Mr. Tang led them towards the center of the ballroom and called everyone's attention. There was immediately some whispering as they were speculating the news already.
" My friends, I've gathered you today to celebrate a joyous occassion. As you all know, my good friend General Yu returned to this city this year and we have rekindled our camaraderie. Today, we would like to gladly announced the engagement of our children, Amelia and Xander! Let us toast to their happiness and future success!", Mr. Tang is very happy as this solves their financial problems. Aside from being a prominent military family, the Yus have riches which spans generations. He is lucky that Xander was interested in Amelia.
"Hear! Hear!," everyone raised their glass and started to congratulate the young couple, wanting to suck up to this influential family.
Avery went through the motions feeling like a robot as she continued to smile to everyone. As she moved around, her eye caught the man who gave her the necklace. He is standing in the corner of the room and was looking at her darkly. He raised her glass towards her and left.
She suddenly felt pangs of sadness. She couldn't deny that she is very attracted to the man and can't explain their intense attraction.
" Don't drop your smile.", she was pulled back from her wandering thoughts by that sharp command. "Pining for your lover already? I'll kill you than to let others have you."
To others, they look like a very in love couple who can't help but whisper sweet nothings. Only Avery know how sinister the man is.
" I don't have a lover. It's up to you to believe that.," she started to move away but his arms are like steel on her waist.
"Please let me go. I need to go to the ladies room.", she pleaded.
"Return soon my love. I don't want to deal with these vultures alone.", he quipped.
Avery ran towards the hallway. She needed to breath. Everytime Xander utters the endearment "my love", she wanted to puke. She almost shrieked when a hand suddenly grabbed and dragged her towards the darker side of the garden.
Looking up, she came face to face with the man who kissed her earlier. Her heart started beating erratically again and she is confused by this guy's role in her life.
" Are you ok Amelia?," he asked concernedly.
" You don't have the right to ask me that! I don't even know your name.", Avery snapped. " Stop dragging me around."
" You might not remember me after we've grown up but I remember you very well. And the name is Terrence Chang. You are being forced by your parents. I can help you get away from this." Terrence was worried by her paleness. He knows that she is operating on auto pilot after she met the Yus. His gaze darkened when he noticed that the necklace was no longer with her. He should have known that the bastard will take it away.