Chapter 12

Flames Hidden Under the Glamour

The Wellington estate sparkled like a precious gem beneath the dusk sky. Countless lights adorned the expansive gardens, illuminating the meticulously trimmed hedges and fountains with a warm glow. The atmosphere was alive with laughter, the sounds of clinking glasses, and the gentle melody of a string quartet. It was a display of extravagance, the joining of two influential families, and a moment that Ronald and Catherine had carefully orchestrated to radiate flawlessness.

Yet, lurking beneath the brilliance of jewels and champagne, turmoil awaited its moment.

Amelia emerged from the limousine, her dress a flowing expanse of dark blue silk that hugged her figure and gleamed with each step. Her hair was elegantly styled, and her lips were painted a striking red that echoed the resolve in her gaze. Jake followed closely behind, attired in a sleek tuxedo, serving as a reassuring anchor amid the tempest she predicted.

“Are you prepared for this?” he inquired, extending his arm.

“Not even remotely,” she conceded, placing her hand in his. “But let’s just get it over with.”

The grand entrance hall was a cacophony of wealth and influence, filled with the city’s high society. Crystal chandeliers shone brilliantly above, their light bouncing off the endless array of fashionably dressed individuals. All heads turned as Amelia and Jake made their entrance, murmurs spreading through the crowd like a sudden wind gust.

******

The Celebration Commences

Amelia surveyed the room, her eyes landing on the bride. Catherine was at the heart of the crowd, radiant in a cream-hued evening gown that accentuated her curves. Her golden hair was styled flawlessly, a delicate tiara perched atop her head. She radiated elegance and allure, effortlessly captivating everyone in her vicinity.

However, when their eyes met, Catherine’s composed demeanor faltered slightly. For a fleeting moment, a hint of irritation crossed her face, quickly replaced by a saccharine grin.

“Amelia,” Catherine said, her voice smooth yet tinged with an edge as she approached. “I wasn’t anticipating your presence tonight.”

“Catherine,” Amelia responded, mirroring her tone. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

“How lovely of you,” Catherine replied, her smile becoming sharper. “Though I hope you’re not here to create any discord. This is a night for celebrating, after all.”

“I’m merely here to honor your... joyful union,” Amelia replied, her words meticulously selected but laden with double entendre.

Before Catherine could reply, Ronald appeared at her side, his hand assertively resting on her lower back. His sharply tailored suit and commanding presence effortlessly captured attention, but his expression dimmed slightly upon spotting Amelia.

“Amelia,” he stated, his tone neutral but tinged with something ambiguous. “I didn’t imagine you would show up.”

“I’m full of surprises,” she replied lightly, her gaze meeting his with unshakeable confidence.Jake moved closer, alleviating the tension. “What a lovely party, Ronald,” he remarked with ease. “You and Catherine have truly surpassed expectations.”

Ronald’s gaze darted towards his brother, a hint of suspicion lingering in his expression. “We strive to impress,” he replied, his voice terse.

*****

The Dance Floor

As the night wore on, the gentle sounds of the quartet transitioned into a vibrant orchestra, filling the dance floor with twirling dresses and shiny shoes. Jake extended his hand to Amelia, a playful grin on his face.

“Join me for a dance,” he urged.

She paused, casting a glance at Catherine and Ronald, who were now engaging with their guests. “Jake, I’m not sure—”

“Just come on,” he cut in, gently leading her to the floor. “Let them see.”

As soon as they entered the dance floor, all eyes in the room seemed to fixate on them. Amelia sensed the pressure of numerous stares, but Jake's unwavering presence steadied her. He expertly guided her through the waltz, his hand securely on her back, his movements assured and fluid.

“You’re doing wonderfully,” he whispered, his voice playful.

“I can’t stand you,” she replied softly, although her lips curled into an unwilling grin.

From across the room, Catherine observed them with a hostile stare, her grip tightening on her champagne glass. Beatrice leaned closer, murmuring something to her, but Catherine hardly registered it. All she could focus on was Amelia—laughing, dancing, and claiming the attention she believed was hers by right.

******

As the evening wore on and the crowd began to dwindle, Amelia found herself standing alone by the grand staircase, wanting a moment to breathe. The heaviness of the night was starting to weigh her down, and she craved the peace of her apartment.

Yet, it seemed that peace would elude her tonight.

“Amelia,” Catherine called out, her voice sweetly toxic.

Amelia turned to see Catherine making her way down the staircase, her expression as cutting as the sharp heels clicking on the marble.

“I’ve been wanting to speak with you,” Catherine said, her tone casual, though her eyes were frosty.

“I’m listening,” Amelia responded, crossing her arms defiantly.

Catherine paused a step above her, using her elevated position to exert dominance. “I don’t know what game you think you’re playing, but let me be clear—you’re not meant to be here.”

Amelia arched an eyebrow, refusing to step back. “Interesting, because I was about to say the exact same thing to you.”

Catherine’s smile wavered, the facade of her poise beginning to crack. “Stay out of my way, Amelia,” she spat, her voice low but laced with fury. “This is my realm now, and you’re simply a nuisance from a bygone era.”

Amelia took a step forward, her voice firm. “If this is truly your realm, Catherine, you should know one thing about me—I’m not easily frightened.”

Their stand-off was broken by the sound of glass shattering. Both women turned to see Ronald standing nearby, his gaze fixed on them. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his jaw was telling.

“What’s happening here?” he asked, his voice slicing through the silence.

“Nothing,” Catherine replied hastily, her tone sweetening as she took the final step down. “Amelia and I were just having a little chat.”

Ronald’s gaze lingered on Amelia, his brow slightly knitted. “Amelia, we need to talk,” he said, his tone allowing no room for disagreement.

********

Ronald guided Amelia into the library, shutting the door behind them. The warmth from the fire cast dancing shadows on the walls, though it did little to alleviate the chill in the air.

“What are you doing here, Amelia?” he asked, his voice low yet charged.

“I was invited,” she responded plainly, holding his gaze steady.

He let out a sigh, running his fingers through his hair. “You’re no longer meant for this world. You departed…”

Her heart ached at his statement, yet she was determined not to reveal her feelings. “You’re the one who set me free, Ronald. Or have you forgotten that?”

His jaw clenched, and for an instant, it seemed he wished to express something further. But whatever it was, he swallowed it back down.

“This doesn’t concern you,” he finally said.

“Perhaps not,” she responded, moving closer. “But I’m here now!”

Outside, the celebration carried on, but the atmosphere was thick with tension. Catherine rejoined the throng, her smile strained as she mingled. Beatrice remained nearby, her keen gaze scanning the gathering for any indication of trouble.

But trouble found them in the form of Jake, who stepped onto the small platform and clinked a glass to catch everyone’s attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he started, his tone smooth and assured. “Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple—Ronald and Catherine. May their marriage be as flawless as the façade they’ve so carefully crafted.”

The crowd murmured, unsure whether to laugh or to applaud. Catherine’s face reddened with fury, but Jake pressed on, unfazed.

“To family secrets and fresh starts,” he proclaimed, lifting his glass.

Amelia entered the room just as the toast concluded, her gaze locking onto Jake’s. She could sense the turmoil brewing behind his composed exterior, and she realized this was just the beginning.