The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Kari was having none of it.

True to her word, Kari became a stubborn houseguest over the weekend, and come Monday, she showed no signs of leaving for school. Instead, she fixed Ronald with a determined stare, silently demanding he cave to her wishes. Ronald frowned, "It's Monday."

Time to head back to school.

But Kari wouldn't budge, "You're coming with me."Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Ronald squatted down to her level, "Kari, I can't go back with you."

Willa had been kind to him, and he couldn't drag her down with him.

The standoff continued until Ronald, with a scowl, escorted Kari back home, practically pushing her into school. Willa, guessing at Kari's intentions, caught Ronald before he could leave.

"Ronald, I've spoken to the landlord and got us a small three-bedroom place. You're coming to live with us," Willa offered.

Her genuine care for Ronald was evident, despite knowing the struggle of supporting two kids as a single mother. She couldn't stand by and watch Ronald throw away his future.

"I"

"I've spoken with the school. The scholarship offer still stands," Willa took Ronald's hand, her voice firm yet gentle. "The entrance exams are coming up. You need to focus on acing them. If you feel guilty, secure that scholarship. Then you can help out with the grocery bills. Deal?"

Ronald was at a loss for words.

Willa, using a mix of emotional and logical persuasion and evoking Kari's future, finally got Ronald to agree, "I'll do my best."

Relieved, Willa insisted, "You better aim for that scholarship!"

Ronald nodded solemnly.

From that day, Ronald moved in with the Malone family. Kari was overjoyed, keeping a close eye on Ronald's studies, wary of him reconsidering school.

Willa's decision to take in Ronald stirred up some gossip, but she was used to it. It was Ronald who ended up in a fight with some naysayers.

He was lean but surprisingly strong, holding his own against multiple opponents.

When Willa and Kari arrived, they found Ronald with a dark expression, "If you ever speak ill of Willa again, I'll deal with you every single time!" Ronald's punches were fierce, leaving the bullies whimpering on the ground.

Back home,

face, W seeing the cuts on his

was heartbroken,

worked up?" Content belolet

boy, they're just words. Why

"You're a good person."

Ronald

Ben't see his actions as

wrong.

his

V SO

a and her daughter havet

been incredibly kind to him; it was duty to protect them.

Willa had Kari help with his wounds, then she went to make three bowls of chicken noodle soup.

The gossipers kept quiet after that.

Ronald doubled down on his studies, and soon, the entrance exams were upon them.

The night before, Willa prepared a feast, wishing Ronald luck.

Gratefully, Ronald accepted.

During the three days of exams, Ronald was fully focused.

Afterwards, he secretly took up a construction job, telling Willa and Kari he was off to study.

Earning a day's pay, he came home exhausted and bruised but never slacked off or missed a day.

In mid-July, the exam results were announced.

Ronald, taking a day off, and an excited Kari rushed to the local internet café to check the results online. Kari was a bundle of nerves.

Ronald, trying to appear unfazed,

bought her a trendy bubble tea,

spending a hefty sum, claiming

Sworth it.

"Bro, aren't you nervous?"

Kari's hands were sweaty with anticipation.

Ronald, though nervous, wouldn't let it show, maintaining a cool demeanor.

"It's all in fate's hands."