He answers on the first ring. “About time you called.”
“What’s the rush? I said I would call when I had made my decision.” My voice is hoarse from sleep.
“There’s a charity gala tonight that I want you to attend as my plus one, since your mother isn’t here. There will be lots of wealthy men in the room, many potential candidates. I have two men in particular I want to introduce you to, and tonight is the perfect opportunity to show you off.”
Great, like a prized cow on the auction block.
“I’m sending you a gown. Please wear it, Hailee.”
I can’t help but grin. He knows I would show up in my flannel pajamas just to piss him off.
“I haven’t agreed yet. I have stipulations to our agreement.” I let out a rushed exhale.
“We can discuss it tonight. I’m not an unreasonable man, honey.”
I cringe again at that dreadful name. But I know better than to believe in his apparent willingness to bend the rules. Let’s see how “reasonable” he is once he hears my terms.
“Do you need someone to do your makeup and whatever else?”
I sigh. “I’ve got it covered.”
“I’ll send a car at eight. Text me the address.”
“Fine,” I mutter and disconnect the call. Flopping back onto the pillows, I close my eyes and contemplate the night ahead.
***
A loud, insistent pounding on my door startles me. Or is that in my head? The knocking grows louder and more aggressive, each rap echoing through my room.
No, not in my head then.
I stagger toward the door on heavy legs and wipe the sleep from my eyes. What time is it? What day is it?
Jesus, that nap fucked me up.
Whoever is on the other side seriously needs to chill. With a swift motion, I swing the door open to a bellhop holding a large black garment bag and two boxes tightly under his arm, clearly unimpressed. My lips curl up into a saccharine smile. Nothing pisses off angry people more than being extra kind. “Can I help you?” I ask sweetly.
“Miss, I’ve been knocking on your door for the past five minutes. You have an urgent delivery.”
“Apologies, I was in the bathroom. Please do come in.” I realize too late that he now thinks I have a serious case of diarrhea. I hold the door open wide, allowing him to pass with a huff. He places the garment bag on my bed and the boxes on the small table, his annoyance palpable.
Catching sight of myself in the mirror, I stifle a laugh. It’s painfully obvious that I wasn’t in the bathroom—crease lines from the pillow are still etched into my face and my hair is a tangled mess.
“Thank you, and apologies for keeping you waiting once again.” I hand him a generous tip. He inclines his head in thanks and strides out of my room.
That guy is loving life.
With a curious gaze, I fix my attention on the garment bag and boxes, anticipation fluttering in my chest. My teeth sink into my lower lip as I wonder what my stepfather has selected for me—or more accurately, what his assistant has chosen on his behalf.
Opening the boxes first, a sense of relief washes over me as I find a pair of shoes and a matching handbag. At least he remembered the essentials. As I delicately unwrap the tissue paper surrounding the shoes, my breath catches in my throat. They’re nothing short of breathtaking—crystal-covered pointy-toe pumps with a four-inch heel from Jimmy Choo. I’ve had my eye on these bad boys for a while. With trembling fingers, I run my hand over the sparkling crystals, marveling at their exquisite beauty. It’s the quintessential Cinderella slipper, fit for a princess. And if memory serves me right, the crystals are none other than Swarovski. With bated breath, I flip over the heel to check the size.Perfect. I let out a girly squeal. The small clutch matches the shoes, and I think I’ve died and gone to fashion heaven.
I eagerly unzip the garment bag and pull out a floor-length white gown, the silky fabric shimmering in the light. At first glance, it’s beautiful, but as I hold it up, a sinking feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. With a low-cut neckline and backless design, this gown is designed to showcase every curve and contour of my body. I’m going to be on show tonight, just as I feared.
Chapter five
Hailee
“Canyoupleasestopfidgeting? You look beautiful, honey,” Mark whispers in my ear.Yuck. Suppressing a shudder, I discreetly adjust the bodice of my dress once again, attempting to cover more of my cleavage.
