The meeting concluded with a lunch in the gallery. Damián and the other participants gathered in the meeting room, where the atmosphere was light and relaxed, filled with inspiring discussions that had taken place during the meeting. While enjoying their meals, the characters shared their impressions and reflections on the gathering.
After the lunch, Lady Elizabeth and Miles Young bid farewell to the group and headed towards the car. As they got into the vehicle, Lady Elizabeth couldn't contain the sense of enchantment that engulfed her. She turned to Miles and said:
"It has been a wonderful day, Miles. Meeting Damián and Aster, these talented young individuals, has been a true gift. They have a passion for art and a creativity that truly captivated me."
"Damián introduced me as his mother-in-law, which was extremely gratifying. What a great start we've had as a family..."
Miles smiled and nodded. "Certainly, Lady Elizabeth. It's inspiring to see how they approach art in a unique and impactful way. I'm sure Adam will have a great marriage."
Alone in his office, Callum immersed himself in his thoughts, focusing on Aster. He yearned to convey a sense of comfort and protection to Aster, wanting him to know that he could let his guard down and breathe easy by his side. Callum was willing to do anything for him.
At the same time, the last conversation he had with his mother echoed in his mind. She had always been a reserved and emotionally stable person, never displaying frankness or neuroticism. Callum recalled his mother's carefully chosen words, spoken with unwavering calmness. She had a unique way of expressing her deeply rooted and sincere feelings. Callum cherished her discretion and wisdom, knowing that she was a constant presence in his life, even if she didn't openly express her thoughts.
He never thought that one day he would have such a heated conversation with his mother. The words they exchanged still reverberated in his mind, a mixture of tension, concern, and unconditional love. Despite the difficult moment, Callum knew that the bond he shared with his mother was profound and unbreakable.
However, amidst all the emotional turbulence, one certainty remained unchanged: Aster was his omega, his destined partner, and nothing would change that. Callum felt a deep and visceral connection with Aster, a bond that transcended all difficulties and uncertainties. He was determined to provide Aster with the security and love he deserved, even if it meant facing challenges and overcoming obstacles.
Aster voiced aloud, "I wonder if Callum's mother is kind like Lady Elizabeth? I liked her," he emphasized.
Damián, hearing his friend's comment, raised an eyebrow and smirked cynically. "Behave well and don't let anyone perceive any discomfort, Aster. Pretend, pretend that nothing bothers you, and remember to smile and keep pretending."
Aster sighed. He knew Damián was right. He had to behave well if he wanted to make a good impression on Callum's family, although he wasn't interested in making a good impression—it was a strange feeling.
Promptly at 8 p.m., Aster arrived at the beautiful Canopus Mansion, the Campbell residence in the Galway Valley.
As he entered the Campbell residence, Aster was impressed by the architectural harmony that turned the structure itself into a work of art, where all the elements complemented each other perfectly.
The imposing mansion, with its four floors and 3,500 square meters, was just one of the many properties owned by the Campbell family.
Outside, a massive entertainment deck stretched out, accompanied by a breathtaking infinity pool and a garage filled with exotic cars, worth millions. There was even a helipad. Everything was of indescribable luxury, at the highest level.
Upon entering the mansion, Aster was greeted by Aubree, the butler, whose strong voice perfectly matched his imposing presence.
Despite having seen some photos, Aster was not prepared for the stunning beauty of Callum's mother, Mrs. Sarah Campbell. She was truly breathtaking, with long blonde hair and expressive green eyes.
Lady Sarah was wearing a beautiful green dress and high heels. "You must be Aster. I'm Sarah, Callum's mother," she said.
Aster extended his hand to Lady Sarah, who took it with some enthusiasm. She smiled affectionately. Perhaps Aster's first impression was wrong because, despite her beauty and polite and restrained demeanor, Callum's mother reminded him of the wicked witch who deceived Hansel and Gretel.
Noticing that Lady Sarah's appearance did not match her actions, Aster remained alert. After 30 minutes of trivial conversation, he felt that Callum's mother was waiting for a misstep.
That's when she finally spoke. "Obviously, I'm beginning to accept the ideas and the grand transformation that has occurred with your arrival, the changes that all this has caused and implied."
Aster responded with a gentle smile, "Of course, I understand. Being open to new possibilities is a complicated and sometimes painful process."
Given the situation, Aster concluded that he could only be friendly, for now.
Suddenly, Lady Sarah seemed slightly uncomfortable, which put Aster on guard. "Is everything alright?" he asked.
Lady Sarah gave a smile that barely reached her lips. "Actually, no, Aster, I need to have a serious conversation with you," she said in a low, clear, and objective voice.
