ENGAGEMENT DINNER

THE NEXT DAY...

The morning breeze blew, and with a golden light, the sun came out cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. On his robe, Maddox was standing on the terrace with a mug while the cool breeze is stroking his face and newly wet hair. He had a good night's sleep and he can't help but keep smiling till morning. Today was their engagement dinner at the main manor of the Massoullèves. The manor where only the Massoullèves and future family parties are invited.

The air was cool, he could hardly contain his happiness right now. The flare of joy is visible in Maddox's eyes. He’d unearthed a greater joy than any he’d ever known. He felt like he was floating in the air and his heart throbbed with happiness. He's on cloud nine right now.

"Is it a sin to feel so much happiness?" He murmured to himself and broke into chuckles. Maddox sipped on his coffee from his personalized mug and the smile never fades on his face. When the tip of his tongue touches the coffee, it made him wince a few times because of its taste, it calmed his excitement.

"The best," Maddox said with a smile while pointing to his coffee and he headed to the garden of their manor where their housemaids were already sweeping the wide lawn and watering the garden.

"Good morning!" He greeted them with a genuine smile and made their gardeners, maids smiled back at him. Maddox treat them with kindness and it wasn't new to them. But they noticed something special in his smiles today. His handsome face could be mistaken for a typical bad boy and his womanizer vibes were gone that morning. He's like a very gentle angel descended on earth who has never made a woman cry. But only Maddox just lacks a halo and wings.

"Sir, you look extremely happy today!" The old gardener teasingly shouted at the young man who had just entered the garden to plant a new endangered plant in the spot he was working on yesterday. Maddox laughed at what he said.

"Is it obvious?" Laughing, Maddox asked kiddingly. The gardeners exchange glances and answered in unison, "Yes." Maddox's laughter thundered the place.

"Later at night, my first love will gonna be my fiancee," Maddox said with a smile that silenced everyone around. All eyes are filled with disbelief since they are all aware he is a quite an infamous womanizer. They thought Maddox would grow old without a wife, especially since he brings different women to his home every day. He had no serious relationship. The young man only prefers a one-night stand. Petrified, they don't know if their Boss is joking around or serious.

"Why are you silent? You should be happy for me that I finally have a chance to marry and spend the rest of my life with the woman I love. And I am not kidding. I am serious."

Maddox added that his beautiful smile remained curved on his lips. The maids and the gardeners looked at each other. They can hear the sincerity of their Boss's tone. It doesn't look like he's joking, he's telling the truth.

"Congratulations, Boss! I hope you two will happy together."

"Sir, don't make her cry!"

"Sir, Congratulations! I hope we are invited to the wedding!"

They all genuinely cheered and merrily greeted him.

"Thank you." Maddox mouthed then they just gave their boss a thumbs up and went back to their work. Maddox, on the other hand, happiness danced through his thoughts. He couldn’t think of a time he’d ever been happier. He already imagined his future wife Sumire on their wedding day even though the engagement dinner would take place later. But he knows that everything is secure with him and nothing can stop him. Even time is on his side.

While the Mirks' house was filled with rainbows and unicorns. Chaise and Lunaire are having a hard time talking to their daughter. The maiden locked herself in her room. Sumire ignores their pleas and knocks on the door. She bore bitter feelings of resentment. The maiden feels like she has no allies. Mort hadn't even called her since yesterday. She felt she was going to die without Mort knowing. Face buried in her pillow and cover herself with the blanket when Yelena, Trevor's sister, suddenly entered her mind.

Out of herself, Sumire called Trevor but the man was out of coverage area. She couldn't reach him after trying many times. The maiden then give up and decided to call Yelena who immediately answered her.

"Sumire! You called? How are you?" Sumire was slightly stunned by the strange enthusiasm in Yelena's voice. The tone of her speech was very different from their last conversation. The woman seems to be so much happy today. 'Maybe Trevor is all well now?' She asked herself in mind.

"I'm perfectly fine." Sumire tried to sound happy and vigor. Suddenly, silence flooded the other line for a few seconds.

