The CEO's Heiress

Engagement Party

"Ms. Edgington?" A young voice spoke as I attempted to get my room organized to my liking. I turned to look at her, giving a soft smile as she walked in and lowered her head to me in respect. "Mr. Yearling asked me to acquire this for you."

"What is this?" I was curious, walking over to take the oversize box wrapped in a silver bow. She didn't reply, handing it to me and scurrying off before I could thank her. Knitting my brows, I walked to my bed and snapped, so everyone in the room would leave immediately, all except Bea, who was hanging my clothing in the walk-in closet. Once everyone was out, I carefully undid the bow and lifted off the top. Bea ran in, hearing me gasp in pure adoration at the gown inside.

"My, Mr. Yearling has an expensive taste," Bea said, whistling as I pulled it out to admire the gown in its full beauty. She wasn't wrong. Next to my wedding dress, this gown was the most beautiful dress I had ever set my eyes on. I had no idea fabric could look this silver and the crystal work was excusite. "There is a note." I looked down at her hand as she handed me the note, laying the bed across the duvet.

'Please, wear this tonight. -Cassius'

There was nothing else, only those four little words and his name. I turned it over to be sure, but he didn't write anything else. Well, I hadn't really had time to go buy anything else, so this dress would have to do. I had just planned to wear one of the little black or green gowns in my closet. Bea walked off into the closet and I admired my dress some more. Well, if he liked expensive and extravagant, my wedding dress would need to knock his socks off.

"Here, you will wear these." Bea came out of the closet holding black onyx earrings and a matching multi-layered teardrop necklace. She laid them on the dress and I smiled broadly. Oh yes, this was the perfect pairing. "Come, let's get you ready."

......

Bea hadn't dissapointed me. My make-up and hair on point and the gown fit me perfectly. I didn't care to know how Cassius knew exactly my size of dress. This was the second gown he had given me that had almost appeared tailored to me perfectly. She helped me into my four-inch black heels and secured the dress once more, so I could admire myself. The gown was off the shoulder, exposing the necklace perfectly. Crystals cascaded down the front of the heartshaped neckline, popping off the silver fabric, in a v-shape. Larger diamonds in the center and along the top before it fanned out into smaller ones around my breasts and then ended just over where my navel would be. It gave my already hourglass figure more shape. The skirt fell off my hips, a split right up the center of the front of it and when I walked you'd see my long legs and heels. The skirt was made up of three fabrics, the main silver, and two more sheer than the last draped and almost appeared to dance on its own wind when I moved. The top layer had some sort of crushed diamonds in the fabric, so it sparkled as well when I moved. Every part of me tonight captures your attention. From the curled undo Bea had done, to the onyx-accented jewelry, my large engagement ring, to the dress I was wearing. My lips twisted up in my new signature color, villain red, and I looked at Bea in the mirror.

"He won't be able to resist you after this," Bea commented, but before I could reply, a knock came. "Enter!"

"Mr. Yearling is asking where his bride is to be is." A stocky male asked, standing in the doorway. I turned on my heels and smiled softly.

"Let's not keep him waiting." I kissed Bea on the cheek, and walked to the door. The male stood aside and let me out first. He followed me as I found my way back to the main staircase, and then led me outside to where the banquet was already pounding with music and lively with people. I looked for Cassius, but he wasn't outside waiting for me. That was odd. Trotting to keep up with the large male, which wasn't easy, even holding up the dress as I did, so I looked up to him. "Where is my fiancé?"

"Mr. Yearling is inside, waiting for you. Here you are, the host entrance. Enjoy your party ma'am." He opened a door for me, and I didn't argue. I had learned not to when it came to rich folk. The room I entered was dimly lit and led to a red curtain. I jumped as two men moved quickly to pull the curtain aside, so I could stride through. I quickly dropped the dress, adjusted it again, and took in a deep breath for courage.

The whole of the hall went silent upon a single gasp from the crowd. Heads turned up the balcony I stepped out on, and the looks were a mix of jealousy and adoration. I basked in the attention and sought out my fiancé. Coming from the crowd, dressed in a suit and matching silver tie, was Cassius. He stood a the end of the stairs, smiled, and held out his hand to me. I paced myself walking down the steps, taking in my Cinderella moment. It wasn't exactly like the movie I had once loved, but the looks, being the most beautiful one here, was exactly how I imagined she felt when she had to find her prince. The difference was, mine already knew me. I reached him, eyes following my every move, and took his hand. He kissed the back of my palm, and l twisted the corners of his lips up in a smirk.

"I knew that dress would look good on you." He only spoke to me, but no one had started dancing, speaking or moving yet. I laughed softly and straightened up.

"Well, I guess it will do." I side eyed him, watching him lift a single brow up, exposing a single bright blue eye.

"Well, I will have to up my game, it seems, if you're going to be Mrs. Yearling, you need to look the part. Come, let's enjoy the party." With that, as if everyone had been waiting for his words to move, everyone burst into conversation and the music began to play again.

"Speaking of, what is this party for?" I asked, taking his arm and letting him lead me around the room. He nodded to those he knew, I smiled and kept in pace with him. Thankfully, he was walking slowly enough, keeping up wasn't too hard to do.

