Chapter 4 The Engagement Ceremony

The Hayes mansion was ablaze with lights that night. The chandeliers glittered, the air was thick with the fragrance of roses and expensive champagne, and guests from the city's elite families filled the grand hall. Laughter and conversation hummed like music.

At the center of it all was Melissa, beaming proudly in her extravagant designer gown. Cassandra flitted around her, making sure every detail of her sister's appearance was perfect, while Clarissa basked in the attention of their wealthy guests. Gregory stood tall, brimming with fatherly pride, as if this was his triumph.

As soon as Amara descended the stairs

A hush fell.

Every head turned, and they all stared at her

She stepped into the hall, her figure draped in the simple yet elegant dress she had once bought with dreams of love. Her pale face was framed by soft waves of hair, her lips faintly glossy, and though her frame was fragile, she carried herself with quiet dignity. She looked ethereal, as though she had walked out of a dream.

Gasps rippled across the hall.

"What a beauty..." someone whispered.

Kael's mother, seated near the front, narrowed her eyes. For a fleeting moment, she was stunned by the girl's angelic appearance. Such poise, such natural grace-no amount of money could buy that. But then her lips curled coldly as she thought, Too bad she's worthless. A flower growing in the mud will only rot. She could never be suitable for my son.

Kael himself could not tear his gaze away. He had seen Amara countless times before, but never like this. Tonight, she was more than the timid, bullied girl he remembered-she was breathtaking, a fragile rose blooming against all odds.

Melissa's smile froze, her painted lips twitching with rage. How dare Amara steal her spotlight?

One of Melissa's lackeys quickly plastered on a false smile and called out loudly, "Oh, look who decided to join us, our pitiful little Amara. Wearing... oh, is that an old dress? How quaint."

Laughter erupted among a few sycophants nearby, their mocking voices carrying across the hall.

Melissa, fueled by jealousy, added sweetly, "Sister, thank you for gracing us with your presence. I'm sure Kael won't even recognize you dressed so... plainly." Her words dripped with venom, but her eyes betrayed her insecurity as she caught Kael staring at Amara.

Amara said nothing. Her lips curved ever so slightly in a mocking smile

Gregory's face darkened. He called, his voice booming, "Amara! Stop standing there like a statue and come greet your sister's guests."

Amara walked forward. Slowly, gracefully. Every step was a slap to her family's faces. She neither bowed her head nor forced a smile. Instead, she lifted her chin ever so slightly, her eyes cold and distant, as if none of them were worth her attention.

Whispers stirred in the crowd.

"She's stunning..."

"Her family treats her like a servant, but look at her... she outshines the bride-to-be."

"If only she had status, she could easily replace Melissa..."

Melissa's nails dug into her palms. Clarissa forced out another laugh to drown the whispers. Gregory's frown deepened, his eyes twitching.

But in that moment-surrounded by luxury, hatred, and whispers-Amara was the one who truly stood out.

Melissa's smile grew strained as she noticed more and more eyes lingering on Amara instead of her. No-this was her night, and she wouldn't allow that lowly cousin to ruin it.

She exchanged a quick glance with her mother, and Clarissa immediately understood. Rising to her feet with a graceful laugh, Clarissa clapped her hands.

"Everyone," she said loudly, "since this is a joyous occasion, how about our dear Amara perform a toast for the newly engaged couple? After all, she owes it to her sister to show her... blessings."

Her words were dripping with false sweetness, but everyone in the hall knew it was an order, not a request. A servant rushed forward, placing a filled glass of red wine into Amara's hand.

Melissa smirked, her eyes glinting. "Yes, cousin. Say something nice for me and Kael. Don't just stand there."

Amara looked down at the glass in her hand. Her delicate fingers tightened ever so slightly around it. Then, with slow, deliberate steps, she walked to the front, stopping right before the happy couple. Her lips parted, her voice calm, soft-yet chillingly clear in the silent hall.

"I wish my dear cousin Melissa a lifetime of happiness," she said, her eyes gliding over Melissa, then Kael, "though it's strange, isn't it? Happiness that comes from stealing what belongs to others never lasts long."

The room exploded.

Whispers rose like wildfire.

"What does she mean by that?"

"Stealing? Could it be..."

"Ah... so the rumors might be true!"

Melissa's face twisted, her nails digging so deep into her palm that her knuckles turned white. "Y-You-!" she sputtered, her voice trembling with rage.

Clarissa's smile cracked, her eyes flashing with venom. "Amara! How dare you say such things on this special day! Do you want to bring shame to this family?"

Gregory shot up from his seat, slamming the table so hard the glasses rattled. "Ungrateful wench! Do you think anyone will believe your nonsense?!"

But before Melissa could utter another word a clumsy servant carrying a tray of wine passed behind Melissa-and in a well-timed "accident," Melissa reached out, pretending to stumble. The tray tipped, the glasses crashed to the ground, and dark red wine splashed across Amara's dress, soaking the fabric like blood.

Gasps echoed through the room.

Melissa covered her mouth, feigning innocence. "Oh no! Amara, I didn't mean to! How careless of me..." Her words were laced with satisfaction, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

The crowd murmured, some pitying, some amused.

But Amara did not falter.

She stood there, drenched in crimson, her pale face calm as still water. Slowly, she placed the glass she was holding onto the nearest table with deliberate care. Then, she lifted her gaze to Melissa and smiled-cold, sharp, and devastatingly beautiful.

"You're right, cousin," she said softly, her voice carrying through the hall. "You didn't mean to. Just like you didn't mean to steal, didn't mean to lie, didn't mean to send men after me that night."

The hall fell silent.

Melissa froze, her mask of innocence shattering.

Kael's mother narrowed her eyes, suspicion flickering across her face. The whispers from the guests rose again, louder this time-questions, accusations, and shock.

And in that silence, Amara turned, her back straight, her soaked dress clinging to her figure. She walked away, leaving her dear cousin trembling, Clarissa fuming, and Gregory's veins bulging with suppressed fury.

The moment Amara stepped out of the glittering Hayes mansion, the cool night air hit her face like a blessing. She drew in a long breath, the suffocating whispers and laughter of the hall finally fading behind her. For the first time in days, she felt like she could breathe.

Her eyes caught a servant hurrying past with a tray of drinks. Without hesitation, Amara plucked a bottle of wine from it, flashing a faint, mischievous smile as she slipped away. Clutching the bottle, she broke into a run.

Her long hair streamed behind her, catching the moonlight, the night wind kissing her flushed cheeks. In that moment, even in a simple dress stained with red, she looked breathtaking-like a fallen angel escaping her cage.

She laughed softly, the sound carried away by the breeze, her heart pounding with exhilaration.

But her fleeting freedom didn't last.

"Oi-watch where you're going!" a voice barked as she collided with someone on the path.