The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

"You're about to start high school, and there are plenty of expenses coming up. Keep the money for yourself."

She had technically adopted Ronald, but beyond food and shelter, she hardly spent anything on him. Ten thousand dollars was more than enough for now. But Ronald wouldn't hear of it.

After a lengthy stand-off, Willa symbolically accepted a hundred dollars, just to indulge in a bit of the good luck he seemed to carry.

Ronald didn't choose the most prestigious high school; instead, he opted for a private school that offered him a scholarship close to six figures, covering his needs for the next three years.

The high school was on the south side of town, and they lived on the north, almost an hour's drive away.

Willa had wanted him to board at school to save on the commute, but Ronald refused.

"Kari's about to start 8th grade, a critical time. I want to live at home so we can do homework together in the evenings and I can help her study," Ronald paused, looking for a more convincing reason. "Besides, boarding would cost two thousand a year, and I'd rather save that money." Willa found his reasoning sound.

To make things easier, she bought Ronald a second-hand electric scooter, a deep gray that suited a young man perfectly.

Ronald, who had some experience fixing bikes at a local shop, tweaked a few parts, making it run as good as new. He took Kari to her school every day before heading to his.

High school flew by in the blink of an eye.

Ronald shed his youthful awkwardness, growing tall and composed, reaching nearly six-foot-two. With his white shirt, black trousers, messenger bag, and wireless earbuds, he was the quintessential high school heartthrob.

Kari did well in her middle school exams, getting into Elevated School.

Elevated School was just down the street from Ronald's private high school. To make their commutes easier, Willa moved closer.

Willa's job situation improved steadily, as did her income. They moved into a three-bedroom apartment, giving Kari her own room at last.

After school, Kari waited at the gate.

Senior year was hectic, but when Ronald saw Kari, his eyes lit up.

Kari had grown taller, her once gangly frame filling out beautifully, like tofu swelling into its full form, becoming more and more attractive. She had become quite the personality at Elevated School.

"Hey, bro," Kari greeted Ronald,

pulling a piece of candy from her pocket heard there's a new fried chicken place nearby that's supposed to be amazing. Wanna check it out?" en

Ronald frowned. "Fried chicken isn't healthy."

"But it smells so good."

Kari knew Ronald was right, but she had been craving the supposedly exceptional fried chicken for ages.

Just as Ronald was about to respond, a crisp female voice called out from behind them.

"Ronald, can I join you guys?"

It was Keira, the school beauty.

Ronald's frown deepened. "No."

Keira had confessed her feelings to him

Teiultiple times, only to be

d him. Content beloel

. Her persistence on ne

Kari caught the exchange and smirked mischievously.

Keira, rejected and embarrassed, especially in front of Kari, stalked off.

A friend caught up to her. "You're still into Ronald?"

"What's so great about Ronald? Just because he's handsome and smart?"

"You don't get it," Keira scoffed.

"Don't be upset. Ronald's always been like this. Aside from his sister, he hardly smiles at anyone." "That's his sister?"

"Yeah, from Elevated School. Named Kari."

ShThe friend relayed

a scholarship,

like her brother."FIN

Keira's animosity towards Kari melted away.

So, they were siblings.