My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Raelynn sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers absently twisting the hem of her sweater. She stared at the floor, her mind replaying the conversation from breakfast. Why had she said yes? Why hadn't she just refused and avoided the awkwardness altogether?

She sighed, her brows knitting together. Elion had caught her off guard, and before she'd had time to think, the word "yes" had slipped out. Now, she was stuck going to some extravagant event with him, and the thought alone was enough to make her stomach twist.

"I don't even know why I agreed," she muttered under her breath.

"What was that?" Hera asked, looking up from the wardrobe where she was neatly organizing a few dresses.

"Nothing," Raelynn replied quickly, shaking her head. She hesitated for a moment before asking, "What's this party about again?"

Hera turned toward her, patience written on her face as she clasped her hands. "It's the 50th anniversary of Weston Inc.," she explained slowly. "It's one of the most prominent companies in the country—one of Mr. Vaelorian's biggest allies."

Raelynn furrowed her brow. "Can't he just go alone? I mean, hasn't he gone alone to these things before?"

At that, Hera's lips curled into a knowing smile, though she didn't answer immediately. Instead, she busied herself with adjusting the curtains, clearly avoiding the question.

"Hera," Raelynn pressed, "he has gone alone before, hasn't he?"

Still smiling, Hera finally turned back to her. "Maybe," she answered, "but that's not the point."

Raelynn sighed, leaning back on her hands. "Great. So now I'm a plus-one to a party I didn't even want to attend. Wonderful."

Hera chuckled softly, moving to sit beside her on the bed. "Oh, it won't be so bad. Trust me, you'll look stunning, and no one will even notice if you're uncomfortable."

Raelynn shot her a skeptical look. "That's supposed to make me feel better?"

Hera laughed again, the sound light and teasing. "You'll survive. Besides, Mr. Vaelorian will be with you. He might surprise you."

Raelynn huffed, folding her arms over her chest. "I doubt that."

Before Hera could reply, there was a knock at the door. Both women turned to look as it opened, revealing a team of people carrying garment bags, boxes, and a rolling rack filled with dresses. At the front of the group was a man in his late forties, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. His sharp eyes immediately scanned the room, landing on Raelynn.

"Ah, you must be Miss Moore," he said. "I'm Felix. Mr. Vaelorian always insists on the best, and that's why I'm here."

Raelynn blinked, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. "Um… hi?"

Felix wasted no time with small talk. He clapped his hands, signaling his team to start setting up. In moments, the room was transformed into a makeshift boutique. Dresses in every shade and style were hung on the rack, while boxes of shoes and accessories were neatly arranged along the floor.

Her eyes widened in shock as Felix opened bag after bag, pulling out breathtaking gowns with shimmering beads, silk, and lace. "What… what is all this?" Hera stood, a satisfied smile on her face. "This is your fitting," she said simply. "Mr. Vaelorian wants you to look perfect for the party."

Raelynn's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me? I don't need all of this!"

Felix raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her reaction. "Oh, darling, you absolutely do. Trust me, no one goes to a Weston Inc. anniversary party looking anything less than spectacular."

"I don't even know what to say," Raelynn muttered, still taking in the sheer number of dresses before her.

Felix waved it away like it wasn't worth discussing. "No need to say anything. Just let me work my magic."

Without waiting for her consent, he began pulling dresses from the rack and holding them up to her, muttering comments under his breath. "Too bright… too dull… ah, this one has potential."

Raelynn stood frozen as Felix's team buzzed around her, handing her different gowns to try on. Each dress was a masterpiece, with its grand silhouette, glittering finishes, and fabrics that felt like they belonged to royalty.

As she stood in front of the full-length mirror, dressed in a deep emerald gown that hugged her figure perfectly, Hera stepped forward with a jewelry box in her hands.

"Mr. Vaelorian also thought you might like this," Hera said, opening the box to reveal a stunning necklace adorned with emeralds and diamonds.

Raelynn's eyes widened. "This is too much. I can't wear that."

"Of course you can," Felix said as he secured the necklace around her neck before she could protest further. "It's the perfect finishing touch."

Raelynn stared at her reflection, feeling both awestruck and overwhelmed. She barely recognized herself.

Felix stepped back, nodding in approval. "Now that's a look. You'll turn heads at the party, darling."

Raelynn turned to Hera, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why does he always go this far?"

Hera smiled softly. "Because when it comes to Elion Vaelorian, nothing is ever halfway."

Raelynn opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the door to the room opened once more. She turned, expecting to see another member of Felix's team, but froze when she saw Elion standing in the doorway.

His eyes swept over her, taking in the sight of her in the emerald gown, the necklace glittering against her collarbone. For a moment, his expression was unreadable, his gaze lingering on her longer than she expected.

Raelynn felt her cheeks heat under his scrutiny. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

Elion's lips curved into a faint smile. "Just checking on things," he said smoothly.

Felix stepped forward, his hands clasped in front of him. "As you can see, she looks stunning. My work here is done."

Elion's gaze didn't leave Raelynn. "Yes," he said quietly, "she does."

Her heart gave a little jump at his words, but she brushed it off immediately. She pretended to adjust the necklace, avoiding his eyes.