The magnificent banquet hall, carefully decorated with luxurious elements, awaited the distinguished guests of the grand "Starry Night" Gala. At the heart of this celebration, the Campbell and Kadman families, icons of influence and power, prepared for a triumphant entrance.
Power and influence. They shone like stars in the midst of the crowd. Adam and Callum, the heirs of the Kadman and Campbell families, attracted all eyes and admiration. They didn't need to descend to the first floor, where the gala dinner was taking place. The most illustrious guests insisted on climbing the stairs to greet them, vying for their attention and favor.
Women and omegas, wearing stunning dresses and extravagant lace, approached the staircase stealthily, hoping for a chance to get close to the two alphas. The flow of admirers heading towards the Kadmans and Campbells shifted the balance of the entire hall.
But they seemed indifferent to all the compliments they received. They descended to the hall with casual arrogance, as if nothing and no one were worthy of their consideration. They knew what they wanted and how to get it.
The crowd tried to stop them, but they easily dodged them.
Some were greeted with courtesy, others with disdain, and others were simply ignored.
They dominated the people around them with the sheer force of their presence, and people willingly submitted.
The magnificent garden that would host the grand "Starry Night" Gala was transformed into a celestial spectacle of elegance. A constellation of twinkling lights illuminated the environment, reflecting the majesty of the night sky. The stars, in their greatness, were reproduced in every detail of the decoration, creating a perfect harmony between the natural and the artificial.
Long tables, adorned with luxurious white linen tablecloths, were arranged in a fluid pattern, creating a sense of continuity and communion. Each was decorated with lush flower arrangements, incorporating deep blue and white tones as a representation of the night sky. On them, plates, silverware, and glasses sparkled like shooting stars, inviting the guests to indulge in the delicacies served. Private Tables:
The more intimate private tables were strategically positioned to provide a more secluded environment. Each was surrounded by a light curtain that gently waved with the night breeze, offering privacy without obscuring the view of the celestial spectacle above. Guests could enjoy a cozier conversation, admire the beauty of the garden, and feel the fragrance of the flowers. Central Decoration:
In the center of the garden, an imposing fountain surrounded by flowers in soft shades of blue and white was the focal point. The fountain's water reflected the light of the twinkling stars above, creating a magical and tranquil effect. Around it, comfortable chairs and cozy sofas invited guests to relax and enjoy the ambient music. Path of Light:
A path illuminated by small lights, mimicking a trail of stars, led guests through the garden. As they walked, guests could appreciate the beauty of the flowers and feel the magic of the starry atmosphere. The path led to the stage, where an orchestra played soft and captivating melodies, creating an atmosphere of dreaminess and enchantment.
Each table was adorned with elegant floral arrangements, candles delicately placed in silver candle holders, and small details reminiscent of the celestial theme, such as star-shaped place cards. Guests were welcomed with personalized cards bearing an inspiring quote about stars and the universe. The tables were named after famous constellations such as Orion, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Major, creating a connection between the party theme and astronomical culture.
The Campbell family table was a spectacle in itself, strategically positioned to have a privileged view of the stage. Luxurious floral arrangements and silver details highlighted their presence. The Campbell family consisted of Callum Campbell, Lady Sarah, Aster, and Thomaz Fitzgerald's family, composed of his wife Marguerite, a prominent lawyer, and their two children: Ava, a young producer, and Henry, a musician and aspiring singer.
The Kadman family table included Lady Elizabeth, Lord Malcolm, Adam, and Damián. In their company were Lady Elizabeth's brother, Larry Hughes, his wife, Mary Ann, and their children, Matt and Mia. Mia brought her friend Penny, a friendly fashion student, who was enchanted by the party atmosphere and the charm of Can-Bey Wilson.
The Phillips settled at the table next to them, and Aster felt a wave of unease stir his heart. Almost immediately, that feeling enveloped him for a moment, but he quickly regained control of his emotions.
