King of Deception: A Secret Billionaire Romance (Billionaire Kings of New York Book 1)

3. The Longest Wedding in the World

three

The bathroom was nothing short of a hotel establishment, with three stalls and center sink islands surrounded by mirrors on all four walls. As soon as I closed the door behind me, I was grateful that the place was empty.

Leaning over the sink, I put my hands under the faucet, and the warm water automatically ran over my skin. It felt nice, although I knew I couldn’t wash my face. An hour’s worth of makeup-prep would be a complete mess if I did. Instead, I grabbed a towel and ran its tip under the water before gently patting it under my eyes. Black mascara stained the white fabric.

“Great,” I strained from between my teeth before dipping my fingers in my clutch, searching for my tube of concealer.

The door flailed open, and three women walked in, each of them looking more glamorous than the other in their four-figure heels and even more expensive dresses.

“I’m telling you, Sasha saw him here,” one of them giggled. “Said he was talking to a woman, though.”

“It must be his sister. Someone said they came in together,” another answered as they all glanced at me and turned away, taking their spots in front of the wall-length mirrors.

“Well, if neither of you wants him, I’ll make a move,” the third shrugged as she suggestively flipped her hair.

“Knock yourself out,” the first smirked. “They say he doesn’t do casual anymore.”

“Who said anything about casual?” the third one raised an eyebrow. “He’s worth billions. I’d follow him to the moon if I had to.”

“Forget the billions,” the second one chuckled, adjusting her earring. “The man is a God!”

“Oh, those eyes,” the first dreamily crooned.

“And that skin! I’d spread him on a cracker!”

They all giggled while I was nearly done fixing the concealer under my eyes, almost returning everything to its presentable state. Suddenly, my stomach turned, reminding me of how much I had to drink. So, I quickly leaned over and cupped my hands, drinking as much water as I could from the faucet.

The three women turned to me and stared, frozen in place.

“What?” I wiped my mouth. “Look around you. This is probably cleaner than bottled water.”

They scoffed and jeered, pushing each other toward the door as if to get away from a leper. When the door slammed shut behind them, I heard them laugh loudly before their voices faded.

Drawing a deep breath, I fished the lipstick out of my clutch and applied some, rubbing my lips together before exhaling slowly. The wedding wasn’t over yet—in fact, it felt like it was going on forever—so I still had a chance to fix what Jude had so expertly damaged.

As I stepped outside, I was relieved to learn that Jude wasn’t anywhere to be seen. They must have really gotten him out of the mansion. Walking back toward the venue, I saw the waiter from before coming toward me. I pressed my lips together, unable to believe my luck.

“Are you alright?” he smiled, handing me a glass of water.

I stared at it for a second, perplexed. “Don’t you have to be making rounds or something?”

“Please drink this. I have plenty of experience with—”

“Well, I’m not a drunken damsel in distress,” I clicked my tongue. “So… thanks.”

“It’s just water,” he nudged the glass closer, and I snatched it, angrily glaring at him.

“Where’s your tray?”

“I’m not a tray kinda guy,” he smirked.

Chugging down the water, I handed him the glass. “Here. Can I go now and maybe try to salvage this evening?”

“Do you always antagonize those who try to help you?”

My eyes grew wider. “Excuse me?”

“I just had the harasser kicked out without even knowing him, yet I get the feeling that—”

“He wasn’t even invited here, so don’t worry, okay?” I shifted, ready to leave.

“Is it because I’m a waiter?”

Amazed by his audacity, I stopped in my tracks as my shoulders slouched, turning to him. “What now?”

“You wanna move on to talk to more… important people?”

Narrowing my eyes, I inched a bit closer, talking slowly, “I was invited here by the father of the bride. He didn’t have to do that, and God knows I don’t even belong here. The least I could do is have the decency to apologize for the scene my ex-boyfriend caused… so this really has nothing to do with your poor and frankly disgusting assumption. Okay?”

Lifting up his chin, he coolly smiled. “You know Mr. Engelbert?”

Drawing a sharp, audible breath, I pressed my lips together before sternly stating, “I’m gonna walk away now. Thanks for all your help. Good luck with the rest of this.”

Before he could respond, I marched away, pressing my clutch under my arm and holding up my long dress as I cursed everything that had been happening since I’d arrived.

“Ella, where do you keep disappearing to?” Mr. Johnson frowned with some blame in his tone. “And what was your ex doing here?”

“I’m sorry,” I sighed, shaking my head. “I didn’t—he just showed up.”

“Just showed up?” his eyebrows met above the bridge of his nose.

“I know. I feel terrible. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”

“Ella.” He placed a hand behind my shoulder as he led me toward Mr. Engelbert’s table. “Listen to me. Ever since you and that young man parted ways, I must admit, you’ve had more energetic—”

“I know—”

“You’ve been more focused. You could really use all of that at this time in your career.”

“I know. And I promise no more distractions. I really appreciate all your support, and I’m committed to making you proud.”

“Well, then,” he smiled, holding up his head. “Let’s make sure Danny Engelbert remembers your name this time, shall we?”

