The Unwanted Bride: Claimed by the Billionaire - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Lauretta’s Pov
The driver pulled up before the venue, came down from the limo, then opened the door for us. My mom got down first, then I followed suit.
“You look sad. What is it, my child?” My mom asked me; the worry not leaving her face.
“The press. They should be here taking pictures and flooding them on social media. How are my friends going to know that I attended this party in a limo?” I grumbled.
“Come on, sweets. We can always take pictures ourselves.”
“Yes, I know. But wouldn’t it be honorable if they saw the videos and pictures on the top bloggers’ page? They would be so shocked, especially the ones who doubted me.”
“True but you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. I am sure the press are inside. Maybe two or three. You know this is a private party and it was hard to get a pass too. Don Travous probably wants to respect and protect the privacy of his guests.” Rhoda said but I was still not convinced. I already envisioned how today was meant to be. By this time, I was to be posing on the red carpet with the press taking unending pictures of me, asking me who I am; in a cute way of course, and also complimenting my beauty and my dress.
“Just in case you have forgotten, this is a birthday party where very close people are invited and not some premier or product launch.” My mom reminded me as though she could hear my thoughts. She was right but still; the press shouldn’t have been exempted.
“You need to replace that frown with a smile or you're gonna ruin your makeup! It doesn’t matter if the press sees you. What matters is that my future son-in-law sees you tonight and falls in love with you.”
I guess Mom’s statement was a wake-up call because the frown slowly left my face. I puffed out some air, then slowly replaced my face with a smile.
“Perfect! Now, let’s get in and make the most of the night.” Mom cheered.
We walked side by side towards the entrance.
“Your pass please!” One of the security men asked.
Mom turned to me. I opened my purse and then took out the pass. The taller guard scanned the code, after which he opened the door for us.
“It worked.” I squealed as my mother and I made our way in.
“Your loss if you doubted me.” My mom rolled her eyes at me, stopping in her tracks and I did the same.
“That’s not it, Mom. I trust you. It's just that; sometimes, the people you deal with can be very cunny. Besides, this is me being anxious. My emotions are everywhere because this is a big night for us.” I responded. We were just a few steps away from the entrance. The hall was right in front of us. We couldn’t see much yet but we could hear soft music.
Rhoda brought her hands up and held both of my shoulders. “You’ve got nothing to be scared about. Just be confident. I’m here with you so nothing can go wrong.”
I smiled, this time around it was a genuine smile. I loved my mama so much and no one can ever take away her place from my heart.
“Thank you, mom.” I pulled her into a hug.
“So what’s his name and how am I going to recognize him?” I asked after I pulled away from the hug.
“Shawn Elias. He owns the Elias group of companies. Not married but of course, with his wealth, I’m sure he has women flocking around him but all that is going to stop today when he meets you.”
“I don’t know what he looks like but that won’t be a problem. We will ask for him when we get in.”
“Ready?” My mom said to me before we resumed our steps.
I nodded, then we made our way into the hall.
My smile got even bigger when we got in. The hall was massive with very gorgeous decorations. It was just as I had envisioned it to be. This was my first time being in the midst of so many important people and I plan to make the best of it. Everyone looked so gorgeous in their designers but I tried not to get intimidated by that. Mine might be a dupe but it was of very high quality.
“So where do we start from?” I asked my mom since I had no idea what my hubby looked like.
“You are the star of the night so it makes no sense to burden you. Just go take a seat or walk around to mingle. I will try to make friends and ask who Shawn is.”
“If you get to discover him by chance, then you can text me.”
“Don’t forget everything we’ve practiced.” My mom warned.
I nodded, after which she took her leave, disappearing into the crowd.
I helped myself with a glass of champagne from a waiter passing by. Still on my feet, my eyes roamed through the guests, taking note of the men and predicting who was likely to be the one I was looking for.
“Hey, beautiful.” A voice brought me out of my thoughts. I turned around and came face to face with a gentle-looking man in a dark blue suit.
He was quite handsome but I wasn’t sure if he was my man.
“Lovely dress. You look so gorgeous.”
I blushed. “Thank you.”
“Is your date around or can I keep you company?” He asked, looking quite nervous.
I smiled, finding that very cute.
“Name?” I asked.
“Joel.”
“Oh…..!” I mumbled in disappointment, then went ahead to access his outfit, taking another glance at him from head to toe. He looked rich but of course, not as wealthy as my husband.
“You?” His voice brought me out of my thoughts.
“Lauretta. But you can call me Lori.”
“I’m all alone.”
“For now,” I added. Joel smiled at my response. I smiled in return also. Even though my eyes were on the prize, there was nothing bad in having some extra connections.
“So, how are you related to Don Travous?” I asked before he began to question me. That was one of the tricks mom taught me.
“Yes. He’s my uncle.”
My smile got even bigger. ‘Quite a catch, Lori’ I mentally patted myself on the head. The night was just getting started and I was far ahead already. Even though I had my eyes on someone bigger, I should still keep this one. Mom would be so proud of me.
“So, what about you?” He asked.
Okay! I wasn’t expecting that this early. “I’m craving for some desserts. Why don’t we go over there?” I pointed towards the table filled with dessert.
“Sure!” Joel said. I handed my still-filled glass of alcohol to a waiter, we walked side by side to where the desserts were displayed. I was about to tell the server what I wanted when my eyes met with something.
Something….someone….whatever! My mom and I never regarded her as a being.
“Could my eyes be deceiving me?”
“You say what?” Joel asked.
“She’s the one,” I said again. Joel joined me in looking in my direction.
“You know her?”
“That bitch!!!!!” I said with gritted teeth. She was my bloody stepsister and I could recognize her anywhere. The more I stared at her, the angrier I became. I was a couple of steps away from her table but I could see her clearly.
What the hell was she doing here? Seeing her smile so freely with the handsome man sitting next to her made my heart burn with so much jealousy. I am used to seeing her in pain and in tears. There is no way she deserves to smile. No, she cannot be happy.
“A minute please.” I excused myself from Joel and stormed towards the table.
“You bitch!!! What the hell are you doing here?”