchen. I loved weekends, especially Saturdays. Onica was staying with us for the time being. Granny and l used the dining room only if we got visitors. I hugged granny from the back and murm
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 63. Onica Reidy
NoraThe voices l heard in my head confused me, was l dreaming or were they real? I struggled to peel my eyes, the sedatives did me in. My mind was foggy all the time. They pumped the damn things into my system because i suddenly started having nightmares. As l fought hard to open my eyes the bed dipped behind me, a scent l loved enveloped me, my body relaxed. The scent soothed my senses. I heard Max and his father talk about someone who fainted, it sounded like my husband hurt somebody. I hoped he caught my shooter. Before they mentioned names l heard Caesar Shaman's voice followed by one l knew so well and wished i did not, my mother's. So, it took this woman for me to almost die before she pitched up? I listened as my mother dropped a bombshell. Caesar Shaman sired me? Impossible, that thug could not be my father. Tears of betrayal seeped from my eyes onto the pillow. My mother slept with a man who wished to see me gone.I believed Caesar Shaman was inherently bad, l believed
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 62. Biological father
Max's POV My astonished gaze fell on my father, “ so soon?.” My dad hit his chest with pride, “you act as if you don't know your old man. I'm faster than a puff added if cornered. Caesar made me feel cornered.”I clapped his back, “ good job dad, l'm proud of you.” He took the compliment with a neutral face but his shining eyes betrayed him. “ Listen son, l think we should take shifts to guard my daughter in law. Go and do what you have to do, l will look after her.” I grinned at him. This was huge. My dad hated my wife, wished her out of my life. The turnabout was unexpected, l felt profound joy. The words he just uttered erased the animosity and grudge l harboured against him.You love my wife, l love you, you hate her l hate you more.After my dad snitched on his friend, l was still unsure of his motives, but his offer to protect my wife redeemed him in my eyes. I decided to let bygones be bygones. He and i would start on a clean slate. Shad or Ralph, l forgot who, advised me
- The Billionaire's Torment
Chapter 61. Caught
Max's POV Nora's eyes moved from my face and roamed around the room. She touched her bandaged arm, “ Max, l was shot, who shot me?.” The question threw me off guard. I thought the first thing that would cross her mind would be relief she was alive.A look passed between Ralph and I. “ It's Caesar, my love. He hired some thugs and then ran, we have no idea where he is now. Your husband will do everything in his power to catch the culprit.”Nora stared at me for a long time, mute. “ What's going on in your head, baby?.” I asked her when minutes ticked by and she remained unresponsive. She inhaled deeply and remarked, “ l maybe wrong, but l think you must track Cathy down. I don't think it's Caesar.” l sandwiched her hand between my hands. “ Baby, we have reasons to believe it's Caesar, he made threats against your life. After a short interval you are shot, it's him.”Nora searched my face, her gaze doubtful. “ Don't rule out Cathy, my gut feeling says it's her.” Once my wife made up