Stretching my lips into a wide smile, I eagerly nodded.

Since I knew that Engelbert must have noticed how I failed to pay attention to his toast, I was apprehensive about every word that came out of my mouth during our brief conversation at his table. Nonetheless, he politely introduced me to his wife and the rest of his family. It wasn’t long before we were joined by my boss, and a brief exchange about work ensued.

As they talked about the imminent restructure in our department, my boss proudly said, “And Ella has proven to be one of our most valuable accountants in the division.”

The waiter hovered somewhere behind them as if passing through, and he winked at me. Winked. For the first time, I noticed how handsome he was. Perhaps because I was a little more relaxed, or it could have been the lighting. Either way, I felt my smile grow into a grin as I repeatedly blinked at him.

He sure did look good.

The rest of the night went smoothly, with me finally getting to mingle with everyone I was supposed to speak with. I was introduced to the bride’s brother and his wife, discussed some work matters with Mr. Johnson, and even danced a little with my boss. His wife was a sweetheart, making a joke about how well he danced with me while tripping with her.

Allowing myself to indulge, I had a few more drinks. They were always followed by water, discreetly brought to me by the unnamed waiter. Although I didn’t enjoy being treated like someone who couldn’t hold her liquor, I appreciated the fact that he didn’t try to speak to me anymore. Instead, he acted like my guardian angel for the night, and I decided to take it in a good way like I was somehow special.

It was nearly two in the morning when I finally decided to say my goodbyes and call it a night. If I wanted to get home in one piece, it was best if I left before becoming completely wasted. After all, those people had chauffeurs to take care of the ride home for them while I drove myself here.

As I walked out into the massive parking lot, I had no idea where my car was parked.

“Miss?” a man’s voice prompted me to turn around. He was rushing toward me. Right—the valet.

“Oh, silly me,” I tittered, opening my clutch and looking for the little card. “Here,” I handed it to him.

“Okay. Your car will be right out.”

“Thank you.”

He walked away, and I took a few steps, taking in the many expensive and exotic cars lined up all around me. I couldn’t place half the logos on them while failing to estimate the prices of the ones I did recognize. Any one of those cars could be worth a year’s rent for me.

“I hope you had a good time.” Jude’s voice made my eyes widen as I turned.

“What are you still doing here?”

In the dark, he looked taller. Bigger. More intimidating. “With the way you were drinking in there, am I wrong to wanna make sure that you can drive?”

The blood rushed to my head, and I saw red. “Jude… you’re not responsible for me. We’re not together. We haven’t been for six months, and I really need you to—”

“Sir, I believe you’re trespassing at this point.” The waiter’s voice, as if out of thin air, somehow instilled a sense of comfort inside me.

“What the fuck, dude?” Jude gestured with his hand, and it was now apparent that he was staggering drunk. “Did you hire this asshole to be your bodyguard or something?”

“Sir, you’re drunk.” The waiter’s hand softly landed on Jude’s arm, and he quickly pushed it away.

“Don’t touch me!”

“You’re leaving me no choice but to call security again,” the waiter sternly stated before turning around. “Security? He’s back! Seriously?”

“Oh my God,” I mumbled as two large men quickly made their way down the exit stairs, coming toward us.

“I can’t believe this!” Jude shouted as one of them grabbed his arm. “This won’t be the end of it, I promise you!” He tried to wag a finger at me but soon was overpowered by the two guards. “You’re gonna regret this, Ella. I promise you’re gonna regret it!”

I watched in terror as they dragged him away. For a moment, I only watched before I turned to the waiter. “He’s wasted.”

“Well, he’s gone.”

I started to panic, “I—I don’t even know if he can drive!”

“Don’t worry, they know the protocol. In his state, they’ll probably put him in a cab.”

“A cab?”

“Yes. Weddings this big usually employ a line of private cabs for… y’know.”

Slowly shaking my head, I stared at his face illuminated by the moon. “Where did you even come from?”

“I—I was up there,” he pointed toward the exit gate of the mansion.

“At the door?” I dipped my head.

“Yeah.”

Had he been following me? “Doing what?”

“Smoking a cigarette.” He casually shrugged.

“How convenient.”

My car finally arrived, and the young valet got out with a smile, handing me the key. “Here you go, miss.”

“Thank you.”

“You good to drive?” the waiter asked.

Tilting my head, I blinked. “What is it with men asking me if I can do stuff tonight? You’ve never seen a woman indulge in a few drinks? Jesus!”

He lifted up both hands in the air, chuckling. “Hey, again… sorry for caring enough.”

“Yeah! Why, by the way?” I raised my voice, slightly irritated.

Turning the corners of his lips upside down, he shook his head. “Common courtesy? If my sister was going through all of that tonight, I’d like to think that someone was there looking out for her.”

“Well, I’m not your sister,” I snapped, stepping into my Hyundai.

“Thank God!” he hollered, smiling.

Settling behind the wheel, I pouted at him before slamming the door shut and turning on the ignition.

Heading home, I drove slowly and very carefully while trying not to think about the grueling night I’d had.