Liyana:
"Miss Liyana Caldine, right?" The blue eyes that felt familiar to me didn't have the perfection in them but a mischievous look which made me realize they were not so familiar after all.
"Yes?" I answered a bit confused.
In front of me was a man, very much build like the rest of the muscled men out there. Fact was, it would be rude to say he's huge which he is, but I prefer the term tall, very tall. He was litereally towering over me. He looked around my age I guess, but his built said something else. He also had a clear stubble that he probably liked growing and showing a bit on his evenly sharp cut and sculptured face. It didn't look bad though. For an event like this, he was dressed much more casual than the rest of them in a black simple shirt and brown pants. It made him look younger to be honest. Maybe he is older than me but just seems younger, who knows. And who knew I could judge men so naturally as well.
"It's Aaron." He introduced which made me frown slitely. It's not proper to not mention your last name since that's your identity here. People do that when they're being suspicious. But I cannot say that up front now, can I.
"Um, okay. Have we met before?" I asked because my brain said never but he seemed familiar still. I wonder if he's related to someone or maybe I saw him but never met directly.
"Not intentionally, no. But I know about you." He replied making me even more confused. If that ain't creepy, I don't know what is.
"Okay, so, nice meeting you." I said before step siding him to get back with my family.
"Wait, I wanted to speak with you." He said forcing me to halt my step.
Sighing, I turned toward him again,
"Mr. Aaron, it seems my memory is a bit dull since I do not seem to remember actually meeting you or even knowing you. I'm sorry but how exactly do you know me?" I asked finally a bit frustrated.
"I think I might be of help a bit." I turned to a voice behind me which I knew by now who it was.
"Mr. Cole, I didn't expect to see you here." I was truly surprised. I didn't expect him in these type of event.
Sebastian Cole was standing in his forever and ever more glory. I thought he looked good then, I might as well make him a romance novel character with how perfect he looks now. The eyes that were following him then is nothing compared to what he's doing to the crowd now.
"In hope for publicity and good relations, manager make us do a lot, Miss Caldine." He said coming closer.
"Please call me Liyana. How have you been?" I smiled slowly to make it seem less awkward.
"As good as I'll ever be." He replied which make me chuckle a bit. I wonder where I heard that.
"Let me introduce you, this is my collage friend, Aaron Wade." He said when the so called Aaron moved by him.
Hang on, did he just say Wade?
Is this the infamous second Wade brother? Luci was close with him too. Bit I barely saw him. If I remember he's also into modelling. He can also be from the branch families.
"Um, you're a Wade? As in Mr. Owen's son?" I slipped out slowly without realizing how rude that sounded. I'm not sure why I asked twice anyway.
"I presume so, only in name though. I barely get along with any of the Wades who are best at faking themselves." He mumbled the last line making me confused. I never expected a Wade to speak like this. And so openly as well. He barely knows me.
"Then, I believe we've never met, nor I have ever seen you with them." I concluded directly.
"Doesn't mean we can't start to know eachother? That's what these events are for, isn't it?" I almost frowned at his statement.
He lets out a smirk which I really am not fond of. To be honest, normally I'd put on my ever so trained mask to deal with the likes of him. But somehow I feel like being cautious with this guy is a better option. Not to forget he is acquainted with a client who knows me for my work.
"Miss Liyana, let us have a drink. Standing here is just awkward. He only approached since I told him about you." The Sebastian guy interrupted which made me almost sigh in defeat. But that would look rude, so I only nodded.
We reached the table that served drinks and they picked up their choices as I choose a very light alcohol. I'm not a fan of strong drinks. Some might say I'm a kill joy but I prefer staying sane in my life than to give it up for a moment's joy. I've seen what they do to those moment's joy. Luci gave me a very good recollection of them.
"Have you come with your family, Miss Liyana?" I looked up from my drink and put my attention to the annoying guy.
"Um, yes. The host is a close friend of ours. So our family is invited every year for this charity event." I explained but immidiately wanted to slap myself for being an idiot, why did you have to say always invited. That's an immidiate giveaway.
