90 Days with my Billionaire Ex

Katy's wedding was just a week away, and her excitement was palpable. Every little detail had been meticulously planned but today felt special. Today was the day she'd see herself in the dress. As the Bentley came to a smooth stop in front of the designer boutique, Katy and her best friend Mia hopped out, barely able to contain their giddiness.

"Can you believe it? This time next week, I'll be walking down the aisle!" Katy beamed, her voice brimming with joy.

Mia nudged her playfully. "I know! But first, we need to make sure you're walking down in the perfect dress."

They entered the boutique, their eyes widening at the sheer grandeur of the space. Racks of exquisite gowns sparkled under soft, flattering lighting. It was a dream come true for Katy, and she couldn't help but let out a small gasp.

"This place is incredible," Mia whispered, her tone reverent.

Before they could take it all in, a poised woman with a polished smile approached them. "Welcome to All Woman Fashion Store. I'm Joyce, the manager, and this is Grace, one of our attendants," she said warmly, gesturing to the young woman at her side.

"Hi, Joyce! I'm Katy, and this is my best friend, Mia," Katy introduced, her excitement evident.

Joyce's eyes sparkled with recognition. "Ah, the bride herself! We've been expecting you. Let's get started, shall we?" She gestured toward an elegant fitting area.

Katy nodded eagerly. "I can't wait!"

Grace led them into the wedding gown section, where several dresses Katy had selected online were displayed. The sight of the pristine white gowns made her heart flutter.

"These are the ones you picked out," Grace said, smiling. "But feel free to browse for others if you'd like. And don't worry, your maid of honor can try on her dress once you're done." She winked at Mia, who grinned back.

Katy's laughter filled the room. "Let's do this!"

She slipped into the first dress, a beautiful A-line gown with lace detailing. As she stepped out, she turned to Mia, her heart pounding in anticipation. But Mia's lukewarm expression was impossible to miss.

"It's... nice," Mia said hesitantly.

Katy's shoulders slumped. "Just nice?"

Mia tilted her head, searching for the right words. "It's pretty, but it doesn't scream you. Let's try another."

Disappointed but determined, Katy went back to the fitting room. The next gown was stunning but too extravagant. The third was elegant but didn't feel special. By the fourth dress, Katy's excitement had dimmed slightly.

Still, her mind was buoyed by thoughts of Tom. In just a few days, she would marry the man she adored. Their whirlwind romance had taken her by surprise. After only eight months of dating, Tom had proposed with a dazzling ring, his love for her undeniable. Despite their differences-Tom's background was steeped in wealth and privilege, while Katy had built her success as a skincare therapist and entrepreneur-their bond had been instantaneous.

Tom had been a rock throughout the wedding planning process, going out of his way to ensure Katy had everything she needed. His family, too, had been wonderfully supportive, something Katy deeply appreciated.

Lost in thought, Katy barely noticed Grace knocking on the door. "Ready for the next one?"

"Coming!" Katy replied, shaking off her reverie.

When she stepped out in the fifth dress, the room fell silent. Mia and Joyce both froze, their eyes wide as they took her in.

"What?" Katy asked nervously.

Mia's eyes shimmered with tears. "Katy, you look... perfect."

Joyce nodded, her voice soft. "This is it. This is the one."

Mia walked up to Katy and gently guided her to the mirror. Katy gasped as she caught her reflection. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, its delicate lace and subtle sparkle giving her an ethereal glow. Her hands flew to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes.

"You look like a dream," Mia whispered, her voice cracking.

Katy turned to her friend and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you for being here," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

They laughed through their tears, Katy joking, "If I cry this much now, I'll be a mess on the actual day!"

Joyce stepped forward to adjust Katy's veil. "You've found your dress, Katy. It's absolutely stunning."

The rest of the fitting passed in a blur of laughter and excitement. Mia tried on a sleek, emerald-green gown that complemented her figure perfectly, and the two friends reveled in the joy of the moment.

By the time they left the boutique, the sun was setting. Katy's phone buzzed in her pocket, and her face lit up when she saw Tom's name.

"Hey, Tom!" she answered, her voice bright.

But her smile faded almost immediately. "Wait, what's wrong?" she asked, her tone shifting to concern.

Mia leaned closer, sensing something was off.

"Okay, I'll be there soon," Katy said before hanging up.

She turned to Mia, her expression tense. "Tom needs me. It's urgent."

Mia frowned. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Katy shook her head. "No, I'll handle it. But I'll call you as soon as I know what's going on."

The driver took a sharp turn, heading toward Blue Nile, a quiet, upscale part of town. Katy's heart raced as she stared out the window, her mind running wild with possibilities. Was something wrong with the wedding plans? Had something happened to Tom's family?

When the car pulled up to the designated spot, Katy stepped out, forcing herself to stay calm. She reassured Mia one last time before watching the car disappear down the road.

Taking a deep breath, she turned toward the store ahead, but before she could take a step, she froze.

Tom was standing there, waiting for her, his face unreadable.

"Jesus! Tom!" Katy gasped, clutching her chest as her heart raced.

