A Near Perfect Reality

Samantha.

I finally found my voice after it took me forever to overcome my surprise. “Tell me this is a wild joke, mother.” I rolled my eyes.

My mother chuckled before she let out a throaty laughter. “I mean it, Samantha. The billionaire heir, Ethnan, will be paying us an official visit tonight.”

“Ethnan? The famous billionaire heir?”

She nodded, smiling.

I cupped my palms over my mouth as past memories flashed before my eyes. I could vividly see how I used to squirm like a distressed worm each time I saw Ethnan's face on the television, briefing about his multi-billion dollar real estate company. Sometimes I had to fight the urge not to lick the television's screen as his charming face filled the screen.  Ethnan, the most admirable bachelor in New York City, will be paying us an official visit? Unbelievable! What girl wouldn't be attracted to a man like Ethnan? He's smart, incredibly charming, successful, and famous. Excitement swept me off my feet as I pulled my mother in for a fierce hug. “I can't believe I will be setting my eyes on my forever crush tonight.”

Taking a step back, I slowly loosened my hands around my mother and asked, “How did you pull this arrangement? And what is the visit about?”

Her facial expression turned blank as though she willed not to give answers to my questions. “Well, you know the legacy your father built before his demise.” She cleared her throat. “If your father hadn't gone bankrupt before he died he would have been on the same status as Ethnan's father.”

I wasn't sure if her response was the answer I sought. There was no link between the events of the past and what's currently happening. Even before my father went bankrupt in his real estate business and died years later, he was never on the same financial ladder as Ethnan's father. Ethnan's father gained fame for being the most successful realtor in New York City while my father was only scrubbing his purse to stay afloat in his business. Aside from these, I could swear with my life that my father had no personal relationship with Ethnan or his father.

“But—”

“Samantha,” My mother shut me out, startling me. Her gaze fell on her wristwatch. “It's almost 5:PM.. You can't afford to look like this if by chance Billionaire Ethnan passes you a glance when he comes.”

“Yes, you are on point.” I threw my hands in the air and turned for the staircase. As I ascended the staircase I overheard my mother ordering our domestic help, to put everything in order.

“I am expecting an important guest, okay?” Her voice trailed over. When I got inside my room my thoughts were too scattered to allow me full concentration, so I started rummaging my closet for my dark-blue fitted gown. I could feel my heart beating fast due to mixed emotions. Excitement and anxiety swept through my nerves at the same intensity. In my mind were dozens of reasons why the famous billionaire was paying us an official visit, but none of them made enough sense to me.

After a while I got hold of my gown and dashed over to the dresser mirror. Peering into the mirror, I sized the length of the gown against my body, in a desperate attempt to see how well it would fit me. I wanted to make a mental scene of what Enthan's reaction would be like when he saw me adorned in this gorgeous dress, but I quickly shut my mind out at the realization that his visit had nothing to do with me. Even though I had bathed a few hours earlier I still considered it necessary to shower again. So I hurried inside the bathroom to give my body an intense scrubbing. About two hours later I was all set,, after spending a good amount of time wearing my make-up. 

As though I were a princess anticipating the arrival of her prince, I walked in a majestic gait down the staircase. 

“Goodness! You look stunning,” My mother's voice was charged with joy, in a way that surprised me. I had never seen her in such a lively mood since my father's demise. “Make sure to comport yourself with elegance and dignity when he arrives, okay?”

“What care would he give about me though?” I locked eyes with hers in the hopes that she responded in the positive, but she remained silent until I said, “None. Certainly.”

“You can never tell, Samantha. Men of his caliber are….” She paused as the rising sounds of sirens started to seep in. “Enthan's entourage I think.” She hurried to the window and I followed her.

“Wow!” I said breathlessly upon sighting parades of headlights illuminating our house, and fleets of luxury cars were slowing to a gentle halt outside. Could I be dreaming? All my life I never imagined a day like this could come. 

“C'mon, let's get settled.” My mother retreated back from the window. I was so spellbound that it took me all the effort in the world to drag my legs and leave the window side.

Six men, dressed in dark suits, emerged inside and stationed themselves about, looking intimidating.  Soon, the billionaire stepped in and my mouth instantly went dry. As he walked in a kingly gait, the thudding of his footsteps was nearly soundless. He was unbelievably handsome and elegant, with a presence that reeked of power and charm. I couldn't hold a steady gaze on him because I was feeling like a teenager trembling with nerves at the sight of something strange. This  was the most nervous I had been all my life.

“It's such a great honor to have you here, Mr Ethnan.” My mother's voice was gentle.

“It's mice to meet you, Mrs Rebecca.” His tone was husky, a little low. “Should we afford some privacy to talk?” 

“Sure.” My mother voiced out hastily, leading the way upstairs.