Love lies and a billionaire’s secret

CHAPTER FIFTY–SEVEN – ECHOES OF A PROMISE

The sound of a phone snapping shut echoed in the quiet hallway. Nia quickly busied herself with the supplies, her mind whirling with what she’d overheard. As Barnaby rounded the corner, she offered him a small smile, which he returned weakly before shuffling off to his next task.

From that day forward, Nia made it her mission to subtly lighten Barnaby’s load. She began volunteering for the heavier tasks, like moving furniture for deep cleaning or hauling large bags of trash. When Barnaby would start to protest, she’d simply smile and say, “I could use the extra workout. Besides, you’re much better at detailing than I am. Why don’t you take care of the intricate stuff?”

During their shifts, Nia made sure to create opportunities for Barnaby to take breaks without drawing attention. She’d ask him to double–check her work in a comfortable, air–conditioned room, or request his advice on a cleaning technique, giving him a chance to sit down and rest.

One particularly warm afternoon, Nia was mopping the lobby floor when she heard a commotion near the large windows overlooking the city. She looked up to see Barnaby swaying dangerously on his ladder, a window–cleaning squeegee slipping from his grasp.

“Barnaby!” Nia cried out, dropping her mop and rushing towards him. Other janitors nearby also sprang into action, forming a protective circle around the ladder.

Barnaby’s eyes rolled back, and he began to topple backwards. Nia’s heart leapt into her throat as she and two other janitors managed to catch him, cushioning his fall. They lowered him gently to the ground, Nia cradling his head in her lap.

“Someone get some water!” she called out, her voice shaky. To Barnaby, she spoke softly. “It’s okay, you’re okay. Just breathe.”

As color slowly returned to Barnaby’s cheeks, Nia helped him to his feet. “Let’s get you somewhere quiet,” she murmured, guiding him towards a secluded break room.

Once inside, Nia handed Barnaby a glass of water, watching him with concerned eyes as he took small sips. For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Barnaby sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. “I suppose I owe you an explanation,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nia shook her head. “You don’t owe me anything, Barnaby, But if you want to talk, I’m here to listen.”

Barnaby’s eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of fear and resignation. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, seeming to struggle with the words.

“Take your time,” Nia encouraged gently.

After another moment of hesitation, Barnaby took a deep breath. 7

finally said, the words hanging heavy in the air

between them.

I’ve been diagnosed with cancer,” he

Nia felt her heart constrict, even though she had suspected something like this. “Oh, Barnaby,” she breathed, reaching out to place a comforting hand on his arm.

“It’s pancreatic cancer,” he continued, his voice growing stronger as he spoke. “They caught it early, which is good, but… well, the treatment isn’t going to be easy

Nia listened as Barnaby explained his diagnosis, the proposed treatment plan, and his fears about the

as if sharing his burden had.

future. As he spoke, she could see the weight lifting from his shoulders, and his fears about the

already made it lighter.