CHAPTER 1

Rachel had been waiting for his return. Since he left town, he couldn’t find a way to contact him. She even used his father’s connection but to no avail! Nevertheless, she decided to wait for him, and sooner or later, she would become his wife!

At approximately eight o'clock in the evening, she joined his father, Steve, in going downstairs. She would be celebrating her eighteenth birthday and her friends were already waiting for her. She couldn’t contain her happiness as she descended their grand staircase. All eyes were on her, and everyone in the crowd gasped in awe. However, her eyes were fixed on her best friend the entire time.

Rachel was instructed to descend slowly and take her time, but as soon as she laid eyes on Jennifer and realized how stunning she was, she dashed off in the direction of her friend. Jennifer was attending the ball dressed in a black gown with a two-piece design; however, a portion of her stomach was visible.

“You really ought to get a new outfit right now!” She laughed lightly but Francis was able to make out what she was saying despite her whispering.

“Why?” Jennifer inquired with concern while her eyes darted in another direction.

Rachel murmured, “I think you look better than me tonight,” and then all three of them burst out laughing. “Yes, you really looked better than me tonight, Jen.”

“I am not and you know that. Just look at Francis! He was smitten by your beauty!” Jennifer exclaimed.

‘How I wish he will become straight,” Rachel murmured while glancing at Francis.

On the other hand, Jennifer looked at Francis with a sad expression. She always had a crush on Francis. However, when she happened to glance at the main entrance, she saw an unfamiliar man. She furrowed her brows while trying to remember his face but she just couldn’t recall meeting him in the past. “Hmmm, Rachel? Do you know that man?”

When Rachel recognized the person standing in the doorway, she couldn’t help but sigh with glee. He was quite tall and he also exuded an air of sophistication in his expensive and well-tailored gray vest suit. He was standing very close to the entrance, which allowed her to recognize the scar on his left cheek very clearly. Regardless of the scar, he remained handsome, and the scar just added to the man’s already considerable sexual allure. She gave him a friendly smile before strolling toward him.

“Brett, I was afraid you wouldn't be able to make it today!” She approached the man with bubbling enthusiasm.

Brett responded by ruffling the woman’s hair and asking a question. “How could I miss attending your birthday, Rachel? You are special to me,” he stated, and then he squinted his eyes as he studied the girl’s features. She was only thirteen years old when he last saw her, and she wasn’t so pretty at that time, but tonight, she looked so stunning in her pink ball gown! Who would have guessed that Steve’s daughter would eventually glow up into a beautiful young woman?

He wouldn’t be surprised if Rachel has a number of suitors. Wasn’t it amazing how fast time flies? She’s eighteen, and legal! Aside from her beauty, she’s a good prospect being the only heiress of Steve Ortiz. Her father established a group of companies that are successful in the field of international cargo forwarding and has offices all over the world.

“Oh no, please stop touching my hair!” She complained because Brett may mess up her hairdo and the program was about to start. When Rachel stared into his eyes, he looked different from before. His eyes were no longer friendly, and he gave off an intimidating and alluring vibe at the same time. Then, she realized it was a huge mistake to look into those mesmerizing eyes!

“Why are you staring?” Brett asked.

Rachel turned her attention to the top of the room. Even though she felt attacked by his words, she was unable to prevent herself from staring at him. “I’m sorry for staring but what can I do? You look magnificent tonight,” she told him, and Brett laughed.

“Well, thank you for your compliment, Madame. However, do you mind telling me where is Steve?”

“Over there at the bar,” Rachel replied and at the same time, she pointed her finger toward her father.

“I'll go see him first, is that okay with you?” He asked and when she nodded her head, Brett excused himself and strolled towards Steve.

Rachel couldn't help but take notice when the man walked away from her. Then, she realized she had something to tell him. “Hey, Brett! Please wait for me!” She called and when he stopped walking, she immediately ran towards him, completely forgetting that she was wearing high-heeled shoes and a gown. It was too late when she realized her mistake, and she was already kissing the shiny floor of the ballroom where the party was held. When the crowd gasped in shock, she was more embarrassed to get up.

“Are you okay?” Brett asked Rachel but the woman suddenly glared at him. “What’s wrong, Rachel?”

“What’s wrong? How can you ask if I’m okay with this kind of situation?”

“Whoa, relax sweetheart. It’s normal to stumble and fall when you are wearing a long gown,” he said while trying to comfort her.

“It’s embarrassing!” She raised her voice at him, and he tightened his lips. Was he mad?