"Oh, really?" Yelena questioningly responded. Sumire even heard the click of her tongue as if Yelena didn't expect her answer. 'Ah, maybe she knows about my issue? and she wants me to open up to her? and she doesn't want me to be fake with what I truly feel? The sadness, pain, and anger I feel right now because she's worried about me? Aww, She and Trevor are truly brothers and sisters, both were too nice and thoughtful.' Sumire long said in her mind and smiled.

"Yes. Don't worry about me." Sumire replied. She felt a little at ease somehow now she heard Yelena's voice.

"How's Trevor?" Sumire added as the other line fell silent again. She heard Yelena's series of heavy sighs. It took a few seconds before Yelena spoke.

"He is doing well."

"oh-" Sumire was cut off when the call suddenly ended. She frowned, it turned out that her phone was out of battery. Suddenly her tummy churned. She holds her stomach. She is famished.

Sumire doesn't want to go out as she's rebelling. She didn't want to see her parents' faces outside her bedroom door. She was deeply mad at them. They were forcing her to marry a man she doesn't love and her father who wants to rush everything. He doesn't give her time to think this through and grasp everything in her mind.

A single tear rolled in her eye. She has been deprived of the right to make decisions for herself when she is at the right age. She already has billions of money in different banks around the globe and she had owned many properties that she bought and built from her own efforts but now she was still powerless against them. They had victoriously cornered her. And the person she hoped would be her side to rely on is not around.

The maiden looked at her dead phone. Her charger is outside in the living room and she doesn't have a power bank inside her room. And the worst thing, she could no longer escape through the window as many guards roam around and guarded down below.

"What a total shut down," Sumire uttered between her sobs as the tears keeps streaming down her cheeks.

"Baby, please just listen to us." Lunaire, who was outside her room pleading in a gentle tone. The maiden just rolled her eyes. The brows and corners of her eyes have already reddened.

"Sumire, this is our last request and I'm begging you. We're only doing the best for you." Chaise seconded. The couple was just outside patiently waiting for her.

"Damn and whose idea is this?" Lunaire asked, eyes piercingly narrowed at her husband. They are both aware their daughter has already a fiancee but he is forcing Sumire to marry another man. The maiden doesn't even have the slightest feelings for Maddox. Lunaire does not want her daughter to have difficulty in her married life. She wants her to be happy with the man she truly loved just like her life with her husband, Chaise. To be happy even if there are only three of them.

"It's father's idea." Chaise replied that he was referring to the Head of the Massoullèves, Sumire's grandfather. In less than a second, the door opened and there the maiden was spat out. Weakened, Sumire appeared gloomy and sullen. Lunaire felt her heart stabbed a thousand times when she saw her daughter's sad and hopeless look. Her pair of dark grey orbs were cold and lifeless.

"I'm so sorry baby." Lunaire's words barely came out of her mouth and hugged her daughter. Chaise couldn't look Sumire in the eye. He feels sorry for her but he is only doing it for the best of his daughter. He has to be strong and firm in his decision.

"Fix yourself. We're going to the main manor for your and Maddox's engagement dinner." Chaise said coldly, trying to calm and composed himself. He didn't want to lose control and be discouraged after seeing Sumire's condition. Lunaire glared at him but he ignored his wife's dagger stare. He went to the kitchen where Eiryss was waiting.

"Where is she now, Sir?" The maiden's manager asked while preparing the food.

"She's on her way here. Help her fix herself and choose the best outfit in her wardrobe for her to wear. I want the best for her."

Eiryss stiffened on her feet at Chaise's command. She felt bad for the maiden. 'If you want the best for her, let her be with Mort. That man had it all. Maddox has nothing compared with that godly hunk.' said Eiryss in her mind who suddenly realized something.

"The question is, will Mort fight for Sumire?"

Eiryss blurted out what was supposed to be in her mind. Sumire and Lunaire entered the kitchen just in time, and it was too late for Eiryss to take back her words as the maiden's tears clouded her vision and broke crying after hearing what she recklessly uttered.

"Oh, God, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Of course, Mort loves you. He will fight for you." Eiryss said trying to calm Sumire who was now sobbing on her mother's chest. Lunaire was about to burst into tears seeing her daughter in a helpless situation. Chaise left the kitchen hall before taking back his decision.

