His To Consume

Lena's POV

I couldn't stop smiling. This was everything I'd ever dreamed of. The fancy gala, the people, the prestige. My parents were sitting proudly in the front row, watching me like I was the crown jewel. And tonight, I was.

The Reynolds family, once modest and humble, was now a top-tier name, thanks to me, Lena Reynolds, soon to be Lena Wells.

"Lena, the board is already discussing the upcoming mergers," my father said, his voice filled with pride. "Grant has done wonders for the company, but now that you're engaged, we're seeing even bigger deals come through."

I nodded, trying to suppress my grin. "Everything's falling into place, Dad. This is just the beginning."

My mother, Barbara, chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She'd always been a party lover. "You've made us so proud, darling. And that ring," she said, taking my hand, "it's stunning."

I smiled and touched the diamond ring on my finger. It sparkled under the lights. Everything was perfect.

Until Verena appeared.

"Well, well, well, I hope I didn't break this little family chat" Verena's voice was shrill, just like I'd always known her. She sauntered over to the circle, her lips curled into a mocking sneer. "If it isn't the woman of the hour. Did you really think I wouldn't find out?"

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

Verena scoffed at my surprise. "Oh, come on, Lena, don't play dumb now. You must've known this wouldn't stay hidden forever."

"What are you talking about?" I'd always known Verena didn't like me, but to confront me here, now, on my big night? That was low, even for her.

My mum folded her arms. "Verena, don't you have anything better to do than try to ruin your son's happiness? Get a life."

Verena snickered. "Oh, Barbara, sweet naive Barbara. You honestly think Grant's going to marry her?" Then she leaned closer and whispered to my mother, "Never, just watch."

Before I could respond, I saw him - Grant Wells. CEO of the Wells family and my husband to be. He'd just walked into the hall, tall and commanding, looking every bit the man I'd fallen in love with.

Relief washed over me. I was about to greet him when his eyes locked onto mine. But instead of the warmth I expected, there was fury.

Grant didn't stop. He didn't smile. He didn't even acknowledge me. He grabbed a folder from his personal assistant and then yanked me to the corner, his grip tight.

"Grant, what are you-" I started, but the look in his eyes silenced me.

"Explain this, now." he growled, throwing a stack of pictures at me.

I looked down, my heart racing. There I was, in one photo shaking hands with a rival company's executive, and in another, sitting with one of Grant's closest friends in a restaurant. Dressed in a low cut red dress, his hands on the small of my back.

"Grant, no, this isn't what it looks like! I swear"

Shut up," he snapped, his voice ice-cold. "I should've known better," he shook his head like I was a total disappointment. "I should have known you were a gold-digging snake, just like the rest. Was this your plan all along? Get close to me, use me to climb the social ladder, and then stab me in the back?"

Tears stung my eyes. "Grant, what are you talking about? They're people looking," I tried to calm him as I saw the cameras begin to flash.

"Don't lie to me, Lena!" he barked, unfazed by the crowd. "I'm done with this charade. I'm done with you."

He turned, marching toward the stage. My heart pounded in my chest as I rushed after him.

"Grant, please, don't do this!" I was lost, confused and nearly having a heart attack.