"You looked quite surprised seeing me, I believe?" Sebastian said with a small chuckle.
"Shouldn't I be? I never expected Sebastian Cole to attend such events. That is also without a date." My answer made him laugh, which made me realize I just used my job voice. Being a journalist makes you a bit more blunt than necessary. Not very appreciating here.
"I believe you have you're doubts. But I actually came because I completed a project for the host. As an appreciation they invited me. As for my date, I wonder where she is." He said sipping his drink. His last line was weird. Is he teasing me or joking with me?
"I used to believe men liked having dates to accompany them in such events. I can see that isn't exactly correct information." I let out looking both their ways.
"I prefer to not have an unknown lady hang around my arm as I meet and greet people. It gives them and others, the wrong impression. Plus, I couldn't meet the beautiful ladies of such events with a date, now can I?" Aaron guy replied nonchalantly.
But his eyes were scanning me either to see how I react or to see what I do. I'm not sure why that makes me so conscious. From the begining he made me feel a lot alert than I am around men. The way he looked, the way his eyes followed me and when he spoke, his every action was directed to me. It made me feel like I'm stuck somewhere. And its not a good feeling. If not for Sebastian, I'd have run away for sure.
"Fair enough. If you'd excuse me I'd like to go back to my family. They must be looking for me." I said putting down my glass. I think that's enough staring, judging and playing word games here. But I cannot include that.
"Of course, you are quite known. Everyone must be looking for you." Sebastian replied which I smiled curtly at before preparing to leave.
"Miss Liyana," I was once again stopped on my tracks and without even wanting to, I cursed internally.
"You look quite beautiful tonight. I hope to see you around." The Aaron, or more like Asshole said with a annoying smile. I just made a nod and left as soon as possible.
Was was his deal, damn it?!
"Liyana!" I looked left to see Céline calling me from across the hall, so I went up to her.
"Where have you been? I've been looking for you forever." She said taking me hand and making me follow her.
"Why? What happened? I was just occupied by another guest." I explained.
"Luci have been searching for you." That made me confused. Why on earth my social butterfly sister search for me.
Without another word, I saw Luci standing by the corner before she spotted me and reached out, in relief?
"Where the hell have you been?" She demanded.
"Busy with another guest. Why? What happened?" I asked once we got close.
"Mr. Owen asked me to meet his mother. I can't go there alone. I'm not good with elderly people. That's your genre." She let out in a whisper.
"Sure, my genre. Didn't you find Ashton? Go with him. It'll be much easier." I replied, knowing that he must be here somewhere. If his brother came, he'd rather die than miss because he hates letting his spot light be taken.
"Like hell. I haven't seen him once. I know he came since Mr. Owen said he did. But where the hell on earth is he, I've got no clue. Help me out, girl. I don't want to disrespect her." She pleaded as I sighed and nodded. Her wish is my comand anyway. Plus, the fact that she's speaking to me like this and taking my help is good enough.
We both walk upto Mr. Owen who noticing Luci decides to take us to meet his mother. Céline also came along with many others. No one wants to miss an opportunity like this to meet the richest woman in this circle now. I saw no sign of my father though. Haven't seen him for a while now.
As far as I remember, Mrs. Quinn Wade was a petite but very beautiful woman. Even with ageing she didn't look half her age. Its been a few years since I saw her, so my memory might fail me but I still think she'll be a beautiful person as I expected.
Following Mr. Owen Wade, we go up the second floor to the lounge where most ladies her age reside in. It wasn't hard to spot her since most ladies were already surrounding her. I could easily spot her perfectly pinned grey hair. She was in a simple grey silver dress which despite it's simplicity looked elegant. Most of all it sparkled. As they say, a woman is never too old for sparkle. Her back was on us, so I couldn't see her clearly yet. But I could already guess she would be as mentioned, a face to remember. And my assumption was correct when she turned toward us.
Beside her was a young girl around the age of 12 or 14 years, looking absolutely adorable in a white unique butterfly laced tulle dress. Her hair was clipped with braids and she was smiling cheerfully. I have a feeling I can guess who that is. But I'll keep that to myself.
