Chapter 1

BRIELLE POV

Mom and I had just finished from the nail salon after getting our hair done.

We walked around the mall looking for an outfit to wear for the upcoming family dinner we had this weekend

When mom had informed me of her engagement a few days ago, I was beyond shocked. She had barely known the man for a year and now they were engaged

“What if he’s not the right one for you mom? Don’t you think it’s all too quick?” I expressed my concerns when she informed me of the engagement

“The heart knows the right person when you meet him” that was her reply

And those words have been stuck in my head ever since, if my mom believes he is the right one for her, then I won’t come between her happiness.

This was the first time I was going to meet my mom’s fiancé. I was so eager to finally meet the man behind my mom’s smile.

“Do you think this looks good on me?” My mom asked holding out a dress

“Everything looks good on you, you have already bought so many dresses” I said

“I know, what if I need a backup dress? What if-

“Mom it’s not a wedding, it’s just an engagement dinner calm down, no what ifs”

“Fine, then let’s get a dress for you then”

“I already bought a few things I might like” I said holding out the five shopping bags we had bought from different stores in the mall

“Alright then let’s get going, we’ve gotten everything we need” Mom said tucking her hair behind her ears

*******

Few days had passed, and the weekend had arrived.

Mom was in her room getting ready, she had been nervous the entire day.

I put on a knee length red satin dress and silver heels, touching up my makeup a little bit before leaving the room.

“You ready mom?” I asked knocking on her door before she opened it and walked out

“I think I am,” She said and sighed with a worried look on her face.

“don’t worry mom, tonight will go smoothly I promise” I smiled reassuring her

“You look beautiful” I said, taking in her appearance, her short brunette hair, yellow dress which looked stunning on her.

“And you’re more than a sight to behold” She replied and I smiled.

We got to the building and my jaw dropped.

“Mom, who exactly are these people?” I asked as we drove the car into the huge compound and the huge white mansion was just in front of us.

The white mansion exuded grandeur and elegance, with its gleaming facade, towering columns and large arched windows. Set against perfectly manicured lawns, striking contrast of the lush green and pristine white showcased its opulence.

Mom parked the car at the garage right next to the building and we got escorted to the entrance by a man dressed in a suit.

The door opened to reveal a handsome man smiling at us, he had shiny black hair and was dressed in black pants and a beige Ralph Lauren shirt tucked in.

My mom rushed to hug him and he pecked her lips

“Honey, meet my daughter, Brielle. Brielle this is my fiance, Davis” My mom said

The name struck a chord in me and suddenly I remembered where I had seen his face, it was among the Forbes 30, a list of the 30 billionaires in America.

I knew his face looked familiar from the moment I saw him, of course the one man my mom met and got engaged to turned out to be a billionaire

“Wait you're Davis Caldwell?” I asked

“Yes and it's a pleasure to meet you” he said holding out his hands for a handshake

“The pleasure is all mine, my mom won’t stop talking about you” I said shaking his hand

“Likewise, she's always anticipating the day when we would all meet” Davis said smiling and looking at my mom adoringly

“I've always wanted you two to meet but on a special occasion, and now what better occasion than when we're about to become family?” my mom said blushing

“Come on, let's go to the dining table and have dinner,” Davis said, holding my mom’s hand and taking us inside.

As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a soaring foyer illuminated by a dazzling chandelier made of crystal and gold, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. Rich deep hues adorned the walls, accented with gold leaf detailing that caught the light beautifully.

In the main living area, oversized plush sofas upholstered in luxurious fabrics surrounded by ornate coffee tables and rich wooden cabinetry. Gilded mirrors and exquisite artwork hung elegantly, reflecting the ambient light and adding to the grandeur of the space.

The dining room was a striking statement of extravagance, featuring a long mahogany table set for ten, complete with crystal glassware and golden flatware. A stunning chandelier hung above, illuminating the intricate plasterware on the ceiling, with different exquisite dishes plastered on the table.

We all sat around the table, Davis sat at the head of the table while my mom sat next to him at his right hand side, I sat a couple of seats away from my mom.

“Where is your son? I can't wait to meet him” Mom said

His son? my mom never informed me that he had a son.

“He's supposed to be here, but of course, he's late as usual” Davis said and rolled his eyes

The next minute, I found out who they were talking about.

My high school nightmare, my ex bully.

My soon to be step brother walked into the dining room.

I should have known, I knew his family were rich in high school but I had no idea he was the son of the freaking billionaire Caldwell.

It's him, he came into my life again. After everything I did to get him out of my head, the trauma he caused me for years even after graduating high school.

“Hello Lizzy, it's nice to finally meet you” he said as he got to the table before his eyes met mine. I could see the expression of shock he had in his eyes, his eyes lingered on me for a second before he proceeded to sit directly opposite to me.

“Lizzy and Brielle, meet my son, Mateo Caldwell”