Return of the Disdained Billionaire

DEREK'S POV

“Thanks for the suit man. You're a lifesaver,” I thanked as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I stood tall at 6’2, clad in a black suit, which only served to further accentuate my black hair and eyes.

“Don't mention it, man,” my best friend Ryan, let out with a wide grin as he patted me on the back. His gaze sporting rays of admiration as he stared at my figure.

“Tsk tsk tsk, Liv's family is going to love you,” he commented as he went on to say, “I still can't believe you guys finally got them to accept you,” he finished as he handed me a glass of wine.

“They haven't accepted us just yet. It all hinges on tonight,” I let out with slight exasperation, as I grabbed the glass from his hand.

“Well, I'm sure you'll kill it. You were always good at proposals,” he said with a laugh, prompting me to roll my eyes. Myriad emotions swirled in my eyes as I gazed down at the wine drink that danced in my hands.

I knew that everything was hinged on tonight. Whether Liv's family would give their approval depended on my performance. My grip around the cup tightened as my thoughts began to roam.

“Does Liv know where you'll be?” Ryan asked from across the room as he plopped down on a couch. His gaze directed towards the television.

“Nope, I wasn't allowed to,” I let out in response as I walked towards the door. “Sounds suspicious as hell,” he let out a whistle without taking his eyes off the TV. I let out a silent grunt in agreement, as I made my way to the door.

I was in no position to question their orders as they were really important to Liv. “I'll be off now,” I said, as I stepped towards the door.

“Good-luck man,” Ryan waved as I stepped out of the apartment. I took light steps as I walked towards the car they prepared for me. It was as though I was walking into a lion's den with the way everything seemed.

But their aloofness couldn't deter me when I pursued Liv. And I was definitely not going to let it deter me now.

“Good evening,” I greeted as I stepped into the black sedan they prepared for me. The driver, as though he was merely a mannequin, gave a barely perceptible nod to my greeting.

I didn't pay it any mind as I sank into the leather seats. My breathing rhythmic as I tried to calm myself down.

My gaze drifted outside as I watched the car zoom past all traces of civilization, as we found ourselves surrounded by a densely populated forest, with trees that towered towards the sky.

I didn't have to wait too long, before we happened upon a large estate, with gates that required the strength of ten men to pry open.

I didn't have to guess, as I saw that number of men do just that. The car drove into the estate without any hiccups, driving past isolated villas, before we reached a house that seemed to be competing with the trees for a chance to poke at the sky.

Its cobblestone walls gave off the feeling that it was some sort of relic from the Victorian era. It was as imposing as it was ancient.

“We're here,” an aged voice rang out, breaking me away from my reverie. I looked up to see it was the driver who barely spoke a word to me the entire ride here. I nodded in acknowledgment, as I stepped out of the car.

“Welcome,” a cold voice rang out, prompting me to come face to face with a hawk-nosed old man, clad in a butler's outfit. There was no surprise in my mind, as I half expected such arrangements, with how ancient their customs seemed to be.

“Thank you for having me,” I greeted with a nod, my expression as placid as I could manage. “Follow me,” he let out a cold snort as he turned around to lead the way.

Taking one last glance at the imposing building, I steeled my nerves as I followed behind him. We walked past numerous guards and maids, who, upon seeing the hawk-nosed butler, hurriedly dipped their heads in acknowledgment.

I had a feeling the butler wanted them to grovel, from the slight dissatisfaction that brimmed amidst his disdainful gaze. A wave of disgust filled my being as I laid eyes on his actions.

It took everything in me not to call him out for his inhumane behavior. My internal conflict didn't last too long, as we happened upon two large double doors. I didn't need to be a genius to figure out that the important personnel I had to impress, were behind that door.

“Keep your head down, and always be respectful,” the hawk-nosed butler grunted out, just as I reached out to push open the door. I nodded slightly in acknowledgment of his ‘kindness’.

As soon as I stepped into the dining room, a wave of unease overtook me, as I was faced with a multitude of unfamiliar faces.

The chatter in the room died down. Immediately I stepped in, as all heads whizzed towards my direction. I was met with multiple gazes, with disdain and indifference being the most popular.

There was one gaze in particular that stood out for its friendliness that was out of place. “Good evening everyone. My name is Derek,” I greeted after clearing my throat, as I adjusted my posture in a futile attempt to look taller than I already was.

“Welcome Derek. My cousin has told me so much about you,” the friendly face was the first to speak out, as she greeted me.

I silently raised a brow in surprise as Liv had never told me about any cousin. Much less one she was close to, enough to discuss our matters. I threw her a friendly smile as I made my way towards the only empty seat.

One that put me in an optimal position to be in the crossfire of everyone's gaze. The table was eerily silent, as none of the elders sought to make any small talk, leaving me with no place to bring up the topic of my marriage with Liv.

“May I please know where the bathroom is?” I asked the young woman who claimed to be a cousin of Liv's, prompting her to give me a few directions I had no problem comprehending.

I nodded in acknowledgment as I promptly excused myself. “Huuu,” I let out a breath as I slammed the toilet door behind me. “What am I even doing here,” I muttered out loud as I rubbed my throbbing temples.

“Is someone there?” a small voice called out timidly, causing me to freeze in my tracks. A wave of unease threatened to overwhelm me, as I watched a small head poke out, her eyes filled with terror.

I—I’m so sorry, I didn't know anyone was in here,” I tried to clarify, but it was to no avail. Her eyes widened in terror as she let out a terrified shriek. “Pervert!” her terrified voice reverberated throughout the entire mansion.

I stood petrified in shock, as I heard a multitude of footsteps gather outside the door. “Sh*t!” I let out, as I had now found myself in the most perilous situation of my twenty-plus years of being alive.

DEREK'S POV

“Let me explain, I'm not a pervert. I just wanted to use a bathroom and someone directed me here,” I said helplessly with my hands up in the air, hoping I could somehow get through to her.

I stopped my futile attempts after witnessing the fear etched on her features. I knew there was no use trying to talk to her. I could only hope the others outside would be more receptive towards my plight.

“You got this Derek,” I muttered underneath my breath as I opened the door I just came through.

A bad feeling immediately settled in my gut as I saw everyone gathered. Not a single person from the dining room was missing.

Something told me there was more to the situation, and whatever it was, it didn't bode well for me.

“What's going on?” the first one to question me, was Liv's apparent cousin. Except that her warm and inviting tone had disappeared without a trace, and all that remained was an icy chill.

Beads of sweat started to gather in my