A sudden clap echoed through the bustling hall, cutting through the low murmur of conversations and drawing every gaze toward the grand staircase. The sound was commanding yet composed, a masterstroke in gaining attention without the need for words.
Lucian turned his head toward the source of the sound, as did Olivia, Rose, and Celestia. Olivia discreetly released her grip on Lucian’s arm, though Celestia made no such gesture, her fingers tightening slightly on his arm instead.
Standing at the top of the staircase, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, was Antonio Starline. His sharp, chiseled features exuded authority, and his commanding presence silenced the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Antonio began, his voice resonant and steady, “thank you for joining us on this very special evening.”
The room quieted further, the guests offering polite nods and smiles, eager to hear what the Starline patriarch had to say.
“You may be wondering why I have gathered you all here tonight,” Antonio continued, his piercing gaze sweeping the room. “Allow me to enlighten you. Today marks a momentous occasion for the Starline family. A significant announcement will be made a milestone that involves a very special person.”
A ripple of curiosity moved through the crowd. Guests exchanged glances, their eyebrows raised in intrigue.
Antonio’s next words caused an audible stir. “It is my honor to invite Prince Arthur G. Valentino to share the purpose of this gathering with you all.”
The murmurs grew louder, a mixture of awe and surprise spreading across the room.
“Prince Arthur?” one guest whispered. “Why would he be here? This wasn’t mentioned in the invitation.”
“It must be something monumental,” another replied. “The Starline family collaborating with the royal family? It’s unheard of.”
Before anyone could speculate further, the grand double doors at the back of the hall swung open with dramatic flair. A luxurious red carpet rolled out from the entrance, and the lighting shifted to highlight the figure walking in.
Arthur G. Valentino made his entrance with effortless confidence, his devilishly handsome face framed by the soft glow of the lights. He wore a pristine white suit adorned with golden accents, every step exuding elegance and charisma.
The murmurs reached a crescendo as Arthur descended the stairs, his every move scrutinized by the captivated crowd.
“There he is,” someone whispered. “The prince himself. They say he’s the strongest candidate to become the next king.”
“Shh, keep your voice down!” another cautioned. “The princess is here too, and you don’t want to upset her. I’ve heard she’s ruthless not that anyone dares say it aloud.”
“Ruthless? No one’s ever gotten hurt, but there’s something about her… something terrifying,” a third muttered.
Lucian remained still, his face unreadable, though his thoughts swirled.
Here we go the grand antagonist himself, he thought, a wry chuckle escaping in his mind. Shiny and sparkling, as always.
Beside him, Olivia raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression calm but her mind calculating.
What is the Starline family doing with the royal family? Business? An alliance? Her sharp gaze lingered on Arthur for a moment before she dismissed the thought.
No, this life is different. I won’t waste my time fighting for money and power. Olivia’s gaze softened as it shifted to Lucian. This time, my priorities are clear. My son comes first.
The faintest smile appeared on Olivia’s lips as she decided to let go of her old ways. Her calculating mind gave way to something gentler, and she felt a calm resolve settle within her.
Lucian, however, remained focused on Arthur’s grand entrance, purposefully ignoring Olivia’s gaze.
Celestia, standing to Lucian’s left, tightened her grip on his arm with a sly smile. She had no interest in her brother’s grand theatrics or the dazzling display of lights. Her eyes remained fixed on Lucian’s face, her smile deepening as she observed his reaction or lack thereof.
Arthur continued his graceful descent into the center of the grand room, his every step deliberate and calculated. Guests parted for him like waves, offering polite nods and hushed greetings, their expressions a mix of admiration and curiosity. The prince exuded an aura of authority and charm, a man who seemed born for such moments.
Once he reached the center of the hall, Arthur turned slightly, his white-and-gold suit gleaming under the chandeliers. He raised a hand, a simple gesture that commanded the room’s silence. The murmurs died down instantly.
“Esteemed nobles, honored guests,” Arthur began, his voice smooth and clear, resonating with confidence and sincerity. “I stand before you this evening not just as a prince, but as a man with a request that will change the course of my life.”
A ripple of anticipation coursed through the room. Heads tilted forward, eager to catch every word.
Arthur paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the assembled guests. His tone softened as he continued, a touch of warmth entering his otherwise formal demeanor.
