"Wow! You are looking amazing!" Samuel's sister Elle said while coming towards me.
I was wearing a ravishing red satin gown which fitted me like a second skin. The corset of the dress is made of lace and is off-shoulder.
What to say! The dress itself is an art.
I smiled warmly at her.
She was wearing a green vintage dress. And looked like a goddess.
She looks so young to be a working woman. So, I decided to ask about her whereabouts.
"Are you in college?" I asked before standing up.
"Yes! Business administration." Elle said politely.
"Oh! My major. When I will be at your home, I will help with your studies" I said smiling brightly.
"Is that so?" She asked raising her eyebrows mockingly.
I nodded quickly.
"What about your work?" She asked sitting on the nearby sofa.
I went to sit on the seat I was previously occupying.
"What it has to do with that?" I asked lightly stroking my hair while looking in the mirror.
"Because Sam and Amelia always dismissed me when I asked them for any help." She said looking at me intently as if she was waiting for my response.
I chuckled softly.
"They must be busy. But, don't worry. I will make sure that I spend some time with you. Besides, I am the topper, you know?" I said leaning backward, raising both my shoulder like it's not a big deal.
Her mocking expression jumped to a serious expression while she entwined her both hands before placing them below her chin.
I nearly flinched at that lightspeed transformation.
Definitely, my Ame's blood.
"Why did you agree to this?" She asked frowning heavily, her sweet voice now filled with venom.
"For money?" I said looking away to the mirror again pretending I make some sense now.
She laughed heartily like she has found some humor in this.
Sorry, but I don't.
But I don't turn to her.
"The richest CEO wants to marry for money. Isn't ridiculous?" She said still chuckling.
I turned to look into her eyes.
Just like that her laughter died down.
"Maybe I am a gold digger?" I questioned her while tapping her chin with my index finger like it should be a thing that was worth pondering on.
Suddenly, she smiled mockingly like she knew something others don't.
"You are not!" She said firmly, affirmatively.
"Or a home-breaker?" I gave her an option wiggling my eyebrows, questioning her.
"Maybe you are not?" She retorted with a smirk.
"Why not? Because that's what your brother reason out" I asked lazily leaning to the side of the comfy chair.
"But I am not my brother," She said while rising to her feet.
"So, tell me the reason!" She demanded folding her arms in front of her chest.
"And why should I?" I asked, standing to my feet in front of her and folding my arms just like her.
"You love him, don't you?" She asked smirking.
My resolve broke down at that.
But I soon collected myself.
"You are free to think whatever you want!" I said dismissively while moving to get my phone.
"I know why you agreed to this. But stay away from him. He belongs to Amelia." She said harshly.
I just turned my head over my shoulder to look at her at the same spot whose eyes narrowed in warning.
"Didn't you say I am not a home-breaker just moments ago?" I asked clenching my jaw at her words.
She nodded absently.
"You are not a home-breaker. but I am afraid he will become one because of you." She said grimacing while a line formed between her brows.
"Then the problem is with your brother, not me" I quickly turned and placed a hand on my hip in conclusion.
"You don't understand my words. Never mind." She said shaking her head lightly before turning around to the door.
I tilted my head, my mind full of confusion.
"Anyways, Congratulations!" being her last words before walking out within a minute.
She seems sweet.
I shook my head, chuckling at our weird encounter.
"You are beautiful, dear!" My dad's voice surprised me.
"Dad!" I ran to hug him who was standing with my mom at the threshold of the door.
"My baby has grown so big!" My mom teased me.
Expected from her.
"What about me?" A feminine voice asked for my attention.
It's Emily. I am surprised.
"Oh! Sweetie!" My dad hugged her tightly followed by mom.
"You are stunning, Calla!" She genuinely smiled for the first time from our clashing.
"No! You are!" I said while grinning widely.
She was wearing a satin blue gown with an off-shoulder but her arms are lightly covered by nets which made her look more elegant than attractive.
"Ok! Time to get engaged!" She shouted merrily while dragging me to the party.
******************************************************
"Time to exchange rings"
The time has come.
I felt giddy at this point.
First, it's Emily - Liam's turn.
They both exchanged within a minute before hugging happily without a care in the world.
When it was our turn, I gulped feeling nervous.
Because it is my first and probably the last.
He took the ring without even looking at me and slipped it on my ring finger without any reaction like a robot.
He doesn't even take my hand while slipping the finger.
It's like he is avoiding my touch as much as possible.
So, we are back to square 1.
I confirmed now that he slept on the wrong side of the bed that day.
I took the ring with my shaky fingers before glancing at his face.
His face was blank without any emotion.
But his eyes were full of annoyance like I am wasting his precious time.
He came forward to speak quietly so no one's ears except me can catch his words.
His jaw clenched and his eyes burned with a passion of hate before uttering the words coated with venom.
"Don't you think it is too much? Just slip that damn ring! It's not hard! Just do it already! It's not like this is real or it makes any sense even. Just a waste of time!" He said before retracting back.
My forehead puckered at his words.
I harshly took her hand in mine before thrusting the ring harshly which cause him to hiss silently.
"Happy?" I said digging my nails into his palm while smiling sweetly causing him to hiss more.
"You will pay for this!" He cursed at me.
I finally let him free of the pain.
"As if!" I rolled my eyes at him.
Before he can say anything, I proceeded to reach Emily.
Who at the same came towards me.
"Congratulations!" I said while hugging her tight.
"Congratulation, you too bro!" I said while giving him a bear hug.
"Congrats, Cal!" Emily and Liam said together, smiling widely.
"Are you not mad at me?" I asked my smile drooping a little.
Their eyes flickered with anger at that.
"Yes! We are mad. But we love you more than that!" Emily said tapping my right shoulder while Liam nodded slowly.
I sighed in relief.
I can't carry this guilt too.
Thank god, they understood!
"Congrats Liam and Emily!" Samuel, out of nowhere stood near me, his eyes focused on nothing but me.
His mouth was doing the talking to him but his eyes were glaring at me in unspoken hate.
I took that as a cue to escape from them.
I silently removed myself from there before going to a corner to sip some juice.
While I was sitting on the corner while quenching my thirst, a voice that I have expected finally came.
"Pleasure to finally meet, Samuel's true fiance!
The reason behind all the problems and this marriage, engagement and all.
Andrew Williams.....
Our enemy.......