The idyllic scene unfolded before them. Beatrice Phillips, a woman who believed she had committed the perfect crime, was a beloved and respected mother in high society, with her two children considered perfect. She had it all, living the ABO dream.
The intense interest in her eyes on Aster's face brought him back to reality. With astonishment, he watched Sarah Campbell wave cordially to the Phillips family.
Aster was completely mesmerized by the scene, while resentment towards his original counterpart corroded his mind. However, he managed to maintain control on the surface and a professional habit developed over the years.
When Aster spotted the Phillips family, composed of his father, stepmother, brother, and sister, he felt the strongest connection to the memories of the original—a reunion of ghosts. His connection with that family demonstrated all the anger, hatred, and resentment directed at the Phillips.
An internal voice clamored in his depths: should he take revenge on Beatrice Phillips, even if the chance was one in a million? Should she face the consequences of her actions? His lips curled with irony at the irresistible possibility of executing his own revenge.
However, Aster had no time to ponder. Ignoring the Phillips, he embraced Callum in a sticky, charming, and provocative manner, implicitly proclaiming, "He is mine!" While Callum smiled warmly, Aster's desire to kiss him closely was restrained, as the location was not appropriate.
In the face of the scene, Beatrice Phillips offered her most fake and exaggerated smile, her gaze emitting fury. Oliver's piercing look suggested an attempt to penetrate Aster's soul, barely disguising his personal feelings.
Jared Phillips stared at Aster, whose captivating smile and blue eyes with violet touches reminded him of Tristan, his great "love." A suffocating sensation rose in his throat for a moment, reminding him of Frances, his son with Tristan. Clenching his jaw, he averted his gaze from the painful memory.
Clarice's gaze was impassive, denoting nothing of disconcert. Her firm determination was evident, and she could contain the resentment that consumed her. That pain was deeply personal, belonging only to her.
The atmosphere near the Phillips became suffocating, and Aster saw in the architectural diversity of the Kostia Mansion an ideal excuse to temporarily step away. Under the pretext of a cultural visit, he planned a small tour of the unique building, filled with thematic spaces that told both modern stories of the inhabitants and past feats that shaped the nation's capital 700 years ago.
Aster briefly shared his plans with Callum:
I'm going for a small cultural tour of the mansion and then heading to the garden with Damián.
Before turning his head and looking back, however, Aster noticed Beatrice Phillips's cold eyes on him, and he wanted to say, How dare you look at me? He didn't think the encounter would affect him the way it did.
Damián, present at the Kadman table, accepted Aster's invitation to explore the artworks and historical documents on display at the Kostia Mansion. Before leaving, he kissed Adam's lips, resulting in a smile from the alpha. Then he said, "Behave," demonstrating his jealousy.
While Aster and Damián casually strolled through the grand residence, Elizabeth saw an opportunity to put her plan into action, even if it meant leaving Damián alone in Aster's company. Summoning Taylor to accompany her, Elizabeth expressed her request:
Would you mind coming with me, Taylor?
After some greetings and pleasantries, Elizabeth enthusiastically conversed with members of the Dirkes family, introducing the eldest son of the Dirkes. However, Taylor began to sense that something was amiss.
Containing her frustration, Taylor avoided openly expressing her disapproval. She knew Elizabeth was scheming something, trying to manipulate her into getting involved with another alpha and thus not posing a threat to Damián. That omega was a cunning viper capable of subtly manipulating anyone. The next step would be to take away her job.
In an exhibition covering the biography of Benjamin Williams, father of La-Heri Williams, who was kidnapped and separated from his family and later adopted the name Damián Lyon Bowes, Benjamin Williams is a prominent figure in the political scene of the Federal Republic (Y); his legacy as Chancellor and one of the most powerful alphas in the world is carefully detailed.
Benjamin, a lawyer, and politician, carved a remarkable path to become a statesman, marking his government with austerity and notable efforts in defending the principles established by the Continent Union regarding economic relations between countries in the Continent Economic Zone.
