Daughter of a Villainous Billionaire

V

“You can’t be serious!” My aunt exclaimed amidst laughter. “ Honestly, if you could be returned, you’d be back with your darling papa before you could blink.” I had just finished telling her what had happened earlier in the day and she couldn’t stop laughing.

“Anyway,” she wiped tears from the corners of her eyes and continued, “Will you attend the gala?" she sipped her drink. We'd met almost an hour ago and decided to catch up over drinks first.

"If we were just a normal couple, best believe I wouldn't have attended! Unfortunately for me, we aren't, and we need the publicity." I said sighing. "Hmmm," she hummed, sipping her drink. "In that case, what do you plan on wearing to this fancy gala?”

“I have no idea,” I said, then chuckled.

“And that’s why I’m here.” She declared, pointing her nose to the sky boastfully.

“I have the perfect designer for you. She’s in a very secluded area, so we had better leave now if you’re to be ready on time for your date.”

I looked at her suspiciously but obliged anyway. I got into the co-driver’s seat since she insisted on driving, saying that I had this beast forever.

"Where were you when I called earlier?" I asked her once when we were on the road. She tapped her fingers lightly on the starting wheel. She was a good liar, but I heard her tell, and that right there was it.

"In the house," she let out flatly. I looked at her for a moment, deciding against pursuing the story further.

"Mmmh. okay." I said, echoing her tone, and returned my focus to the road as we lapsed into silence.

"Let's play some music!"

**************************

I could practically feel Caden’s impatience rolling off in waves from downstairs. I couldn’t help the smile that formed on my lips as I finished my final touches of makeup. I had already fixed my hair and was very pleased with Aunt Maggie’s designer. She’d ended up driving me to the outskirts of the city and picking out one of her designer's original designs which were coincidentally just my size. I made sure I took her card. I’d most probably need her again now that I am married to Caden.

An impatient knock sounded through the room.

“I told you to be ready by seven, Cora, it’s 7.15. What are you still doing? Come on out. Five more minutes and I’m leaving.” He shouted through the door and I heard his footsteps recede. I rolled my eyes.

I stood up and went to appreciate this goddess that God took his time to create on my full-length mirror. I could barely believe it.

I had on a beautiful rose gold floor-length dress.. It had a low neck that showed off my cleavage beautifully and two thigh-high slits on both sides. I matched them with my 4-inch gold heels. I had curled my hair and I was just admiring how it fell down my back, nearly covering the entire back that the dress had left bare. I spent the most time on my makeup and I was pretty pleased with the outcome. I adorned my wrists with bracelets and a watch, I slipped on a simple pearl necklace and statement earrings to go with it. After one last look and self-approval, I went to join my lovely, impatient husband.

I took my time going down the stairs waiting for Caden to stop pacing about angrily and look up at me. I smiled victoriously when his eyes finally landed on me and he stopped and stared. I could see him taking in my figure as I made my way down. He fully turned and faced me, still staring and standing stuck, still not saying a word. I was basking in his adoring gaze.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the maids looking at me and exchanging hushed whispers.

“Worth the wait, right?” I said happily immediately when I was on even ground with him. "In my defense, you'd originally told me 7.30."

He cleared his throat suddenly, snapping back to reality and settled his hand on my lower back. My heart rate suddenly picked up and the butterflies were back again. He ushered me gently to the car still without a word.

The chauffeur was waiting dutifully outside and I noticed even he, looked twice at me. I did a little victory dance in my head as I slid softly into the car and watched as Caden sat much closer than he did the last time we were in a car together.

So even he can’t turn down all this sexiness. I was beyond elated. My inner goddess was pleased and smug.

“See? I didn’t need your little secretary after all.” I pointed out, leaning closer to him.

“You took more time than was required. We are very late.” He muttered stoically and scooted a bit further.

"Master of exaggerating," I mumbled under my breath, also scooting away from him.

My mood had been dampened. No compliments at all. What did I expect?

I sighed and sat back as I pulled out my phone from my purse.

“We’re almost there. Pull yourself together. I need you to look your best tonight.” Caden muttered from beside me, looking at me keenly.

“Of course,” I muttered between my teeth and brought out my million dollar smile. His gaze lingered a bit, then he looked away.

“You look gorgeous.”

I blinked, then blinked again. Before I could even say anything, the chauffeur opened the door and we were immediately assaulted by camera flashes.

He stepped out before me, then held his hand out to me. Did he mean what he said? Of course, he did. I did look gorgeous. Hearing him saying it though, was... Unexpected to say the least.

