THE MAN WHO FAILED ME

Prologue II

"Mommy, do I have to attend?" a feminine gentle voice asked. Afraid her tone would irk her mother.

Supporting her head on her elbow she sat staring at her older version, an ethereal elegant woman occupying the chair opposite her. Dressed in an expensive evening gown and a sapphire necklace from Drexel, a luxury fashion brand.

Her mother peered up from the latest Drexel fashion magazine her expressionless face scrunch up to an invisible disapproving eyes scrutinizing her posture.

Her daughter was nothing like her but the opposite replicate of an ambitious detached woman. She was cruel, competitive, austere, brutal to her rival company and incompetent employees while her daughter inherits none of her desirous clipped personality nor assert her authority. That every rich kid would snatch an opportunity to showcase their status.

She was the epitome of love, a forgiving heart and her feverish sense of justice and equality were a constant concern to her goal oriented parents. Too innocent and naive much to their dismay.

The only things her daughter inherited from her were those rare spellbinding pairs of beautiful sea blue eyes, the golden hair and elegance. To her gratefulness she also inherits her gracious beauty that was an envy to many.

"Aurora Madieyln Paddleston, do tell me if you wish to revise your etiquette classes again? I believe you're in dire need of one" her clip stern tone had her daughter flinching, immediately fixing her posture.

"There is no further discussion relating to your presence for the party. The media will be present in the hall for your father speech. Your absence will be a stain to our reputation. We have a name to uphold. You're father and I worked hard for this moment. We are now a top leading billion dollar hotel company in the country. In other words a target for every prying eyes This party holds great value to our image" despite her calm tone she leave no ground for negotiation.

Her intimidating stare fixated on her daughter.

"I wouldn't mind hiring you a new tutor" Aurora gulp fidgeting with her fingers.

She still vividly remembers the tiring, excruciating etiquette classes that she underwent and the thought alone terrified her.

"Yes mother. I understand" she responded timidly, holding back a shaky breath.

"Very well. Emily will be there shortly to assist you in getting ready" she loved her daughter more than her ambitious goal to exceed the Black but her kind hearted innocent daughter was far from facing the world.

She had achieved her goal successfully ranking the top fifty list global billionaire for three consecutive years.

"Aurora, you might want to put in more effort into your appearance. The Spencer family had extended their well wishes and desire to meet you" a beaming smile immediately appears on her face by the mention of the Spencer name.

"Will Chris be present mother?" Not able to contain her excitement she asked enthusiastically.

"Of course he will. Now, go along and get ready. Emily will be up soon. Aurora, I would be expecting you in your best behaviour —which you always has— no exception for any mistakes. We have an important guest who will be gracing us with their presence. The Black family will be our special guest for the night" she nods smiling brightly. Whomever the important guest would be were none of her concern at that moment than the anticipation to meet her childhood best friend incurred.

Missing the evil grin on her mother face at the mention of the Black.

It has been years ever since they last met after the Spencer moved to another country. They did stay in touch but getting to meet him was another thrill of joy.

"Yes, mother" pressing a soft kiss on her mother's cheeks, she hurried upstairs excitedly. On the brink of running filled with happiness.

Mrs Spencer and her mother were best friends and they had verbally express their wishes to maintain the relationship. Keeping it strong for generations. So the best solution they could come up with was turning their friendship into in-laws as in her and Chris Spencer.

It has already been forty dreading minutes since the party begin but there were no sign of Chris or the Spencer. The person she was longing to see. With her phone been seized by her mother, she could not contact him to know his location. Leaving with the only option to wait and wait desperately.

Standing beside her family while they greet and interact with one after the other her eyes remained fixated on the table reserved for the Spencer.

Excusing herself from the business talk she heads towards the desserts table filled with various exotic, adorable sweet treats. Her face had become stiff with all the professional fake smiles she was taught to do. She hummed taking a bite of the delicate red velvet cupcake, l*****g her lips that got smeared with the red cream. Her face instantly glows up and for once she forgot the disappointment consuming her.

Rewarding herself for the hard work she has been doing, she took another one keeping a watchful eye on her mother. Had she seen her, Aurora would have to sit down with her dietician for hours.

She was unaware of the pair of grey eyes following her every movement. Chuckling to himself amused watching her eyes sparkling at the sight of the desserts before her. Losing herself in the bundle of bliss with every tiny bite she took. Carefully glancing at her mother occassionally between bites.

His lips curved into an impressive smirk. Mrs Paddleston, the emotionless successful business woman does seems to live up to her name. Perfection. Leaving not a single trace of imperfection on her daughter and her sons.

The main event for the night ended within a quick passage of time falling right into the after party. People began to entertain themselves, relaxing and dancing, chatting and drinking among their own social circle.

Aurora watches her parents swiftly dancing to the soft tune alongside some other couples. Her eyes twinkling in delight and admiration to find love like theirs.

