The Billionaire's Temptation

Chatper 2: The Wedding Preparation

Sydney's point of view

I breathe heavily while looking at the body mirror in front of me. It's been two weeks since we talked about the wedding.

I am now trying my wedding gown. I am satisfied with the gown, but not with the groom.

This gown is my dream wedding gown, I know I won't be able to marry the man I truly love. That is why I want to at least have the wedding I’ve always dreamed of.

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of a wedding that looked as though it had been borrowed from a fairy tale.

A centuries-old cathedral stood proudly beneath a cloudless sky, its stained-glass windows painting the marble floor with ribbons of color.

A long ivory aisle stretched toward the altar, lined with thousands of pink roses, delicate baby's breath, and flickering candles that glowed like tiny stars. Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, scattering light across every smiling face.

My wedding gown was a beautiful ivory dress covered in delicate lace, sparkling beads, and tiny floral embroidery.

It had a butterfly neckline with sheer long sleeves decorated with pearls that draped gently over my shoulders. The fitted bodice hugged my waist before flowing into a soft, elegant skirt with a long train that trailed behind me.

Every crystal shimmered under the light, making the gown look magical. Paired with a crystal tiara and a long veil.

I smiled. This is so perfect. "I love this gown." I said.

Of course, I loved it. I'm the one who decided what it would look like. And they executed it perfectly, exactly like the sketch I made.

"Is there anything else you would like to change or adjust?" the tailor asked.

I turned a round, to see the back of the gown. I smiled, satisfied. So, beautiful. Too bad, this is not for the man I loved.

"No. This is exactly what I want." I said in satisfaction.

She assisted me as we made our way to the changing room. She also help me to take off the gown I was wearing.

"Thank you!" I said, smiling at her.

"You're welcome, ma'am." she said politely.

I bitterly smiled when I remembered that a month now until our wedding will happen. I wasn't excited at all. I wish I can marry someone I love. Sadly, I don't have one. I've never been in love. And that j*rk really proves me right not to.

When I stepped out of the changing room, I was surprised to run into Caleb. And just like that, my day was instantly ruined.

"Oh hi, fiancée, you're here too." he said, jokingly.

Of course I'm here. I have to be here, d*mb*ss!

I rolled my eyes, and passed. "Snob? Tsk. I know how excited you are, Sydney. Well, I can't blame you—not with how handsome I am. Anyone would be dying to marry me." he said confidently. I turned to look at him, disgusted.

"Oh please! Mr. Ford. If I am that anyone you were talking about, I would rather die than marry you." I said, full of sarcasm.

I don't know why I hate him so much. Maybe, it's because I know he's not my type, and I can't love him. It's the fact that I have to marry him, whether I like it or not.

"Of course, but you can't. Because we both know, you need me." he said that in the most sarcastic way he could, before he continued walking.

I rolled my eyes and continued walking until I reached the center table.

I will choose the wedding theme, reception, and wedding venue. And I don't give a d*mn in his opinion.

I scheduled it today, because I will be busy in the next few days in the office. I have to run some business so I can escape thinking about that wedding.

"This is the wedding theme I want." I said, while looking at the photos I was searching on the internet. Well, I know he already know about it, but I have to ensure it to him.

The wedding theme I chose is fairytale theme. I really love fairytales. And I want it to be my reality. If I won't be given a chance to marry the man I love, at least I wanted to feel like I am a princess in does fairytales movies I watched when I was a kid.

"This is noted, madam." the staff said while writing in his pad. Taking note of what I was saying. I scroll again, looking for the wedding venue that would really suit that kind of wedding.

"And the wedding venue I chose is a Palace of Versailles. Aside from being spacious, this is perfect for the fairytale-themed wedding I chose, right?" he froze.

I just smiked. I really don't care what was that reaction is. I know he was just surprised, because it will cost too much to have a wedding there. And I really want it to be there.

"The reception will be in our rest house, which is near from the venue. I want it pink, I don't care whether it's light or dark pink. As long as it's pink. Got it?" I said happily.

"Yes, madam." he answered.

I am already imagining how perfect it would be. Except with Caleb, tsk.

"Okay, then that's all." I said, ending a conversation. I stood up and prepared to leave.

"Ahm. Excuse me, ma'am. I'm sorry, but I don't think, we can make it in just a month." he said, worried.

I looked at him, sharply. " Do you think I care? It's not my problem anymore, so find your way." I said, irritably.

"Yes ma'am, my apologies." he said and bowed his head.

"Look at you, a very hands on fiancé." Caleb started to tease me again.

"The wedding planning was going smoothly. With or without the help of you. All you have to do is to pay all the expenses." I gave a mischievous smile.

