The Billionaire Heiress s Twisted Fate

~Melissa's POV~

The Mondragon family estate, present time........

"Here we go again!"

I muttered silently, yet enthusiastically through my breathe, as I stood awkwardly in a corner glancing at the magnitude of guests that filled the grand ballroom to a lavish capacity.

It was the 50th birthday and golden jubilee celebration of my father-in-law, Mr Tate Mondragon. The pillar and head of the Mondragon family dynasty, being one of the most powerful and wealthiest families, structured in Romania, Central Europe.

Everyone who mattered in the city was in attendance as laughter and chatter buzzed across the room, with the air thick.......with the scent of champagne and expensive cologne.

I was dressed elegantly as far as prying eyes could behold and thought to myself I radiated grace, but just like always nobody noticed my presence. As though I blended in with the asthethic decor pieces.

A familiar feeling I was now accustomed to.

My eyes scanned across the room filled with important dignitaries. Before my gaze fell on my father in law, who stood in a far end engaged with a guest, as I moved towards his direction.

"Happy birthday dad!" I utter ecstatically to him as I stretch out my hands, presenting him with the finely wrapped gift box I had prepared in his honour.

"Oh! You're here" he responds while trying to mask the hint of disappointment laced in his voice, almost like he was'nt expecting me to show up. His gaze quickly averts, looking over my shoulder, roaming around in search of something.

"And where is Robert, your husband?" he asked

"Why bother ask her darling, it's not like she ever knows about his whereabouts". My mother in law, Tessa's voice dripping with obvious disdain, chimed in, popping out of nowhere just when I was about to make up an excuse.

"You know, if I didn't know better I would have asked if you're sure your actually married to my son. Since you never seem to have any idea of his daily schedule as his wife". she spat out more hurtful words, not giving a damn how it stung at my emotions.

Since the moment I married Robert my husband, the only son and heir to the Mondragon fortune. Every day of my life became unbearably daunting. Despite my efforts to prove my worth to his family, most especially his mother....Tessa Mondragon. A fierce woman in her prime, who despised my very existence and deemed me unworthy of bearing the Mondragon name.

Because of my modest background.

I could still remember her words from the early stage of my marriage to Robert, that now stuck in my mind like a serenade or childhood lullaby of how a Mondragon is supposed to act;

A Mondragon does not show weakness.

A Mondragon is fierce and strong at heart like a real dragon.

A Mondragon always wins no matter what and at any cost.

I could go on and on, but no matter how polished and refined I tried to become they just couldn't bring themselves to accept me as their own.

"Good evening mum. I'm sure he's on his way. Probably stuck at work or in traffic" my lips utter through a tight smile formed across my face in a bid to save face.

"Hmmm.....I see" she says with a slightly humorous tone, sounding almost like she knew something I didn't, while taking a sip from the champagne filled flute held firmly in her hands. Before walking away to attend to other guests.

A wave of embarrassment surged through me knowing her words held a depth of truth to them, making my makeup contoured face to turn pale.

"But not to worry" I said reassuringly to myself as I shrugged my shoulders. The night was young and I was not about to give her the satisfaction of ruining it for me.

For you see, I had a special announcement to make. One that would finally earn me the respect I deserved, giving me a stance in this family.

I groped my stomach where life was growing.

Yes! I was finally pregnant with a child and heir for my husband Robert. After five long years of not being able to conceive a baby, countless medical checkups, and I planned on breaking the news tonight in front of everyone at the party, but most especially Robert who was yet to arrive.

I looked at my phone, clutched in my hands to see if he had responded to any of my unanswered missed calls, that always went straight to voicemail and texts. But there was nothing, but dead cold silence, consuming my mind with worry.

One which made me bite hard on the corner of my lips.

Just when I was about to dial his number for the umpteenth time, the grand ballroom doors swung open capturing the attention of everyone.

I swiveled my head to the direction and there he was. Robert! the husband of my youth, strutting in looking charming as ever. Dressed in a finely tailored royal blue tuxedo that I had laid out for him just this morning.

"Finally he's here"; I mutter with a bright smile on my face, as I gently walked over to welcome him and ask why he was late.