The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the Grigoras mansion as the night unfolded. The grand hall was a tapestry of shimmering lights and vibrant colors, the atmosphere alive with laughter and music. Aneira stood at the entrance, her heart fluttering like a delicate butterfly. She had changed into a stunning midnight-blue gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, the fabric flowing elegantly around her legs. Her blonde curls cascaded down her shoulders, catching the light as she moved.
Jaxton stood beside her, looking more handsome in a grey shirt and pants that accentuated his tall, muscular frame. He wore sleek glasses that only added to his striking allure, making his blue eyes appear even more captivating. His hand was warm around hers, a steady reassurance amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her.
As they made their way into the hall, Aneira felt like she was stepping into a world of grandeur. The guests were a mix of familiar faces and strangers, all dressed to the nines, their laughter and conversations blending into a symphony of celebration. She didn't recognize most of them, because they were colleagues of Jaxton from his law firm and business partners she had never met.
"Everyone, this is Aneira, my wife," Jaxton walked towards his colleagues and said, his voice cutting through the noise. His friends paused at what they were doing, all eyes turned to her. She felt a mixture of pride and embarrassment as they greeted her with warm smiles.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Haydra! Welcome to the family," one of Jaxton's colleagues said, bowing slightly. "We've heard a lot about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Aneira brow rose. They have heard a lot about her? From who? From where?
"Thank you," Aneira managed to say, her voice soft yet filled with determination. She smiled and shook hands, feeling like she was in a dream where she borrowed the lives of everyone around her.
As she took a breath to steady her racing heart, she noticed a significant absence. "Jaxton," she whispered, leaning closer to him. "Where are your parents? I haven't met them yet."
He smiled softly, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "You'll meet them soon. Don't worry." His warm breath sent shivers down her spine, igniting a flicker of excitement in her chest.
Just then, the door swung open, and Ethan stepped inside, his presence commanding attention. Aneira's heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of him. He hadn't attended the church earlier, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease as he walked towards them, a mix of apprehension and familiarity in his gaze.
"Uncle," Ethan greeted Jaxton with a hint of fear in his voice, a slight bow to his head.
Sophia, spotting her boyfriend, beamed with delight. She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head on his chest, a self-satisfied smile plastered across her face. Aneira's heart sank at the sight. Despite the wedding festivities, she felt a stab of discomfort at their closeness.
Jaxton noticed her unease. "Ethan, have you greeted your aunt yet?" he prompted, his tone firm but light-hearted.
Caught off guard, Ethan looked at Aneira, his expression shifting. "Uh, Auntie Aneira, congratulations" he said, his voice strained as he forced a smile.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Aneira's eyes widened, and she barely managed a soft "Hmmm" before turning away, feeling the heat of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. Jaxton immediately followed her, sensing her discomfort.
"Why did you call her Auntie?" Sophia exclaimed, her voice dripping with disdain as she approached Ethan, eyes blazing with jealousy. "You used to date her!"
Ethan looked panicked, glancing toward Jaxton, who stood protectively beside Aneira. "Let's not do this here, Sophia," he urged, trying to calm her. "You know how my uncle is. Just… don't say anything to provoke him."
Sophia's frustration boiled over. "What do you mean? Why are you scared of him?" She felt a knot form in her stomach as she grappled with the realisation that she had underestimated the bond between Ethan and Jaxton. She used to think that him and his uncle were very close.
Ethan sighed, shifting nervously. "He's not someone to mess with, especially for your sake. Just leave it be."
Sophia, taken aback, felt the weight of regret press down on her. Maybe she had made a mistake in trying to take Ethan from Aneira. When she caught a glimpse of Aneira's calm demeanor, it unsettled her further. The way Aneira looked at Ethan was distant, as if she had moved on far quicker than anyone anticipated.
Fueled by anger, Sophia grabbed a glass of alcohol from a nearby table and gulped it down, her eyes darting between Jaxton and Aneira, resentment bubbling within her.
As the tension simmered, Jaxton gathered everyone's attention, his commanding voice cutting through the whispers. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, a confident smile on his face. "I'd like to introduce my beautiful wife, Aneira Haydra. Treat her with the same respect you show me."
Of course, she was no longer Aneira Grigoras.
He stepped closer to her, taking her hands in his, and kissed her softly on the cheek. The crowd erupted into applause, and Aneira felt her cheeks flush with warmth.
Amidst the clapping, she caught Sophia's envious glare and the fire in her eyes fueled Aneira's resolve. She was no longer just a pawn in someone else's game; she was Jaxton's wife, and she would embrace her new life with strength and dignity.
As the evening wore on, Aneira felt a renewed sense of belonging, surrounded by the celebration of their union. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she was ready to face them, hand in hand with Jaxton, now and always.
Ethan couldn't keep his eyes off Aneira. The way she smiled at his uncle, even from a distance, stirred something deep inside, something he hadn't felt in a long time. He missed her, the warmth they once shared, and guilt gnawed at him. Why had he left her for Sophia, someone who wasn't even the true Grigoras heiress?
He downed the wine in his glass in one quick motion, trying to drown his anger and regret. A soft voice broke through his thoughts as a woman leaned into him, her hand resting on his arm. "Need company?" she whispered, her lips brushing his ear.
He glanced at her, but didn't respond. He wasn't in the mood for company or her games. His frustration simmered under the surface, but the woman persisted. She slid her hand down his lap, squeezing gently before her lips grazed his neck. "You smell good," she murmured.
Suddenly, Ethan felt a wave of dizziness. His body was hot, his head spinning. At first, he thought it was the alcohol, but something wasn't right. The room seemed to blur, and the woman's words became muffled. Before he knew it, he found himself following her outside, stumbling as she led him to his car.