Engagement Day [Christian POV]

"Christian, are you sure you want to go through with this?"

I looked at myself in the mirror as I adjusted the cuffs of my sleeves. My best friend, Zachary, was leaning against the doorway to my room, watching me get ready.

"It's only the engagement party. The marriage is still a long way away, I can still back out if I need to."

"I don't know man, this is so unlike you. What will you do if you meet someone you fall in love with?", he sighed.

I couldn't help but laugh. 

"Fall in love? How long have you known me? Am I the type to fall in love with anyone?"

Zachary shook his head, walked over, and patted me on my back.

"I don't know man. One of these days you're going to have to get over the past. So when it happens don't say I didn't warn you"

I rolled my eyes and turned to face him.

"If that day ever comes, I will allow you to flaunt it in my face as much as you want. But seriously, love is not on the radar for me. All these 'educated' women are all the same. They all look at me like hungry animals, ready to sink their claws in."

Zachary raised his eyebrow, crossing his arms, "Very well, I'll remember this. But do you think it's even worth the trouble? This whole engagement seems like a lot, don't you think?"

"It's the best way to get them to drop their guard. It's the easiest way of getting to that impenetrable fortress of an auction house. I know they're hiding something there."

My eyes turned cold just thinking about it. 

Ah, I can't wait until I find the evidence to expose your true faces to the world.

-

Zachary followed me out of my room. 

"So what do you want me to do with her?"

He looked at the tied-up woman in skimpy lingerie sitting in the adjacent bedroom. She was the daughter of some small-time CEO who's been trying to get a contract from me.

Unfortunately, you just threw away any chances of cooperation between our companies with this.

My blood boiled just seeing her. The moment I found her sprawled out on my bed I was ready to strangle someone from anger.

"Just do the usual", I said, looking away.

There were only a few things that I hated more than random women throwing themselves into my bed, but unfortunately, these things happened more often than not.

He sighed and scratched the back of his head, looking a little hesitant.

"Are you sure? That...thing...she's wearing is very see-through. It would be the same as delivering her to her father's company naked."

"They should be happy I'm not having you drop her off in some shady club where she can get the taste of a man or two—like she clearly wants", I said.

"Well, that's true. I'll get it done, you go ahead and enjoy your engagement party. I'll have a few drinks to celebrate with you another time", he smirked, walking into the room with our 'guest'.

I took a step forward and then remembered something.

"Oh, and find the servant that was bribed, I need them gone by the time I'm back."

I couldn't tolerate disloyalty. The only way these ladies kept finding themselves in my bed was if their families bribed my staff.

I thought that after the previous incident, bribes would no longer work, but it seems whatever they offered was better than working here.

-

I walked down to the entrance where my driver was already waiting for me. 

"You look very dashing, sir", he said.

I smiled coldly as I looked out the car window. 

"I can't disappoint my future bride, now can I?"

The words came out heavy with cold sarcasm.

Unlike most people who would be nervous from excitement for this day, I was perfectly calm. This was just me fulfilling my end of the deal.

While we drove through the city I couldn't help but think of Leslie. She looked so hot the last time I saw her. Her black dress showed off every curve of her body, making me want to tear it off of her.

How long has it been since I've felt such a strong desire?

I felt a certain stiffness in my pants and laughed out loud. 

"Get a grip on yourself, Christian. She may be different but she's a Moresi!"

Whatever. The elder sister will be easier to control. She can't even keep her emotions in check.

The rest of the trip was silent. We moved slowly through the city but while my eyes watched the world outside, internally I was busy plotting how to get the evidence I needed to expose the evil that was that family. 

However, in all of my hatred, a certain face kept appearing in my mind. Her large, doe-like eyes and pink lips couldn't help but cloud my judgment. 

Maybe...maybe she's not like them?

My own thoughts scared me. I hadn't even set my plans in motion and I was already making excuses for her. 

Ugh, whatever. It's not like anything will happen. Thankfully, I don't find the elder sister attractive, or else this could go bad.

-

We arrived at the Moresi mansion slightly earlier than the designated time, making it there before most of the guests. I stepped out of the car, shielding my eyes from the bright white marble mansion. 

I wasn't sure who designed this mansion but the exterior was so white, bright, and shiny that when the sun hit it, it reflected all around, blinding anyone who looked at it. 

I quickly walked up to the front doors, which opened as soon as I walked over.

"Welcome, sir", a line of maids said, bowing slightly. 

Every time I come here I feel like I stepped back in time. Few modern families still have maids and servants who bow like this at the entrance. Usually, they just try to stay out of sight while they work.

-

They led me to the back of the mansion where the vast, beautiful, and famous Moresi gardens were. I heard they spend millions every year just on upkeep, maintaining the large plot.

The area was decorated immaculately in white. It looked more grand than some of the weddings I've attended, with crystal chandeliers hanging off of trees and a live orchestra. 

Tables filled with exquisite finger foods were strategically placed all around the garden square. It paired perfectly with the white roses that were currently blooming throughout the entire garden area. 

Towards the back of the garden, there were rows of tall bushes that led to the large square labyrinth made of hedges, giving the whole area a magical feeling.

So much effort for a simple engagement party. Too bad all of this is meaningless.