Sebastian's POV
The ballroom as expected was an extravagant spectacle—a glittering ocean of opulence, followed by the who's who of high society, media personnel from different walks, and ambitious politicians. I'd made it a point of duty that the event becomes well-publicized. If there was any reason, even a sliver of doubt which would have been an issue about my sexuality, about my engagement, well, tonight would erase it all.
Just across the room, Grace Monroe, the over ambitious mother, flitted between groups of guests, all politicians and influential figures, her face showing off how delighted she was. But something was off, her smile seemed rehearsed. She was in her full element, showing off big time by shaking hands, laughing a little too hard at unfunny jokes, and annoyingly telling off her identity to everyone present .
I watched every of her moves, watched as she approached a group of reporters, her hand resting forcefully on Lila's back as she pushed her so hard to move forward. My fiancée—if I could be proud to even call her that—was everything stiff, I noticed how awkward her movements were as she was forced into the spotlight she never wanted.
"Put on a smile, Lila," Grace whispered, but it was loud enough for me to hear. "Do you intend embarrassing me tonight?"
Lila glanced back at her mother, then returned her attention back at the flashing cameras, her lips finally making way for the kind of smile that made me wonder how much longer she was going to hold for the act before she cracked.
"Lively party, Grace," I said as I approached them for pleasantries, my voice smooth and of course, not without being laced with enough charm to make her drool.
"Sebastian!" Grace beamed happily, but I wasn't fooled, it was all her political mask slipping into place. "You've in few hours done more than wonders for my campaign, you know. This engagement has done so great in elevating my profile, surprising in ways I couldn't have dreamed of."
I gave her a forced smile, ignoring the pretense dug deep in her tone. It was no more a secret she hated that it was Lila that would enjoy my wealth instead of Diana.
"Lila," I said, turning my attention to her, "we need to Stick together to make the rounds."
Lila looked surprisingly relieved the moment I turned my attention to her until Grace returned to grab her hand again ."Sebastian, darling, please, could you give us just a moment. I need to speak privately with my daughter."
I nodded, though it was obvious how badly Lila wanted to be far away from her. I didn't miss the way Lila's eyes darted to me for help, to spend more time with her, almost pleading.
As I moved away just an inch away, I couldn't help it but eve drop on Grace's cruel conversation with Lila.
"You're in round representing me tonight," Grace hissed harshly. "Don't forget that in anyway. I've invested way too much into this engagement just to help publicize my campaign, and I wouldn't want you to ruin it with your sulking."
"I'm trying my best Mom, I'm not sulking," Lila replied, her voice almost a whisper as she tried to defend herself.
Grace scoffed, obviously not believing any word she said. "You could at least hide your hatred and pretend to be happy for me. Do you realize that many women are willing to kill just to be in your position? Sebastian Knight if you are yet to understand everything, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
I could feel how tensed both of them were Mrs. Munroe tried everything possible to make Lila buy deeply into her vision. Grace's obsession to control everything around Lila was suffocating to watch, even as an observer.
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When Lila and I were finally left alone again, I took her hand and led her towards the stage for of course the customary engagement toast, as was expected. She was eerily silent, her eyes glued on one direction which is the floor. From all indications, it was as though she wished it would open up and swallow her whole.
"Lila," I called softly as we halted in the middle of the room, and at the center of everyone's attention. "Look at me, please."
She hesitated for a moment before lifting her gaze off the floor and landing them on me. Her dark eyes were not holding the softness they had on the night we were together, but wide and wary, a clear mixture of anger and resignation.
"You just need to pretend, don't force it to like me," I said, keeping my voice in a whisper, but enough for only her to hear. "But for the sake of tonight, we need to put our act together, show them what they crave to see; that we're madly in love. Can you do that for few hours?"
She scoffed, turning her face to another direction, and her lips pressing into a thin line. "You make it seem so simple."
"It is so, if you put your mind to it," I said, leaning even closer. "Just fancy me as the knight in shining armor you once imagined me to be, that way, it would be more easier."
Her eyes narrowed at my suggestion, and for a moment, I thought she might start become fury and slap me. But instead, she held my gaze her and nodded.
"Fine," she replied, but through gritted teeth. "But don't raise your hopes high by expecting an Oscar-worthy performance."
I smirked, with that, I took her hand and carefully guided her up the steps to the stage.
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It was time to smile for the cameras, and I noticed Diana standing not far at the edge of the room, her expression betrayed her, showing off how dark her heart was, a mixture of jealousy and fury. She wasn't even making efforts to hide it.
Diana from the look of things, was everything Grace wanted, the perfect daughter—poised, ambitious, and of course manipulative like her mother. And yet, she decided to use Lila as a pawn in her game. Diana wasn't meant for the role of standing beside me, wearing my fake engagement ring and playing the role of my fiancée to save her career.
When the toast was finally over, I noticed how Diana wasted no time in cornering Lila near the entrance to the dessert table. I strained my ear to eve drop on their conversation, but it wasn't possible, but the way Diana gestured wildly while Lila stood there saying nothing, but visibly shrinking, made it clear what her intentions were; to rile her up.
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By the time the event of the evening ended, Grace approached me again all teeth, her smile as artificial and costly as the expensive diamonds on her necklace.
"Sebastian, darling," she called again, her voice falsely honeyed. "I trust everything is in accordance to our plan?"
"Perfectly," I replied, but I made sure to leave a deliberate cold tone.
She paused, her eyes landing on Lila, who was seated quietly at a table, her thoughts far away as she stared into her untouched glass of champagne.
"Good then," Grace said finally before taking her leave. "Because failure cannot be taken for an option."
As she made to leave, I couldn't help but glance back again at the table where Lila sat. She looked so out of place, like a defeated warrior, and even knowing it, I found myself bothered for reasons I had no idea of.
What mess had I finally gotten myself into? Sebastian Knight doesn't care about anyone's feeling. Hope I'm not falling in love with Lila?