The Birthday Deadline (Billionaire Brides) (4 page)

"My Juliet!" A voice cried out as we entered the huge store, "It is so wonderful to see you again!"

A man catapulted over a shiny dark counter, sending uncatalogued shirts and pants flying in all directions. He rushed over to us, spewing foreign words that I didn't recognize in an accent that I couldn't place.

"Oh my dear, you grow more lovely by the hour." He crooned as the scarlet haired woman smiled slightly, allowing him to place two delicate kisses on her cheeks.

"Hello, Jean." She said politely, stiff grimace of a grin parting her lips.

The woman was just unpleasant to everyone, I realized, except probably for her attractive boss.

"And who is your...err...lovely guest today?" He said, eyes taking in my outfit with the same sourness that Juliet had. Apparently, the two shared a fashion taste.

"This is Sebastian's...fiancée." She finally managed to spit out, eyes blazing disdainfully once more, she really did hate having to use those terms, "Do what you can for her, she's rather homely."

"I always wondered what type that sexy beast would go for." Jean whispered under his breath to the black eyed assistant, "What a surprise that this is it."

Red humiliation began to seep into my cheeks. They were speaking about me as if I wasn't here, as if I were not only plain and homely with stout legs, but also deaf. Did Sebastian surround himself with these types of people, or is this the type of person that he was, as well? All shallow judgement and disdainful, plastic smile?

Juliet had said she was disgusted with me, but I was disgusted with all of them.

"Well. Come along, girl." Jean said with a roll of his eyes at Juliet, "Let's see what we can manage."

"Delilah." I said abruptly, "My name is Delilah." I wasn't just some girl to be tossed around.

Jean arched a brunette eyebrow at me, shrugging his shoulders as he led me towards the back of the store, "Make yourself at home, Juliet." He called backwards, "I have magazines behind the desk. This may take a while."

A faint chuckle from Sebastian's personal assistant echoed towards us.

In front of the dressing rooms, the slender fashion guru gestured for me to sit in a chair. The lavender seat was probably the most comfy chair I had ever had the pleasure to rest my behind in. It was like a cloud. Even the seats here were of the best quality.

"These are the ones Sebastian picked out." Jean said boredly, returning with three boxes, "Pick one, pick all, it doesn't matter to me."

He set them down on a small table in front of me, lounging down onto a corner as he watched me curiously.

"So, these are things that he likes then?" I asked slowly, as I tugged the lids off the boxes. I supposed it didn't matter what I liked.

"We'll probably have to go up a size or two." Jean continued as he inspected the clear coat of nail polish on his fingers.

I ignored him, pulling a long, red dress from out of the box before me. In the fluorescent lights overhead, it shimmered delicately, like a fairy wing.

"This one." I said, pushing away the other two boxes.

In truth, I wasn't interested in the contents of the other boxes. I’d told Sebastian that I didn’t want material things, and I wasn't in the mood to spend any more time around the stuck up Jean or Juliet. I wanted to go back to my shop and spend the rest of the day in quiet solitude.

"That was my favorite too." He said, not noticing the fact that the other two boxes had gone untouched, "Go try it on and let's see if it fits." His tone was doubtful.

He flicked a hand towards a door behind me, scooping the boxes up off the table and putting them away.

With a nod, I stood up, quietly slipping into the changing room. I hung the dress up on the hook, leaning against the mirror as I gazed at the gossamer length. This couldn’t be real.

I ran my hands over my face, sighing deeply. At this moment, I had to admit how deeply I regretted agreeing to this circus of a wedding. The more people that I met who were involved in my future husband's life, the less I wanted to be a part of it.

All I wanted was to spend every day at my shop. Though, in order to do that, I would have to go through with this. I needed to get married to Sebastian, or I would lose everything.

"Is she done yet?" Juliet's voice floated through the thin wood of the door as the clicking of her heels approached, "Which did she choose?"

"She'll be out in a moment." Jean replied, "...Did you see those legs?" He giggled, voice dropping so low I could just barely hear him. Still, his voice was purposefully loud enough to penetrate the door.

Swallowing the anger that began bubbling in my chest, I threw off the old dress I’d worn, stepping out of my old white flats as I slid into the red gown. I turned in the mirror, inspecting myself.

