Ariel’s 20th birthday celebration was nothing short of extravagant. 

All of Muschin’s socialites had been invited, some of the men who had business dealings with her father, some of her friends from school. But those people were of no interest to Ariel.

Only one person made her giddy on the inside. Her new Fiancé, Christopher Fairchild.

The Whitmore family had dedicated one of the houses in their estate for this occasion. Ariel and Melody had been in charge of the decorations, their first-ever responsibility as adults.

A slight knock came from the door.

“Come in,” Ariel said, her attention focused on the closet in front of her. 

Curiously, she turned around, “Oh,  Mom.” She closed the distance between them, pulling her mother to the sofa in the corner of the room.

Ariel poured some chamomile tea for them as she took her seat. “Is there something on your mind, Mom?” A look of concern enveloped her face as she spoke.

“It’s about your engagement to the Fairchild boy; your father and I plan to announce it tonight.” Leilani started, carefully watching her daughter’s expression. “I just want to know if you genuinely like him or if you’re just doing this because of your Father and I?”

Ariel sighed, her hands holding her mother’s. “The engagement is something I want. Christopher has been nothing but lovely to me since our first meeting. I understand Father’s concern, but this alliance also benefits him, and I’m always willing to help in any way I can.”

“Alright, dear. I trust your judgement and I’m sure you won’t make the wrong decision. But what about school? Do you and Melody have any plans?” Leilani asked, concern evident on her face.

“Ariel smiled softly, her eyes gleaming.”Melody and I decided to attend Sterling University. It’s close to home, and they have one of the best design programs in the country. Don’t worry, Mom. I’m not giving up on my studies just because I’m engaged.”

Leilani’s lips curved into a small, relieved smile. “Good. Because even if you’ll be married into a powerful family, Ariel, you still need your own path. You're Whitmore, after all.”

“I know, Mom.” Ariel leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her mother’s shoulders. “I promise, I’ll make you proud.”

The warmth of the moment lingered until a maid knocked lightly and peeked through the door. “Miss, the guests are starting to arrive.”

Leilani rose gracefully, brushing invisible dust off her dress. “I’ll head down first. Take your time, dear…but not too long. Your father will make the announcement soon.”

Ariel nodded, watching her mother leave before turning towards the mirror. The reflection staring back at her left her breathless. Her silken lavender gown flowed like liquid light, the diamonds on her neck glittering softly against her skin. Tonight, she was Christopher Fairchild’s fiancée.

Her heart fluttered at the thought. 

Downstairs, the ballroom hummed with the chatter of Muschin’s elite. The scent of roses and champagne filled the air, the chandeliers bathing the hall in a golden light. A string quartet played softly in the corner as servers glided between guests carrying trays of Hors d’oeuvres.

Ariel descended the stairs slowly, every eye following her. 

“She’s beautiful,” someone whispered.

“She’s a Whitmore. What did you expect?” another replied.

But Ariel’s eyes only searched for one person.

And there he was.

Christopher stood near the grand piano, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo that fit him like sin. His hair slicked back, he seemed more handsome than the last time Ariel saw him.

Her lips parted in a quiet smile. He returned it…just barely, but that was enough for her.

The crowd faded as the distance between them closed.

“Happy birthday, Amar,” Christopher said, his tone smooth and polite, though his eyes held a quiet intensity. He handed her a small, velvet box.

Her fingers brushed his as she took it, the butterflies in her tummy threatening to burst out. She opened the box to reveal a delicate diamond bracelet.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“It suits you,” he replied, his gaze unwavering.

James Whitmore’s voice echoed from the stage, drawing the attention of the guests. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?”

The chatter immediately died down, all eyes turning to her father.

“Tonight, we not only gather here to celebrate my daughter’s twentieth, but also something very special,” James said, speaking slowly. “I would like to announce the very first union between the Whitmores and the Fairchilds. My daughter, Ariel Whitmore, and Christopher Fairchild are engaged.”

With that final statement, it was like a thunderclap rang through the air. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and the photographers surged forward, desperate to catch a glimpse of the latest couple. Ariel’s heart slammed against her ribcage as Christopher took her hand and stepped beside her.

He leaned close to her ear, his breath fanning her neck subtly.

“Looks like there’s no turning back now.”

Those words should have made her excited, but something about the way he said those words sent an indescribable chill down her spine.

What had she gotten herself into?...