I took his hand and slowly followed him out with the brightest smile on my face. He rested his hand on my back again, bringing back the pleasant tingles.

If I wasn't careful, I'd be in trouble. I can't afford to catch feelings just yet. Or phrased in a better manner, I can’t afford to be the first one to fall in love.

He led me into the grand hall, occasionally flashing the journalists a smile and a wave; I was the same, making sure my ring was visible. We walked into the grandiose hall and it was very impressive. This was nothing like the galas I'd attended with my papa.

It was decorated beautifully and ushers were waiting on us right from the very beginning.

“Welcome to the Marianna Charity Gala for Orphans, Mr and Mrs Grimaldi.” One nerdy looking guy told us as he bowed politely and took our coats.

“I’d like to introduce you to some of my friends and partners. Come.” Caden told me as he smiled charmingly at me and led me further in.

I wasn’t sure I’d come out of this with my heart still intact. A waiter passed us with a tray loaded with champagne-filled glasses and I was grateful. I took one and took a large gulp. I felt his hand tightening on my back and I knew that was the first wrong move of the night. He signaled one towards him and took one for himself.

We first approached an elderly, friendly-looking, couple that was chatting with a younger couple.

“Mr Greene, Mrs Greene,” he acknowledged them cordially.

They turned with smiles on their faces; I guess they immediately recognized his voice.

“Oh! Caden, dear, how do you do?” Mrs Greene greeted him enthusiastically, pulling his head down to kiss him on both cheeks. I smiled softly at the sight.

“And who might this beautiful young lady be?” she said sweetly as she smiled warmly at me.

I immediately smiled back, warming at her affection.

“This is my wife, Cora. Darling, these are my grandfather’s dearest friends, Peter and Mary.” He looked at me affectionately as he pushed me forward. He could honestly be an award-winning actor if he wanted. Mrs Greene immediately pulled me towards herself and gave me a big hug.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs Greene,” I muttered politely in her ear.

She pulled me back and looked deep into my eyes, “No need for such formality darling, we’re family now.” She stepped back and let her husband give me a brief handshake.

“You got yourself quite the catch, my boy.” He muttered with a glimmer in his eye. Did they not know me? Or is it that they did not recognize me up close?

“Then you must let me show off my wife to everyone.” He said as he chuckled softly and squeezed my shoulder. He ushered me away before anyone could say anything more. I finished the rest of the champagne and abandoned the glass on some table we passed. I looked over at Caden and it seemed like he hadn’t even touched his. I took another flute from a different passing waitress and flashed him a smile.

“Careful.” Caden said, with a forced smile.

“Don’t worry, honey.” I gave him my biggest smile and continued, “I can hold my liquor pretty well.”

We approached a tall blonde guy in a white tuxedo.

“Mike, my wife, Cora.” He said immediately as he gave him a hearty handshake.

“Cora, Mike.” I looked at him puzzled at the lack of any formalities.

He gave me a forced smile. I could feel the hostility that was rolling off him in waves towards me. Now, this is the reception I was used to getting. I smiled sweetly and held out my hand as I said, “Pleasure.”

He took it a bit stiffly and barely even shook my hand. He turned his attention to Caden. “A word, please.” He had a deep voice that took me by surprise. He then turned and walked away.

Caden kissed my forehead softly and quickly muttered, “I won’t be long.” He slowly followed him and soon they were both out of my sight.

I decided to walk around a bit and see the rest of the hall.

“The auction will begin in the next ten minutes.” An announcement sounded through the hall. There was going to be an auction? Shortly after, I felt my phone vibrating. I went and took a seat at an empty table.

I pulled out my phone and saw it was a message from Caden.

If you see anything you like, let me know. I scoffed and typed in a quick reply.

Ok. I put it back in my purse and continued surveying the crowd.

“And what’s a beautiful lady like you doing all alone here?” I looked up to see who the owner of the voice was and they clashed with a pair of deep blue eyes.

“How do you want me to answer that?” I shot back lightly.

He raised his brow, intrigued. I watched as his grin grew wider and he took a seat beside me. “Feisty. I like that.” He replied smoothly. "Tristan Hawi, pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He took my hand and placed a light kiss.

“Cora Grimaldi. Pleasure is all mine.” I told him smoothly.

His eyes widened in recognition. “I thought I’d spotted a rock on your hands.”

I laughed a bit and wiggled my fingers in front of his eyes. He had flawless skin with a rich caramel complexion.

"Quite unfortunate he got to you before me," he said, not sounding remorseful in the slightest. Humor laced his voice. I have to admit, I liked his vibe. I might actually have fun and make a new friend here while I'm at it.