I woke up in a place I didn't know. I looked around, taking in everything I saw. It was well lit, there was a dresser, a cupboard, a really pretty Chandelier, a study table with books, a king size bed on which I was lying and a lot more decorations, specifically lilac and white.

I prodded up on my elbows and sat upright. From the design of the door, I knew I was back at the Greys mansion. There was no mistaking those white doors with frosted glass having intricate floral designs. I have been to Charlotte's room and it had more of a pink tone to it so I was guessing that it was Cassandra's.

I looked behind me, on the wall of the headboard. It was a picture wall. I used to have one too. I stood up on the bed to take a closer look. There were pictures of them on vacations, Charlotte's wedding, Kevin's christening, corporate parties, etc.

I can't believe how perfect a family can be. I secretly envied them though. I wanted a perfect family too. I sighed.

I kept looking at the pictures when one particular one caught my eye and made me smile. It was one with Cassandra and Adrian. it must have been of more than five years ago.

It was a picture captured at the perfect moment. A snowball fight! And from what I saw, Mr. Grumpy pants was losing. Casey looked a lot younger and Adrian, well he looked a lot less grumpy. I can't believe I am going to say this but a laughing Adrian is definitely more sightly and attractive.

What? No. Don't judge me! I wasn't ogling at his picture and in my defense he was one of the sexiest men alive. I don't say so, the People's magazine of 2015 and 2016 does.

Wow! I just realised, I didn't even know how I got here. Last thing I remember was that I fainted. I looked down to see that I was in the same work clothes, just my jacket was gone. Then I turned to the clock. It was one! I peeped out of the window, thankfully it was still a night.

I sighed with relief. I couldn't risk waking up late on the final morning for preparations. I walked out of the door and went downstairs. The lights were off. Everyone must be asleep. Where was Cassandra though? Hmm...

I walked to the office room and well, the lights were on. I opened it just to see Adrian working on his laptop. Seriously, if there is some.person who can stretch work for long or hours than me, it has to be him.

This time, he did look up when I entered. In fact, he got up from his seat!

"You are awake.", He stated the obvious.

"What the hell happened?", I asked.

He pointed towards a seat for me to sit down and then followed suit.

"Where do you want me to start?", He questioned, raising his eyebrows.

"The point where I fainted...right at the beginning."

He took a deep sigh and the leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed across his chest and then said, "I was working when suddenly you fell on the ground. When I realised that you had fainted, I decided to call for help to get you to the car, I realised that no one was in the office and when I decided to call home...my luck was not so good today and my mobile's battery was dead and I left my charger at home apparently so...err..."

"So?"

"I had to carry you downstairs to my car."

I choked on this, "YOU DID WHAT!"

"Don't even start with it. You aren't the lightest person to carry on this planet, you know."

This was so damn embarrassing.

"Then I got you home, everyone started panicking, the usual and then we called a doctor and guess what he said?"

"Um...what?"

"Well what did you eat since morning?", Adrian narrowed his eyes at me accusingly.

I rewinded the entire day and guess what...shit! In fact double shit! All this for nothing!

"A glass of juice...", I said and then looked at him apologetically. I was so worked up that I forgot to get myself anything to eat. How much more stupid could I be!!

After drowning myself in more embarrassment, I went to the kitchen and fetched myself some chocolate ice cream. Yeah! I know, it's December and no, I don't plan on falling ill but inside this centrally heated mansion, the temperature is always controlled so it's as good as June in here and come on, is there anything more filling than ice cream?

■■■

Today's agenda was to:

1.Check in on the arrangements in the hall.

2.Write my speech.

3.Choose an outfit for the party with Charlotte.

The big event was TOMORROW!!

I quickly changed into a light, floral dress and a white sweater and went down. Oops! I did forget that everyone downstairs would be prying to know why I fainted.

Here goes nothing...

So I was right, everyone was waiting for me with prying eyes and Paula made sure that I finished double of what I usually ate. Aww! I love her. She reminds me of my mom.

Then I went back to my room and began scribbling a speech in my rarely opened diary.

"Dear all..."

Too formal.

"Ladies and gentlemen..."

Too showy.

Two hours later all I had was this:

It is a simple speech Nessa. Think!

"Hello everyone,

I am Vanessa Catherine Hudson, the eldest daughter of William Hudson, head of the London branch of the Hudson enterprises and one of the candidates vying for the position of the next CEO.

Well that is enough about me and my dear brother, Nate has already told you about the company's beginning and partnership with the Greys so I promise to keep this short.

I have worked with this company for over four years now and even though I was a continent away from home, I still had a very supportive family, my work family. I have seen many projects through its completion and the work environment, be it the cooperation, punctuality or trust, it has just been perfect.

We have come this far, 35 years after its formation, through various deadlines, projects, heaps and heaps of never-ending files and most importantly success, it wouldn't have been possible without all of you. So thank you all, the investors, the shareholders, the customers and all the employees, because without your support we couldn't have built the Hudson enterprises and today we welcome the Greys &Co. to join us and be a part of this wonderful family that I love and cherish.

Thank you so much."

Whew...There it was!!! Yay!!! Definitely a memorable closing speech.

Next, I checked in with Mrs. Smith and from the sound of it, everything was going well so I proceeded for the next thing on the list today, my favourite.

Charlotte brought in front of my three amazing evening dresses that she had custom designed for me and said, "Well the theme of the party is really bright and loud and an evening gown is quite a statement so I chose lighter colours for you. Now pick."

The first was a champagne coloured dress with a lace bodice along with pretty dangling earings, a matching bracelet and a pair of cream coloured stilletos.

The next option was a lilac off-shoulder dress with a ribbon belt, along with matching pumps, a diamond necklace and earings.

Last was a shimmering chrome dress with silver wedges and statement earings.

I love them all but now was the time to answer the real question...which one to chose?