Betrayed by my Ex, Became the Billionaire's Obsession

DEMI

The scariest thing happened this week and it still terrifies me despite the fact that it was only three days ago. When I found my mother lying on the floor, unconscious, it felt like my world had crumbled down in a puff. All I could think of at that time were the worst possible scenarios; my life without her, and it wasn't looking pretty. I was in panic when I called 911. It was the fastest thing I could think of.

The doctor said she had low iron levels and she also needed to rest. That doesn't come as a surprise, mother usually has certain episodes of stress and when it happens, she forgets to take care of herself. A series of guilt washes over me, when I realize l wasn't there for her when it happened this time. I've been busy with my job hunt, which hasn't been going well-until this morning, when I got an interview invitation for a secretarial job at one of the biggest companies in New York.

Even though it's the best news I've gotten so far, I'm still not one hundred percent excited. Not when my mother hasn't been discharged yet. My stomach drops at the thought of what might have happened had I arrived later than I did that night.

My mother has been assuring me she's okay for the past thirty minutes.

"You worry too much. I feel fine. I'm being discharged tomorrow, remember?" She has said the same words, but somehow, they're not enough to make me feel calm.

I know she has a point. The doctors wouldn't discharge her if her condition wasn't good.

I'm seated by her side, holding her hand, while we debate about it.

"You should go celebrate with your man. It's your anniversary," she coaxes. "I'll be fine, I promise."

The main reason why we're having this argument is because my boyfriend, Ernest, already made reservations for us and I was planning on cancelling on him to take care of mother. "I won't..." I try to argue but she cuts me off each time.

"You deserve to be happy, sweetheart. If you don't go to that anniversary dinner, it will break my heart, and I will fall ill again. You wouldn't want that to happen, would you?"

A soft laugh escapes my lips. "You're using your manipulation tactics. You're really fine," I conclude.

It's not everyday that manipulation makes one feel better, but yeah, my mother is back to her normal self. Not in a bad way, but she does that when she wants me to do something that makes me happy, and I'm being stubborn, complicating things.

Speaking of happiness, I need to dress well for my man. I can't believe it's our first anniversary. My heart beats in excitement when I realize just how far we've come. A year ago, on our graduation night, Ernest asked me to be his girlfriend, in front of everyone. I can say that was one of the