Falling for My Billionaire Dad's Rival's Son

Chapter 1: Mr Abusive

I stood in my walk-in closet, still in my robe. Streams of water flowing from the tips of my hair. I headed slowly towards my bed with the burgundy dress grazing the hem of the others on the rack.

I slid it on slowly, the red thong. The corner of my lips twisted to a smile. I gazed at the burgundy dress, a dinner dress with a low-cut back and a thigh slit. It's diamond-encrusted spaghetti straps and low neckline were perfect for the occasion.

I slowly lay the diamond necklace he bought me on my neck, hooking the matching earrings in place.

The pendant necklace he got me to prove his ownership, stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I put on a gold ring encrusted with pink diamonds. I smiled, expressing joy at the sight of my short, pink, almond, half-moon, gel nails. How I loved fresh manicures.

My fingers traced their way to the Clive Christian Madagascan vanilla and Ylang-Ylang perfume and sprayed two puffs on my pulse points. Not wanting to attract too much attention by overdoing it.

Sooner than I finished, he walked in, sniffing the air. I could see a grin on his lips.

"He will be dressed in a black tuxedo, white shirt and a crisp black bow tie. You shouldn't miss him."

"It's a black-tie event, there'll be a lot of men in black. How will I recognize him?"

"He'll be with a group of women, there'll be a lady in red, she's his secretary..."

A smirk made its way to my lips. I had only one thing on my mind, "find the rival's son, win him over." It rang in my head like an annoying morning alarm.

I had no problem with that. Even though he was ruthless and flirtatious, he wouldn't be able to resist my alluring charm.

I knew nothing about him, only that he loved attractive women. How was I supposed to win him over if I was to act as a lowly personal assistant? An assistant to the one who wanted to take over my father's company. The man trying to match us, the one I was to marry...

"How do I look?" I asked as I stepped away from the mirror.

A sly smile escaped his moist lips. "Turn," he whispered.

I hated doing as he said, but that was what my sweet dad wanted. I'd be doing it for the family, I'd be saving them. If I could win Damon over, I wouldn't have to marry this stranger.

I shivered and turned, holding my breath as he moved closer, inches away from my forehead.

"You're mine," he muttered under his mint-scented breath.

"Not until I fail."

"I'd love to see you beg, beg for me to take you back," he whispered.

Those words sent shivers down my spine as the hairs on my body stood erect. Was I going to have to do this? No, I wouldn't, I mustn't.

I walked out of the room wiping the tear that dripped on my right shoulder, the cool breeze blowing my hair.

"I'll be back father, I'll do this for us," I ended the call.

I imagined his downcast look. I knew he wouldn't want this, I knew I had no choice.

Sitting silently at the right-hand side of the limo holding the slit of my burgundy dress, I glanced at him. He stretched his hand towards me, waiting. I hesitated, slowly stretching mine.

In about what felt like an hour, we arrived at the destination. I heaved a sigh of relief as I prepared for what was to come. I observed the surroundings. There were neatly trimmed bushes and some beautiful rose flowers. The building had towering gates that stretched over what I assumed was 7 feet. They were black and gold with intricate designs interwoven into a beautiful pattern.

I wondered who was hosting the event. All I knew was that I had to look her best. I glanced at him. His chest was puffed up. He adjusted the ring on his finger and his watch. Not like he needed to, but he did.

I stared at the people at the side of each gate. They looked like paparazzi. Some vehicles were in front of them waiting at the checkpoint. After a while, they were permitted to go in.

" Just the usual security checks," I thought.

It was a rooftop party, we took the elevator. Even though it was quick, the ride with him felt slow.

Some men were dressed in black and a few women were dressed in red, others in gold or champagne. The atmosphere was caressed by the scent of various expensive perfumes.

I stepped in holding his forearm, my eyes roving round the room, hoping to see the one I came for. I met the gaze of a pale woman for a few seconds. I loved her hairdo.

"Wait here," he whispered, "I'll go find him."

I grabbed a glass of champagne from the platter the waiter offered me. Taking a few sips, I scanned the environment again, focusing on each individual.

Brian was nowhere in sight and I couldn't seem to find this Damon. I suddenly felt uneasy, nauseous even. I assumed there was something I was intolerant of in the drink.

Stepping out to the balcony, I sent a text to Brian.

"Found him yet?"

Delivered.

I leaned on the golden railing, inhaling deeply.

* * *

Damon's POV

I took off my jacket and sipped my champagne, I didn't like blending in with the crowd. I wished I wore my blue tuxedo instead.

Stepping away from the crowd, I gave my assistant some instructions. He in turn nodded and walked away.

A few moments later, I left the scene. Lara had brought the change of outfit. It was a navy blue suede tuxedo.

When I arrived back at the party, I saw a woman standing alone. She caught my eye. Her fair skin and tender features left an impression. I couldn't see her face but from her appearance, she seemed like she'd be attractive.

I stared at her as the crowd passed by. Soon she left the scene. I didn't want to follow her, but I felt like I was obligated to. I wanted to know who the being that caught my attention was. When Lara wasn't looking, I left.

Using her distraction to my advantage, I stared at her from a distance and saw that she was headed towards the balcony. She looked uneasy. Maybe I could make her feel more comfortable. After all, it was my duty.

"I can tell you don't take alcohol."

I ignored the firm but masculine voice as I held back saliva, holding the railing. My almost completely bare back facing him.

"Are you here with someone?," he queried.

I looked over my shoulder and turned around, there stood the most physically attractive man I'd ever seen. I was intrigued.

"She's even more attractive than I thought she would be," I thought.

He smiled warmly, offering his hand.

"Are you here with someone?," he asked again.

Unable to resist his charm, I replied, "Yes, my husband."

He recoiled, obviously taken aback.

"Husband?"

"Yes, husband," I said, taking his hand.

He gazed at me and looked away. I could tell he was trying not to make me uncomfortable. My hand was soft and warm, a contrast to this chilly environment.

"I don't see a ring"

"Oh. I took it off."

He smirked, "That means you aren't married right now."

"Bold of you to assume."

"I'm..., his voice trailed off, something on his mind. Call me Rex"

"Pleased to make your acquaintance"

"And you are?"

"I hesitated, I'm Rosella, call me Rose," I smiled.

I hated lying, but I couldn't tell this insanely attractive stranger who I really was.

My phone lit, a text from Brian.

"Where are you? He's nearby."

I frowned.

"Is that him?"

"Who?"

"Your husband?"

"Oh, yes. It's him. Excuse me."

I walked away, regrettably, even though I wasn't supposed to converse with Rex, I couldn't help but feel infatuated with him.

I entered the hall, heading towards Brian, who was visibly irritated.

I held my breath, my mind racing as I hurried towards him.

"I'm sorry, I..."

Before I could complete the sentence, I felt his palm strike me across the face, knocking off my left earring. I froze, all eyes on me.

She tried to speak, but the sweltering pain across my cheek made my throat shut.

"What just happened?" I thought.

"w***e!," his voice echoed across the room. I winced.

"He slapped me. In front of everyone."

I saw Rex approach, but I was too upset and embarrassed to look him in the eyes.

"Please Brian. You're making a scene," I whispered timidly.

"Who were you with!?"

"I, I was with..."

He raised his hand, ready to strike me again.

A strong force grabbed his hand and punched him across the face.

"Never hit a woman!," he said sternly.

I gasped.

Getting up, shock visibly written on his face, he asked, "Who are you?"

"R-Rex, stop. He, he's my husband," I stuttered.

"Divorce him, I'll marry you."