The CEO’ s second choice novel Chapter 25

　　Elena

　　Sebastian did not come home that night, I know because I stayed up all night reading the set of books he got me. I know that he didn’t take the Phantom because I heard the Bugatti start up and speed away, but not return and I stayed up until 2 am reading.

　　Something which I deeply regret now as I realise the designer from Dior would be here at 9 am. I drag myself out of bed to have a cold shower that would wake me up. Ugh, I never learn from staying up so late to read; I always regret it the next day.

　　After my shower, Ilse informed me that the designer had arrived and showed her into my room. A beautiful, petite blonde woman with the face of a pixie enters and introduces herself, “Mrs Dumont, lovely to meet you, Meghan Black.” She says with an American accent. I offer her a smile and shake her hand, “Please call me Elena,” I say and she nods then immediately dives into the aspects of the dress. She takes my measurements and listens to my likes and dislikes and what I am comfortable with wearing.

　　Three hours later we have the design of a dress ready; It would be a rose gold ballgown with a sweetheart neckline that did not show too much cleavage. Since it was winter, we decided on a long-sleeved shawl/bolero with a flared sleeve that ended just below my elbow and had a Queen Anne neckline.

　　“I can’t wait to see you bring this to life, Meghan!” I exclaim as I see her out of the villa. She turns around to give me a hug, “You will wear it beautifully. I’ll come to deliver it myself on Friday morning. See you then, Elena.” She says as she leaves.

　　I did not expect the time to fly so quickly as we worked on the ballgown, and now I was starving. I walk towards the kitchen area and the smell assaults my senses; Ilse was busy cooking a lovely meal for lunch, and I could not wait to sample it. “Hmm, Ilse, that smells divine!” I comment as I saunter into the kitchen.

　　She turns to see me and smiles, “I assume you worked up an appetite with that small lady?” She asks me, referring to Meghan. I giggle at this, “Oh, definitely. I could just about slaughter a good meal right now.”

　　“That makes two of us,” I hear behind me and my heart starts thumping faster. I turn around in my stool at the breakfast nook and see Sebastian as he strides into the kitchen, fully dressed in a suit. It did not look like he changed since yesterday and it affirmed my suspicions; he did not come home last night.

　　“Welcome home, Mr Dumont,” Ilse says in her singsong voice and Sebastian returns her greeting as he takes a seat next to me. He turns his head towards me and smiles, “Good morning, Elena,” he says and I could still smell the whiskey on his breath.