"Mother, you were searching for the Caldines." Mr. Owen announced which made her finally turn our direction. She wore her age brilliantly to say the least.
"Ah, I've been wainting to meet you. How have you all been?" She asked coming forward as we all greeted and replied her.
"Mother, this is Luciana Caldine." Mr. Owen introduced as Luci went forward to greet her.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, ma'am." She let out, which I'd have smiled at since she rarely if ever calls anyone ma'am.
"Ah, don't be so formal. Call me Granma. I knew your grandmother very closely. Its a shame she isn't here anymore." She let out sighing. They were close, so I can guess she must miss her a lot.
"She'd be happy to know your healthly and still just as beautiful, Mrs. Quinn." I let out smiling stepping forward. I hope she recognises me or else I'll just embarrass myself. She looked surprised at first but then her memory caught on.
"Goodness, if it isn't our little Liya. I haven't seen you in ages. You've grown so much and so pretty since I last saw you. You used to always be so shy around others." She was surprised but I was more surprised she remembers me so clearly.
"Been a few years, I believe. Since grandmother passed away, I never got to visit you. I'm sorry for that." I explained.
"Yes, she was the one who used to bring you all the time. You used to never even as much as step out of her shadow back then. You were such an obedient child too. It's a shame I didn't get to see you prosper." She said as I smiled at her kindly.
I used to be very afraid of going anywhere without knowing, so I never went anywhere and always sat by these two old ladies. I guess that can come out as being shy.
"Luciana dear, you never visited with your grandmother. Did you? My memory isn't as sharp anymore." She said but I saw the glint of mischief in them.
Mrs. Quinn may come out as sweet but she had a much clever side of which only few were ware of. She wasn't the owner of the whole Wade's fortune for fun.
"Um, no, back then I was very busy with my school and shoots. So I barely ever had time home. I appolozise." She let out uncomfortably.
"It's okay, we can get to know eachother more." Mrs. Quinn said and the look on my sister's face while she tried to forcefully smile was worth seeing. She was so uncomfortable here.
"Mrs. Quinn, would you introduce us to the little darling there?" I said chaging the topic and pointed at the young girl standing by her side.
"Oh, look at my manners. This is my granddaughter. You've seen her, Liya. She was just 3 back then though. Introduce yoirself, sweetheart." She said to the young girl.
My guess was spot on, I saw her when she was a baby so I barely remember her. But their iconic eyes that followed their hereditary was clearly noticable.
"I'm Aurea Wade. Nice to meet you." She replied confidently. I'm impressed. At her age, I barely if ever introduced myself. Either father, Céline or grandmother introduced me to other people.
"How old are you Aurea?" Luci asked focussing on anyone but herself.
"I'm 12 this year." She let out.
"You look stunning, by the way." Luci said which made her smile wider.
"The dress looks pretty on you, Aurea." I added along.
She looked like a doll in it. Kids always look good in dresses but she looked even better for her age. I guess this is when Luci syarted polishing up her looks too. I knew I didn't look half as good at her age.
"My mother chose it for me." She said looking behind as a woman in a beautiful blue satin dress came forward.
"Did you thank them for the compliment, honey?" She asked which Aurea immidiately looked flustered before turning to us to thank us.
"This is Holly Wade. My daughter-in-law." Mrs. Quinn introduced calmly. Others were a bit curious too.
"Pleasure to meet you all." She smiled sophisticately. I know who she is.
I knew after Mrs. Sarah passed away, Mr. Owen remarried again. But personally no one actually met her since she was busy at home, as they say it. I knew she attended many events but we were never exactly introduced to her. So its fair to be curious.
Sometime I think the Wades and our family has an odd similarity in things. One of them is that the first lady of both the houses has passed away and their head remarried. Not to forget, both family head also had each two children with their previous wife. Although they say this, I'm not sure why I've never once seen the two brothers together. Even if me and my sister were at odds, we were seen together since we are part of the same family. But I've never seen Ashton with his brother as a result, I failed to recognize him today.