“Tonight, in this hall where many significant matters have been discussed, I ask for the most meaningful of them all. For the love I have found in this very room, for the light that has illuminated my world…” His gaze lingered for a moment, as though searching for someone amidst the crowd. Then his voice, still steady but gentler, carried the question that sent a shockwave through the room:
“Avey Starline, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
The words hung in the air like an explosive revelation. The gasps of surprise from the guests were quickly followed by frantic whispers.
Olivia’s expression darkened instantly. Her sharp gaze narrowed as she muttered, low and cold, “How dare they…”
Rose’s head snapped toward Lucian, her own face a mixture of emotions. Her lips parted slightly in surprise, her brows furrowed as conflicting thoughts raced through her mind. Relief and unease battled within her relief that this might mean Avey would finally leave her precious Lucian alone, and unease over how this announcement might affect him.
Lucian, however, remained outwardly calm. His expression betrayed no emotion, his face like a marble statue. Yet, beneath the surface, his heart pounded violently.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Here we go, he whispered to himself internally, struggling to control his breathing.
Beside him, Celestia’s lips curved into an amused smirk. She licked her lips playfully, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of humor and intrigue.
Oh, brother, she thought with a quiet chuckle, are you helping me without even realizing it?
She turned her attention back to Lucian, her grip on his arm tightening slightly. Though he appeared stoic, Celestia could feel the faint tremor in his arm, a sign of the storm brewing within him. Her gaze softened, tinged with amusement and pity.
So, you still care… she mused silently. Even after all this, you still feel something, don’t you?
Meanwhile, the whispers among the guests grew louder despite their attempts to remain discreet.
“Wait, did I hear that right? Prince Arthur is proposing to Avey Starline?”
“An engagement between the royal family and the Starlines… This changes everything. Their influence will skyrocket if this happens.”
“I thought this event might be about a Kane-Starline union, but this… This is unexpected.”
“I heard rumors about Avey and the Kane boy, but I guess those were just gossip. How could she turn down a prince?”
As the speculation swirled, a series of light, deliberate footsteps broke through the chatter.
Click. Click.
The sound of heels descending the grand staircase drew all eyes upward.
Avey Starline appeared at the top of the staircase, her presence instantly commanding attention. She wore an exquisite sky-blue gown, the fabric flowing around her like a cascading river. Her features were delicate, framed by soft waves of hair, and around her neck hung a pink necklace a simple, almost childish accessory that seemed oddly out of place at such a grand event.
Walking beside her was her mother, Melody Starline, her hands resting lightly on Avey’s shoulders. While Melody tried to maintain a composed expression, her eyes betrayed a mix of pride and inner conflict.
All heads turned toward Avey, including Arthur’s, whose face lit up with anticipation. His smile widened as he watched her take each careful step downward.
But Avey’s gaze was not on Arthur.
From the very moment she stepped onto the staircase, her eyes sought out one person. Her gaze was fixed on Lucian Kane.
Lucian noticed immediately but kept his expression neutral, even as a flicker of something unfamiliar passed through him. He clenched his jaw slightly, forcing himself to maintain his calm façade.
She looks beautiful, he thought fleetingly. Sky blue always suited her.
But as Avey’s gaze locked with his, Lucian turned his head away, deliberately avoiding her eyes. His movements were slow and measured, as if to convey disinterest.
Avey’s steps didn’t falter. She continued her descent, her eyes never wavering from Lucian, as though the crowd and Arthur’s proposal didn’t exist.
Arthur frowned slightly, his previously confident demeanor cracking as he noticed Avey’s distracted behavior. His brows furrowed in confusion, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Celestia, standing beside Lucian, tilted her head and let out a quiet, mocking laugh under her breath. She could feel the tension radiating from Avey’s gaze and Lucian’s feigned indifference.
Oh, this is getting interesting, she thought, her smirk deepening. Continue your adventure at empire
Rose’s fists clenched tightly at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. She glanced at Avey, then at Lucian, her eyes searching his face for any reaction. But he remained stoic, refusing to give anything away.
Avey’s mother, Melody, caught Olivia’s piercing gaze from across the room. Olivia’s expression was sharp and unforgiving, her displeasure clear. Unable to hold Olivia’s gaze, Melody quickly looked away, her confidence faltering.
As Avey finally reached the bottom of the staircase, the room seemed to hold its collective breath. All eyes were on her, waiting for her reaction to Arthur’s heartfelt proposal. But Avey only had eyes for one person.
And that person was not Arthur.