The dress dipped low in the front, less modest than I would feel comfortable in. A red chain looped around my neck, flesh of my back exposed. The hem of the crimson fabric just brushed the floor, shimmering and swaying around me. Though I was irritated with my company, I had to admit that the dress was absolutely amazing.

Though dressing room lights usually highlight your each and every flaw, in this dress I felt absolutely perfect. Delicate gold tones wove throughout the sweeping skirt, forming a band around my waist. The gown was fit for royalty, and I was lucky enough to have it clinging to my body. I'd have to thank Sebastian for the dress later, as well as insist that this be the end of all the presents.

The sound of Juliet and Jean tittering outside the door brought me crashing back down from my fantasy world into Burgendale’s. With a bitter sigh, I pushed open the dressing room door, padding back out into the store as the pair suddenly silenced.

Jean was the first to come back to life, softly gasping, "You look-"

"It doesn't suit you." Juliet interrupted, casting a side glare at the brunette man at her side, "It just doesn't work with your complexion."

Jean fell silent, staring at his hands in his lap. He wouldn't agree with her, but he wouldn't defend me either. Fortunately, I didn't need any help with this one.

"I think I look fine." I replied calmly, watching her resolutely.

I knew just how glamourous I looked, and I wasn't going to let one jealous woman make me feel any less wonderful.

Fashion was a mystery to me. I never put much effort or thought into my hair, makeup, or clothing choices. But knowing that Juliet hated what I wore was all the more impetus to love this outfit. She wasn't looking out for me, I looked great in this dress, and both Jean and I knew it. I was positive that Sebastian would agree, after all, he'd chosen this dress.

A scowl rippled her face before returning to her regular look of sheer disdain, "Fine. I suppose if you want to look like that when you meet the Foxes for the first time." She replied with an arched eyebrow, "It'll just show how little you fit in with them, I suppose."

"The Foxes?" I replied in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Juliet sighed deeply, checking the small silver watch on her wrist, "You have dinner reservation with Sebastian and his parents in thirty minutes." She replied smugly, "So I do hope you’ll be on your best behavior."

As Juliet went outside to get the car, Jean approached me. In his hands, a small white shoebox rested.

"Ah, Delilah." He said carefully, "Here are some new shoes to go with the new dress."

"Thank you, Jean." I murmured quietly.

There was no reason for me to be anything but civil and polite to this man. He hadn't been friendly and he certainly hadn't been kind in the things that he said, but I wouldn’t stoop to Juliet’s level and be rude. I took the box from him, sliding the shoes on my feet. The gold heels were comfortable, but I wasn't one for stilettos.

"You look good." He said, smiling cheerfully.

"I know." I replied, meeting his gaze evenly. Now, with Juliet outside, of course he would try and act more friendly. I wasn't in the mood to put with such wishy washy types of people. One minute, they’re your enemy, the next, you’re best friends. I didn’t have the time nor the patience to deal with it.

The smile on his lips faded, and for a moment, guilt tugged on my heart.

"Thanks for the dress, Jean." I sighed, patting his shoulder, "I'm sure I'll be seeing more of you."

Jean nodded, smiling timidly once more as I turned to leave the store.

Out front, Juliet pulled up in a glittering white Ferrari, leaning over to thrust open the passenger door.

"Get in." She snapped.

Begrudgingly, I slid into the smooth front passenger seat beside her, folding my hands in my lap and gazing out the window. I tried my best not to think about the people I was about to meet. I'd seen pictures of Cornelius Fox in the news. He looked a lot like his son, though rounder and a bit more red in the face. In his youth, I was sure he was Sebastian's perfect image. I hadn't heard much of the Fox mother, but I would guess she was as gorgeous as the rest of them.

"Cornelius is hard to impress." Juliet said offhandedly, glancing towards me as she sharply rounded a corner.

I held onto the side arm rest, clinging for my life. I didn't even think the seat belt would save me if Juliet got into a wreck with the crazy way she sped and whipped around turns.

"Makes sense." I replied simply, keeping my conversation with the bitter woman as short and limited as possible.

I didn't want to be distracted by her resentment when I met Sebastian's parents, and I didn't want her to be distracted while she drove.