He smirked. "I know. I heard it all. Nice taste, huh? Fairytale wedding at Palace of Versailles? Impressive." he said, mocking. "That would be so expensive, isn't it?" he added.

"Of course, I know my worth. Can't afford it? Aww! Too bad." I said, mocking him too while pouting my lips.

He laughed, and bit his lowers lips. "You know what, you should stop acting like I am the one who needed this marriage, Sydney." he mocked me more.

"You know I’m willing to work hard to get our company back on its feet." I said, sure enough to tell that to him.

He narrowed his eyes at me. "But you know too that I can afford you. You know so d*mn well that I can buy you, and your worth, Sydney." he said emphatically.

"Maybe, you can. But the question is, how long?" I asked. I smirked when I saw the annoyance in his eyes. "Why? Not sure enough to answer? Hmm?" I added.

"You're nonsense." he said, feels like I hit so hard his ego.

"I can turn our company around without this marriage. But you? Can you get your inheritance without this? Hmm, I don't think so." I said boastfully.

"You are so arrogant. But we both know, you'll need me." he said, smiling like a weirdo.

I tapped his shoulder. "Say want you want. But I'll find a way to stop this wedding from pushing through." I said seriously.

"Go ahead, make your parents disappointed. Good luck!" he said. "Let's go." he turned to the woman with him—someone I think is his fling, or maybe his girlfriend.

I left there, stunned. You're nothing, but an a*shole, Caleb!

Well, he was right. If I call off this wedding, they will be disappointed in me. But perhaps they'll understand me if I manage to pull our company out of the hole it's in.

As I look at Caleb—knowing he’s flirting with another woman—my sense of self-respect kicks in. I won’t settle for a man who disrespects me right to my face.

Don't get me wrong, I don't feel any jealous to them. I only felt disgust. 'Cause how can he date someone when he knows himself that he will never marry her, because of me.

F*cking j*rk!

I left the store. And drove my car. I don't know where to go, but I don't want to go home too. I need some fresh air, so I can breathe peacefully. This day was so stressful.

I found myself at the river side. This river is called Seine River, I can clearly see the Eiffel Tower from here. It’s so far from our house—I don't know, my hands just steered me here while I was driving.

I opened the pizza I bought, and happily took a bite. I do a little dance when I taste how delicious the pizza is.

Ugh! May favorite!

I looked at the place, this is so peaceful. And suddenly, I was taken aback when I saw a street child. The people he approaches and asks for loose change drive him away. I felt my chest hurt.

How can I have so much money, and still complain about it, while they can't afford to buy food to feed themselves?

"Kid!" I called him. He just looked at me; I know he was just shy to approach me, so I offered him a pizza.

I saw his face lift up. "Thank you!" he said.

"Here. Have a sit." I offer. She followed me, and sat beside me.

I just watched him eating. I smiled when I saw him happy.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"David." he said.

I nodded. "Where's your parents?" I curiously asked.

"I don't know. My guardian said they left me there when I was 3 years old." I looked toward where he was pointing; it was part of the seaside, but on higher ground where the water couldn't reach.

I saw him wiping his tears. I feel sorry for him. "How old are you now?" I asked.

"I'm 10." he said and continue eating.

"Where's your guardian now?" I asked again. He just looked at me. "I'm.. I'm sorry, I shouldn't ask to much." I said, embarrass.

"They are dead. I'm living alone now." he said sadly.

"So, are you looking for your real parents?" I asked.

There's a part of me that wants to help him. I feel so sorry for him. How could his parents do that such as cruel things.

"Uhm. Of course, I believe they have their reason to do that." he said sincerely.

I smiled sadly, while not taking off my sight to him. He is so matured for that age. So understanding. I felt my tears falling onto my cheecks, I wiped it off. I don't want to make him feel like an object of pity.

"I can help you." I said.

His face lift up. "Really?" he said, excited.

I nodded. "Of course, but for now I really have to go. It's really late at night, I still have a long way to go." I said goodbye to him.

"Thank you, ma'am." he said while smiling at me.

I patted his head. "Just wait me there, maybe in a week? Okay? Enjoy eating." I smiled, while looking at him.

"Okay." he said, shyly.

I gave him a two thousand pesos, so he can feed himself while I was away.

"This is too much, ma'am." he said, while trying to force the money back on me.

"David, don't be stubborn. You need this, okay?" I said, and give back the money. "Also don't call me ma'am, again. Just call me Sydney." I added. .

"Okay, Sydney. Take care, I'll be waiting for you here." he said, while waving his right hand to me.

"You're a good boy." I said happily as I turned my back, and leave.

He's so adorable. I hope I can really help him. But the question is how? Tsk.

to be continued..