Chapter 3 ENGAGEMENT IN RUINS, THERE WAS NEVER A LOVE STORY

Celeste POV

The Lancaster estate is very busy with preparations for the grand engagement announcement between me and Noah Harrington.

Crystal chandeliers shine from above, reflecting off the marble floors. Floral arrangements of ivory roses and golden lilies adorned every corner, their fragrance mingling with the expensive champagne being poured into delicate crystal flutes.

For everyone in high society, this is a momentous occasion -- a union between Lancaster and the Harringtons, two of the wealthiest families in the country.

For me, however, this is a nightmare I had once been too blind to see.

I stand in front of the long mirror in my bedroom, dressed in an elegant silver gown that shimmers under the soft glow of the vanity lights.

A maid is helping me adjust the diamond necklace around my neck, a symbol of my family's wealth.

A cruel irony. In my past life, I had worn this same dress, this same necklace, and stepped into the same grand ballroom, completely unaware that I was walking towards my doom.

I place my finger around the necklace, my heart pounding.

Five years ago, this was the day I sealed my fate.

Back then I had smiled, accepted Noah's proposal, and trusted Sophia with all my heart. The very people I loved the most were the ones who had planned my demise.

The memory of cold water engulfing me, Noah's indifferent gaze as Sophia whispered venomous words into my ear, sent a shiver down my spine.

Not this time. This time, I am in control.

A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. The maid steps aside just as the door swings open, revealing my adoptive mother.

Estina is dressed impeccably in an emerald green gown, her hair styled in an elegant ponytail. Her eyes, the same ones that once held fake affection, gleam with satisfaction as she looks at my appearance.

"You look perfect," Estina says smoothly, stepping inside. "Just as a Lancaster heiress should."

I force a smile, my fingers unclenching from the necklace. "I suppose I should thank you."

Estina's lips curl into a pleased smirk, oblivious to the icy undertone in my voice.

"You should my love. Do you know how many young women will kill to be in your position? Noah is the perfect match for you. And this engagement will secure the Lancaster family's influence."

That's all I ever was to you. A tool! I mutter to myself

I keep my expression calm, though fury forms in my stomach.

In my past life, I had been desperate for her approval, craving even the smallest affection from the woman who had raised me.

Now, I see her for what she truly is -a master manipulator who has stolen my birthright and thrown me away when I was no longer useful.

"I'll be downstairs shortly," I say, dismissing her.

Estina gives me a final approving nod before stepping out of the room. The moment the door clicks shut, I exhale slowly, and my fingers form into fists.

My stylist quickly did some touch-ups, and we're set to go downstairs.

The large hall downstairs is full of the elite of high society, men in tailored suits and women in dazzling gowns.

Laughter and hush conversation fills the air, but I feel the weight of dozens of eyes on me as I descend the staircase.

I meet Noah's gaze from across the room. He stands at the piano, dressed in a classic black tuxedo, with a confident smirk playing on his lips.

Noah Harrington-- the man I had once loved. The man who vowed to always protect me but rather chose to betray me instead.

His brown eyes hold nothing but triumph. He believes I am still the same naive woman who adores him.

Hmmm... he must really be happy within him. My lips curl in amusement. You have no idea what's coming, Noah.

Noah made his way towards me extending his hand.

"Celeste," he greeted me smoothly, pressing a light kiss on my glove fingers. "You look stunning and... Breathtaking, my love."

I smile, but deep down there's no warmth in my gaze. "And you look pleased with yourself, Noah."

Noah's facial expression changes immediately; confusion crosses his face, but he tries to mask it with his usual fake charm. "Shouldn't I be? After all, tonight is our big night."

Before I could give him a befitting response, another voice from behind came in.

"Celeste dear, you're absolutely radiant."

I remember you--- Sophia Raynes I mutter to myself.

This woman has always been my childhood best friend. She's standing a few feet away from me; she's dressed in a champagne-colored gown, her dark eyes shimmering with pretense and fake affection.

I can actually see through her, I feel nothing but contempt.

You wince... You smile at me like this before pushing me to my death. You won't succeed this time.

Sophia reach for my hand, squeezing them gently as if we're still close friends. "I can't believe the day is finally here. I'm so happy for you." She says.

I let out a soft laugh, tilting my head. "Are you? How touching."

Sophia blink her eyes, slightly taken aback by the Sharp edge in my voice, I guess she's trying to process what I mean.

Noah chuckles, wrapping his arm around my waist. "You'll have to excuse my fiancee, Sophia. She's just nervous." Noah says, trying to be nice or whatever, I don't care.

I turn my head slightly, meeting Noah's gaze. "Oh, I'm not nervous, Noah. In fact, I've never been more certain about life... About what I really want for myself."

His smirk widens. "That's good to hear. Soon, we'll finally be together."

I smile sweetly at his foolishness. "Of course, soon, everything will change."

Sophia shifted uneasily. "Celeste, I need to talk to you for a moment. Alone."

I arch a brow; what does she want to possibly talk about with me? "Alone?" I ask her.

Sophia bit her lip, glancing at Noah. "It's about ---"

"Ladies and gentlemen," a voice echoes through the microphone, interrupting us.

I turn round and notice my pretentious adoptive mother stepping forward, holding a champagne glass in her left hand.

"Thank you all for celebrating with us tonight. It is with great joy that we celebrate the engagement of my beloved daughter Celeste, to the distinguish Noah Harrington." She continues.

Polite applause sounded from the crowd.

The room light becomes dim as the spotlight becomes focused on the stage where Noah takes center stage from Estina. He holds the microphone, and his deep voice echoes effortlessly through the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he begins, his tone lace with charm. "As my mother-in-law-to-be has said, we thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate a love that has been in the making for years." He says smiling from ear to ear.

What a world... How was I this blind to this pretentious act I ask myself.

The crowd murmurs in delight, some sighing at the supposed romance of it all. I try to hold my expression of disgust and express polite happiness.

The next second, Noah turn his gaze towards me, that brown eyes of his.... The warmth and affection it carries are fake. Those eyes were beautiful to look at before now. FAKE! "Celeste my love, will you join me here?" He romantically asks me.

The crowd's gaze turned to me, and immediately, they parted as I made my way forward, my gown sweeping the floor with each slow and deliberate step. My heart is steady and my mind is still sharp.

As I reach the stage, Noah takes my hand, gently leading me up. He squeezes my fingers --- his way of reminding me to act properly.

I smile slowly as I curve my lips.

I won't be playing by his rules tonight.

Noah turns back to the crowd, the showman in him seeking the attention. "Celeste and I have known each other since we were young. She is the love of my life, my future, and my everything."

He turns back to me after saying those gibberish, lowering himself on one knee as gasps echo through the hall.

Noah reaches into his pocket and pulls out a velvet box. He flips the box open to reveal a stunning diamond ring.

It's time I say to myself.

The engagement ring glitters between his fingers.

"Celeste Lancaster," he calls with a smooth, confident voice and filled with rehearsed emotion. "Will you marry me?"