Chapter 1

Eloise POV

"Eloise, how do I look?" Mom asked, twirling slightly, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Mom, this is the third time you’re asking me that," I replied, trying not to roll my eyes. "You look perfect."

"Come on, can’t you see the difference?" She leaned in, pointing at her lips with a grin. "I’m wearing red lipstick instead."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Oh, I see now. Looking hot."

She beamed, fluffing her hair one last time as if this mysterious man she’d been going on about would notice every detail. Ever since she met him, I’d barely been able to have a single conversation with her that didn’t somehow circle back to him Alessandro, the "incredible," "successful," and, of course, "oh-so-charming" billionaire.

Mom was head over heels. She’d light up every time she talked about him, and at first, it was sweet to see her so happy. But as the months rolled by, something didn’t sit right with me. Six months of whirlwind romance, secretive weekends away, and nonstop gushing… and now she wanted me to meet him, as if he was already part of the family.

"Mom," I said, a bit more serious this time, "don’t you think you’re moving too fast? You guys only met six months ago."

She gave me a playful look, waving off my concern. "Oh, Eloise, when you know, you just… know. I’ve never felt like this before. Alessandro is everything I’ve been looking for. He’s kind, caring, and he actually listens to me. Not to mention, he’s got the business acumen of a genius," she added, her eyes gleaming with admiration.

I wanted to believe her, I really did. But part of me wondered if she was just so enchanted by his wealth and charm that she was seeing what she wanted to see, but I don't think so, we're also rich but not as wealthy as the Alessandro's. I didn’t say it out loud, though. I knew she’d just brush it off.

"And besides," she added, adjusting her necklace, "he’s bringing his sons along today. I want you all to get along. I think you’ll find he’s… well, let’s just say he’s an interesting one."

Her voice had a strange edge to it, and I could tell she was holding back some detail, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and a hint of nerves.

I sighed, feeling that twist of anxiety again. "Well, I guess we’ll see soon enough, won’t we?"

"Of course, now get dressed! We don’t have much time," Mom said, glancing at her watch.

"Mom, I’m already dressed." I looked down at my outfit a simple sundress and flats, perfectly fine for a Sunday Dinner.

She raised an eyebrow, giving me that look. "What do you mean you’re dressed? You can’t follow me in… that."

I sighed. My mom had a flair for fashion, always dressed like she’d just stepped out of a magazine. She loved bold colors, daring cuts, and, sometimes, outfits that made her look more like a twenty something influencer than a mom. But that was her: bold, unapologetic, and unafraid to stand out.

And honestly, I admired her for it. She was young, after all. My mom had me when she was only 18, then married my dad three years later. When I was five, he passed away, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Since then, it’s been just me and Mom against the world. She’d put her life on hold to raise me, working tirelessly to make sure I had everything I needed, even if that meant making sacrifices most people couldn’t imagine.

She’d always stayed strong, kept her chin up, and never let me see how hard things were. And now, after all those years, she finally found someone who made her feel young and free again Alessandro, the billionaire who seemed to sweep her off her feet like some modern-day Prince Charming.

But I couldn’t shake that feeling, even as I admired her for taking this leap. This man had arrived out of nowhere, promising the world. Part of me wanted it to be real, but the other part worried she’d be hurt.

"Fine," I muttered, heading back to my room to pick out something "acceptable" by her standards. I grabbed a blouse and swapped the flats for low heels, giving myself a final glance over in the mirror. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was about to be an interesting evening.

Mom beamed as she saw me come out, satisfied at last. "That’s more like it. Now, let’s go meet the man who’s going to make us both feel like royalty."

The restaurant was the kind you only saw in magazines, grand chandeliers casting a warm glow, soft music playing in the background, and tables draped in fine linen. Every detail screamed luxury, and I felt a little out of place, shifting nervously in my heels.

As we entered, I spotted a tall man standing by one of the tables, smiling warmly as his eyes landed on my mom. She smiled back, her face lighting up in a way I hadn’t seen in years. That had to be him Mr. Alessandro. Charming, handsome, and clearly as wealthy as Mom had described. She walked straight over, wrapping her arms around him as they exchanged a kiss on each cheek, completely absorbed in each other.

After a moment, she turned to me, her eyes bright. "Eloise, meet Alessandro…"

“Alessandro, this is my daughter, Eloise,” she finished, practically beaming with pride.

I extended my hand politely, and he took it with a firm grip, his smile warm and genuine. "Mr Alessandro, I’ve heard so much about you. Mom talks about you nonstop," I said with a soft chuckle.

“Well, I’m the lucky one to have her,” Alessandro replied, glancing affectionately at Mom, who blushed like a teenager. I couldn’t help but smile too, though a small part of me was still cautious.

“You sure are,” I said, casting a playful look at Mom.

We settled into our seats, Alessandro guiding us to a table near the large bay window with an incredible view of the city lights. But as I glanced around, I noticed there were two chairs still empty.

“So, Mr. Alessandro,” I started, trying to fill the silence as we looked over the menus, “it seems we’re missing someone?”

He nodded, glancing at his watch with a small smile. “Yes, my sons should be here any minute now. I’m sure you three will get along great.”

Mom gave me a little nudge, looking almost giddy. “I think you’ll like them, Eloise. They're… well, definitely unforgettable.”