The Billionaire's Possession

Chapter Three: Preparation

ELENA

I woke up the next morning with dull heaviness in my chest, everything Alex said last night was still fresh in my memory and I couldn't shake it off no matter how hard I tried. I didn't feel like going downstairs but I had to because I know very soon Kat will come knocking on my door for our shopping plans today, soo….

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door

“El it's Kat”

Call upon the devil and he appears.

“Good morning baby” She said

“Good morning Kat”

“ Remember our plans today, but there is a little change, the shopping for your engagement party dress will happen in the house this morning, mom ordered Tessy Houston…..”

“Wait a minute, Teddy Houston…THE Tessy Houston” I asked in a shocking way.

In case you don't know, I am into fashion and Tessy Houston is my role model, she is the best fashion designer ever known and she is the person designing my dress. Finally something good to anticipate for.

“Yes, THE Tessy Houston, you have an appointment with her this morning by 10 and after that, you and I will go shopping.” Kat said, “so just freshen up and come downstairs for breakfast” and she left.

I quickly refreshed up and went downstairs for breakfast and today Alexander and Ashley joined the table.

“Good morning mum, Good morning dad”

“Good morning Ashley, Good morning Alex”

Mom and Dad replied to my greeting, Ashley just grunted in response and Alex didn't even move, it was like he didn't hear anything. I just took a seat and resumed eating.

“Dear, I am sure Kat must have told you, you have an appointment with the designer today by 10, after that you and Kat will go for shopping, the party will take place at The Plaza Hotel, you don't have to worry about anything, it will be taken care of” Mum said assuring me.

The Plaza Hotel is a hotel known for its luxury, historic elegance, and iconic status; it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and high-profile events for over a century.

“And Kat, grandma is arriving today”

“Great, it's been long since I saw her,” Kat said smiling.

Throughout the conversation, Alex didn't say a word and he didn't even touch his food, after 2-3 minutes he stood up and went upstairs.

I quickly finished my food and sat downstairs with Kat waiting for the designer. At exactly 10am, different maids rolled in up to five pullracks consisting of varieties of dinner gowns with Tessy Houston behind them.

“ Good morning ma’am” I and Kat greeted.

“ Good morning cuties and please call me Tess, ma’am makes me feel old” she said and we smiled.

She took my measurements and I started trying out different gowns until we got to a champagne sequin gown–The gown clung to my body like a second skin, shimmering with every movement as if the stars themselves had woven into the fabric. Light danced across the delicate sequins, cascading down the bodice in a waterfall of golden brilliance before pooling at her feet in a soft, flowing train. The plunging neckline was daring yet elegant, a perfect contrast to the long, fitted sleeves that added an air of regal sophistication.

“Wow” Tess and Kat exclaimed at the same time

I love the dress and we agreed I will settle for it.

I was already exhausted from trying on different dresses but Kat still insisted that we go shopping. We dressed up and left. We got to Èlègance Couture, a boutique owned by a French lady. With Kat’s help, I selected a good number of clothes but she kept on buying and buying. I complained but she waved it off with”Don't worry, it's Alex's card, he won't mind me spending a little” and she paid with the black card.

A little?. Everything summed up to $150,000 and we also shopped for jewelries and shoes. Since it was getting late, Kat and I ate dinner before going home.

We finally got home around 8pm

“Grandma!!” Kat rushed and hugged her grandma

“How are you, child?” She said and hugged Kat so tightly.

“Good evening ma” I greeted when they finally broke free

She barely glances up, her voice flat. "Hmm." Then she looks away as if the greeting wasn’t even worth acknowledging. I guess I now have another opposition. I sighed and went up to my room.

Tomorrow is the long awaited day, the day that marks the beginning of hell in my life

I sighed and after a while I drifted off to sleep.

Writer's POV

The next morning, my schedule started in the morning– a healthy and light breakfast, spa and beauty treatment, jewellery selection and finally it was time.

As I was getting dressed,I was nervous.The corset felt too tight, or maybe it was just my lungs refusing to work properly. Every breath came shallow, my fingers trembling as they clutched the edge of the vanity.

My reflection in the mirror was a stranger. The girl staring back at me wore a breathtaking champagne gown, sequins catching the light like tiny stars, her hair curled into perfect waves cascading down her bare shoulders. She looked like a woman about to step into a fairytale. But fairytales weren’t supposed to feel like this.

The knock on the door almost made me jump. My heartbeat slammed against my ribs, my pulse so loud I almost didn’t hear the quiet voice of the maid. "Miss, the car is waiting."

My hands clenched into fists. The car. The engagement party. Him.

My throat tightened at the thought of the man I was about to promise myself to. Ruthless. Cold. A billionaire who could command a room with just a glance, who had built an empire with steel in his spine and ice in his veins. A man who didn’t know love, only ownership.

I had only met him a handful of times, yet every encounter had left me shaken. The weight of his stare, the way his presence filled the room like a shadow swallowing the light. He had never needed to raise his voice to make people fear him. And soon, I would be standing beside him, slipping a ring onto my finger that would bind me to a world I barely understood.

A world where saying no had never been an option.

My breath hitched as the maid moved behind me fastening the last clasp of my dress. The final lock on my gilded cage.

"It’s time, miss."

I swallowed hard, gripping the vanity for a second longer before forcing myself to stand. My legs felt unsteady, my stomach twisting. No amount of silk and diamonds could hide the truth.

I was slowly walking into the lion's den.