"Our engagement party." I halted at those words and turned to him, dropping my voice an octave to keep this between us.

"I...I mean I appreciate you taking it off my hands, but I would have liked the heads-up. Our engagement party isn't some throw together thing. It is meant to be a night with our friends and family to shower us with praise and hopes for our future. Yet I don't see anyone I know here, at least not on a friend basis." He frowned at me and looked around the room. I looked to the side as someone passed us, schooling my face into happiness for appearances.

"I..."

"Lover's qural? Already?" A familiar voice graded in my ears. I closed my eyes, forced a smile and turned to see my father and Gwen striding towards us. The perky, big-boobed blonde was in a short, tight, too-skimpy black dress. She had obviously hoped to steal the show, but besides showing off some skin and the boobs my dad paid for, she just looked like the tramp she was. "You know Cassius, if you want a real woman my daughter is available. She would make you a real wife."

"Gwen, be nice. Besides, Maddie is marrying Marcus to protect the status of our family. We can't have a child out of wed-lock." My father scolded her, and I was slightly prouder of him at that moment. Of course, it was public, and he was just keeping the family name clean. My father held out his hand to Cassius, who looked at me before taking it upon my slight nod of approval. "I am pleased to see the Yearlings and Edgington's will still be united by marriage."

"As am I. I do apologize for my nephew's actions, especially towards such a prize. Your daughter will be in good hands with me, I can promise that." Cassius responded, taking back his hand and placing it on my shaking arm. He followed my eyes, which were directed to behind my father. Coming from the crowd in a red silk gown with her hair up in beautiful curls and jewels, wearing all rubies and far too much make-up, was Madison. Next to her in a suit and red tie was Marcus, and at their back was my step-brother Marcus in a suit but no tie, looking casual and rude as ever. People looked towards my step-sister, some gasping at her beauty, others sneering up at her. Those who knew of the scandal already.

"That is something my dear husband would like to speak to you about. You see, while what he did was wrong, given the circumstances, Marcus can't lose his job and status. I mean, how would that baby live? Especially when you can't blame him for wanting to upgrade. Who would want a BMW when you can have a Rolls-Royce?" I tensed as she looked at me, and my father only looked away. Cassius put a hand on my back to comfort me, but I felt the tension in his body.

"What he did was disgraceful. Besides, Madison is far from a Rolls. I should know, I have six of them. Marcus has to live with the result of his actions. The consequences of giving up such beauty for a snake." I relaxed a little as Cassius defended me when even my father hadn't. Mason sneered at him as the three of them neared us. Marcus shot me daggers and Madison only smirked and flitted at Cassius through her smile.

"Mr. Yearling, all do respect, is there anything you can do? Give him back his job at least?" My father asked, and I bristled. Was he really coming to Madison's defense?

"Mr. Edgington, this man humiliated your blood, and threatened her. Just today he was in my office and your daughter was so afraid I almost didn't let her go home to you. If you want the boy to make a living, give him a job in one of your companies, but do not insult me or my bride by asking me this. And a little bit of advice, before we go enjoy your daughter's engagement party, clear the snakes out of your life before they come back to bite you. Enjoy the evening, we will see you on the wedding date." Cassius led me away from them, and the further I got from the scrutinizing gazes of my family the more relaxed I felt. He stopped by the bar, dipped down near my neck and whispered into my ear. "I have business to attend, as for not inviting your friends, I did do my research, Elena. I would take another look around. Try not to drink too much tonight. By the way, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight."

"Thank you." I blushed and let him leave me. I ordered a glass of white wine, the safe bet with this dress, and when I turned, nearly dropped it to the ground. Tomas nearly tackled me, barely saving my glass. I laughed at him and hugged him with my free hand. "Tomas! You're here!"

"When Mr. tall, dark and handsome showed up with personalized invites, Andrew and I rushed to find outfits! Girl! Look at this party!" Tomas spun me around, and I again nearly dropped the wine. Thankfully, Andrew was there to catch me and stabilize me. I laughed softly, thanked him and stood up to take a sip of the drink before it spilled. Tomas gasped as he noticed the dress and stepped back to admire me. "And this dress. Where did you get it?"

"I have no idea. Cassius found it for me." I put the drink on the bar nearest me to keep it safe and did a little spin. "And look at this ring." Tomas squealed as he admired the ring. I smiled wider and hugged him again.

"Okay, I have some ideas for your wedding, but we can talk more about that tomorrow. Bright and early girl, I mean it. We have a lot to do in such a short time. We are going to make it bigger and badder than the last one." I had no doubt Tomas had six to ten vision boards already made up and waiting.

"Let me make one little request?" Tomas lifted a brow at me, but that was because for my last wedding I had let him take full control over it, only being there when I needed to be. I smiled, looked over to where Marcus and Madison were showing off her own ring and bragging about her soon-to-be wedding to him. Further shoving my family name down in the dumps. Rage built up, and I grabbed my drink again, looking at Tomas again. "Make it worthy of the villain they are creating."