Maeve swept into Cecilia's engagement dinner, a vision in white. The grand ballroom's door swung open, framing her entrance. The room fell silent, conversations halted, as all eyes locked onto her.
The strapless gown hugs her curves, the fitted bodice accentuating her slender waist. The floor-length skirt cascaded down her legs, a dramatic train floating behind her. Gasps echoed through the ballroom, followed by a collective whisper.
"Wow"
"Stunning"
"She dresses as though she is the one being engaged,"
Maeve's confident stride devoured the distance, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Her emerald eyes sparkled, auburn hair styled to perfection.
As she reached the centre of the room, Maeve paused, surveying the crowd. Her gaze locked onto Cecilia, standing across the room, surrounded by a cluster of guests.
Cecilia's purple gown seemed dull in comparison, and her expression darkened. Maeve's smile was radiant, and her lips curled upward. She began to weave through the crowd, accepting greetings and admiring glances.
Cecilia extricated herself from the group, her eyes flashing. "Maeve, really?" Cecilia said, her voice dripping with venom. Maeve's laughter was musical. "Congratulations, dear sister," Maeve said. "You look...nice" Cecilia's smile was icy.
"You're late, and wearing an off-putting dress at that," Cecilia said as she took in her dress whole. Maeve's gaze never wavered.
"Oh, I'm just trying to blend in," Maeve said. "After all, today is an exceptional day for you."
The room fell silent, sensing the tension. Cecilia's eyes narrowed. "You're trying to cause a scene, again." Maeve's shrug was elegant. "I'm just joining the celebration."
Cecilia's gaze dropped to Maeve's neck, her eyes widening. "And that necklace...isn't that the starlight serenade?" Cecilia asked.
Maeve's finger instinctively rose to her diamonds. "Acquired at the auction," Maeve said. Cecilia's face paled.
"Mother will not be pleased," Cecilia warned. And just then, Victoria appeared. Victoria's slender figure stood tall, her shoulders squared, exuding authority. Her silver gown shimmered in the light, accentuating her poised demeanor.
" Maeve, what are you doing wearing something like that to your sister's engagement dinner," Victoria's voice strong and stern. "I insist you change into something more suitable."
Maeve's smile never wavered, but her eyes flashed with amusement. She tilted her head, her chin rising slightly as if daring Victoria to continue. A nearby guest raised an eyebrow intrigued. "quite bold, don't you think?" they murmured.
Victoria's expression remained serene, but her eyes narrowed, eyebrows compressing, and lips pursed, a subtle sign of disapproval.
"Maeve, this is not a joke," Victoria warned. The air was heavy with tension. Maeve's gaze danced, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She shifted her weight, her hips swaying slightly as if taunting her mother.
Maeve's voice remained husky, laced with sarcasm. "I'm not laughing, Mother," Maeve said.
Victoria's composure began to fray. Her eyes flashed, her nostrils flaring. Her hands clenched, then relaxed, a subtle sign of her ongoing restraint. "Maeve, don't push me," Victoria's voice trembled.
Maeve sensed the shift. Her smile faltered, replaced by a calculating gaze. She nodded, her curls bobbing. "Of course, Mother," Maeve said. Her tone was sugary sweet, but her eyes betrayed her resentment. "I'll change immediately."
Victoria's expression returned to calm, her mask slipping back into place. Her shoulders relaxed, her lips softening. "See that you do," Victoria said.
Maeve left, her movement fluid, but her eyes flashing with defiance. "Yes, Mother." As Maeve exited, Victoria turned to the guests, her charmed smile on display, "Let's continue as before, music please," she announced.
Maeve exited the ballroom, her heels clicking on the marble floor, she turned a corner and collided with a tall, broad-shouldered figure. Apologies were exchanged, and Maeve's gaze met Alexander Durvan. Her eyes widened, taking in his chiselled features. His hazel eyes, fringed with thick lashes, sparkled with warmth. His strong jawline and sharp cheekbones made him look like a Renaissance sculpture. His dark hair was perfectly styled and his tailored tuxedo accentuated his average-built body frame. Her tongue clicked in envy as to why her sister was allowing entering such an esteemed family. While she still had to deal with the woes of her parent.
"Alexander, I am so sorry about that," Maeve said, her voice husky. Alexander's smile was polite but genuine. "Maeve, It's no worry at all, and you look remarkably stunning this evening," he said, complimenting her gown. Maeve's cheeks flushed. she felt a thrill at his words.
As they stood there, Maeve couldn't help but notice the way, Alexander's eyes crinkled at the corners, the subtle dimple on his left cheek, and the way his shoulders seemed to broaden as he moved. "Thanks," Maeve replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Maeve's eyes locked onto Alexander's, her smile hinting at mischief. "Alexander, I need your help with something, it won't take much of your time" she said, her voice low and urgent. Alexander's brow furrowed. "What is it, Maeve?"
Maeve glanced around the crowded hallway, "Not here. Let's step outside for a minute." Alexander hesitated, glancing at his watch. "I should get back to Cecilia. We have guests waiting."
Maeve's hands brushed against his arm. "Just five minutes is all I ask and you will be with my sister," Alexander's resolve weakened. "Fine. just five minutes and I need to make an appearance at my engagement dinner."
Maeve led him through a side door, into the villa's inner pool and garden. The cool indoor atmosphere enveloped them, the sound of laughter and music fading into the distance. As they walked, Maeve's pace slowed.
"What is it you had to tell me that you brought me to this secluded place." He asked.
"It's about Cecilia" Maeve said, her voice laced with concern. Alexander's expression turned serious. "What's wrong?" he asked.
At the ballroom, Victoria looked away from the crowd gathered, her eyes scanning the room in search, Cecilia was close to her, her gaze distant and dull. "Your fiancé hasn't shown up, he must have gotten lost somewhere. You should go search for with some of the servants" she suggested. Cecilia nodded and left.
"I suspect she is hiding something from you," Maeve said, and Alexander's brow furrowed. "What make you think that?" Maeve smile was enigmatic. "Let's just say...I have my reasons."
"Your claims sound absurd," he sighed. " I shouldn't have wasted time to come here" he made to leave the inner garden when Maeve tried to stop him but her heels caught on the gazebo's step. Alexander instinctively grasped her waist, steadying her.
"Careful," Alexander said. Maeve's eyes sparkled. " Thanks," Maeve replied.
Their gazes locked, the tension palpable. Suddenly, a loose paving stone shifted beneath them. Alexander's grip tightened, but it was too late. Together, they tumbled into the villa's illuminated pool. Water enveloped them, a shock of coolness. As they surfaced, Maeve's laughter echoed, " Sorry!" Maeve giggled. Alexander chuckled, shaking his head. "No harm done."
Maeve clung to Alexander's shoulder, her body pressed against his. "Help me out?" Maeve asked. Alexander lifted Maeve, his hands spanning her waist. as they stood at the pool's edge, water dripping from their hair, Maeve's gaze locked onto Alexander's.
"I feel cold all of a sudden" Maeve whispered, her voice quaked with a slight shiver. Alexander's eyes crinkled. "Quite the contrary, It is warm in here," He said.
Maeve's smile was sly. "Can you warm me up, I feel like the cold is eating me up from inside" Maeve leaned in, her lips brushing Alexander's. For the slight moment when his eyes were caught in hers, he paused.