Page 114 of The Billionaire's Timed Wife

I was born a billionaire.

For as long as I can remember, there hasn’t been a single moment in my life when I wanted something and couldn’t have it.

It’s easy to grow accustomed to wealth, and maybe that’s why you stop valuing it.

Jewels, cars, planes, helicopters, vacations, the best homes and apartments across the world... Whatever money could buy, I could have with the snap of a finger.

Privilege became routine. A given.

Luxury never held much allure for me. I never thought deeply about what wealth really meant. Having money was simply a part of who I was.

But today, as I watch my wife holding our little prince in her arms, I realize that before Adeela came into my life, I had nothing.

“He’s beautiful, Kaled.” She’s crying, and I feel my own eyes burn.

I thought I was good with words, but I can’t find any that can capture what I’m feeling.

I’m overflowing. Love, tenderness, and a fear so deep it threatens to undo me.

Unlike when my mother died, I know this time I would never recover if anything happened to them.

Once you’ve touched paradise, you can’t survive again among mere mortals.

“I can’t lose you.”

She stops playing with our Tajj and looks at me. “You won’t lose us, my sheikh. We’re a family now.”

I move closer to the bed. “Would you have stayed with me if he hadn’t been born?”

She reaches out her hand. “How could I not, Kaled?Ya rouhi[44], habibi[45]. You are my soul. I’m not good with words—being shy and introverted isn’t exactly the best combination—but never doubt my love for you. With you, and now with our little prince, I own the world.”

Hours later

Still at the hospital

“Ricco?[46]“ I try not to show my surprise when I see one of my friends standing beside me as I watch my son through the nursery glass.

Of course, I expected them all to come, but for him in particular, I know how painful it must be to witness my happiness today.

“Congratulations on your son,” he says, stepping closer. “Have you chosen a name?”

“Thanks, brother. Yes. Tajj.”

“What does it mean?”

I smile before answering. “Authority.”

“Fitting for a prince.”

I nod. “How are you?” I ask.

“Surviving. But I didn’t come here to talk about me; I came to give you some advice, if you’ll allow it. No amount of time with your child is ever too much. Work commitments mean nothing compared to the blessing of being a father.” He hugs me and hands me the blue teddy bear he’s holding. “I should go.”

“You’re not waiting for the others?”

“Not today. It was you and your prince I wanted to see,” he says, then turns and walks away.

Chapter 51