Aster thought, "What bad luck! Why isn't she as sweet and kind as Lady Elizabeth? This isn't normal for a first encounter. Usually, misunderstandings are resolved gradually, in a less direct manner."
Upon noticing the impasse, Lady Sarah began to speak in a low and cold voice, right where they stood. "In truth, nature doesn't dictate all the rules in the ABO world. I believe my son needs to confront and overcome his desires."
The human side must prevail over the animal side, not because the animal side is bad. Instincts cannot dominate our existence, even though they can be useful. They are elements that interface with the world, but should not make decisions in our lives. "Passions can be enjoyable, like a good and sweet (chocolate), but they should remain just that."
Aster, a highly trained CIA agent, felt completely devalued when compared to a chocolate bar in Lady Sarah's explanation. His identity and worth were reduced, diminished, and compared to something so sweet and indulgent.
Feeling nostalgic, he recalled the moment he arrived in this new world and found himself face to face with the Werewolf, the Witch's son. Fate had been cruel to him.
"I'm not saying that my son feels nothing, but he is an Alpha Prime, and you're an omega, and Alphas are naturally drawn to omegas. I think my son should fight against it, against his animal nature, and act by reason."
Aster maintained a calm gaze in Lady Sarah's eyes. He was accustomed to great demands, intense pressures, and profound disappointments. His voice remained steady and unwavering as he replied, "I understand that this whole situation may have caused discomfort and my presence brought turbulence. However, I never intended to take a place that didn't belong to me. I comprehend how challenging it can be to accept a relationship that challenges the existence of another."
"When you don't know where you're going, any path will do. But I knew my destiny and didn't change my course by choice."
As Sarah Campbell was about to respond, Callum entered the room, accompanied by his grandfather, Lord Mallet. Callum was elegantly dressed in an impeccable three-piece suit, tie, and well-polished shoes. His hair was perfectly groomed.
Despite the tense atmosphere in the air, Aster noticed with surprise that Lady Sarah, in an almost acrobatic move, changed her posture as if she were performing in a theater. It was as if the previous conversation had been erased from the script, and she was now improvising a new scene. Aster could hardly believe how quickly and skillfully she switched subjects, leaving him with the feeling that he was about to participate in an impromptu theatrical play.
Despite the oddity and the warm moment, Aster was enveloped in Callum's strong arms. It was their first direct contact in front of the Campbell family. As he surrendered to Callum's comforting embrace, Aster decided that if Lady Sarah was capable of playing a role so convincingly in front of him, then he would allow himself to do the same. During this evening, he would elevate the level of romance.
Callum said, "Aster, thank you for coming," and introduced him to his grandfather, Mr. Mallet Campbell.
Aster could perceive a slight questioning in Callum's eyes, but nevertheless, he knew that the Campbell family's demons did not belong to him. "However, he admitted to himself that Lady Sarah was as versatile as an undercover agent, capable of quickly changing her version within seconds." Dangerous villain!"
Aster couldn't help but think about starting to have some fun. He decided to be cooperative with his script, even though his ending would be tragic, and he wouldn't end up with Callum; he would still help in some way to achieve the plans and objectives of that plot.
He had to be realistic enough, even while interpreting a show. So he decided to start his performance with delicate displays of physical contact, demonstrations of affection, or simply with meaningful glances.
The dining room was intimate, illuminated by a deconstructed crystal chandelier, where each cut crystal hung from an invisible thread.
The dining table resembled a fleet of chrome armchairs with exquisite style. The ambiance exuded a retro-futuristic charm from the 1960s.
Indeed, the dinner was meticulously prepared—taking into account the most refined etiquette rules. Each plate, glass, and utensil had its specific position on the table, following a protocol similar to French etiquette.
Aster realized that this dinner was not just an ordinary meal but rather a true spectacle of sophistication. Every detail had been carefully planned to impress the guests and demonstrate the elegance of the Campbell family.
From the arrangement of the glasses, which included options for different types of beverages, to the sequence of courses. Starting with an exquisite appetizer of oyster puree and followed by a sumptuously prepared lobster main course, everything was a genuine treat for the senses.
Aster knew that in this environment, any mistake could be noticed and interpreted as a lack of knowledge of high etiquette. Therefore, he made an effort to adhere to each rule, maintaining proper posture, using the correct cutlery, and savoring each delicacy with the required finesse.
Although the dinner seemed like a challenge, Aster felt confident in his ability to adapt to formal situations. His experiences in high-profile events in his previous life had provided him with the necessary skills to face that exquisite banquet with elegance and charm.