Surprised

Chapter Three:

“This is great news!” Valerie, Marie's mother exclaimed as her husband told her the news their daughter just shared.

She was ready to be announced as the heir of their company, they were thrilled, but most importantly, they had to plan the perfect ball that is befitting for the announcement of their heir as the most richest people in the country.

“Oh my God, i have a lot to plan.” Valerie threw her hands around as she paced the room.

Marie watched her parents with a mix of amusement and affection. She was grateful for their excitement, but she couldn't deny the nerves stirring in her stomach at the thought of the upcoming ball. As the weight of her future responsibilities settled on her shoulders, she took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"Mom, Dad, I appreciate all the planning and preparation you're doing for the ball," Marie began, her voice steady despite the fluttering of uncertainty in her chest. "But I want this event to be more than just a celebration of our wealth and status. I want it to be a night where we can truly connect with our employees, with our community."

Valerie paused in her frantic pacing, looking at Marie with surprise and pride shining in her eyes. "Sweetheart, that's a wonderful idea," she said, her voice soft with emotion. "We've always believed in giving back to those who have supported us. This ball will be a way to show our appreciation and build a better working ethics for us all.”

“Exactly, and as you know Mom, I need to keep this pregnancy a secret.” Marie said 

Her Dad's eyes widened, “You're pregnant?!” “No one tells me anything anymore.”

Valerie comforted her husband, “It wasn't exactly the best circumstances honey, this has to stay a secret.”

“I'm sorry Dad.” Marie apologized as her mother dragged her out of the room.

“I have the perfect designer for you.” She exclaimed, scaring Marie a little bit. The attention was too much, not exactly what she bargained for when she accepted to be announced as heir.

Marie took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. She knew her mother meant well, but the pressure of planning the ball and keeping her pregnancy hidden was starting to take its toll. As she followed Valerie through the lavish halls of their mansion, she couldn't shake the sense of unease creeping up her spine.

When they arrived at a grand room filled with bolts of fabric and sketches scattered across a large table, Marie's eyes widened in surprise. A tall figure stood at the center of the room, turned away from them, inspecting a delicate gown with a critical eye.

Valerie approached the figure with an air of authority. "Evelyn, darling, I have someone I want you to meet." The designer turned around, revealing a striking woman with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to take in everything at once.

"Marie, this is Evelyn Duval," Valerie introduced, her voice filled with excitement. "She's the best in  the business, and she'll create the most stunning gown for you to wear at the ball."

Marie couldn't help but be impressed by Evelyn's presence. There was an aura of confidence and creativity about her that was both intimidating and captivating. As their eyes met, Marie felt a surge of understanding pass between them, as if Evelyn could sense the turmoil brewing beneath Marie's composed exterior.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Marie," Evelyn spoke in a voice that held a hint of mystery. "I've heard about your upcoming announcement and I must say, it's quite the grand occasion. We'll need to make sure your gown is nothing short of spectacular."

Marie nodded, grateful for Evelyn's acknowledgment of the significance of the event. "I want something that reflects not just my status, but also my values," she said, her voice gaining strength as she voiced her desires. "Something that embodies grace and strength, tradition and innovation.”

Evelyn studied Marie for a moment,she knew exactly what she was asking and she was more than ready to help.

“Oh my God, Marie you stay put, i have other things to see to.” Valerie zoomed off to make the event a perfect one.

Days later, Marie stood in front of her mirror, ready to walk out as her father would announce her.

“Miss Marie, it's time for you to be present.” Her housekeeper knocked, startling her out of her truancy.

“Be down in a minute Elizabeth, thank you.”

She walked into the hall gracefully, but before she could make it far, Jessica stopped her.

Jessica was the lady her ex-husband, Alejandro was in charge off and treats like a sister, but for some reason, Jessica never show kindness to Marie, only hostility.

“And what do you think you're doing here? Want to make Alejandro suffer at the sight of you? I don’t think so.” She sneered.

Marie sighed, “Believe what you will, but I just want to enjoy the evening.” Them she started to walk away, but Jessica pulled her back.

"You don't get to waltz in here and act like you belong," Jessica hissed, her eyes flashing with malice. "We all know the truth, Marie. You're nothing but a gold digger who wormed your way into the family. You don't deserve any of this."

Marie felt a surge of anger rise within her at Jessica's words, but she took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. She knew that rising to Jessica's bait would only feed into the drama, and tonight was about more than just her own personal grievances.

"Jessica, I understand that you have your reservations about me," Marie said evenly, meeting Jessica's gaze with steely determination. "But tonight is not about our past differences, I was invited, so are you. Please, let's put aside our personal animosities for the sake of this event."

Jessica scoffed, a mocking smirk as she called on the security, “Can you check this woman's name on the list of invite? I don't think she is there, she is only here to stalk someone I know.”

Marie felt a surge of frustration at Jessica's manipulative behavior. She knew that Jessica was trying to provoke her, to make her stumble and falter in front of the watching crowd. But Marie refused to let her tactics succeed. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she turned to the security guard with a calm expression.

"I'm sure there must be some mistake, but please go ahead and confirm my presence on the guest list," Marie said, her voice unwavering despite the tension in the air.

The security guard hesitated, casting a wary glance between Marie and Jessica. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, he finally nodded and spoke into his earpiece to verify Marie's identity.

“There is no Marie here ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to leave.” The security noted, already pushing Marie out of the hall.

Jessica  waved her goodbye with a mocking smile.

As the security escorted Marie outside, Valerie was thankfully standing there, halting them. “What is going on here?”

“This woman is not on the guest list, so I am escorting hee out ma'am.”

Valerie facepalms, “She is my daughter!” She exclaimed, “the reason for this whole event.”

The security gasped, quickly unhanding Marie, “Oh my God, ma’am, I am so sorry for my incompetence.” He apologized, but before Valerie nor Marie could make a comment, the signal was given.

It was time for the announcement, Marie couldn't wait to see the look on people's faces.

As the grand announcement was about to take place, Marie took a deep breath to steady her nerves. Despite the chaos and drama that had unfolded just moments before, she was determined to make this night memorable for all the right reasons. With Valerie by her side, she walked back into the hall, her head held high and her gaze unwavering.

The room fell silent as Marie and Valerie made their way to the stage, all eyes fixed on them. Marie could feel the weight of anticipation hanging in the air, but she refused to let it overwhelm her. This was her moment, her chance to step into the spotlight and embrace the future that awaited her.

As her father began his speech, announcing Marie as the rightful heir to their family's legacy, a wave of emotions washed over her. Pride, determination, a hint of nervousness – they all mingled together inside her, creating a bittersweet symphony that echoed in her heart.

And then, it was her turn to speak. “Hello everyone, my name is Marie.” That was all she said that made gasp resonate around the room.

People were in awe, some shocked, among the shocked people was Jessica, “What?!” She whispered as her eyes and mouth hung open.

At the same time, Alejandro was watching with look of curiosity and genuine confusion, “Is that Marie?” He questioned himself quietly, but ghe the person standing next to him replied anyway.

“That's what she just said.”

Alejandro nodded, still feeling lost, “Does she look fat?”

That question however, earned him a look of disgust from who heard him.