Tom stood there, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Scared you, didn't I?" he teased, his laugh echoing in the quiet street.

Katy frowned, still catching her breath. "Scared me? Scared me? Tom, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of irritation and relief. She shifted her purse to her other hand, still holding her phone tightly.

"I didn't mean to scare you," Tom said with a chuckle, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I was trying to surprise you."

Katy shot him a skeptical look, her lips twitching as she tried to hold back a smile. "You put a distress call through just to jump out and startle me? Really?"

Tom shrugged, his hands sliding into his pockets. "Not just that," he said, his grin widening. "There's more to it. I wanted to take care of something important for the wedding-something I wanted to make special, just for the two of us."

Katy raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced. "What are you up to, Tom?"

Instead of answering, Tom took her hand and gently led her toward the entrance of the Blue Nile, a luxury jewelry store. As they stepped inside, Katy's irritation melted away, replaced by curiosity.

The store sparkled with an array of dazzling jewelry displayed in pristine cases. The sight was almost overwhelming, and Katy's lips parted in wonder.

"Tom..." she started, but he just smiled and squeezed her hand.

A young salesman dressed in a crisp blue shirt and khaki trousers approached them. "Good evening! How may I assist you today?"

"We're here for something very special," Tom said, glancing at Katy with a meaningful look.

The salesman nodded and led them to the section dedicated to women's jewelry. As Katy admired the glittering pieces, her excitement grew. She tried on necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, each one more exquisite than the last.

Finally, they moved to the wedding rings. Tom picked out a stunning piece with intricate detailing, and when Katy slipped it onto her finger, her heart swelled.

"They're perfect," she whispered, her eyes meeting Tom's.

"You're perfect," Tom replied softly, his voice laced with affection.

The two spent the next hour laughing and trying on different combinations, savoring the moment together. By the time they left the store, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the city in a warm, golden glow.

Tom glanced at Katy as they walked back to the car. "Hungry?"

"Starving," Katy admitted with a grin.

"How about Italian?" Tom suggested, his tone playful.

Katy's face lit up. "You know me so well."

They drove to a cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of the city. The evening air was warm, and the soft glow of string lights hanging outside the restaurant gave it a romantic charm.

The porter greeted them warmly and escorted them to a quiet table in the corner. A waiter quickly appeared with menus, bowing slightly as he handed them over. Katy scanned the options, struggling to choose from all the delicious-sounding dishes.

"Everything looks so good," she said, biting her lip.

Tom laughed. "Then we'll just have to come back and try it all."

For starters, Katy chose a fresh garden salad and mac and cheese, while Tom opted for minestrone soup and sparkling wine. As they waited for their food, they began discussing the wedding.

"Katy," Tom said suddenly, reaching across the table to take her hand. His eyes softened as he looked at her.

"Hmm?" she replied, her cheeks warming under his intense gaze.

"Thank you for saying yes. For choosing me. I couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else," he said, his voice full of sincerity.

Katy smiled, her heart fluttering. "You don't have to thank me, Tom. I couldn't imagine my life without you."

The waiter returned, carefully placing their orders in front of them. Katy's excitement grew at the sight of the beautifully plated dishes. The waiter poured the sparkling wine into their glasses, then bowed slightly before retreating.

Tom raised his glass. "To us," he said, his voice steady.

"To us," Katy echoed, clinking her glass against his.

"To never being apart," Tom added, his tone serious.

