August Rain: A Mafia Trinity Novel

“Mother, what is the meaning of this?” Elizabeth peered at the delicate deep lilac evening gown her mother just presented to her. “It’s for you, dear. Tonight you’ll attend a ball at Dereon Hall,” her mother said with a devious glint in her eye that she did not like. When Agnes White put her mind to something, there would be no persuading her otherwise. “Why wasn’t I informed about this before? This is rather sudden!” Elizabeth exclaimed, jumping up from her bed. Agnes looked at her with disdain. “You will not speak to me in that tone,you ungrateful child,” her mother sneered. “this ball will have August Dereon, the country’s most eligible bachelor, present and rumour is he’ll be choosing a bride! Who could be more ideal than my lovely daughter?” Elizabeth looked at her mother in surprise. “An arranged marriage? Is that not a little medieval, mother?” She said incredulously as she shook her head, not believing what she was learning. Of all the underhanded things her

Elizabeth She heard a voice behind her and turned to face whoever was invading her moment. “How could you tell?” She said as he steps closer to her, then leaning against the balustrade. “Most of the women in there love the limelight, while you’re standing out here hiding away. Could there be any other reason?” He said in a voice laced with honey that sent a tingle up her spine.Who was this man? “I was hoping to slip out without being noticed. I didn’t realize I was being watched,” she said and laughed while looking him up and down. She could not help but think how handsome he looked in his Armani tailored suit. “How could you not stand out? You are by far the most beautiful here tonight,” he said with a wink, causing her to chuckle.“Trying to charm me, sir?” she said and looked at him in amusement. “I was, actually. But it doesn’t look like you’re easily charmed.” He said as a slight pout formed on his full lips and Elizabeth had to pry her eyes

Elizabeth Elizabeth stared at the couple walking to the podium, uncertain of what she was seeing. She had been speaking to August Dereon this entire time, and she was certain he knew she was talking about him. He headed to the stage with his fiancée, kissed her hand, and smiled. Elizabeth noticed how beautiful Emily Gray looked. Black gown hugging her slim, athletic build, Louboutin’s on her feet and minimal make-up like Elizabeth. She could not help but feel a pang of jealousy. Of course, August Dereon would be engaged to a stunner. He then turned around and looked at the crowd, cementing her thoughts.  It was the stranger from the balcony. As he scanned the crowd, his eyes fell on her. They made eye contact for a split second, then he looked away again, frowning slightly. 

Elizabeth She arrived at White Manor and slipped off her platform heels, walking barefoot from the car hoping her mother would be asleep. Elizabeth knew that her mother would have heard about August’s engagement by now and she would be livid. From the outside, her life seemed glamorous; the glitz, the glam, the fashion and the money. Her family, The Whites, being the second wealthiest family in Washington, second only to the Dereons. Her father had his fingers in many pies, some even speculating that he had ties to the Chicago mafia underbelly. But her mother was the matriarch. Agnes White ran this family like her father, Robert, ran his company, no love lost to any mistake made and people cut when they were not deemed worthy. Elizabeth dreaded running into her mother right now.  But alas, Agnes was waiting for her as she opened the door. Elizabeth blanched. “Mother-“

Elizabeth "August!" Elizabeth exclaims and looks at the handsome man who just caught her. Out of anyone she could have run into, it had to be him. "Little Dragonfly, are you following me?" he says and gives her a sly smile. She frowns at his words but feels a blush forming on her cheeks. But as she was about to respond to him, she remembered that she still had Liza on the line. "Sorry about that Liza, you got all that?" She asks, not just talking about her cake and coffee order. She hears Liza chuckle. "I'm still here and want all the details when you get back. I'll get a mixture of cakes. See you at the office, boss lady." Liza responds, and Elizabeth smiles," "You're a star, babe!" she said and ended the call, then looked at August. "I am sure you would like to believe I'm following you, but I am afraid that this is not the case. I am staying here for the time being due to personal reasons." Elizabeth said and wondered why she was telling him all this.