Married to the Billionaire Playboy

The warm Saturday morning sun from the window in my room flashed briefly into my eyes. I've excitedly counted down to this day, but today I was tired and nothing was permitted to interrupt my sleep. Just as I turned over to the other side of the bed and pulled the blanket over my head, the bedside alarm clock started beeping annoyingly. Ughhh! I grunted, how can it be 8:30am already, it felt like I just went to sleep 30 minutes ago. I wanted to go back to bed but I heard footsteps approaching my room. "Kylie"! Mom yelled as she got closer to my door, "I'm up!" I yelled right back and scrambled up immediately. I didn't need anyone to tell me that I was about to get an earful on how a responsible adult should behave, if she was to find me still in bed. I yawned and stretched in an effort to awaken my body. I rubbed my eyes and looked to the corner of my room and standing elegantly was my custom-made outfit, It was a light summer-appropriate dress with a hand embroidered bustier and matching self made accessories, a product of my blood, sweat and tears. Over 100 hours of hard solo work went into making the ensemble. It was a project for the school summer fashion showcase. As a sophomore, one thing I've learnt is that Seattle may be small, but Stitches Academy showcases were not child's play, there could be agents from big brands coming to scout fresh talents and I wasn't planning to miss out on that. I had applied to the organising team to design an outfit for the showcase but the response came late and everyone was already working in pairs when the response came. The project supervisor had offered to add me to Sophie and Hannah's group, and I had to beg to work alone. That duo was lazy and mean and I didn't want to ruin my chances because of them. My room was a mess but I don't plan on cleaning it anytime soon, at least not until I come back from the showcase. I looked in the mirror and despite the eyebags and messy hair, I just knew it was going to be a great day. I smiled to myself and left the room, trotting down the stairs for breakfast. "Good morning", I announced in a sing-song manner. "Kylie come sit, I'll fix you a plate", Mum said as I walked to the dining table. "Finally, the princess has decided to wake up and Grace us with her presence, '' my brother Jeremy said as he came towards us. I made faces at him and took a seat at the table. "How was your night princess? '' Dad asked. "It went by so fast I couldn't even get to rest well, '' I replied. "Just be grateful you are pursuing your aspirations, Richard and I have to run the family business so you can do whatever you want" Jeremy shot back, "oh sweet big brother, what would I ever do without you" I said in sarcasm. There was a sudden silence as the TV kept announcing the woes of the city, the recent inflation had caused drastic damage to small businesses and everyone was complaining. "I hope things get better around here soon", Dad sighed. On another story was the wealthy conglomerate, Duke Thompson receiving an award of good works from the mayor. "As if" Jeremy sneered, " He's just rich that's all, we all do good works every day and no one seems to care but one rich guy breathes and we're congratulating him for existing" "No one cares unless you have money" I said, glancing at him as I buttered my bread. He just shrugged as if to say whatever. "Didn't you say you both went to school together"? Mom said to Dad in a hushed tone, "Perhaps he'll help us with the finances to get the business running." "Darling, the Duke I know is not one to provide assistance if he's not getting anything in return, he's a businessman after all" he replied, weighing his words. "You could still try," Mom replied, still pressing. Dad kept mute, he wasn't a man of many words and Mom was beginning to get slightly annoyed. I excused myself from the table and left to prepare for school. "Jeremy you're dropping me off, remember"? I reminded him. He just nodded and I went upstairs to get ready. Jeremy came up right behind me. "Ky" he called out, "hope you aren't worried about our finances"? He asked, showing concern. Honestly, I was a little bit more than worried. We haven't been so rich but we weren't this financially down either. "It's not like we're dirt broke, not until the next two weeks at least but we hope things will improve before then. Richard is working very hard to get investors but everyone seems so deeply affected by the inflation too". Jeremy sighed. "Is there anything I could do to help"? I asked, biting my tongue, "Not that I'm aware of," he responded, "besides, you don't need to do anything, just keep doing you. You're very talented in fashion and I'll personally do anything to see you through the Academy. Don't worry and have fun, the adults will take care of everything" he chuckled, rubbing my already messy hair. I smiled back trying hard not to sob. "Your outfit is pretty by the way, I took a peep" he said, looking at me mischievously, " You promised you wouldn't", I said, breaking out in laughter. "I really wish I could be there to see you get an award but I've got work to do" he said with a pout. "I understand you are busy," I replied. "Thanks Ky" he said, rubbing my hair once again. "Get ready quickly, I'll be waiting" he said going down the stairs again. Things were getting tough at home and everyone was sacrificing one thing or another to make sure I got what I wanted and I'm not going to disappoint them. If today's showcase goes well and my outfit stands out, I'll be getting some monetary reward at least or even better, a big brand may take notice of me. "Let's hope for better things", I said to myself.