Billionaire's One-Night Stand

Chapter 1

Serena's Point Of View

I choked on the steak I was chewing, reaching for the water frantically as my breath shortened. The staff rushed to me, helping me with a glass of water. I gulped it down in one go, muttering a breathless thank you as I let the glass down. I glanced at my father, who still had the straight but stern expression he had when he dropped the bombshell earlier.

"What... What did you say, father?"

"You are marrying into the Giovanni family in a week," he repeated like it wasn't the most ridiculous thing he had uttered tonight.

"What do you mean?" I almost yelled.

He threw a cold glare at me- a warning. He didn't like being questioned and I had managed to do that twice in less than three sentences. I glanced at my mother, who was picking at her food.

"The agreement has been in place long before you came of age," he continued, "And there is no going back on the deal," his tone cut through the air like a blade as he brought his glass of champagne closer to his mouth.

The clink of silverware against porcelain filled the silence as my father’s words settled like a weight in the air.

I swallowed hard, heat rising in my chest as I resisted the urge to yell. Not this time, I thought, clenching my fists under the table. This time, I wouldn’t let him decide my fate.

I glanced at my mother once again, and our eyes met for a brief moment before she looked away nervously, fidgeting with her fork. The grip on mine only tightened as different emotions swirled within me. The Giovanni family. What business did we have with them? We were just an average business family doing well for ourselves, what could possibly be the connection between us and such a powerful family?

I glanced at my father, who paid me no attention. He had passed across his judgment, and there was no going against it. His eyes met mine, as if daring me to utter a word of defiance.

"This is ridiculous, Father!" I wanted to grit out, my mind racing with the words I could never say aloud. I am not going to marry into that family! I am a grown woman, you can't just tell me to do something so outrageous and expect me to follow it!

In my head, I pictured myself standing up to him, yelling at the top of my lungs, "I have always done whatever the f**k you wanted me to do, but this? Not this! Ever! I would rather die than let you ruin my life like this!"

The words echoed in my mind, bold and brimming with defiance. For a brief, fleeting moment, I felt a rush of liberation.

But that moment quickly faded.

I blinked, realizing I hadn’t moved an inch, let alone said a single word. My father’s gaze was still locked on me, cold and unyielding. My mother’s head was still bowed, her fork picking at her food in silence. The air around the dining table was heavy, suffocating.

I swallowed hard and clenched my fists under the table. Those words would remain nothing but a fantasy. So instead of my reenacting my outburst, I remained on my seat, anger coursing through my veins as I tried to stomach the food before me, which was looking less appetizing at this point. A few minutes later, father stood up and left after announcing he was going to his study.

When I was sure he was gone, I slammed my palm on the dining table, the sound echoing through the silent room. My mother flinched, her fork clattering against her plate.

“Serena, Serena, wait!” Her shaky voice followed me as I stormed up the stairs to my room.

I threw open my door and slammed it shut behind me, not caring if it hit her on the way. The vibration rattled the walls, and for a moment, silence hung in the air. But she came in after me, her eyes wide and pitiful, the same look she always wore when things spiraled out of control.

“Serena, please...”

“Not now, Mum!” My voice cracked, the fury in my chest rising like a tidal wave.

She flinched but didn’t back down. Her hands trembled as she reached for me. “I’m sorry, my dear daughter. I--I didn’t know--”

“Stop apologizing!” I snapped, bitterness dripping from every word. “You’ve said it so many times it doesn’t mean anything anymore.”

Her lip quivered, and for a moment, I thought she’d leave. But instead, she straightened her back. “Your father just wants the best for you, Serena. You have to understand--”

I let out a hollow laugh, cutting her off. “The best for me? This isn’t about me, Mum. It never has been. It’s about him - his deals, his pride, his control. And you... you just sit there and let him do it.”

"I... It's because I..."

I tore my gaze away from her, unable to bear her pitiful face. I've always hated the way she looked at me, all guilt and regret, but no action. Part of me wanted to yell at her, to shake her until she fought back. But another part... a much smaller part just wanted her to hold me and promise everything would be okay. I was not going to be like her. "Leave. I want to be alone,"

I heard her hesitant footstep before the sound of the door opening and closing followed. I sighed, burying my face in my hands. My head was pounding, my chest felt tight, and I wanted to scream. But then my phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts. Jane, my best friend and only friend that had remained by my side after much scrutiny from my father. Jane was just like me - a girl from an average religious family. The only difference was that she was actually free to an extent. At least she wasn't forbidden to have more than one friend, or to go to anywhere except the church and family functions. She wasn't homeschooled all her life or forbidden from socializing and living on her own even when she was of age. She wasn't forbidden from having any sort of contact with the opposite s*x.

Yeah... My life sucks.

"What's up, girl," her message read.

"Where are you?" I texted back.

"Getting ready for nightlife," she replied and my fingers hovered over the keyboard, my heart racing. Father had a meeting tonight... I overheard him this morning on the phone. If I played it smart, no one would notice if I slipped out. The thought sent a rush of adrenaline through me. For once, I’d take control of my life, even if it was just for a night.

""Wait for me. I'm coming with you," I replied.

Her response was almost instant. "No f*****g way," followed by a surprised emoji.

I rolled my eyes, texting back, "Yes way. Just be ready."

I slipped on a pair of sneakers and walked to my window. When I saw father's car leaving, I rushed to the door to lock it. I looked down from my window side, my heart racing and cheeks flushed. I can do this. Before leaving, I switched off my lamp, to give the illusion that I was asleep. Blocking all thoughts, I took a step out the window, grabbing onto the vines that crept up the wall. With a thumping heart, I climbed down. The night air was cool against my flushed cheeks as I climbed down the vines. My palms stung from gripping the rough surface, and the faint rustle of leaves was the only sound in the quiet yard.

What if someone caught me? What if Father came back early and checked my room? The thoughts sent a shiver down my spine, but the thrill of freedom overpowered the fear.

I let out a breath as I landed softly on the ground. I adjusted my hoodie over my head and I expertly jumped over the not so high fence. I had done this more than once so I was quite good at it now. Sometimes when I was feeling suffocated, I would sneak out like this and take a walk down to the nearby park.

Once I was out and sure no one was watching me, I took to heels. I was going to let loose tonight.