She frowned at a red light, glancing right and then left before speeding through the pass, ignoring the shrill honking of the cars shrieking at her. I squeezed my eyes shut, pressing against the back of my seat and praying to Jesus, Joseph, and Mary that we would get to where ever we were headed in one piece. Sitting with Sebastian's parents was looking like paradise compared to sitting in this death trap.

"What I'm trying to say is," She began, all but turning to face me in the car as though the road no longer existed, "you'll have to work for him to like you. He's not as easy to be friendly with as Sebastian."

I could say with one hundred percent security that she was paying more attention to me than on the road. She only glanced back as we passed the bumps signifying we were randomly switching lanes. Somebody needed to get this woman a chauffeur, or at least take away her driving license.

How had she even managed to pass the driving test in the first place?

"So does he like you then?" I asked, half opening one eye to glance around me.

As lights careened past and horns shouted, I immediately regretted that decision, closing both eyes once more. I might as well have been on a roller coaster, my stomach was flipping and turning and knotting so roughly.

Juliet's eyes narrowed forward once more on the road, gruffly ignoring me. I wanted to laugh, but decided that was a bad idea. I may not have much on Juliet, but it was a relief to know that there was someone in this strange, strange world of wealth that didn't love her.

"We're here." She said as she slammed on the brakes, tires squealing to a steaming stop, “I’m not going in. Just dropping you off.”

The side door opened, man in a black suit and red tie leaning forward to take my hand, "Mrs. Fox." He said politely, "What a pleasure."

"She's not Mrs. Fox yet!" Juliet seethed with a blazing glare.

The young man smiled at her, completely unfazed by Juliet's temper, "Ah. My apologies than, come along with me."

I let him haul me out of the car, my entire body shaking from the ride. Juliet reached over, pulling the door back shut roughly as she pulled loudly from the side of the road, speeding off into the night.

"What a pleasant woman, she always is." The man said lightly, in a way that made me think he actually meant those words, "Now, what may I call you?"

"Delilah." I gasped, leaning against him as I took a moment to collect myself.

"Well, Delilah," He began, handing me a small bottle of water, "We keep those for the people that Ms. Peters drops off."

I laughed, sipping the water as he led towards the large doors of a huge restaurant. Waiters in matching outfits slipped in and out of the doors, working as furiously and quickly as bees in a hive. Some carried huge trays piled high with food and plates, others carried drinks and hors d'oeuvres. All of them had the same pleasant smile on their face. The matching grins might have been unnerving if I wasn't so in need of their happiness after the time spent with Jean and Juliet.

"Might I say you look wonderful this evening?" The young man said genially as he opened the doors for me, "After you, Delilah."

The place was even more grand on the inside than out. The walls extended upwards for what seemed to be miles. Chandeliers swept over the ceiling, gauzy drapes and diamonds dangling like rain drops. Each of the tables was built of a rich, deep mahogany, the chairs matching with ornate backings and satin wrappings. Flowers gently scented every corner, candles flickered against the walls. It was magical.

"Your table is right this may, ma'am." The young waiter said as he gently pressed his fingertips into my back, guiding me around a corner, "Your party has just arrived."

Another set of wide double doors awaited us, two waiters pulling them open as we approached. Inside, a wide private room sat with a small table in the middle. Seated there were the three Fox billionaires.

Sebastian stood, greeting me at the door as he nodded to the waiter, "We'll need a bottle of wine, please. Father's favorite." He whispered.

The waiter nodded swiftly, bowing before disappearing out the door once more.

"Delilah." Sebastian said as he squeezed my hand, sweeping me into a hug, "You look marvelous."

He whispered lowly into my ear, "I'm sorry about all of this."

And so began our show.

I pulled back from his hug, letting my hand rest on his handsome, smooth cheek as though it belonged to me, as though I'd spent every day of the last year fondly touching him.

"It's so good to see you." I cooed, imitating the love I'd seen in movies in my voice.

My billionaire fiancé blinked his emerald eyes, swallowing as he stepped back, still gently holding my hand.

"Father," He began, as Cornelius slowly climbed to his feet, "Meet the love of my life, the future Mrs. Fox."