BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 28

•SHELBY•

The highly anticipated day had arrived at last, filling everyone with excitement about the upcoming merger ceremony that night. I left the office a little early to attend my dress fitting with my mother's designer for the outfit I would wear tonight. My mother insisted on overseeing our attire, and I couldn't argue since my dress needed to match William's suit.

Interestingly, my excitement wasn't about the merger ceremony itself, but rather the fact that this would be my final day pretending to be William's fiancée. Once the ceremony concluded, I planned to announce the end of our engagement and finally break free from this charade that had been weighing on me like a never-ending nightmare.

After the dress fitting, I hurried home to prepare for the evening ahead.

OoO

As I put on my earrings, I admired my reflection in the mirror, revealing the stunning midnight blue gown with an alluring side slit. The mermaid neckline accentuated my figure, and I had to admit, my mother had an eye for choosing a dress that suited my tastes. Surprisingly, I loved the dress even more than I anticipated.

Slipping into my stilettos and grabbing my clutch purse, I went downstairs, where I could hear William conversing with the household staff. Upon seeing him, I couldn't deny that he looked incredibly handsome.

His suit matched mine, and the silver bow tie added a touch of elegance. It seemed like he effortlessly looked impeccable, making me internally curse at how good he looked. His slicked-back hair and the perfectly tailored suit only amplified his allure, and I found myself momentarily captivated.

As our eyes met, I felt my heart skip a beat, but I quickly reminded myself that tonight would mark the end of this facade.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

I raised a finger playfully. "Hold that thought."

Taking a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, I downed it swiftly, feeling the alcohol provide a temporary sense of calm amidst the excitement.

"Now I'm ready," I replied with a smile, returning the glass.

He gave me a small glare, concerned about my indulgence. 

"You shouldn't drink too much. We need to stay focused tonight."

I shrugged. 

"I know, but it helps keep the excitement at bay."

"Don't be too excited. You never know what might happen tonight, and we might need to keep up the pretense a bit longer," he warned me.

I took a step closer, narrowing my eyes playfully. 

"Don't worry. Once tonight's over, I'll be out of here, and nothing will stop me."

As he remained silent, I gracefully exited the house and stepped into the waiting limousine, arranged to transport us to the hotel where the prestigious merger ceremony was being held.

The drive to the hotel took approximately twenty minutes. As we arrived, a swarm of paparazzi and news reporters crowded around the entrance. William and I emerged from the limo, posing briefly for the cameras before finally making our way inside.

The main hall was a sight to behold, adorned with grand golden chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. A stage with a long table and two chairs stood at the center of the room.

Upon our arrival, the hall was already buzzing with elegantly dressed men in sharp suits and women in their finest gowns, each sipping champagne and engaged in animated conversations with their associates.