Ninety Days to Fall in Love

Chapter 3 - Lilian makes a plan

Amidst the glittering crowd, Lilian dragged me to the corner to share the latest gossip. She had told me she had found my future husband and when I asked her for more details, she simply dragged me to the corner of the ballroom, not revealing anything. Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she leaned in to share a juicy tidbit.

"Belly, have you heard about Richard Rothschild?" Lilian whispered, her voice barely audible over the melodies.

"I've heard of the Rothschilds. But I don't really know a lot about them. Who is he?!"

I asked curiously.

Lilian leaned in.

"Well his recent scandal is really driving his parents nuts. They're desperately trying to find him a wife to quell the rumors and save their family's reputation."

"What rumors?!"

I asked and Lilian shrugged, she glanced around to make sure no one was watching.

"The story isn't out yet, it still tightly under wraps, but apparently he has been entangled with some D-list actress for the past year and it was recently revealed that she used to be a stripper. There's also allegedly a sex tape of hers someone is also threatening to release."

"It's all very messy to be honest, I never knew the bastard to be so wild and shameless."

I arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the notion of scandal in such esteemed circles. Of course I knew enough to know that scandals like this weren't new, they were just generally well hidden. You'd be lucky enough to even hear about it in the first place, but it would most likely never be conformed.

But the Rothschilds were a large and aristocratic family, everyone knew them, to hear that one of them had such a damning scandal was preposterous to say the least. My curiosity was piqued.

"And you're sure he's looking for a wife?"

I asked and Lilian shrugged.

"His parents are desperate. They want him the wedding and whole marriage thingy to quell the rumors."

"And you think I have a chance?"

I asked and Lilian's eyes widened.

"Of course you do. You know family name alone would open doors for you. You're the daughter of Anthony Laurent and Isabella Giordano, who wouldn't want you to marry their son?!"

I nodded. Lilian was right, my parents were quite influential in that aspect. My mother's father owned one of the largest and oldest wineries in Tuscany, my father came from a long line of wealthy Europeans who were once distant relatives to the monarchy before relocating to America.

I think I had a chance, as long as they didn't find out that I was about to be poor.

"You should go up and talk to them. They're over there."

Lilian pointed.

With newfound determination, I thanked Lilian for the gossip and excused myself. I had spotted the Rothschild family nearby, and I approached them with a confident smile. William and Grace Rothschild, Richard's parents, were esteemed figures in society, but despite their status, they were very humble. They were known for their grace and poise, and I silently prayed that they wouldn't think me coming up to them was weird.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Rothschild." I greeted them with a respectful nod. "I am Annabelle Laurent. It's such a pleasure to meet you."

Their faces lit up with genuine delight as they exchanged glances. Grace, an elegant woman with silver hair and sparkling eyes, spoke first. "Laurent? I've heard that name before. I think we've met your father before, Anthony Laurent."