One Month Later (Lombardi's Residence)"It's been years since the Lombardis last hosted a party! I heard they laid low for a while because of Primo Alessandro's health issues. What do you think the party is for this time?""I have no idea, but maybe they just want to make some noise again. Do you think it's because Primo Alessandro's condition has improved, or is he passing on the inheritance to Primo Semion?""If that's the case, I should start attracting Primo Semion! He still hasn't responded to Dad's marriage proposal—maybe I'm one of the candidates he's considering to be his wife!""I don't know about you, Veron, don't you already have a boyfriend?""Well, then I'll break up with him, duh!"The three women conversing were none other than Celeste's friends. Celeste had been standing behind them for a while, while they stood around a stand-up cocktail table, holding glasses of wine and gossiping.She couldn't find a moment to interject because her friends wouldn't stop chatting.'F
The mansion where the Lombardi family often hosted events like the current one was majestic and enticing, its doors open only to those who came from influential families.Upon entering the luxurious ballroom, one could see sparkling candelabras, beautifully arranged and expensive flowers serving as decorations, and the dazzling chandelier.The invited guests murmured in awe at the beautiful sound of the live performance by the famous orchestra.“I've never expected the House of Lombardi to hold such a random event out of nowhere. Knowing they've been quiet all this while, this is truly surprising.”“What do you expect? The Lombardi family has always been this secretive and mysterious.”“That's true. But it only makes me want to form an alliance with them. My younger sister is already an adult, so…”The group of men conversing were businessmen or respected professionals. Some were politicians, lawyers and judges, doctors, and architects. Almost everyone in the ballroom exuded class and
As the night deepened, the crowd inside the ballroom grew even larger. Semion observed the elegant people inside, each in their respective groups engaged in conversation.He stood straight on the second floor of the venue, leaning slightly against the corridor.“Oh, would you look at that?” he fixed his gaze on the man wearing a white suit, holding a glass of wine and chatting with two other men. Arrogance was evident on his face.““I'm betting ten million as well. This party is for showcasing their wealth and status. They have nothing else to do in life but throw money around and flaunt it in our faces.””Semion smirked deviously upon hearing those words from the small wireless earphone in his ear, spoken by none other than Darson.The ballroom was filled with recordings, allowing him to listen to people's conversations inside even though he was far away.He heard Darson's annoying laughter, so he irritatedly removed the wireless earphone from his ear and crushed it, causing it to ma
"It's been years since our family threw such a lavish party," All attention was focused on the elderly man speaking into the microphone at the center of the stage. Despite the evident signs of aging on his face, Primo Alessandro's physical vigor was still apparent."It looks like he's in good shape," whispered one guest. "That's probably why they're hosting the party."Primo Alessandro continued speaking. "To all who have accepted our invitation, I'm delighted to see you on this important evening. In fact, I'm not the star of tonight, and I won't dwell on my health recovery, as you all can see that I'm still doing fine. But tonight, my first son is the one who is behind this party, as he has a special announcement he's been excited about."The murmur of whispers quickly grew louder and filled the room. Just hearing Semion's name thrilled the women---it was evident in their sparkling smiles and the way they gazed at Semion as he stepped onto the stage next to his father.Who wouldn't b
Men used to court someone like Celeste Costa when she was still a young maiden. But everyone knew she was already spoken for and set to marry, that's Darson Allegra. However, those who eavesdropped on the gossip in upper-class families knew that the relationship between the two had not been good for a long time, even though they kept quiet about it.And in the past two months, their separation had become even more public. Darson had no idea how the news had spread because it was impossible for anyone in his mansion staff to talk. But unbeknownst to Darson, the rumors circulating made him out to be the villain.The eyes of the people in the ballroom alternated between Darson and Semion and Celeste in front of the stage. The whispers grew louder and louder. Even the people were conflicted about what to think and feel in this explosive situation.The guests didn't know whether to sympathize with Darson, applaud loudly for Semion's announcement, or what to make of someone like Celeste. Te
Both Semion and Celeste's eyes widened in surprise at Darson's outburst. They couldn't believe the audacity he was displaying underneath the shallow stage.Darson's face was unreadable as he looked up, particularly at his wife. "Celeste! Don't make me repeat it twice. Don't wait for me to drag you out of this place!""What...?" Celeste's heart raced with anxiety. Yes, she wanted to surprise him tonight. She wanted to show him that she wasn't an abandoned woman! But it never crossed her mind that he would suddenly lower himself to make a scene before she could even reveal her status to the Lombardi family.The guests were visibly shocked. Everyone gasped and widened their eyes. The tension in the room was palpable! Who could predict that what should have been a joyful party tonight would be filled with such anticipation.A deafening silence blanketed the area for almost ten seconds. Even the orchestra, which had been playing music peacefully just moments ago, fell silent and focused on
"CELESTE!!" Darson angrily shouted, attempting to prevent Celeste from revealing anything."You!" Semion disliked that and wanted to confront Darson, but Celeste tightened her grip on his arm, maintaining her dignity as she stared at Darson."You stripped me down from my position within the Allegra family, disregarding the contractual marriage we had. Is it infuriating to hear from my own mouth that you did such a foolish thing for a prostitute?" Celeste laughed. "Your pregnant mistress must be enjoying a luxurious life with you without knowing she's being kept hidden by you.""Prostitute?""Pregnant mistress?""Did Darson have an affair with a prostitute?""Why did the Allegras accept it?""Come to think of it, Celeste is much better because at least she came from a family with a high status before."All the murmurs behind Darson entered his ears. The reputation and carefully maintained image he had were tarnished because of this night alone."None of this would happen if you were no
“Tonight has certainly been surprising, wouldn't you agree, Primo Semion, Miss Celeste?” General Basque displayed an uncomfortable smile in front of Semion and Celeste. “Just recently, Primo Semion was considered another top bachelor—without any rumors circulating about the woman he was courting.”Semion responded with a smirk, full of arrogance. “Most likely, many will try to meddle in our relationship if I openly court Celeste. Not to mention how many women are vying for my attention.”“Ah…” the old general grimaced. “Indeed. Unfortunately, it seems the heir of the Allegra family has taken a negative view of your relationship. It's only right to remove him from this gathering early before the disturbance escalates.”“He'll surely be bitter after this,” Semion didn't hide the sour expression on his face. “Celeste's right, some dogs just don't know when and where to bark.” When Semion glanced at Celeste, her expression softened. “My wife-to-be is so brave. I'm falling even more in lov