Chapter 7

The engagement party is way sooner than I expected. It does make me nervous, but Anthony's words keep replaying in my head and to some extent, they still reassure me. The engagement is going to be held at their house and Anthony told me he would send a driver, but I declined. 

Franco can drop me off. It's quite odd that Sebastian has not even spoken to me yet. It may become problematic in the future. 

A shriek causes my spine to snap up straight. I'm immediately held in a chokehold. 

"You look so fuckable right now."

I laugh and turn to hug Fiona. 

"Thank you."

The glittery gold bodycon dress attracted my attention as soon as I saw it through the display window. I knew I had to have it, so I bought it. 

The fuckable comment is probably because of the slit that starts at my thigh, extending all the way to my ankle. 

I look into the mirror and weave some golden flowers into my French twist. 

I put in some chandelier shaped earrings, clasp a gold chain around my neck and turn to look at Fiona. 

"I'm ready."

"Just gorgeous." She gives a chef's kiss and I give her a flying one in return. 

"Wait a minute though." She stands in front of me and tells me to kiss her hand.

I do and a red lip imprint is left on her skin. 

"Okay, now it's perfect."

I step into my strappy gold heels and we walk arm in arm to the car. 

Franco has the back door held open for us. I get in after Fiona and thank him. 

"Benson won't be able to make it?" I ask about her husband. 

She frowns. "No. There's a shortage of staff at the hospital. He's needed there. He really wanted to come though. Put on a tux too. The call came when we were inside the car and let me tell you, I've never heard him curse like that on the road." She chuckles. 

Benson was my first ever client. I thought it would be a woman, but perhaps I shouldn't have been biased. He placed all his trust in me to give his fiancé a perfect wedding and I did deliver. When I had met Fiona, we'd just instantly clicked. We've been friends since then, which was almost five years ago. 

The drive doesn't take long, and soon, we're pulling into the circular driveway, with a huge water fountain in the center. Beyond the circular driveway are trees. Lots and lots of palm trees. 

Franco drops us off at the front door and leaves, since there are tons of cars parked outside the gates. Several rose bushes line the front of the house. The black roses are a sharp contrast against the pale beige exterior of the house. They look majestic. 

It feels like I'm a guest to my own engagement and the thought makes me laugh. If only. 

Fiona let's out a whistle beside me, her eyes fixed on the house, and I laugh. There's two garages on either side of me and the front door swings open just as we climb up the last step. 

A short middle aged woman comes up to me. 

"You the bride, yes?" She asks in a heavy Russian accent. 

"Yes." She grabs my hand and pulls me inside. I pull Fiona behind me. Hmm. I like this energetic woman. I don't have time to appreciate the grandeur of the foyer as I'm quickly ushered to the living area. 

White couches are lined up against the white walls. Hundreds of shoes walk across the cream and brown marble flooring. Champagne flutes are being passed along with hors d'oeuvres. 

My eyes find Anthony talking to a group of people. He's dressed in a tan suit, with a black shirt underneath. His hair is neatly gelled back and his watch is clasped to his wrist as always. It's the first time I actually pay attention to the tattoos on his hands. The hummingbird catches my attention for some reason. I would not have pegged Anthony Crosswalk to be a tattoo guy. 

"Is that your future husband?" Fiona glances in Anthony's direction. 

"That's Anthony, my future father in law." Heat creeps up my face. 

That makes her let out a low whistle. 

"Hot damn. Talk about DILF. Where's your future husband though?" 

I scan the room again and there he is. Dressed in a cobalt blue suit with a light pink button down underneath it. His hair is neatly combed to the side and he looks like he wants to be anywhere but here. 

So how does this work exactly? Am I supposed to announce my own arrival? A minute later, I feel a familiar presence beside me. 

"Father." I greet him and go to hug my mom. 

"You look beautiful Mom." 

Anthony's voice speaks up and I haven't even realized he's been standing in front of us. 

"Charles. Elise. Glad you both came."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Where's Sebastian?"

"Sebastian, come over here. Your father in law wants to speak to you."

I can see Sebastian gritting his teeth. I don't know whether to be annoyed or sympathetic. I totally understand his behavior. I can't even imagine the pain he must be going through. To love someone, but be forced to marry another? I'm glad I'm not in his shoes. But, at the same time, he doesn't have to look so annoyed for just making small talk. He doesn't have to be rude about it. 

For a brief moment, I'm angry at Anthony. Why can't he just marry Sebastian off to the woman he loves? My eyes are laser focused on Anthony. I don't see an ounce of guilt in his golden hazel eyes. 

His eyes snap to mine and I look away, focusing on the wall beside the giant flat screen. I'm aware his gaze is still on me and I shift in my heels. 

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Daymond." Sebastian holds his hand out for my Dad to shake. 

Dad looks pleased and goes for the shake. 

I don't miss the flash of surprise in Anthony's eyes because I feel the same way. I was prepared for Sebastian to say something rude. 

"Likewise, son. I was disheartened that you couldn't make it to lunch last weekend."

"I truly am sorry Mr. Daymond, but I had to attend the business summit in London. I hope you'll forgive me."

"Of course, young man. You are welcome to join us for lunch anytime at our place, isn't that right Elise?"

"Of course dear."

Something does seem suspicious here. When Sebastian's eyes land on mine, I swear his eyes turn hard and his lips are turned up in the barest of scowls. I look away and catch Anthony's eyes on his son.