A Billionaire Old Enough To Be My Father

Claire’s POV

I am so scared as I fit my graduation cap. My forehead feels sweaty and I try to smile as I step into the hall. It is my graduation day. This moment means everything. I got here through a scholarship and left my small hometown behind. I remember the dusty roads at home. The nights that were so still and the hope was too distant.

My Mom could not make it; she has to work in the diner back home. My father passed away many years ago. I am the only child they had and I bear their dreams and their sacrifices. Yet, there is something within that tells me that I may never belong to this world of affluence and riches.

The graduation hall’s banners carry the Ashford family crest and the organ music swells softly around me. Ethan waits below. He is my boyfriend and his familiar face calms my racing heart. He proposed last night but my answer stays stuck in my throat. Yes, he did! I assure myself that my ambition drives me more than love. However, I care for him and that truth hurts me inside.

“Claire Aldridge,” The announcer calls my name and it rings through the hall. I cross the stage with shaking legs. Pride goes up within me as I collect and hold my diploma but guilt follows. Ethan's plans are small compared to what I desire. I check through the crowd and my eyes land on a man... It was not just his fitted suit or the silent respect that the university president gave him. It was the assurance in his posture. He looks old enough to be my father but he looks like a man who didn't just attend events like this. He owned them. At that instant, he was a physical representation of all my dreams come true.

After the ceremony, Professor Helen Carter walks towards me. “Claire,” she says softly, “your paper on urban business management was great. You have a rare mind. But ambition asks for sacrifices. Remember that.” She smiles kindly yet her eyes contain a warning. Her words last far after she had left

***

Moments later Ethan pulls me aside. His hand feels warm against mine. His touch comforts me.

“You did it, Claire,” he says with a wide smile. Doubt tugs at me but I nod and let my hand rest in his.

“I am proud of you but what comes next for us?” he asks. There is hope in his words but it is impossible to give it back.

“I need some time to think,” I pause, mumbling. I hate how weak I sound. I am 22 and Ethan is 25. He rightly deserves more but my dream is stronger than his love.

Across the hall that man still watches. His look puts me in an unpleasant situation I cannot explain.

“Time?” Ethan repeats. His voice cracks.

Before I can speak again the man approaches. His confidence fills the space between us.

“Miss Aldridge, I am Damian Ashford,” he says. His voice is low and smooth. Shock hits me. The university bears his family’s name from his great-grandfather’s legacy.

“You are destined for more. You graduated as the best in your class. That is no small feat,” he adds. There is something explosive about what he says to me. Could this be an...the opportunity? Ethan stands next to me but I cannot look away from Damian’s eyes.

“This world rewards ambition. Take note, Claire.” At that moment Ethan’s grip on my hand tightens.

Ethan steps forward. His voice breaks the tension.

“She is not alone,” he says firmly. His protectiveness warms me. I am so fond of the consistency that Ethan shows, yet what Damian is saying gives me a bit of hope of seeing what I desire.

“Claire can decide for herself,” Damian says. His voice confronts Ethan. Sternly. Serious anger flares in Ethan’s eyes but he stays silent and waits for my response.

“I... I am not sure,” I whisper. I hate my indecision but it is what it is.

Moments pass. Graduates are laughing and celebrating, and the hall is full of noise.

“I travelled all the way because of you and you are giving all your attention to a stranger you just met? Seriously?” Ethan queried.

“Let us talk later Ethan,” I say.

I feel disloyal with all that I say. He nods but his face says otherwise. I know I have hurt him again.

Damian hands me his card. “Call me when you are ready to dream bigger. My company would love a smart lady like you.”

I fold Damian’s card and drop it into my purse, and my mind goes spinning. Feeling disappointed, Ethan remains silent for a moment. His shoulders are heavy with loss.

“Why can you not just choose me or at least defend me? I can not believe you have rejected me in front of the world.. C’mon Claire. It has been two years,” he says over his shoulder. Those words cut deep.

“Ambition wins this round,” I tell myself as a consolation.

***

Hours later I sit alone on a bench outside the hall. I hold Damian’s card. The stars are shining up there but they do not provide answers to the dilemma I am facing. Ethan’s love is safe yet Damian’s world promises everything I have dreamed of since I was a girl.

“Claire!” Ethan’s voice calls. He approaches me with hope in his eyes. They feel a lot of relief, but at an instant, it is followed by fear.

“Can we talk now?” he asks.

“I saw how you looked at him. It's more than the offer. But how can you be drawn to a man old enough to be your dad?” he says. His honesty hurts me because he is right but I cannot admit it.

“Well, it is not about him,” I lie and wish I could believe my own words.

Ethan’s eyes search mine. He leans closer.

“Then what is it Claire?” he asks. His voice trembles with need. I want to tell him I love him but I took Damian’s card. I offended him.

“I need to find my place,” I say. The reality seems to be a half-lie.

Silence takes over again. It is already evening. This is not how I planned my graduation day.

The evening air grows heavy between us.

“You are slipping away,” Ethan says. His words break me. I hold his hand and wish I could promise him forever.

“Ethan you are everything,” I say but know it is not enough.

“But you want more,” he says barely a whisper. I nod and tears sting my eyes. I am losing him already.

“Give me time,” I plead. I know he is fighting to hold on.

“I will wait but not forever,” he says.

“Where are you going now? Still taking that internship job? Or travelling back home soon?” Ethan asks.

“We would meet at Anne’s. Let's talk more there,” I reply and Ethan walks into the night without hesitation.

***

Loneliness hits me as Ethan disappears. My ambition is to become a top business mogul having graduated with a diploma in Business Management. Damian, the well-known billionaire, lights a fire inside me. Still, guilt weighs me down. I am tempted to even call him but then I fear what it will mean for Ethan and me.

Hours pass. I walk down to a nearby apartment, which I booked earlier for 7 days before deciding what to do.

“Why can I not have both?” I whisper to the empty night. No answer comes. I know the choice is mine alone.