Night had fallen at the Virellano estate.
The sky was cloaked in darkness, and the scent of night-blooming flowers mingled gently with the cool breeze flowing through the family gardens.
In the backyard, a private gathering had begun—attended only by two great families: the Virellanos and the Valendras. Crystal lights hung from tree branches, sparkling like stars that had descended to earth. Classical ornants, white-and-gold linen-draped banquet tables, and the soft sound of piano from the edge of the garden combined to create an atmosphere both regal and modern.
Guests mingled, chatting in small circles with glasses of wine in hand. Soft laughter, polite greetings, and asured conversations filled the air.
Elsewhere in a separate building, in a very modest room, Al was still preparing himself—the main figure of tonight’s event.
He sat before a large mirror, his mother Sandra helping to fix his hair and pin a small brooch to his collar.
"Sorry, I forgot you don’t have formal wear yet..." Sandra said gently.
Al simply smiled.
"It’s fine, Mom. I’m not used to dressing up fancy anyway."
With no other option, Al had to wear David’s formal suit.
Unfortunately, even though they were the sa age, their builds were very different. David was large and muscular like a young athlete. Al—though well-toned from training—was slimr and about five centiters taller.
The result? The suit was loose around the chest, but slightly short in the sleeves and pants. A mismatched fit that would likely draw snide comnts tonight.
But as usual, Al felt no sha. In fact, there was a warm feeling in his heart. It was the first ti his biological mother helped him dress. The first ti soft hands fixed his collar. The first ti... he felt the warmth of a mother’s presence.
Sandra looked at him from behind, her eyes beginning to mist.
"I’m sorry, Al... I found you too late... Seventeen years..."
She gently hugged him from behind—a hug filled with regret and love.
"But even though it’s late... thank you for still calling ’Mom.’"
Al didn’t say much.
"It’s okay, Mom. Even if it’s late... I’m grateful to be here."
Those simple words struck Sandra hard. She held back her tears and stepped away slowly.
"I’ll wait for you at the party, okay..."
Al nodded. After his mother left and the door closed, he looked at his reflection in the mirror.
Borrowed clothes, a stiff stance, a small smile on his face.
But tonight... he felt more alive than ever.
Yet unease stirred in his chest.
As if... sothing terrible was going to happen.
He looked up at the window,
staring at the sky veiled in a dark aura,
as if tonight was no ordinary night.
His eyes sharpened. Still, he remained still.
He shook his head slightly.
"You’re only bringing disaster... upon yourselves," he whispered.
Elsewhere, deep in the misty and silent wilderness, Rudi stood before an old shaman—a thin, frail man clad in bloodstained, soot-covered robes. Amid swirling incense smoke, the two chuckled quietly... laughter laced with dark intent. Tonight, they said, would be the night of their target’s downfall.
Back at the Virellano estate.
The garden lights glowed with a soft golden hue, night air carrying the scent of white roses and the gentle strains of string music from a small orchestra. The exclusive banquet between the two families had begun. Guests were in formal attire. The MC recited the program itinerary.
Sarah’s voice floated gracefully as she sang one of her international hits. Her golden voice left the audience in awe.
From the Valendra side, a traditional dance from Vali Island was perford—vibrant and srizing. The cultural exchange unfolded with class, like a ritual uniting two royal houses.
Finally, the main event comnced.
A round table was set at the center of the garden. Seated around it were the Valendra elders, Edward and Sandra representing the Virellanos (as they had no elders), Nayala seated on the Valendra side, and Al across from her representing the Virellanos.
The atmosphere turned formal.
Nayala’s father—a stern middle-aged man with piercing eyes—stood and spoke:
"After careful consideration, we, the Valendra family, agree to the annulnt of Al and Nayala’s engagent. But under two conditions."
Silence fell. Tension spiked.
"First, David must beco Nayala’s official fiancé. Second, David must be guaranteed an inheritance—either partial or full—from the Virellano family."
Stillness.
Expressions of seriousness, even disappointnt, appeared on the Valendra family mbers’ faces. They couldn’t accept the annulnt without tangible gain.
Nayala was shocked. This wasn’t what she expected. She protested:
"Father! Even if David has no inheritance, I still want to marry him!"
Her father glared.
"Silence, Nayala. This isn’t about cheap romance."
Nayala grumbled and fell silent.
Edward understood this would be difficult. He also knew that among elite families, discussions of wealth—though sensitive—were unavoidable in marriage talks, especially annulnts. In the end, every elite family sought what benefited them.
The first demand? Possible. But the second—inheritance—was delicate. Especially with seven children, now eight with Al. A rushed decision was impossible.
Edward chose to address the first demand first. He called David forward. All eyes turned to him.
David looked nervous. He stood awkwardly.
Everyone assud he would agree without hesitation.
But...
"I... I’m still in school, so... an engagent feels too early. I apologize..."
Edward and Sandra were stunned. Nayala was even more shocked. David panicked as he saw everyone’s expressions.
Nayala was furious. She intended to reveal they had already slept together to force the engagent. She stood and blurted out loudly,
"Actually, David and I..."
David froze at her words. Panic overtook him, prompting a rash decision.
He cut her off before she could finish.
"But... I promise! I’ll get engaged to Nayala after I graduate, on my birthday... three months from now!"
Everyone sighed in relief. Nayala, who almost exposed their secret and nearly ruined David’s image, bead and nodded shyly.
David exhaled, regretting his impulsive words. But he had no choice—Nayala’s statent could’ve destroyed his reputation.
anwhile, Al, who knew their secret, rely chuckled.
Then, attention shifted to the second condition.
Nayala’s father once again demanded the inheritance guarantee.
Edward tried to reassure them:
"As for the second condition, it’s too early to discuss inheritance, but I can promise David will receive my full support as a son."
But Nayala’s father insisted. No verbal promises. He wanted certainty.
Suddenly, a voice cut in.
Calm, yet sharp.
"Excuse ," Al said, "but why is it so hard to annul an engagent?"
Everyone turned. Al sat relaxed, yet his eyes were calm and firm.
"This engagent was our grandfather’s decision. Not mine. Not Nayala’s. Why drag wealth and inheritance into this?"
"Nayala doesn’t like . I don’t like her. I don’t want to marry soone who doesn’t care about . She already has soone she loves. What kind of life are we building with this?"
"Sleeping alone every night, never touched, never spoken to. Please... let’s just end this."
Silence. Not because of what he said, but because—it was the longest sentence Al had ever spoken since returning ho.
Even so Valendra elders quietly nodded. They knew—marriage without love only created empty rooms full of lies.
But Nayala’s father remained firm. He repeated his demand.
Al stood.
"Are you sure I’ll be the one to inherit the Virellano estate?"
Nayala’s father fell silent. He knew how the family treated Al. The answer was likely: no. But Al was their blood. And David wasn’t. That doubt made him hesitate.
Edward also realized—he had never considered Al in inheritance matters.
"If this engagent is about inheritance," Al continued, "then I declare now—I will not take a single cent from this family."
"So... please. Just annul it."
Silence returned. But this ti, it was different. Everyone thought Al’s words were empty. Yet, even if David wasn’t blood, he had a much better shot at inheritance. Even without it, David’s achievents and popularity were exceptional for his age—a far brighter future than Al, the lazy boy with no clear path.
Finally, Nayala’s father sighed.
"Very well. But I want Nayala and David’s engagent held on his birthday."
All sides agreed. The docunts were signed. Tension eased. Music resud. The banquet continued.
And far away, in the shadows of the night, Rudi and Daraka smiled.
Everything was going according to plan.
Tonight... would be a long night.
Reviews
All reviews (0)