"Why did Eiryss have to say that loudly?" Chaise asked himself and jaw clenched after he witnessed how his daughter breakdown.

"Whatever. Nothing can stop their marriage now." He added and went out of the villa to breathe some fresh air and clear his mind.

The night arrived that Maddox was waiting for. A palace-like situated at the edge of the sea cliff outside of the Brethren City, home of the most influential person in the world. The place was filled with outlandish ornamentation that spoke of luxury and wealth through its modern interior design. The home screams unimaginable opulence. Number of expensive yachts the family owned can be seen sailing on the serene night sea.

Everyone is at a very large table filled with sumptuous food and wines.

Don Achaeus Severus, The Head elder of the Massoullèves and grandfather of Sumire seated on the edge. On his left side were Chaise and Lunaire. Sumire's uncle, Cornelius with his wife Aireina and daughter Clair seated on the right side of the table. Every one of the family was there except for her uncle Chadwick, a Genius Doctor and Top Surgeon, Blanche's father who was a Professor at the Elite Academy. Maddox's family was all present since Maddox's father is the only son of the Mirks and Maddox is also the only grandson of the Mirks and the sole heir. There are only a few of them. No distant relatives around. Just the Mirks Head Don Jadreus, Maddox's grandfather. Mattheus, and Laenyra, his parents.

Everyone was talking happily except for Sumire, looking glamorous in her outlandish dress and wearing simple makeup she was just silent next to Maddox who looks handsome in his white tuxedo that matched hers. Don Severus was looking at the expression of his granddaughter.

"Looks like you're missing one."

Maddox's grandpa, Don Jadreus grabbed everyone's attention. Don Severus, Sumire's grandfather answered him that everyone fell to silence. They're respectfully letting the two Heads of the family, Mirks and Massoullèves talk.

"Ah, it's Chadwick. He's in the middle of a fierce battle in his field." Don Severus coldly responded but in a kidding way. Don Jadreus broke into laughter.

"He is the best in his field. The best Doctor and Surgeon in the whole world. They even call him THE MAD SCIENTIST. It's not surprising anymore if he doesn't have time to attend though, I am looking forward to his presence." Don Jadreus compliment made the Head of Massoullèves smirk.

"Well, this dinner is not for him. But for our adorable grandchildren."

Don Severus said and smiled at his gorgeous granddaughter, the belle in the family, Sumire. The maiden could feel her heart skip a beat. She felt like she had been doused with freezing water. 'This is happening right now and it is making me sick.' said Sumire to herself, wanting to throw up.

"You are right. And to be honest, I didn't expect that the time would come when our families will tie a knot. This union would definitely strengthen the connection between our families. I can't wait for their wedding." Maddox's grandfather said. Blanche and Clair, on the other hand, noticed their little cousin was feeling uncomfortable. The two cousins worriedly eyed her.

"What can you say Sumire?" Stiffened, the maiden could feel her world stop when Don Severus asked her. The oppressive and heavy pressure had crushed her in her place.

"I am very much honored," Sumire replied with force a smile as if she had practiced saying that line a million times just so she wouldn't fail.

"Good. How about Maddox?" Don Severus shifted his gaze to the young man who couldn't take his eyes off of Sumire whose orbs almost took the shape of a heart seated next to him. He is obviously head over heels for her.

"Grandfather, I am so happy right now that I could die," Maddox replied heartily. The Head elder could hear the sincerity of his tone and he gave Maddox a nod. He apparently approves of the union between him and his granddaughter.

"Then that settles it. Let's not prolong the wedding any longer. Let's follow your choice of date, Chaise." Don Severus said as the maiden shut her eyes closed. Dizziness struck her at the sudden event. She was silently praying while waiting for Mort whom she wished would have arrived to get her out. But she knew that is unlikely to happen. Her grandfather had already made the decision and decided her fate.

"Miss Sumire, someone is looking for you. The name is Mort." The Head Butler of the family suddenly announced. Sumire thought she had heard wrongly. She asked the Butler again.

"What?" Frowning, Sumire felt her dizziness gone in a second.

"Mr. Mort Aslanov is waiting for you outside, Miss."