Chapter 1: Hoping for a Change

Emily Foster

As the sun sank beneath the skyline of the metropolis, casting a warm golden glow over the busy streets, I disappeared into the depot. It was a long day in the layout studio, where I put my creativity into the painting project that feeds my hours. But no matter how tired I was, my heart of hearts turned to light, because my precious Lily was waiting for me at home.

My mature, round-eyed daughter became a gentle beacon in my life. He turned in the work I pushed forward and ran tirelessly to give it to him and give him the high life I deserved. After the chaotic whirlwind of my failed marriage, I had vowed to love and was focusing all my happiness on my precious daughter.

We lived in a nice rental apartment on the outskirts of the big city, in a neighborhood full of families that ended up being like our own second family to us. The experience of interacting here has been fascinating, and I wasn’t sure it was anywhere else.

Walking through the streets of the big city, my mind grew to overwhelm me. Daniel and I’s marriage continued to be filled with promises and dreams but crumbled under the weight of lies and heartbreak. The scars of the tragic days remained, however, a permanent reminder of the faith I had misplaced.

I had learned to protect my heart and protect Lily and myself from the same pain. I had concluded that love had turned into a risk that was no longer worth taking. I was focused on being an exceptional mother and finding comfort in my work as a cartoon costume designer.

But I didn’t realize the fates had plans for me that night.

Walking down a busy road, a poster on a lamp post caught my eye. It advertised a charity party, an event sure to be attended by the city’s elite. The program promised to improve funding for underprivileged children, a cause close to my heart.

"Now, that is what I need," I mumbled to myself as I looked at the poster in my hand, unsure if I should attend the charity gala or not. The glitzy world of high society was far from my comfort zone, but the chance to contribute to a worthy cause was enticing. Plus, it would be a rare night out for Lily and me.

" I can do this. No, I will do this. It is for Lily. I can do this." I motivated myself with my words as I searched for my phone in my bag.

My decision was made, I took a photo of the poster with my phone and continued on my way, my mind filled with thoughts of the gala. Little did I know that this impulsive decision would set in motion a series of events that would forever change the course of my life. But, what my life has taught me is that you should be prepared for anything.

As I was walking home, a beautiful kids' shop caught my eye, it had this beautiful pink color maxi dress around Lily's age hanging and fortunately, it was on clearance so I didn't waste time and bought one for my daughter so she could wear it for tonight's charity gala.

After fifteen minutes of walking, I finally reached home and entered to find my beautiful daughter getting her golden curls tied up into two piggy tails by none other than my best friend Sarah. When Lily saw me enter the house, her hazel eyes lit up and long forgotten her piggy tails and everything as she came running towards me with the biggest smile and excitement in her eyes.

She didn't waste a single second to throw her five-year self into my arms as I hugged her back and showered her with feathery kisses. Lily let out this cute giggle and pulled back, taking my hair strands in her hand and beginning to twirl them around as this has been her habit since she was two.

"I missed you, mommy," she tells me with a pout on her face.

"I missed you too, my baby girl, but mommy needs to work so she can bring this beautiful dress for her princess of a daughter," I tell her, placing her back on her feet and handed her the shopping bag that consisted of her dress for the gala.

"Mommy, is this for me?" Lily shrieked out of joy when she took the shopping bag from me and took out the dress in a hurry. The happy expressions, the excitement, and the joy on her face were priceless and made my entire day. What I won't do for her? She is my life, the reason for me to live and move on in life after Daniel's betrayal.

"Wow, mom! This is such a pretty dress. I will look like Princess Aurora from the Sleeping Beauty in it." Lily announced making Sarah and I laugh. Sarah took a step forward and ruffled Lily's hair.

"You don't need to wear a princess dress to look like a princess, my beautiful girl. Because you are already your mommy and my princess. You are the Queen of the princesses." Sarah tells Lily " Now, why don't you go and try on that dress while I talk to your mommy?"

"Ok, Aunt Sarah." Lily said politely then thanked me in her cute voice "Thank you so much, mommy. I like this dress so much." With that said Lily went running into her room to try on the dress. I know she can't put it on herself without my assistance but it will give Sarah and I time to talk.

"So, what's happening? Can I know the reason for that dress all of a sudden?" she asked "Because, last I know you didn't have any extra amount to spend? So, if you have then it means it is for a good reason."

"Actually, there is," I replied, taking out my phone and showed her the picture of the poster for the charity gala that I captured earlier.

"Are you sure you want to go to this charity gala because you don't like to go there?" she asked.

" I am not sure but I want to give it a try. For Lily, I do." I replied " Look, I know this could turn out drastic or better for me, in both cases I am willing to give it a try. I am a single mother and I can't do it alone. I need help and something tells me that this gala is going to help me out. I just have a feeling that it is going to change my life and Lily's life. But, still, I am not sure or know anything."

"Ok, in that case. We need to get something for you to wear too because I know better than anyone that you don't have anything for the events since you always like to think of yourself at the last or don't think at all." Sarah spoke while rolling her eyes.

"Mommy, can you come and help me?!" I heard the voice of Lily.

"Sure, baby girl. I am coming." I announced and went to help my daughter to get into the dress.

Lucas Bennet:

The city is full of life, its streets filled with people hurrying to their destinations. Skyscrapers hugged the heavens, a testament to human aspirations and progress. I was Lucas Bennett, heir to the Bennett Corporation, walking briskly through a sea of ​​faces seemingly forgotten by the world around me.

My tailored dress and confident heels hit my presence as a ritual of a man of power and privilege. My life was charming and simple, shaped by the expectations of my famous family.

As heir to the Bennett dynasty, my future was carefully mapped out from birth. My intention was to continue the legacy, marry a woman of equal standing, and maintain the family name in a world of business and high society.

However, beneath the veneer of wealth and success, I felt a deep emptiness that destroyed me. I craved something new, something not found in the boardrooms or festivals that filled my days. As I made my way through the hustle and bustle of the city, I couldn’t help but wonder if love and happiness were destined to escape me.

"Mr. Bennet, your parents keep on calling and demanding your presence at the charity gala tonight." my assistant, Kiara, announced in a professional tone. She was happily married to the love of her life and mother of two children. A perfect happy family. That's what I desired too, but I don't think that fate has got this for me. I desired a normal life like hers but unfortunately, as the only heir of the Bennet family that is impossible for me.

"Tell them I would be there," I said in a bored tone as I had no choice but to attend the stupid galas like always to give my fucking presence. Sometimes, I hate my last name as it could be the curse of my life, and hate the fact that I was born a Bennet.

I agreed to attend the charity gala organized by my parents. It was another event where I would be paraded as the eligible bachelor, where potential brides and their families would vie for my attention. I want something else, something better, something or someone I like and want to spend my life with for an eternity. A life partner I love. Not the one chosen or forced on me by my parents.

"Lucas, right now I am not asking this as your assistant but as your friend, so tell me why did you agree to go to this charity gala when you stated the other day to me that you won't be attending it, instead flying to another country for a few days? Then, why did you say yes?" Kiara asked with an arched brow.

"Because something tells me that tonight's gala is going to change my life tonight. For good. The type of good I desire for every day." I replied, "So, I am willing to give this a try."

"You mean that you feel like you are going to find a life partner of your choice?" she asked.

"Maybe? A man can always hope, right?" I asked.

"A normal man, yes, but not you, Lucas, since your parents might have already got so many brides for you lined up tonight. Who knows trying to fix you with Isabella?" she asked walking towards the limo with me.

"What do you mean by Isabella? What do you know that I don't? Are you hiding something from me?" I asked confused with a frown on my face.