Chapter 1: Her Mission

The necklace pricked my skin, it's rough edges unlike any I've worn.

I took it off, unaware he was right behind me.

"Put it back on," he said calmly.

I shivered. Terrified, but glad he didn't hit me. I wouldn't want to get a bruise on my day of reckoning. My special day...

I stood in my walk-in closet, still in my robe. Streams of water flowing from the tips of my hair onto the white marble floor. 

"Don't take it off again"

I headed slowly towards my bed, holding my breath. The burgundy dress I held grazed the hem of the others on the rack.

I stared at my almond-shaped nails reminding myself that fear was a luxury I couldn't afford.

"I see you're eager to get rid of me princess... It won't happen"

Today was the day I'd finally escape this prison called engagement. The plan was simple: Meet Damon Grey, seduce him, marry him, then father wouldn't lose his assets. My reward? Freedom.

I gazed at the dinner dress, low-cut, thigh slit. He picked it out. It was his favourite.

Damon was sure to notice.

I put it on and flashed a fake smile, one of the many I've done during my engagement to Brian.

"How do I look?," I asked, hoping to get a mild answer. 

If hopes were horses, I'd seduce them...

He circled me footsteps echoing in the large dressing room.

He smirked, "like mine."

Tonight was about survival, freedom. If I married a man more powerful than both my father and fiance, they'd lose their leverage over me.

If I failed to seduce Damon Grey, I'd be married off to Brian by sunrise. 

I had only 10 hours.

"Brian smiled. The kind, I knew all too well, the one that promised consequences.

"I won't, fail" I promised myself.

He adjusted his cufflinks and kissed my cheek.

My stomach turned. This won't be for long. 

                     . . .

The drive in the limo was slow even though we were at a good speed. I sat at the left-hand side clutching my dignity. I avoided eye contact with him.

We arrived at the destination in no time. Huge black and gold gates with intricate floral designs blocked the entrance.

Cameras flashed- paparazzi. Cars moved with ease in line.

I took a deep breath.

"You know what to do," he took a quick look at me and stepped out.

The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror. 

I stepped out, into the entrance, holding his forearm and my purse. 

It was a penthouse and we were off to the rooftop. The elevator ride felt unbearably slow.

I lowered the volume of my phone, the time watching me like a hawk. 9 hours left.

As soon as we stepped in, I was greeted with the luxurious scents of champagne and cologne. There were hints of cherry, alcohol and rose.

A woman walked towards us and greeted Brian with two kisses-on his cheeks.

Didn't matter.

"Wait here, I'll be back," he commanded, stepping away from me into the crowd.

I heaved a sigh of relief. Maybe, just maybe this once I could have a taste of freedom.

I grabbed a glass of wine from the server, still standing in the centre of the room.

I scanned the room silently observing faces, mapping out the nearest exits and threats.

I hoped I'd recognise him once I saw him. I only had a vague description of him.

"He'd be in a blue tux"

Men paced round me, some even making sexual remarks, none daring to strike a conversation with me.

Women in gold or champagne laughed, giggled and drank.

A woman caught my eye, she was in red, I stared at her in the distance. I loved her hairdo. I couldn't see her face but I could tell she was pretty; tall and pretty.

Next to her was the back view I recognised all too well, the one I had seen several times. My fiance.

Of course.

I sent him a text. "Found him yet?"

No reply.

I grabbed another glass of wine and walked to the balcony.

The slightly less chilly environment was a sharp contrast. I needed a breath of fresh air.

My heart rate quickened, I was dizzy.

I'd only had a drink. I grabbed the railing and stepped aside to drop the drink in my hand.

"Breathe Aurora, breathe," I muttered.

I took two deep breaths, steadying myself.

"Whoa, easy, easy. I can tell you don't take alcohol," a masculine voice rang in my ears. 

He grabbed me before I could fall. 

"Jeez, what was in that drink?!," I wondered.

His strong hands held my waist steady. I turned, taken aback. There stood the most physically attractive man I had ever met. His piercing blue eyes unlike any I've ever seen, assessed me.

I took two steps back.

"Are you okay?" he asked moving closer.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine." The alcohol cleared immediately and I wasn't so dizzy anymore. Which billionaire heir was this?

"I'm Rex," he stated almost as if he read my mind.

I hesitated.

"I'm... Rosella," I replied taking his outstretched hand.

"Are you sure you don't need to lie down? Who are you with? I'll call them to take you some other place" 

I smiled. He was charming.

"I'm with my husband."

"Husband?," he searched my face for proof of a lie.

Luckily, I could pretend.

"Yes, husband"

He took a quick look at my hand.

"I don't see a ring," he raised his eyebrow.

"I took it off"

"So, that means you're not married right now"

He smiled. His perfect teeth glistening.

I couldn't help but giggle.

My phone vibrated, lighting up. It was a text from Brian.

Brian: Where are you?!

My heart skipped a beat, not the good kind.

"Is that him?," he asked warmly.

"Yes, excuse me"

I walked hastily to the main room, bumping into several staff. 

He walked towards me.

"I'm sorry Brian, I..," I pleaded.

A fierce slap landed on my face knocking off my earring.

I tasted blood.

The room went quiet. All eyes on us.

"Whore!"

I winced.

"What?"

"Where were you?!" he raised his hand again ready to strike.

I fell on my knees holding my cheek. 

I closed my eyes bracing myself for what was to come; public humiliation.

Just before he struck, the footsteps I heard before, echoed.

I raised my head.

It was Rex.

He grabbed his hand fiercely and threw him a punch. 

"Never hit a woman!" he ordered.

Before Brian could retort, another punch landed on his jaw.

I froze. I was done for.

Brian staggered, almost falling. He grabbed a nearby object about to hit Rex with it.

Rex caught it and threw it across the room. He growled.

"Rex, Rex please stop," I pleaded, slowly rising from my knees.

Brian's eyes widened. 

I couldn't think straight. So much was happening at once.

"If he makes one more move..."

"Please" I begged, scared of where this was headed, "he's my- my husband"

The crowd gasped.

Brian looked round the room, his teeth clenched in rage.

I glanced at a nearby clock. 7 hours left.

I was at crossroads. Let this man beat up my fiance, find Damon or leave while I still had the chance?

The latter wasn't an option. I knew Brian would find me and even my father couldn't save me. 

As the clock ticked, I hoped for a miracle, and for the first time in a long time, I said a silent prayer. 

My lipstick was smeared on my cheek. I stood in between the two men. 

Brian was about to drag me when his voice echoed.

"Touch her and you'll regret it" he promised.

Whispers moved through the crowd. I caught a name. A title. Fear.

Who was this man? and why did he command such authority?, I thought.

"She's under my protection now"

I bowed my head. He walked closer to me, looking straight

into my eyes.

"Divorce him"

He took a step backwards, and stood directly in front of Brian, inches away from his forehead. 

He said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Marry me."