The tension in the grand hall was unbearable as Avey reached the last step of the staircase. The crowd’s whispers had faded to complete silence, the air thick with anticipation. All eyes were on Avey, waiting for her response except for Avey herself. Her focus remained unwavering, locked onto Lucian, who resolutely avoided her gaze, his face a carefully constructed mask of indifference.
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Arthur stepped forward confidently, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floor as he extended his hand toward her. His charming smile radiated an air of control, masking the subtle unease lurking beneath. “Avey,” he said softly, his voice reverberating through the hall, “you look breathtaking tonight.”
Avey blinked, her gaze momentarily shifting to Arthur. Her expression remained polite and composed, but there was a distinct lack of warmth in her tone when she replied, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Her voice was measured, respectful, but the undertone of detachment was clear. It wasn’t the response Arthur had expected, and for a fleeting moment, his confident smile faltered before he recovered.
Arthur’s brow furrowed slightly, the faint crease betraying his frustration. How could she remain so indifferent, especially in front of so many onlookers? He couldn’t afford a misstep tonight.
Meanwhile, Avey’s thoughts were a maelstrom. Her fingers tensed at her sides, her jaw tightening. Why is he addressing me so familiarly? she thought. In front of all these people, no less. The decorum she was expected to maintain as the daughter of the Starline family prevented her from openly voicing her annoyance, but her frown deepened slightly.
Foolish arrogance, she thought. Does he believe this farce of a proposal will make me forget who truly matters?
Arthur, unaware of her internal storm, took another step closer, lowering his voice just slightly. “This is a day to mark a new chapter, one I hope we can write together. I ask you, Avey Starline,” his voice was deliberate, every word polished, “to become my partner in this life. I promise to cherish you.”
His hand extended further, palm open, inviting her to take it. The words echoed elegantly, the weight of his title backing them, but Avey felt nothing but irritation disguised behind her placid expression.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced at Arthur’s hand. Does he think his titles and promises mean anything to me? she thought bitterly.
From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Lucian. He was still looking away, his face unreadable, but she knew him too well. That tension in his shoulders, the slight twitch of his fingers, and the way his jaw clenched told her everything. He’s hurting, she thought. He’s pretending this doesn’t affect him, but I can see through him. Why would Mother do this?
Her gaze hardened as she thought of her mother, Melody. Inviting Lucian here today, knowing what was planned was it deliberate? It’s cruel.
But then a realization struck her, and her chest tightened. No… Mother wouldn’t have done this unless someone specifically requested it. Could it have been Arthur himself?
Avey’s sharp gaze subtly shifted toward Arthur, her expression revealing nothing, but the quiet intensity in her eyes betrayed her own thoughts. So, this is how it’s going to be,
In the midst of this, Avey’s resolve solidified. Her heart, once trembling with uncertainty, now beat steadily. Her gaze flicked back to Lucian. Don’t worry, my love, she murmured internally, her lips moving faintly but no sound escaping. I won’t disappoint you.
Arthur, on the other hand, maintained his outward composure, though inside, his pride was pricked. I’ve lowered myself to this for the throne, he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. Even if I don’t love her, even if she means nothing to me, I need her for my plans. With her background and connections, she’ll secure my path to becoming king. A fair exchange.
Despite his frustration, Arthur tried to convince himself. At least I can offer her a life without pain. I’ll give her status, security, and protection. It’s more than most marriages of convenience provide.
Avey, however, wasn’t fooled by Arthur’s charm or grand promises. Her focus shifted to Lucian again, her determination unwavering. Arthur’s words felt like empty echoes in the vast hall. She wouldn’t allow herself to be manipulated.
The room held its collective breath, waiting for Avey’s answer. Every pair of eyes in the grand hall was fixed on her, anticipating her next move. But Avey’s silence was louder than any reply she could have given. Her gaze lingered on Arthur’s outstretched hand before flickering back to Lucian for the briefest of moments, betraying the turmoil beneath her composed exterior.
