Billionaire's Forced Bride

Chapter 001

The Engagement Party

Amara's POV

Tonight was in everywhere as planned supposed to be my night, the very night my dreams would come true. Yet, standing like a statue in the middle of the Golden Crown Hotel's grand ballroom, I won't be exaggerating that I felt nothing but like a guest at my own engagement party.

The well lighted room was busy, way too busy with chatter, laughter, and the occasional clink of expensive champagne glasses. The atmosphere was to say the least beyond friendly, a perfect moment just for the lavish celebration for the wealthy elites of Lakeshore City. My mother had in her over ambitious and overbearing manner, made sure every detail screamed perfection.

"Amara, try for once to hold your head high. You have the look of someone about to faint any moment," Mama hissed furiously as she passed me by, though her face was pinched in a perfect forced smile.

"Yes, Mama," I mumbled almost to myself, adjusting the expensive pearl necklace she insisted I wear.

Victor stood handsomely across the room, dutifully and skillfully talking animatedly with a group of over serious businessmen. He looked everly perfect, I lack words to describe how tall, handsome, confident he looked. He's with no doubt, the very man every woman wanted. And yet, if with me finally getting him, the very moment when his eyes finally met mine, I felt nothing, not even a rush of adrenaline, just a cold detachment. He smiled sweetly, but it wasn't for me.

"Victor," I called softly as I made my way toward him slowly.

"Amara," he said, his tone steady and polite, but obviously distant. "You look... look nice."

Nice. That was it? Nothing more. Just nice?

I swallowed my disappointment in a hurry and nodded to him. "Thank you."

The rest of the evening event quickly passed in a blur. Guests came and went, offering hollow and empty congratulations. Mama in her usual manner, hovered around, ensuring everyone knew this engagement was a match made in socialite heaven. And then, not forgetting someone important; there was the perfect daughter, Sisi.

Sisi, everly gorgeous was dressed in her fiery red dress, was as usual the center of attention. She effortlessly flitted from group to group, her laugh loud, vibrantly echoing everywhere, and her smile she ensured was brighter than the chandeliers. She was just in a likable way, the kind of woman who commanded attention without doing much. I for some reasons, envied her for that somehow.

But tonight, something if not everything felt totally off.

I finally got what I was looking forward to; a moment of peace on the balcony, the cool night air soothing my tired nerves. The chaotic laughter and music from the engagement party felt distant, like I wasn't the reason for the gathering, like I wasn't really part of it.

"You don't in anyway look like someone who just got engaged to the love of her life."

I wasn't prepared for that which