After speaking for a while and me saving Luciana's ass for a while, we all moved to have dinner. Finding no sign of our father we went to our designates table. As usual the charity auction was held then, amd many people put in their money for a trip here and there, for this and that. Luciana put in a few thousand for a pair of emerald and sapphire curved earings. They were pretty big to say the least. I can see why she's use them. They were vintage after all. But then since she put in something, it'd be rude if I didn't either, so in limit I bought a classic folder locket which was also vintage and had curved birds in a forest painted on the brass surface. I didn't need one but this'll go to good cause, so it's not bad.
After the dinner, where the usual speeches of thanks and so on. It was the usual boring stuff. But not once have I seen the man in question. Did Ashton leave or something? We all sat in different section so I'm not sure were the Wades took their seat. Maybe they're on the second floor. It was high ceilings, so everything can be seen from second floor as well.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special announcement today." All our attention was turned to the host. It was an elderly woman, Mrs. Orson.
"My dear friend, Mrs. Quinn would like to share something today." She passed the mike to the beautiful woman everyone admire. She looked breathtaking in the spotlight to me.
"Today wasn't suppose to be anything but a rare opportunity to share our wealth with those who are a bit unlucky, to give them a better life. Yet here I am on the verge of sharing a very important news." She started, everyone was on edge with what she planned.
I could hear whispers that maybe she's announching her heir, nor stepping out of power and so on. But then what came out of her was something even more ashtonishing than anyone expected.
"Our families have been known for our prosperity for generations. Throughout America and Europe, people know my family. Yet it doesn't mean we don't have holes and flaws. To fill those up, we join family to family. As such, today I'd like to join the hands of the Royal Caldines to that of Wades Curatives." She announced which made the whole hall erupt into a loud whispering mess.
I was so confused and shocked. I turned to Luci who looked just as surprised. I didn't understand what she meant. Are we joining bussiness? I didn't hear anything. I turned to Céline, she looked surprised too. But dad, he was smiling. When did he come back? Does he know what she meant?
"Liya, do you know what this is about?" Luci suddenly whispered.
"Uh, you're asking me? You hang out with dad, he seems to know it. He's smiling." I ponited back which she was frowning at before the whispered died down a little as Mrs. Quinn started again indicating whatever she wanted to share wasn't over.
"For those who is a bit confused, your all aware of the generation long friendship between house Caldine and Wade. The late Caldine lady, Mrs. Julia Caldine and I were very close, we had a dream that one day our both family will join hands to walk toward prosperity. As such, after her passing I was reluctant to follow through. But then the head of Caldine family assured me that this would do both the family great fortune to join in hands." Her words were turning into something I had once hoped but didn't dream to realize. Because the true form of those words will end up in a catastrophe, I was sure of it.
"Therefore, I want you to congratulate our brilliant children for finally joining hands through marriage. And form a stronger and better family for our future." She declared as I felt Luciana stiffen beside me. The spotlight fell on us blinding us both but neither she nor I even as much as flinched since we were frozen in shock.
My eyes exactly at that moment followed the man I was searching for this entire time, smiling at his grandmother from behind. They all stepped forward hugging each other and congratulations were being followed.
Ashton was missing because he was busy with this preparation. His father was beside him, so was my father. The crowd cheered in joy, some fell in discussions. Whispering what the outcome of the power shift and bussines change will be.
I didn't know what I should feel now. I should be happy, right? My sister was marrying Ashton. She was the eldest, so was Ashton. Both perfect for a match. Ashton liked her. He's be more than happy to marry her and keep her content. Then why was it that in my gut I felt something very bad just happened. Some might say I'm jealous for my feeling of crush over a boy. But I knew deep down it was something else entirely.
The feeling was proved the moment I turned toward my sister. Who's eyes were staring holes directly toward the man she's to be promised now. If she wasn't glaring, she was definately ready to kill. Because happiness or not, Luciana Caldine never does anything by other's wish. She never lets anyone choose for her. And these people were about to learn that, in the worst way possible.