I had just packed into Adrian’s penthouse, it was huge and beautiful but I didn't have the time to explore because he sent me a gift box. I opened the box inside the room that was arranged for me, it was a luxurious red gown designed with gold glitter and there was a matching heel and a tiny expensive necklace. My mouth parted with shock, as I stared at it. My eyes caught a card and I read it out,
“Be ready by 7, Miss Lily”
I squinted my eyes and wondered what it was all about when I remembered seeing a Gala ceremony that was scheduled to happen tonight. It was a ceremony held for businessmen to celebrate and connect. It was all about a search for power and getting into the right league. My father never attended such an event but I was going on his behalf tonight. I could not help but feel proud of myself, his usual words popped into my head….. “Use what you have to get what you need”.
I stared at my beautiful figure in the mirror, the dress fitted perfectly, and the tiny gold necklace complimented it. It was almost 7 when I got Adrian’s message and walked out to the parking lot where I saw him stand against his car. He looked sharp and his hair was perfectly styled. His eyes wandered around me as he walked closer to me and extended his hands, “Please miss”
I offered him a tiny smile and placed my hand on his as he led me into the car.
“You look beautiful,” Adrian suddenly said to me with a tiny smile on his lips.
“All thanks to you, Adrian” I smiled at him but in reality, my heart was pounding due to being close to him and I was going to a big event, not as an employee this time but as the biggest CEO’s fiancee.
My nervousness slightly grew as we got out of the car and the camera flashed on our faces, Adrian was holding my hands in his and we walked arrogantly into the hall. A luxurious ballroom filled with high society figures, chandeliers, and an air of power and wealth.
I felt resolved as my eyes wandered around the room to spot Vivian and Trevor, I was here only because of them.
“Be confident, darling. You can do this” I heard Adrian whisper to me, he was composed and authoritative. I smiled confidently but narrowed my eyes when I saw them, they were giggling and clicking their glasses together. I calmly left Adrian’s shadow and he gave me a tiny nod, I went through the crowd and positioned myself beside Vivian ensuring she noticed my presence.
Vivian’s eyes flashed with shock but she quickly masked it and feigned a smile.
“How have you been, stepmother? I asked her with a smile as I took a glass of champagne from the waiter. Her lips slightly trembled, her eyes flickering around my outfit.
“Why are you here?
I stared at her and feigned ignorance “What do you mean, Mother?
Her face reddened with annoyance and I chuckled “I’m not your mother, you bastard!”
I nodded, I wasn't expecting less from her “My bad, my mother isn't a gold digger”
“You—!” She could not say a word and just stared at me with disgust, her fists tightening as she was trying to maintain her composure. “I'm sure you stole this outfit or it's fake”
I smirked hard and stared at her without wavering, I didn't know where I got the confidence from but a tiny part of me knew Adrian was there for me. “Are you that sure?
“Leave before I embarrass you for wearing a fake gold necklace and dress” She threatened with her flared nose.
I moved closer to her “I think you will have more to worry about soon, than my outfit” I gave her a wink when Trevor appeared.
“What is going on, Vivian? His disgusting voice sounded behind me.
Vivian suddenly smiled seeing him, and her confidence rose. “Trevor darling….”
I felt disgusted at her words, “Come and see who decided to embarrass herself tonight” she continued, and Trevor stepped in front of me. His eyes flickered with surprise as he stared at my appearance.
“Try to be less obvious, Trevor,” I said to him and sipped my wine. He was poor in concealing his surprise and I giggled hard.
His face instantly turned red with anger “How can you be here?
“Exactly, I'm here to tell you to watch your back” I replied, keeping my face straight and unreadable.
Trevor laughed slightly and put his arm over Vivian and I knew it was all pretense. He was trying to mask the effect I had on him “What can you do?
I wanted to reply to him when I felt a large palm on my waist and that familiar scent.
“Are you okay, darling? He asked me, his voice deep and hoarse.
I played along and smiled at him “Yes”
His presence exuded dominance and confidence and I could see the unsettledness on their faces.
“Mr. Trevor, nice to see you here,” Adrian said to Trevor coldly and I wondered what he was up to. Trevor tried to mask his nervousness but I could see through him,
“Mr. Adrian, you shouldn't be seen with someone this lowly” Trevor mocked and I swallowed hard, it was difficult being referred to as a low person.
Vivian laughed loudly pulling people's attention to us, stares were now directed towards us. I could hear whispers about Adrian holding my waist. I began to feel like a loser but Adrian saved the day.
“Mr. Trevor, I will advise you not to speak so lowly of my fiancee. Soon to be Miss Cole and I, won't be so forgiving next time” He said a bit high and cold, gaining murmurs and gasps from the audience.