(Y) stood out as an economic powerhouse, and Benjamin Williams founded the economic fund of several United Nations.
Contemplating the exhibition, Damián cast a glance at Aster and murmured:
And blah, blah, blah...
Then, he shared with palpable sincerity:
There's no rational explanation for a father who abandons his children, but there were moments when he was expected by an eight-year-old and never showed up.
Damián reflected on the man who chose not to be present in his life. He emphasized:
That man has nothing to do with who his abandoned son has become today.
In childhood, when answers are unpredictable, all a child wants is to express longing and the desire to have their parents around. But when the understanding that they will never return sets in, that memory persists. Damián recalled the day Janine left and the feeling of loneliness he imagined he would face for the rest of his life.
Seeing Janine well and happy, Damián expressed his gratitude to God. His sister was never forgotten, and even though he wasn't physically present with her, she grew up happy.
However, at the same time, Damián couldn't help but think of Benjamin Williams. A strange mix of emotions surrounded him, and tears wet his face, breaking the barrier of the apparent strength he used to display. Aster hugged him, offering comfort and affirmation that everything would be fine.
It was a pact between them to always stay close to each other. For Damián, Aster was the only person capable of witnessing his vulnerability because, in Damián's eyes, Aster was the strongest person he had ever known.
As he thought of Beatrice Phillips, Damián wished, for a brief moment, that she would feel the pain and loneliness her actions caused. A wave of desire for justice flooded him, longing for her to experience the evil she had inflicted, especially being the person who ordered the deaths of two children.
Oliver and Clarice watched closely as Damián and Aster moved, seizing an opportunity when the two boys headed to the garden of the Kostia Mansion. Without being noticed, they decided to follow them.
The garden revealed itself as a dazzling spectacle, with celestial motifs and rich, vibrant decorations. Its futuristic aesthetic, both charming and magical, resembled a fairy tale. Statues and ornaments brought the environment to life, transforming the Kostia Mansion into a true masterpiece.
Oliver and Clarice approached Aster and Damián slowly. When Oliver spoke, his voice was low and hoarse.
Aster and Damián, it's a true pleasure to finally be in your company. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Clarice stepped forward, greeting Aster, whom she already knew, and introducing him to her brother. Aster, with calculated words, made the proper introductions of Damián to Clarice and Oliver.
Damián responded promptly, surprising Oliver with his audacity.
What do you want? His bold question made Oliver remain silent, gritting his teeth and giving a threatening look, resulting in laughter from both boys.
Clarice's smile disappeared, and she approached, speaking low:
We're not here to fight. However, I think you two should stop provoking.
Aster responded promptly:
I know people have their reasons to pretend everything is fine, but...
Why are you close to me? Is it about the next day? We'll have our pictures in the newspapers and the usual note: treacherous omega, lover, speculations about you and Callum, and so on...
—Virtue and the despicable together? —Aster spoke promptly.
You two want to drag me into a scene between virtuous old love and vile, despicable romantic love.
With dark eyes, Oliver said through gritted teeth:
I don't know what you two did, but I know you set it up that day at the hotel, and I will prove it.
I'm not afraid of you! — Damián retorted.
If you had any sense, you would be afraid of me," Oliver murmured.
What kind of trust should you place in an omega who has been involved in a highly sexualized character from the start?
I won't be fooled by you two, and I will certainly uncover the condemnable and illegal means you used," asserted Aster, staring fixedly at Oliver.
Let me understand: you came here to vent your frustrations as a victim used in a scheme? Aster taunted.
Don't you think you're reacting a bit too much to the situation? It's crucial to realize that your sister wasn't the only one affected by this incident, you know? It was the same for me too!
How dare you? Be impacted and harmed? Clarice inquired, offended.
She spoke next: Callum offered you the best of both worlds—the respectability of your position and your passion. Clarice replied coldly.
And you're no better than any of the foolish alphas, betas, or omegas who fell so easily into your bed.
What kind of romantic fight is this? — Damián spoke exasperated.