Chapter 17: Lydia and Drake

Lydia was studying the clothes Drake had packed for her, trying to determine what would be best to wear for evening wear, There was one dress that she absolutely loved, it was a beautiful red dress, that reminded Lydia of something a princess would wear, it was timeless. It was a satin full length high low strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline, Lydia’s favorite part of the dress however was the built in pockets. It was beautiful yet practical. She wanted to ask Drake if the dress was okay for the night, but he’d left the room a little while ago and hadn’t come back, he said something about needing to ask Sampson a question and then disappeared. Lydia glanced down at her phone looking at the time, she didn’t have time to wait for Drake anymore, she needed to get dressed or they’d be late. She quickly picked out a red strapless lingerie set that Drake had packed, and slipped it on, before walking over to Drake’s desk to do her makeup and hair. She opted for a simple side bun with her hair, grabbing to strands and pulling them down to frame her face. For her makeup she chose a beautiful matte red lipstick that matched her dress perfectly, and opted for a soft smoky eye, with light liner for her eyes. She looked over the jewelry that Drake had packed and opted to continue wearing the pearl set from earlier today, there was just something classic about the white and red look.

Drake had quietly walked into the room was Lydia was doing her hair and makeup, he took a moment to admire her beauty and her femininity, wondering once again how he’d gotten so lucky to stumble upon her. Without her here with him, he felt like he’d be going mad, she seemed to keep him grounded, and for that he was eternally grateful.

“Mmm, I’m hoping you’re wearing that dinner.” Drake said smacking his lips together, “we could serve you up as the main course,”

Lydia flushed at his compliment, standing up and spending around, “So you like a girl in lingerie and pearls? “ she said flirting back.

“Only if it’s you.” Drake said pulling her in for a kiss.

Lydia’s heart skipped a beat, what did he mean by that? Was she over analyzing the situation. More than likely she was Lydia thought to herself. Drake is just teasing her and keeping up the facade.

“Help me in my dress?” Lydia asked, walking past him back into the walk in closet.

Drake frowned, “Hmm, I don’t think I recall anyone ever asking me to help them get dressed, normally it’s tbe other way around.” He gave her wink, before following her into the closet, helping her into her gorgeous evening gown, and zipping up the dress.

Drake took a step back and really admired Lydia. “Wow, babe, you’re stunning.”

“I’m not underdressed and am I?” Lydia asked looking at Drake, noticing his three piece suit.

“No,” Drake said, taking her hand to escort her downstairs. “You look absolutely perfect.”

Lydia could feel herself blushing again. She could get use to being complimented by Drake.

‘Remember Cinderella,’ she thought to herself, ‘when the clock strikes twelve, this will all disappear, don’t let yourself fall for Prince Charming.’


As they walked down the stairs, they noticed a reporter and some flash photography, and multiple voices talking all at once.

“Oh ‘em gee!” Squealed Madilyn, rounding the corner, she was wearing an emerald green floor length body con dress, and a set of matching emerald earrings, her gorgeous red hair, she had parted down the middle, pin straight, “you look fantastic Lydia” she grabbed Lydia and pulled her into a giant hug, the photographers snapping a few pictures.

“Uhh. Thanks,” Lydia replied, feeling a bit awkward, “you look beautiful too.”

“Oh you’re just saying that,” Marilyn gushed, waving off her compliment, follow me, I want you to meet the rest of the bridesmaids.”

“Wait.,, rest of the bridesmaids?” Lydia asked.

“Yeah, silly, you know you’re in my wedding right? I couldn’t leave Drake’s boo out.” Madilyn said talking quickly, dragging Lydia into the sitting room with her. The photographer following close behind.

“Okay Lydia, this is Megan, Genevieve, Beatrice. and Jessica. Ladies, this is Drake’s girlfriend Lydia.”

Lydia smiled at the bridesmaid, feeling a bit inadequate compared to them, they all looked like supermodels. The girl named Megan gave Lydia a dirty look, looking her up and down, “That’s Drake’s girlfriend?” She asked, with a nasty look on her face.

Right at that moment, Drake had swept in, he walked up to Lydia wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her into him, kissing the top of her head. “Having fun Princess?” He asked.

“Mmhmm, it’s a delight.” Lydia said, trying not to glare at Megan from across the room.

“Okay, we’ll I’m going to let you get acquainted then, I have a meeting with my Dad. And then I’ll come grab you for dinner.” Drake whispered in Lydia’s ear.

She turned her head to look at him confused, what was he meeting with his dad about. Drake took the opportunity to place a kiss on her lips, letting the women in the room know that she was his, and to not fuck with her. Lydia watched Drake walk away, trying to hide her worry that she was being left alone in a den of vipers.

Drake felt guilty for leaving Lydia alone downstairs but it was essential that he talked to his father immediately. He wanted answers to the letter Amelia had left for him. He also wanted to see if there was any truth to his memory, of the night before Amelia vanished. Drake paced outside his father’s study for a moment, before knocking and then letting himself in. Robert was sitting behind his desk, a cigar in his mouth.

“Drake,” Robert said acknowledging his son.

Drake didn't say anything back as he walked to his father’s desk, placing the letter and the bracelet on it, taking a step back to gage his reaction. Drake thought his saw of flicker of worry in his father’s eyes, but he couldn’t be sure.

“What is this?” Robert asked feigning innocence.

“It’s Amelia’s bracelet Robert, and a letter she left me.” Drake said glaring at his father from across the desk.

“And?” Robert asked annoyance showing clearly on his face.

“Sampson found it in the attic. Mind telling me why it was never given to me?” Drake said raising his voice, his temper rising.

“Because, Amelia had an inappropriate relationship with you Drake, She was twenty five, you were just a fourteen year old boy. She tried to take advantage of you because you’re the heir to the Whittenberg corporation.” Robert growled out, his patience thinning.

“ I WASN'T THE ONE FUCKING HER ROBERT!” Drake yelled.

***Sorry for the late night upload, I know this chapter was a bit slow, but I want to make sure to capture the development of Drake's and Lydia's relationship throughout the story, tomorrow's chapter will start right off into bits and pieces of the family drama. I hope you're enjoying the Escort as much as I am writing it. XOXO-Marriah.***