"And to a lifetime of loving only each other," Katy finished, her smile radiant.

~~~

Four days before the wedding, life buzzed with activity. The preparations were in full swing, and everyone seemed to be caught up in the excitement. For Katy, the day started as usual-with a quick stop at her favorite coffee shop for a morning espresso before heading to her skincare boutique.

As she entered her office, a familiar voice called out, "There she is!"

Katy turned to see Julia, her old college friend and now her wedding cake designer. Julia's bright smile was infectious as she opened her arms for a hug.

"Julia! What a surprise!" Katy exclaimed, embracing her.

"How's our bride-to-be doing today?" Julia teased; her British accent as smooth as ever.

Katy laughed. "Surviving! What brings you here so early? Is everything okay?"

Julia grinned, her mischievous side peeking through. "Oh, everything's fine. I'm actually here to pick up some skincare products for my mum. She's been raving about your line and insisted I come by."

Katy raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more. "And?" she prompted.

Julia's grin widened. "And... I thought it was the perfect excuse to talk about your bachelorette party!"

Katy's eyes widened. "Oh my God, Julia! I completely forgot about that! Thank you for reminding me. Let's go to my office and figure it out."

Julia followed Katy, practically bouncing with excitement. Once inside, they sat down to brainstorm ideas for the party. Julia's energy was contagious-her love for planning events was legendary among their college friends.

"I'm thinking something bold," Julia said, her eyes sparkling. "A night you'll never forget!"

They discussed themes, venues, and guest lists until Julia suddenly fell silent, her gaze fixed on Katy.

"What?" Katy asked, her laughter fading.

Julia's expression softened. "Do you love him?"

The question caught Katy off guard. Her smile faltered, and for a moment, she didn't answer.

Katy stared at Julia, puzzled by her sudden question. Why now? Why this? She searched her mind for the right response but found herself hesitating. Did she truly know how much she loved Tom? She was certain she loved him, wasn't she? But why did Julia's question leave her feeling so uncertain?

"I'm marrying him, Julia. That must mean I love him," Katy replied, her voice measured and uncertain as she turned her focus back to the computer screen on her desk.

Julia leaned back in her chair, folding her arms with a smirk. "Took you long enough to answer. And that look on your face? It tells me there's something you're not saying. What is it?"

Katy avoided eye contact, pretending to study a spreadsheet. Julia wasn't one to let things slide, though.

"Listen, Katy," Julia began again, her tone softer. "I know we're not the closest of friends, but I've been around long enough to notice when something's bothering you. You're the type to keep things bottled up. But now's not the time to hold back. What's on your mind?"

Katy sighed deeply, the weight of Julia's words pressing on her. Finally, she turned to face her friend.

"I love Tom," Katy admitted, though her voice wavered. "That's why I'm marrying him. But..."

"But?" Julia interjected, leaning forward.

"But sometimes, I feel like something is missing. It's not about Tom; he's amazing. Sweet, thoughtful, reliable. I just... I don't know if I've figured myself out yet. Maybe getting married will help me understand what I want, who I want to be."

Julia gave her a long, contemplative look before shaking her head. "That's a risky gamble, Katy. Marriage is a big deal, and if you're not completely sure, you need to think carefully. But hey, who am I to talk? I've married no one, dated everyone, and love my single life!"

Katy chuckled, grateful for Julia's levity. "No harm in being single and exploring the world, huh?"

"None at all," Julia grinned.

Their laughter was interrupted by a knock on the door. Katy's assistant, Sam, peeked in. "Sorry to interrupt, Katy, but your mom is on the line."

Katy turned to the phone on her desk. "Hi, Mom," she answered.

"Katy, we need you home tonight," Lucy's voice came through, cheerful but insistent.

"Is everything okay?" Katy asked, a hint of worry creeping into her tone.

"Oh, yes! It's just that Sonia's back from Alaska. She arrived earlier today."

Katy froze. "Sonia? She's back?"

"Yes! Isn't it wonderful? We're having a family dinner. You'll be here, right?"

Katy forced a polite reply before hanging up. She turned to Julia, her expression shifting from surprise to irritation.

"You don't look too thrilled about your sister being home," Julia remarked.

"That's because she's always bad news," Katy muttered.

~~~

Later that evening, Katy pulled into the driveway of her parents' home. Her heart sank as she stepped out of the car. The sight of her younger sister, Sonia, waiting by the front door, brought back memories she'd rather forget.

Sonia looked stunning as always, her tall frame accentuated by tight black leather pants, a sleek blue jacket, and towering six-inch heels. Her dark hair was pulled into a perfect ponytail, and her confident smile oozed trouble.

"Hey, big sis!" Sonia greeted, striding forward to embrace Katy in an overly enthusiastic hug.

"Oh... hey," Katy replied, keeping her tone neutral.

"I've missed you so much," Sonia gushed, hugging her again just as their mother, Lucy, appeared in the doorway.

"Look at you two, just like old times!" Lucy beamed. "Come on in, dinner's ready."

Inside, the dining table was set, and the rest of the family was already seated-Katy's father, James, and her older brother, Ric. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension as everyone settled down.

Katy focused on her plate, determined to avoid unnecessary conversation, but Sonia had other plans.

"So, Katy," Sonia began, her voice dripping with faux sweetness, "how's the wedding planning going?"

Katy glanced up, meeting her sister's calculating gaze. "It's going well," she replied carefully. "Tom and I are getting married in four days."

"Four days?" Sonia gasped theatrically. "And you didn't think to tell me?"

Katy shifted uncomfortably, glancing at her father, who seemed oblivious to the growing tension. She opened her mouth to explain, but Sonia wasn't done.

"You know, I would've made an amazing maid of honor," Sonia continued, feigning hurt. "But I guess you didn't think I'd care. Why wouldn't you tell your own sister about your wedding?"

Katy's frustration bubbled beneath the surface. "Sonia, you're never around for family events. I didn't think you'd be interested," she said, trying to keep her tone calm.

"Oh, Katy, that's not fair! I would never miss your big day," Sonia said with a sly smile. "You should always feel free to include me in these things. I'm your sister, after all."

Katy clenched her jaw, but before she could respond, Ric interjected.

"All right, Sonia. Let's not make this a big deal. The important thing is you're here now. Right?" Ric said, his tone firm but diplomatic.

"Of course," Sonia replied with a saccharine smile. "I'll be there every step of the way for my dear sister."

Katy forced a smile, knowing full well that Sonia's presence would be anything but supportive.

~~~

After dinner, Katy retreated to her old bedroom, her mind swirling with frustration and unease. Sonia's return felt like a storm cloud hanging over what should've been a joyous time.

As she stared out the window, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Julia: "Survived dinner? Call me if you need to vent."

Katy smiled weakly. She would need all the support she could get in the coming days.