The whole room went silent at the weight of words. It was an extreme play of indirect words, especially since no one dared to speak up front to her.
"How rude." Lily glared at the bastard son. "It seems you have forgotten who raised you to be where you stand." Placing the wine cup on the table with a 'Thud', the air had become chilly. The relatives were eagerly anticipating Orion's answer.
"It's you who has forgotten your position" He spoke as though it were an obvious truth.
Orion: 1; Lily: 0
Lily had her ears and cheeks turn red like tomatoes from the humiliation. The rest of the people at the table made sure to glance at her losing face, but she was quick to glare at them, which made everyone turn their eyes away.
"Also, it's the day of my engagement with my lovely fiancé, so please do not ruin the mood." He gave his final warning.
"Indeed. Now shall we raise a toast for the newly engaged?" Arthur said it in a lively tone. Promptly, all the people raised their glasses, thus celebrating the engagement.
The celebration lasted for a while since the people started to dance and sing while enjoying the delicacies. Due to shame and humiliation, Lily and Harvey were the first to leave while the rest stayed.
"What's with that long face?" Orion leaned closer to her, and his breath brushed off the side of her ear.
'eh?' Helle turned towards Orion. Even while being surrounded by a crowd, it was as though she was alone.
"Nothing much," she brushed off and took a bite of the steak. The tender meat melted in her mouth, and a crease of happiness formed.
Lawrence Campbell and Arthur Lennox were on the karaoke, singing the songs at their loudest voices to entertain the guests. A group of wives had encircled them, and the room was lively.
"Is that so? You sure that you didn't take Lily's word to heart?" There was an underlying frolic tone in his voice and his face.
"Why would I? Hump, I'm not so frail hearted to break over such petty words." Helle rolled her eyes and pouted her lips. A slight tint of pink blush spread on her cheeks. This time around, her guard was lax, and she spoke her mind.
The amusement on Orion's face was the epitome of mirth. His almond-shaped eyes were slightly turned down like crescent moons, and his lips curled down to his natural smile.
"Then I wonder who was the one who'd gone speechless," Orion remarked. His antics were like that of a young teen! Teasing her every time they'd be together.
"Not me." Her cheeks got fuller as her lips pouted even more. It was like teasing a chubby tabby cat.
The smile broke on Orion's face as he let out a gleeful laughter. His fiancé was too cute to resist. It was clear that she didn't like to lose, even when she didn't have the upper hand.
"Then I wonder who it was," he threw his back and then leaned to her side once again.
From the other side of the table, Selah and Leah continued to watch the teasing couple. They seemed like the perfect newlywed couple who were still blushy and in the first stages of their love.
"Do you think we should interrupt them and present our gifts?" Selah whispered. Her eyes were on Orion. When was the last time she had seen him laugh like that? Perhaps a very long time ago. Even she couldn't remember, and as bitter it felt that she wasn't the one who made him smile, she felt even worse for Helle.
"Sure. Let's go. Their blatant display of affection is making me sick." How could he be comfortable with someone like her?" She completed her words in her mind.
Leah stood from her side and made her gown. It was satisfying to watch Lily's defeated face, but if only Orion had taken action before... If only... then perhaps her life wouldn't have been so miserable.
'Tsk, let's not think about such things. I should count my blessings.'
Selah had prepared a huge basket of makeup, which was filled with unreleased products from various companies she had worked with. Carrying it, Selah and Leah walked towards the young couple who were having their meal.
"Brother"
"Orion"
They spoke in union.
Helle wiped her lips with the serviette and promptly had her position straightened. Turning towards the guests, her face somewhat turned pale. It was the same young woman from before who had hit her in the face, and next to her, Selah Campbell.
"eh?" Orion turned towards the two women, and they gave the basket to him.
"Congratulations on your engagement." They spoke simultaneously. While the background noise was lively and loud, they had no difficulty communicating.
"Thank you," Orion replied and stood up from his seat. Right after, he reached out his hand to Helle. She gave him a look before taking his hands. It was larger and warmer in comparison to her own, but even after standing up, he continued to hold her hands.
"She is Helle Chevalier, my fiancé." He first introduced. Helle gave a short bow, and although both women felt as though they had eaten bitter melon, lips twisted with a tinge of displease, Orion continued, "She is my younger sister, Leah Lennox, and she is my childhood friend, Selah Campbell."
"Nice to meet you both," Helle once again bowed with a graceful smile. Her fingers tightly clutched Orion's; after all, the two devils had come to find her! Donovan had warned her to stay away from them.
"Same here, Helle." Selah was the first one to reply, while Leah had her hands crossed on her chest. Eyes checked the couple from top to bottom.
"How could you both visit the newly engaged without me?" A man walked to Leah's side. He wore an extravagant suit; the tone of his voice was extra loud. Despite the similarities in appearance, the man had a completely different vibe.