"May I have the honour for a dance with you?" A deep hoarse voice sounding gravelly low spoke behind her seated in the far corner, away from the crowd and the bright light.

Stunned by his enchanting deep voice she unconsciously turned around to catch a view of the owner. A pair of the most mysterious grey eyes were staring back at her. Piercing right into her widen eyes in awe.

Her clamped hands clenches, followed by a soft gulp taking in his facial features. From his cheekbones to his defined sculpted jawlines, and a sharp nose adding to his already perfected facial structure. Her soft pink tint lips parted taken by his wondrous striking appearance.

A magnificent good-looking man owner to the most enlightened dashing smile asking her hand for a dance was a dream come true. His striking good-looks was an added bonus to her awaited fantasy to be fulfilled. Asked to a dance from a gentleman.

Feeling confident in the maroon dress, her mother stylist —also approved by her hard-to-impress-mother— had chosen from Bronte's newest season arrival that explicitly highlighted her charming beauty. Complimenting her smooth skin.

Everything Mrs Paddleston approved was nothing of little worth and value but only the best out of the best. Either in work or her family image.

She blushed timidly feeling prey under his unblinking penetrating stare, and a sudden feeling of nervousness wash over her. Her blush intensified by the growing appealing sexy smirk he bore. Then he bowed offering his hand in hope she accepted it.

"Please grant me the honour for a dance, my lady?" An angelic soft giggle that strike right to his heart rendering him love struck anticipating for more. Placing her hand on his large warm palm followed by a tender peck on the back of her hand.

She reminisce in the unforgettable pair of grey that left her questioning his mysterious stares stood before her. Seeking for a dance in the most decent gentleman approach. A bow tie than a tie adored his two piece suit complimenting his look. Attracting stolen glances from the people present in the room.

Who is the confident man? Not afraid of rejection but ozzing with confidence. A triumphant smile and gentle eyes.

He led her to the dance floor, gently wrapping his strong firm arms around her thin waist pulling her closer towards him. Instantly his nostrils were filled with flowery scent of rose and lavender so soft and sensual, so intoxicating. Driving his mind mad with thoughts, very dirty bad thoughts.

She placed her small hands on his broad shoulder hardly reaching his. He bent gently whispering with sweet assurance and placed her hands on his hard chest. Loving the feel of her small hand on his chest.

They swiftly swing to the music graciously and gently, moving in sync to the rhythm of an old song easing into each embrace. The world long forgotten from their star-struck eyes.

Feeling impatient to have her alone —though he never wanted those hands leaving him, he wanted to connect with her— with a quick 'lets get out of here' and a thudding heart of thrill to get away from the watchful eyes to somewhere intimate, he led her away from the party to the private garden. Of an artificial small pond, and wildflowers. His manly woody and spice scent invading her, surrounding her in its bubble did nothing better to lessen her nervousness.

"Alan William Black. It's an honour to meet you my gorgeous angel" he introduced himself helping her to the bench in the corner.

A little too excited to control his grinning, awestruck by her shy innocent, fragile, looks. Her sweet adoring genuine smile, and her expressive sparkling blue eyes looking so alive, filled with wondrous and curiosity unlike him mesmerized him. Pulling him deeper and deeper into the abyss of her pure enchanting delicate beauty.

The Black? A special guest of her mother, she thought to herself.

"And what would be the name of a heavenly angel?" His tone was gentle and low, sounding hoarse.

"That will be, not so impressive if I tell you" with a smile she looks away from his eyes teasingly. She wanted to see how willing he would be to get to know her for a longer period than for a night. Also she assumed he would forget it as soon as he left the hotel.

An amusing smirk crosses his face, she was the missing piece of his of all he ever needed. Ever would long for, from anyone.

"Soon my beautiful angel. Till the next time and you won't be disappointed. That's my word" he said confidently promising her.

She giggle at his confidence. It would be near to impossible to find information about her. The Paddleston family was not a joke. Seeing his determination, she felt impressed yet she felt bad for his impending failure.

They talk and talk about nothing in particular but random common stuff. Neither of them wanting the moment to end.

He was a man in his late twenties who enjoyed freedom and the perk it comes with indulging himself in worldly pleasure. Never being serious with relationships. Never thought of finding the one he would commit to someday but staring at those sparkling eyes, sweet smiles and her soft hands on his, he may have a change of mind.

After their short encounter days ago, she left an impression he could not forget. Whatever he did reminded him of those remarkable sea blue eyes till he saw it in everything he lay eyes on. It was a painful t*****e he endure till he grace the party of his competitor, Nicholas Paddleston heir to the successful chain hotels around the globe and felt his purpose, his goal faded into nothingness when she entered his sight.

He could only see his angel. His serenity.

She was someone he wouldn't dare to approach but he desire her.

He long to know the lady he couldn't forget.