Rachel stood in front of her mirror, the luxury box opened on her bed. The dress shimmered under her bedroom lights, a piece clearly designed to command attention and seduction. She ran her fingers over the silky fabric once again, scoffing under her breath.
Nicholas always had a flair for theatrics.
Still, she slipped into the dress, letting it slide over her skin. It fitted like a glove, bringing out her curves in all the right places.
She touched up her makeup. Smoky eyes, bold red lips and a touch of her highlighter.
Her hair was pinned up in a soft, elegant bun, with few tendrils falling to her face. She glanced over to her heels collection and picked a pair of her modest heels high enough to add elegance.
Before stepping out, she paused by David's door. Tessa had already arrived and they were currently working on his assignments.
"Alright baby, Mommy's stepping out." She called out drawing David's attention from his work.
"Mum, you look beautiful." David's eyes beamed.
Rachel blushed a little bit at her son's kind words, "thank you."
She grabbed her clutch bag, straightening her shoulders as she checked the mirror once again and then walked out the door.
Le Maison Royale. Written in gold, boldly on a grand ceramic sign.
The hotel stood like a monument to wealth and elegance, its towering glasses gleamed under the glow of the city lights. Sleek black cars lined the entrance all representing the type of personalities that came in here.
Rachel stepped out of her car, her heels clicking against the smooth steps. She took in the scene with narrowed eyes as she had never been here before. Not because she couldn't afford it, but never saw the reason to.
This was Nicholas's world, excessive, arrogant, and perfectly elegant.
Tall potted palms lined the entrance and a uniformed doorman greeted Rachel and helped her with the door.
Soft classical music played just loud enough to be heard, drifted out from the inside and the scent of expensive cologne filled the air as she walked in.
All eyes turned towards Rachel as she stepped into the Le Maison Royale dining room.
The dining room manager blinked twice, then straightened immediately, "Good evening, ma'am. Mr. Grey is expecting you," he bows slightly
"Right this way." the man gestured.
She followed him through the grand dining hall, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor.
Conversations paused as she passed by each table and eyes followed as she went by.
The purple silk clung to her body like a second skin, the thigh high slit, swaying with each of her step. Her hair was tied up into a large bun. She wore no necklace, she didn't need one.
She ignored the hungry looks she got as her eyes were locked on Nicholas as she approached their table.
He was seated and was waiting for her, his posture as composed as ever and expressionless.
The corner of Nicholas mouth twitched, almost amused and almost impressed.
Rachel's steps never faltered.
She held her head high with deliberate strides, letting her body and the dress do the talking for on lookers.
He rose slowly when she reached the table and pulled out her chair for her.
"Rachel."
She didn't respond to his greeting, only raised a brow and sat down, smoothing the dress beneath her.
"You're on time," he noted as he also took his seat.
"I like to be punctual," she replied, "especially when I'm summoned like a puppet."
Nicholas's smirk didn't fade, "well if you're the puppet, Rachel, then you're the most beautiful one I've ever seen."
She gave a cold laugh and reached for the menu, although she had no intention of eating anything at all, "I'm not here to entertain you, Nicholas. Can we get down to business?"
"Right."
Nicholas reached down into his leather briefcase beside him, pulling out a black folder and placed it on the table between them. Without a word, he flipped it open and revealed the neatly typed pages of the marriage contract. He passes the folder to Rachel.
Rachel picks the folder and her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward and began to reading.
Silence lingered between them, only interrupted by the soft click of cutleries and distant murmurs from other people.
Nicholas eyes never left her as he studied every bit of her new personality. She looked almost like a whole new person. Outspoken was the word.
Her eyes moved quickly through each line.
"Confidentiality clauses, no public announcements, no press involvement, the duration of marriage to be six months minimum. Financial terms. A hundred and fifty million. To be sent upon the third month."
Nicholas listened to her as she read out loud unconsciously.
She slowly closed the folder and lifted her gaze to his.
"You've really thought this through."
"I always do," he replied smoothly.
Nicholas reached into his left pocket and brought out a black pen and held it out to her, "you can sign it when u feel ready."
Rachel stopped him with a raised hand, her voice firm, "No not yet, I have terms of my own."
Nicholas arched his brow, "And what's that?"
She pushed the contract back slightly. "This won't be one-sided."
Rachel looked him in the eye, her voice steady. "There's someone else I'm dating"
Nicholas's hand froze, still holding the pen, his heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his throat.
For a second, the world around him went silent and cold.
His mind raced, he had been expecting news about a child, not something else.