Three months later,
The sun cast a warm glow over the lush green lawn, where Maeve's Brooklyn celebration graduation was in full swing. The vibrant outdoor setting, complete with a gazebo and sparkling fountain drew, admiring gazes from the guests.
Maeve navigated through the crowd, her eyes scanning the faces of her family's guests. The warm sunlight and gentle breeze couldn't ease the tension building inside her.
Edward grasped her arm as she reached the buffet table, his grip tightening. "Why don't you wipe that silly frown off your face? Smile, Maeve. We're almost engaged." The vile intentions hidden behind his sinister smile made her nauseous.
Maeve's eyes flashed with anger. She jerked her elbow out of his grasp. "Let go of me, Edward." she hissed harshly.
Edward's grip tightened and through gritted teeth, he leaned in, his cold breath cold against her ear. "You will obey me if you want to be treated well after officially announcing our engagement."
Maeve's heart pounded, but her resolve remained unshaken. "Right now we aren't, so let go," she warned, her voice low and firm.
Cecilia appeared beside them, her flashing warning. "Maeve, don't cause a scene."
Maeve stared at her dumbfounded as if she had not seen Edward's aggressive grasp. Cecilia had been tasked with keeping her in check and making sure this engagement went smoothly.
Maeve knew reacting then would ruin her plan. She left their presence, staring daggers at Cecilia before she walked away.
"If this was done perfectly she would kiss this forsaken family goodbye." Maeve thought to herself.
Minutes later, Cecilia excused herself, leaving a bodyguard in her place. Maeve saw an opportunity she couldn't miss. She mingled with the guests. waiting for the perfect moment. The guard's attention wavered, distracted by a nearby conversation.
Maeve seized the opportunity. She slipped away, weaving through the crowd, her heart racing. She reached for the microphone, and her voice rang out across the lawn. "Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," She greeted.
Her eyes locked onto her father's face which crumbled into a deep frown. His menacing gaze told her to get off the stage. She turned to the guests instead. "I have something very important to announce."
The guest turned curious as to what she wanted to say.
"I hereby renounce my ties with the Donahue family." Maeve declared. "And I want to officially say, I will be removing myself from its family register," Maeve said.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
***********************************************
Three days ago,
It was the night of the graduation prom for senior years. The majestic backdrop unfolded like a fairytale, the grand floor from the events hall had been redecorated and set up to bathe in a warm golden light. It was the early hours of the evening, and the bright lights cast a glow on the sea of gowns and tailored tuxedos trooping in with luxurious vehicles. A pair amongst each of themselves.
Soft strings of lights twinkled like stars above the dance floor, where couples swayed to the rhythm of a live band. The air vibrated with laughter, music and the promise of a wonderful and memorable evening.
A red carpet stretched from the entrance to the dance floor, flanked by towering candelabras and fragrant flower arrangements. The sweet scent of blooming roses and lilies wafted through the air, mingling with the perfume of excited chatter.
The seniors and other guests mingled and posed for photos, their smiles flashing like diamonds against the elegant backdrop. The sound of clinking glasses and champagne toast filled the air, accompanied by the bustling chatters.
Maeve arrived at the prom party, her simple yet elegant dress, a stark contrast to the glamorous gowns surrounding her.
She stepped out of her car and onto the manicured lawn outside the venue, the soft grass cushioned her heels. Her eyes scanned the crowd. She sighed, a feeling of dread towards her main goal for the night.
Maeve told the driver to wait and that she wouldn't be long. She hadn't planned to attend this prom. She walked around the place, admiring the detailed decorations of the hall. Her search wasn't far long before she came across the target, Kate.
Maeve wove through the crowd with determined precision. She thanked the lord she was alone by herself. As she reached her, Maeve was struck by Kate's night blue gown shimmering in the fading light, the delicate straps accentuating her shoulders. Maeve's heart swelled with awe at her beauty. She tapped Kate on the shoulder to get her attention.
Kate froze on the spot. Maeve noticed the firm clutch on her purse which matched her gown. Her weary self withdrew as her panicked gaze searched for an escape or someone who could save her. Her reaction was understandable.
"Can we talk for a minute, alone?" Maeve asked. Kate seemed reluctant to follow her. "I promise it's just to talk," she reassured her.
"Okay..." Kate answered.
They both slipped away from the party, finding a secluded spot just outside the event hall. The subtle awkward silence between them. Kate was confused and alert, her sign of distrust was so evident.
"I wanted to bring you out here solely to apologize," Maeve started, her tone soft and trembling. It was harder than she had imagined. Kate gave her a long stare saying no word.
"For what?" Kate asked.
"For everything, though I don't expect you to forgive me. I would like you to know I'm sorry and deeply regret everything I did."
"Did Oliver set you up for this, cause he said he had a surprise for me and I'm seeing it's you," she searched around maybe Oliver would appear.
"No, I'm sure that's another thing. But as for this, no one put me up for it. I am sorry for everything." Maeve said.
Kate's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing as she studied Maeve's expression. "What's the catch? Somehow I can't buy any of this." her expression remained skeptical.
Maeve's face fell, but she persisted. "No catch, Kate, I mean it. I have been thinking a lot and I realized that I couldn't just end everything this way."
Kate clicked her tongue, her face looked not impressed by this whole thing. "Yeah, sure..." Kate muttered. " I accept your apology." Maeve beamed, she shrieked for joy though it was given half-heartedly.
It was the best she could accept from her, and she was willing to take it. Maeve stepped forward, earning a shocked look from Kate who looked even more guarded. "Where do you think you are going?" she asked alarmed by her approach.
"I'm coming in for a hug," Maeve answered. "or is it too much?" before Kate could respond. Oliver bursts into the secluded spot, his face filled with panic and concern.
"Kate, are you okay?" he asked, staring between her and Maeve. He took a protective stance between her and Kate.
Maeve felt a sting of hurt at his actions though she could understand the intention behind it. Still, it didn't help but hurt. Kate had relaxed as soon as she saw Oliver. Maeve saw this as a sign to leave.
This was it.
Time for the main event.