THE BILLIONAIRE WHO OWNED MY FATE

CHAPTER 4 - First impressions

The city lights were all blurry as Elena got out of the car. She was holding onto her silk purse tightly and it felt super heavy. Every step she took towards the party made her feel sick to her stomach. Tonight was a deal for Elena’s performance. It was not about Elena it was about Elias. It was, about them being able to survive.

He told her this morning his voice was low. She knew he meant business. He was standing in the penthouse fixing the way she was standing. He said “Remember, everything you do is a reflection of me. The way you look at people what you say to them and how you move your body it all reflects on me. If you mess up there will be consequences.”

She took a breath and swallowed. The big entrance of the gala was really scary. There were crystal lights hanging from the ceiling that sparkled men in tuxedos and women in fancy dresses shone and the quiet talk of the people made her feel like she did not fit in. Like she was sneaking into a world that was not for the gala, a world that was not, for her, a world that the gala people belonged to.

Ms. Moore Elias said from behind her his voice was really smooth and controlled. She knew he was there before she even saw him. He was wearing a suit that looked perfect on him and his eyes were sharp, like the edge of a steel knife. Keep your chin up he told Ms. Moore. Walk with confidence like you own the place.

The woman said "Yes Mr. Blackwood” in a quiet voice. She had to make herself take a step forward. Her feet felt heavy. She made them move.

The moment they walked in people started whispering to each other. Some people knew his name. That is why they were talking about him. Others really liked the way he was in charge. Every person looking at her made her feel like she was standing in a spotlight and her body started to shake. The whispers, about him just got louder. People kept looking at her.

Elena’s pulse was going fast. She really wanted to run. But then Elias’s hand touched hers gently he was not holding her hand just kind of showing her what to do and Elena’s fear started to go away a little bit.

“Do not look scared “ he said softly so only she could hear him. Project strength when you are, around people. Even if you do not feel strong all just act like you are. Remember, project strength it is very important to project strength.

She nodded her head taking a breath that was not very deep. Every single step she took was like fighting a war, against the panic that was inside of her the panic that was her own.

People came over to us. They were smiling and talking to us. Elias was really good at talking to them he was very charming. He seemed to be, in charge of everything. When he introduced her to the people he looked at her with his eyes. He was telling her to do what he said without actually saying it. Elias was making sure she knew what to do.

“Ms. Moore “ he said to the man who was wearing a nice tuxedo “Elena is figuring out how to deal with this world. I think Elena will really impress Ms. Moore.”

Elena’s cheeks felt really hot. She made herself smile. She bowed her head a little bit. The words got stuck in her throat. She could not say anything. Elena’s face was. She was trying to be polite. Elena did not know what to say to them.

The man said "Delightful". He started to laugh. He was really pleased with what Elias was doing not, with her. Elias was the one who was making him happy, not her.

Elena felt really weird the evening. She felt like people were watching her and like someone was looking out for her. Elena felt scared and drawn to Elias at the time. Every time Elias told her what to do every time he looked at her Elena remembered that she was, in a spot. She was not very strong. She did not know what she was doing but Elias was helping her. Elena felt fragile and inexperienced. She knew that she needed Elias to show her the way.

She saw something out of the corner of her eye in the room. It was a man. He was watching her. He was watching her a little closely. The man had a smile on his face. There was something, about the man that did not feel right. The man seemed like he might be a problem like he was looking for trouble and that made her feel uncomfortable. The man felt predatory like he was waiting for the moment to do something.

Elias noticed this away. He had his hand on her back. It got a little tighter which helped guide her along. “Do not worry about things that get in the way “ Elias said in a voice. “Pay attention to what you’re learning to your lessons and focus on your lessons.”

Her heart was beating fast. It was not just because she was scared. Also because he was so close to her. She felt his power. She knew he was watching her. She was an delicate person, in a big world that could hurt her easily.. She remembered the way he made her feel the night before and that feeling came back. She told herself that she would get through this. She would be strong. She would learn to deal with it. Her heart was still pounding,. She said to herself I will survive I will endure I will learn and the words made her feel a little better.

As the evening went on Elena noticed something. She was scared and really tired. She also felt like she could handle things. Every time she did something every small thing that went well and every step she took with Elias it made her feel stronger. It was like she was building something inside herself. It was a nice surprise. Elena felt this growing sense of resilience. It was a good feeling.

And somewhere deep inside, a whisper promised: I will not be broken. Not tonight. Not ever.