Arthur, his hand still extended, maintained his charming, confident demeanor, though his patience was clearly beginning to waver. “So, Avey,” he said softly, his voice carrying a blend of authority and expectation. “What will your answer be? Will you accept my proposal?”
Lucian’s eyes shifted slightly, catching the scene out of the corner of his gaze. “So, it’s finally happening..”So, what will it be, Avey? Will you accept?”,” he murmured silently to himself, his face unreadable but his thoughts tumultuous. His fingers twitched almost imperceptibly as if restraining some unspoken reaction.
Rose,her heart thundering in her chest as the chaotic scene unfolded. She stood frozen, her thoughts waging a silent war. A part of her wanted to step in, to stop this madness between Arthur and Avey. Yet another part whispered that perhaps it was better if Avey simply accepted Arthur’s proposal. It would put an end to all this turmoil, wouldn’t it? And maybe, just maybe, it would be the best for Lucian too.
Her gaze flickered to the side, landing on Lucian. His face was unreadable, but the subtle tension in his jaw and the faint shadows in his eyes spoke volumes. Rose’s heart clenched at the sight.
Lucian will be devastated if this happens, she thought, a pang of guilt slicing through her. She sighed, her conflicted gaze drifting back to the center of the hall, where Arthur’s hand was still extended toward Avey, waiting.
“I can’t just… no…” Rose murmured under her breath, frustration bubbling within her. She clenched her hands, her nails digging into her palms as she remained rooted in place, torn between her warring emotions.
Her inner turmoil was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a booming voice, loud and commanding, cutting through the tension like a knife.
Centre of hall
Avey’s lips parted, ready to speak. But before she could utter a word, a sharp voice erupted through the hall, cutting through the tension like a lightning strike.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Olivia’s sharp voice sliced through the silence, her temper finally breaking. Her face was flushed with indignation as she glared at the unfolding scene. “How dare they”
But Olivia’s outburst was drowned out by a voice louder than thunder, cutting through the room like a knife.
STOPPPP…
“HOW DARE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR POSITION AND AUTHORITY TO PRESSURE HER INTO MARRYING YOU!”
The booming accusation reverberated through the hall, silencing every murmur. All heads turned toward the grand entrance, eyes wide with shock.
Olivia’s words died in her throat, her head whipping around to locate the source of the outburst. “Who” she began, but her voice faltered as she took in the sight.
Celestia’s mind raced, her expression shifting between shock and fury. Who the hell is this? she cursed inwardly, her nails digging into her palms. This was supposed to be her moment a perfect ending where Avey would accept Arthur, leaving Lucian vulnerable and hers for the taking. And now, this interloper had shattered everything. Despite the anger simmering beneath her calm facade, curiosity sparkled in her eyes. Who has the audacity to interrupt this?
The guests exchanged nervous whispers, their gazes darting between Arthur and the source of the voice. “Does this person have a death wish?” someone muttered. The tension in the room spiked to unbearable levels, the weight of the bold accusation hanging heavily in the air.
Arthur’s outstretched hand clenched into a fist, his face darkening with anger. His eyes narrowed, scanning the crowd for the perpetrator. “Who dares?” he growled, his voice laced with authority and a simmering fury that sent chills down the spines of those nearest him.
At the back of the hall, Lucian exhaled, his breath shaky. Relief and something else flickered across his face, though he masked it quickly. “So, he’s here,” Lucian muttered under his breath, a mixture of annoyance and exasperation coloring his tone. That damned idiot. Of course, he’d show up now. Just my luck.
All eyes turned to the grand entrance as the source of the commotion stepped into view. The man’s presence was commanding, his expression unyielding, as if daring anyone to challenge him.
The air grew heavier, the guests holding their collective breaths once again. Avey, who had been on the verge of speaking, froze, her wide eyes turning toward the newcomer. For a moment, her face was unreadable, a storm of emotions flickering across her features.
Arthur’s gaze sharpened, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. “Whoever you are, you’ve just signed your death warrant.”
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