The Billionaire's Enchantment

Prologue

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Flora had just asked for a divorce, and her husband Jayden treated it like it was unimportant, just like he had treated every other thing in their marriage for the past three years.

Flora couldn't take it anymore, especially since Jayden's ex-girlfriend, Melissa Pembroke, was back in Rockville. Jayden had not bothered to tell her about Melissa's return until she found out by herself at Jayden's mother's birthday last night. But it wasn't even Jayden's secret about Melissa's return for two months that was the problem; it was the fact that she saw them making out on their matrimonial bed during the birthday celebration. Jayden, in his way, had tried to brush it off as a moment of weakness, but it was the last straw for Flora. After crying her eyes out last night, she had asked for a divorce this morning.

The sound of the knock on the door startled Flora, and before she could answer the door, three women in matching black attire swept into the room. Behind them came two men carrying garment bags, makeup cases, and what appeared to be a portable styling station.

"Mrs. Kensington," the lead woman said with a bright, professional smile. "Mr. Kensington has arranged a private dinner for you by the pool this evening. We are here to get you ready."

Flora blinked at the sudden invasion. Dinners in the Kensingtons' estate were always announced. "I did not hear about any dinner."

"It is a private affair, madam. Mr. Kensington has arranged everything personally," the woman says. "We have been instructed to have you ready before eight o'clock sharp."

Flora stood, crossing her arms. "Thank you, but I will not be attending. You can go." Her voice was firm, surprising even herself with its strength.

The stylists exchanged nervous glances. The leader cleared her throat. "Mrs. Kensington, with all due respect, we have been given very specific instructions."

"I do not care what instructions you were given. I am not going."

The youngest of the stylists, a girl with wide eyes and trembling hands, stepped forward. "Please, Mrs. Kensington. We will lose our jobs if you do not comply." Her voice broke slightly. "Mr. Kensington was very clear about the consequences if we failed."

Flora looked at the group. They were not the enemy. They were just people doing their jobs, people who could not afford to cross Jayden Kensington, and she could not punish them for his arrogance. Her shoulders slumped slightly. With a heavy sigh, she surrendered.

"Fine," she said quietly. "Do what you need to do."

Relief washed over their faces. They moved quickly, setting up their equipment around her. One began brushing her hair while another prepared makeup palettes. The third unzipped a garment bag to reveal a dress that caught the light like liquid silver.

"Berriline," the woman explained, noting Flora's expression. "Custom-made. Mr. Kensington had it flown in this afternoon."

For the next few hours, Flora sat motionless as they transformed her. They applied makeup that accentuated her features. They styled her dark hair into soft waves that framed her face. They slipped the silver dress over her body, adjusting it until it fit as if she had been poured into it.

At precisely eight o'clock, a silent bodyguard led her through the mansion to the pool area. The pool area had been transformed beyond recognition. Hundreds of candles flickered on every surface, creating a field of dancing lights. White flowers draped every surface, and a single table had been set up at the pool's edge, laden with crystal and silver.

Jayden stood there, tall and imposing in a dark suit. He held a bouquet of white roses. A slow, possessive smile spread across his face when he saw Flora's confused expression.