The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Kari was blissfully unaware, going about her days without noticing the cloud hanging over Willa.

In the weeks that followed, Willa turned into a culinary whiz, filling the fridge to the brim with homemade meatballs and ravioli. She even went on a spree, buying loads of pork to make sausages and cured meats, wafting delicious aromas through the entire apartment building. While Kari was happily digging into a plate of beef stew, pondering what delights to feast on next, Ronald remained silent, a shadow of concern draped over him.

Willa, on the other hand, was losing her appetite, her frame growing thinner with each passing day. Despite Ronald's attempts to uncover the truth, he found nothing.

On the eve of their big college entrance exam, the school organized a health checkup.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Knowing they would draw blood, Willa prepared a sandwich for Ronald, advising him to eat it afterward to stave off any dizziness.

Upon completing his checkup at the hospital and descending the stairs with friends, Ronald overheard a group of doctors discussing something that made his heart skip a beat.

"That Willa, did you hear? Kidney failure, and so young too—"

"She's got a son and a daughter, both in high school, I heard."

"Such a tragedy for someone her age."

Ronald felt a chill run down his spine.

He quickly approached one of the doctors, "Excuse me, you were just talking about Willa. Could you tell me more about her condition?"

The doctor, adjusting his glasses, asked, "You know her?"

Ronald, with a sinking feeling, requested, "Can we talk in private?"

Nodding, the doctor led Ronald to his office.

After confirming it was indeed Willa, Ronald pressed for details about her condition, but the doctor hesitated.

"Young man, we can't disclose a patient's condition without proper consent."

"She's my mother."

Ronald had always seen her as his own mother. "I really need to know what's going on."

Realizing Ronald was Willa's son, the doctor sighed.

"Willa is sick. It was discovered during last month's checkup. Mid-stage kidney failure."

No wonder she asked for time off, no wonder she was getting thinner, and no wonder she made all that food she feared leaving her

children without someone to care for them. en

Walking home from the hospital, Ronald was in a daze.

Arriving home, he found Willa preparing dinner.

"Ronald, you're back."

Seeing her trying to act normal despite her discomfort, Ronald felt a lump in his throat: "I know everything."

"What do you know?" Willa was taken aback. "Did you know I made Cajun crab for dinner?"

Dropping his backpack, Ronald went

to his room and returned with a debit card: "This is from my scholarships over the years, minus tuition and some minor expenses. Please, take it and go to the hospital."

Pov

Willa realized her secret was out. Her expression changed drastically, then she said, "What are you talking about? I'm fine. Why would I need to go to the hospital?"

Ronald pressed his lips together: "I know everything. I went to the hospital today... the same one you've been visiting."

Seeing she couldn't hide it any longer, Willa responded.

"Ronald, I can't take your money. My condition... it's bad, and I don't want treatment. I've made my peace." "But-"

"Mom, is the Cajun crab ready?" Kari's voice drifted in.

Willa quickly stuffed Ronald's debit card back into his pocket, whispering, "Don't let Kari find out."

Ronald remained silent, a storm of emotions brewing within.

"What shouldn't I know?"