Page 39 of My Forbidden Billionaire
“Can I ask you something?” I begin, taking a sip of my wine.
“Of course,” she replies.
“What made you want to become a literature instructor? Is it something you’ve always known you wanted to do?”
Josephine takes a moment to consider her answer, her eyes staring off into the distance as if she’s lost in thought. “To be honest, it wasn’t always my dream to be a teacher. I started out as an aspiring writer, but I decided to pursue teaching as a more stable career path.”
I listen attentively as she speaks, fascinated by her honesty and vulnerability. “Have you ever published anything?” I ask, genuinely curious.
She shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “I had essays published during my time at Harvard, but nothing beyond that. Writing has become more of a hobby for me now, but I haven’t given up hope that one day I’ll publish something. In the meantime, teaching literature allows me to share my love for stories with others.”
“And if you were to one day pursue writing as a full-time career, what kinds of stories would you want to tell?” I press, eager to learn more about the woman sitting across from me.
Josephine’s eyes light up with passion, and I can tell I’ve struck a chord. “I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the complexity of human relationships. Stories that delve into the intricacies of love, loss, and the beauty and pain that comes with being alive. I want to write stories that make people think and feel something, to hopefully make a difference in the world. Or at least help someone feel less alone in their struggles.”
“That’s a beautiful goal,” I say, my heart swelling with admiration for her. “I would love to read something you’ve written one day.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” she says with a teasing smile, and we both laugh. “What about you, Jacob? What made you decide to become a businessman?”
I smile at the question, taking a sip of my wine. “I suppose it was in my blood.”
“Do tell.”
“Well, my father started a construction company when I was about eight years old. I watched him work day and night to build it from the ground up and provide for our family. We weren’t wealthy by any means, but we were comfortable. I watched him work tirelessly throughout my whole childhood to save up just so I could go to college—in fact, I’m the first person in our family tree that ever went to college.” Josephine listens intently, nodding along as I speak. “I wanted to make sure his sacrifice and hard work paid off, so I went to school, studied hard, and began working alongside him right when I graduated, with the goal of growing his construction company so he could retire early and live the life he deserves.”
“And?” Josephine raises an eyebrow, waiting for my response.
“And, well, I started diversifying the company’s portfolio and investing in different industries, and before I knew it, we were one of the most successful companies in the country,” I say, smiling. “But it wasn’t just about the money for me—I wanted to provide for my family in the way my father provided for me, and to do some good in the world. Dad has since retired, and is living his best life with my mother. I’ve been Chief Executive Officer of the company ever since.”
Josephine nods, a knowing look in her eyes. “That’s admirable. It sounds like you have a strong sense of family and a desire to give back.”
I smile, feeling a sense of warmth at her words. “Yes, family is everything to me, especially Clem. She’s the reason I continue to work so hard, to make sure she has the best life possible.”
“I have no doubt she appreciates all you do for her,” Josephine says, with a reassuring smile.
One that makes me want to be vulnerable…
“You know, lately, if I’m being completely honest, I don’t quite feel … enough for her anymore.”
“Enough? What do you mean?” Josephine asks.
“It’s just that … well, she recently told me she wants a mom, because all her friends have moms.” I sigh, doing my best to push down the sudden wave of inadequacy washing over me.
Josephine reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Jacob, I can only imagine how hard it is to be a single parent. But I hope you know it’s natural for Clem to want a mother figure in her life. And that doesn’t mean you’re any less of a parent. The love and dedication you have for your daughter is evident in the way you talk about her and the things you do for her. You are more than enough.”
Her words bring a sense of comfort to me that I didn’t even know I needed. I can’t help but feel grateful for her support. “Thank you,” I say, looking into her eyes. “You’re right. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that.”
Josephine smiles at me reassuringly. “It’s okay. We all need reminders from time to time,” she says softly, squeezing my hand. There’s something about her touch that sets my senses ablaze.
I smile at her. “Thank you, Jo. That means a lot to me. And I must say, I believe Clem looks up to you as a role model.”
Josephine blushes at my comment, and I can see a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Well, I’ll do my best to live up to her expectations.”
“I have no doubt you will.”
Our food arrives, and we begin enjoying the delicious meal and each other’s company. The conversation flows easily between us, and I find myself opening up to Josephine in ways I didn’t expect. We talk about our pasts, our hopes for the future, and everything in between.
The more we talk, the more I realize how much we have in common. Beyond our mutual love of literature, we share the same morals and values and both have a strong desire to help others and make a positive difference in the world.