Hello guys please be considerate with your comments this is actually my first story, and I promise you won't regret giving it a try, the story becomes more interesting from the fourth chapter, so please don't give up before experiencing the real fun. much love as you read on.
I slowly opened my eyes as the sun light forces it way into my room through my thick silky window curtains, the morning looked promising, but being part of the Gray's meant drama on a daily base.
My father is Mr Henry Gray current CEO of the Gray group of companies, our company is one of the most renowned real estate companies in NYC and my father's love for charity made him highly respected and love by the people.
My name is Hazel Gray, the only legitimate daughter of the Gray's, I have a step sister Emily Gray, Emily is the daughter of my father's mistress Lizzy branforth who is currently my father's wife,
I lost my mom when I was just 7 years old and dad married Mrs Lizzy a year after. Today is Emilys engagement to Mr Carden Smith, son of the most influential man in NYC and the only heir to the leading company in real estate business, the Smith's group of companies, remors also has it that Carden is currently the Lord of the underworld giving them access to unlimited wealth and power no one dares double cross them but still Emily was so excited to become his bride.
Dad had everything arranged, and today was their engagement.
The mansion was in utter chaos as the household staffs walk around putting everything in order, am not actually a fan of parties and luckily this one consists only of immediate family.
Emily hasn't gone out of her room since morning as she was dolling herself up for the engagement, her mother aunty Lizzy as always was helping her out, my emotions were heightened as I felt bad for Emily, no one would want to be tied down to a Mafia lord who doesn't have a conscience, but still felt happy that at least one of the people whose main aim is to see me suffer was finally leaving the house, that only meant one less problem.
The sound of chatters filled my ears, fragments of conversations floating around as Dad stood formidable as always carefully giving instructions to the maids, it felt like he was organizing a wedding for the president of the country.
It was already past 8 by the time I finished getting ready.
When I step out of my room I locked eyes with Emily,
Step by step she approaches me with rythmic clicks of her hills, the sultry sway of her figure matches the power resonating from her gaze, hypnotic and irresistible,
She averts her gaze whispering to aunty Lizzy as they made their way to the lounge.
" You look beautiful Emi, as if nothing happened she kept walking without sparing me a glance,
" You could at least say thanks. that's the polite thing to do when someone compliments you,
As if being forced to looked back, she throws a disdain look at me before speaking
" That was a fact and not a compliment, " and speaking to you will only ruin my beautiful evening with that she turns to leave but stop,
" No one is forcing you to attend, you can crawl back to that little hole you came from, I don't want any negative energy ruining my engagement, she said above her shoulder and continue on her path
Warm tears hug my cheeks as I cleaned them immediately not wanting her words to affect me, not like it was the first time am hearing things like that but it's still hurts so much especially when it's coming from my own sister. A sister which I can give up anything just for us to actually act like real sisters, but her hatred for me know no bounds.
After a long walk that feels more like a tour at a ghostly castle, I finally made my way to the family lounge, Dad was already seated and was carefully explaining how important this Alliance with the Smiths is, something looked amis as his eyes couldn't hide his worried expression,
I could see the thoughts swirling in his eyes but he kept them to himself.
it's probably for the best.
The Smith's were finally here Dad rush out with a few men to welcome them in, I could feel my heart raising and falling in a slow motion as we waited in anticipation. I could only imagine how awefully looking he might be, to think he has the entire city under his fingers,
" What if something goes wrong and he decides to kill us all, " what if he comes here with a group of goons carrying guns, I squeeze the edge of my gown tightly trying to keep my emotions in check.
" This way, a familiar voice echoed as Dad led a group of people into the living room.
A beautiful woman in her early fifties who I presume is Mrs Smith, walks beside a tall formidable man in his late fifties, and behind them stood a bunch of men dressed in black suites, "I wonder who Carden is among them.
sounds of approaching footsteps echoed from the doorway, and we all turned.
before us stood a tall well build man in his early thirties,
Broad shoulders, perfectly shaped cheek bones and a pair of intimidating Gray eyes.
He looked impeccable like a group of designers works on him 24/7, he is the true definition of a Greek God,
" Here is my Son Carden Smith.
Dad and aunty Lizzy greeted him with respect and fear. He looks around the living room, his face unreadable until his gaze lands on me and my hairs stands on it ends. Heavy breaths rush down my throat trying so hard to calm my throbbing heart,
After settling down Mr Smith clears his throat before speaking.
" I guest we all know why we're here Mr Gray, Dad nodded fear visible all over his face, " good, he continues "my lawyers have prepared a favourable contract for us all, we've given you six months to pay back what you owe my family, after those six months without payment we're free to put a bullet through your daughters head if we want, the room became akwardly silent, Cardens eyes divert towards Dad his face as unreadable as before onlike Dad who is struggling to find his voice.
" Am only marrying your daughter out of my own generosity Mr Gray, because no matter how valuable a possession is either a pet or a mistress, they're useless to me if they don't serve their purpose. You know money is money.
" I hate this guy, he's Ruthless and self centered, and what money are they even talking about. Summoning all the courage left in me I finally spoke for the first time.
"What contract are they talking about Dad. Are they blackmailing us or something
The words blurt out of my mouth, my heart racing. Everyone's gaze divert towards me including Carden. Dad lets out a heavy sigh, he knows Cardens brutality and has no choice but to agree to the substitution completely ignoring my question,
" Wait, Cardens authoritative voice came as Dad was about to sign my sister's live into the hands of this monsters, not like she cares, all she wants is to be in the spotlight even if it meant laying her life on a platter of gold just to serve him
" I want your younger daughter Hazel Gray.
He lounge back on the couch legs spread comfortably, making sure no emotions escape my face without notice