Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 235: A Lovely Voice

Chapter 235: A Lovely Voice

At Elysium Biotech Institute

Clifford had planned to fly back to the capital today, but an unexpected situation demanded his attention, extending his stay on Palan Island. As CEO, he was deeply committed to overseeing the operations, especially with the research facility gaining worldwide recognition. Ensuring that every detail was meticulously managed was a responsibility he took seriously.

He usually started his mornings early, taking his coffee on the balcony and watching the sun rise over the hilltop. The headquarters’ location was a prime vantage point with an incredible view of the island, offering a rare moment of tranquillity.

This morning, however, Clifford’s attention shifted when he noticed Kelly step out onto the balcony below his, holding a water bottle and a book. He was about to greet her but paused when he saw her clasp her hands and close her eyes in silent prayer.

Respecting her privacy, he watched as she opened her book and began reading, as she’d done each morning since yesterday. Her quiet focus intrigued him, but soon her calm reading turned into singing, a gentle, heartfelt melody that filled the space.

Her voice was clear and filled with conviction, singing:

"You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep, my faith will stand..."

As she sang, tears welled up in her eyes, not from sadness, it seemed, but from a profound sense of praise. Clifford found himself listening intently, even closing his eyes, absorbed by her voice.

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders...

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour..."

Her words were filled with such vulnerability and strength. ’That’s where she draws her strength... from her faith,’ he thought. How optimistic she was, even amid her circumstances, intrigued Clifford deeply.

Kelly carried herself as if the weight of her illness didn’t shake her resolve, almost as if she weren’t afraid to die at all. It wasn’t denial, her faith seemed genuine, giving her a calmness and strength he rarely saw.

It made him question his own approach to life and adversity. He found himself wondering how someone could face something so devastating with such unwavering courage and trust, a kind of acceptance he couldn’t fully understand but felt drawn to nonetheless.

The day before, he’d left, assuming she wanted privacy, but now he found himself wanting to stay to witness this powerful moment she shared with her God.

When she finished her morning ritual, Kelly took a sip from her water bottle, then strolled to the balcony railing, tilting her head up to bask in the sunlight. Her eyes closed as she murmured, "What a nice morning."

On his own balcony, Clifford leaned against the railing, quietly watching her, a faint smile on his face. But as Kelly opened her eyes and caught his gaze, she blinked in surprise. "Oh," she gasped softly.

"I didn’t mean to startle you," Clifford said a bit sheepishly.

Kelly smiled. "It’s fine. Would you like to have breakfast with me?"

Caught off guard, he found himself nodding. "Sure."

"Meet me downstairs in five or ten minutes?" she said with a cheerful smile, and he agreed. Back in his room, Clifford changed quickly, checking his reflection once before heading down to the lobby.

Kelly was already waiting, her relaxed demeanour matching the calm of the Oasis Wing’s private VIP area.

"Do you want to eat outside or inside?" he asked as they stepped into the dining area.

"Let’s sit outside," Kelly suggested, and he led her to the patio. As they waited for their orders, Clifford glanced at her thoughtfully. "You seem like a person of deep faith."

Kelly chuckled softly. "Well, not in religion, but in the faith I believe in."

Clifford tilted his head, curious. "So, what do you believe in?"

"I believe in the word of God... the Bible," she said simply. "Reading His words gives me strength. We may not see God, but we can certainly feel His presence, especially when we seek Him."

Their orders soon arrived, and as they began eating, Clifford offered a compliment. "You have a lovely voice."

Kelly blushed, her face lighting up with a mix of surprise and joy. Clifford smiled, admiring her innocent beauty, her radiant aura, dark charcoal hair, and frosty blue eyes.

"Thank you," she replied, still a little flustered. "Music has always been a big part of my life; it’s my major. I was actually on the verge of debuting as an artist when... well, my illness showed up out of nowhere," she shared, her voice softening.

Clifford watched her thoughtfully, sensing the depth of her unspoken dreams and the strength she maintained despite everything. "You have a handler before?" he curiously asked. She nodded and hummed, "I’m under Sirius Music Group."

"That’s the biggest music company in the world!" he said, his eyes wide with admiration. Kelly’s voice truly was something extraordinary, like listening to an angel’s song. It felt almost tragic that her journey had been interrupted because he could already imagine just how far she would’ve gone in the industry.

"It must have been an exciting time for you," he added, his voice softened with sympathy.

Kelly gave him a small smile. "It was... and maybe it still is, just in a different way. I try to remember that my passion for music doesn’t end with a diagnosis."

"How did you find out about the cancer?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

"A month ago, just three days before my debut, I lost consciousness. That’s when I found out about the cancer," she said, a bittersweet smile on her face. "I spoke to my manager and told them I’d take a break because I just needed time alone. Back then, I was so confused, so lost. I had so many questions, and I couldn’t accept that I was... dying."

Realizing she might be oversharing, Kelly quickly apologized, "I’m sorry, I’m talking too much."

"No, please," Clifford said gently. "I’d really like to hear more. I can’t help but wonder how you’ve come to be this strong."

She nodded, her gaze distant as she reflected. "The first week was so hard, especially while I was still in the capital. I couldn’t even think about how to tell my mom. Accepting my situation didn’t just happen overnight; it was a slow, painful process. Eventually, I decided to come back home to the island... that was just two weeks ago."