THE SHOCKING ANNOUNCEMENT

Leaning on the bar, she thanked Astrel for what he had done earlier, and what he said next made her raise her eyebrows.

"Don't be too thankful. You might not know what might I do next," he said, gulping down something from a silver can.

CRUSH!

Once he emptied the can, he squished the can with his fist causing her to squint her eyes as she glanced at his long fingers that held it firmly, and the can was thrown to the nearby trash bin beside the bar. A metallic sound formed when it hit the steel ridges of the cylindrical trash bin.

"Who was he?" He questioned with a boring tone as he scrolled his phone screen.

Tapping the wooden surface, she said, "Someone unwanted" she said with a distasted look.

Astrel hummed, not lifting his head as his long fingers typed over the keypad on the phone. Vilian could not help but follow his finger movements. After realization hit her, she shook her head and looked away. 'What's wrong with me?' questioned Vilian to herself as she smacked her temple slightly.

A small smile graced her lips as her eyes lingered on her little brother conversing with another boy like a big man with a cute expression. Astrel stopped what he was doing as he lifted his gaze and glanced at the girl, suddenly turned quiet.

She thought of excusing herself and turned to take her small fancy purse lying on the bar. As she looked up her gaze met the bluest orbs that held her in place.

"Once again, I must thank you, Mr. Astrel," she as she bowed and turned to leave.

As she took a step forward, she saw her father, her stepmother, and Eric standing together in front of everyone. Demus, her father had a mic held in his hand, preparing himself to say something. Vilian narrowed her eyes as she saw her stepmother handing a small box to Eric but the way her mother looked at her so dearly. It was a look she had never seen her stepmother give her.

As Demus tapped the mic twice the speaker boomed with the tapping sound gaining everyone's attention. The music that was playing died down and people who were on the dance floor were dispersed from the place as they came forward to hear what was the matter.

"As I mentioned earlier, there's something more I'd like to share. The party wasn't only arranged just for my son but also for my daughter, Vilian," he said, confusing everyone.

Most of everyone, it was Vilian who was frowning hard. Mia and Vilian exchanged a confusing look and returned their attention to Demus. Demus continued, " Let's put the suspense to an end. While we're all delighted that Daniel my son has turned five, we've got an extra reason to celebrate today." He said as he glanced around at everyone. "We are happy to announce that we've planned to officially form a relationship with the Fenans by engaging my daughter Vilian to the Fenan's only heir Eric Fenan," announced Demus and the guests murmured as they gave a big round of applause.

The black purse slipped off Vilian's clutch as the words sunk into her mind. All of a sudden she felt so fuzzy and frozen. Am I hallucinating? This is just my mind playing games, right? Why would I get engaged to him of all the people? But-

She felt a slight tug on her shoulder, a soft voice calling her from her side. With a dazed look, she turned to her side. Lily was standing beside her with so much worried and frightened expression.

"Mi'lady? Master has been calling you forward," came her tiny voice which echoed in her mind. Lily placed her hand right above her spine nudging her to step ahead. Vilian felt her eyes stinging but no tears welled. Everything was so confusing.

Every step she took forward felt so heavy. Her body was refusing to accept what was happening. Everything felt like crumbling apart. "Is this real?" she hardly whispered and felt Lily's fingers tighten.

Right! This was really happening. "Mi'lady, please don't be upset. It's just an announcement. The engagement still can be called off. Please be strong. Everyone's eyes are on us," Lily whispered lowly as she gave Vilian an encouraging smile when Vilian turned to glance at her. "It's alright we'll try to find a way somehow," she said and here she was standing beside Eric with a two steps gap left between them.

Demus placed his hand over Eric's shoulder giving a big smile to him and Vilian as he patted his shoulder. Mrs. Frost hugged and kissed Vilian's cheek as she congratulated her as a true mother would do. Vilian was all stiff and rigid.

"Fate brought us back together, you see..." Eric whispered into her ear as he closed the distance gap between them and snaked his hand on her waist. Vilian gritted her teeth with so much fury. She felt the urge to smack his face and break his filthy hands.

"The engagement is yet to be confirmed but let us have happy a feast today," said Demus, and left the place. People started to come forward and congratulate the couple for their future bond.

"Meet at the drawing-room once the party is over, dear," said Vilian's stepmother dearly faking a smile. Not a minute passed by Vilian stomped Eric's foot and got away from his clutch and soon she excused herself as she hastily walked away from the party crowd but the Daniel stood in front of her blocking her way.

"Vili? You promise to dance with me today!" he exclaimed as he raised his hand forward. "Will you?"

"Of course, Love. I've been waiting for you," she said as she tried to smile hard. Vilian was taken to the dance floor by Daniel like a gentleman as he would peer at his sister from time to time through his long eyelashes.

"Vili? Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, Love. What is it?"

"Are you getting married to Mr.Eric?" he questioned causing Vilian to go silent.

It was the same question that was running on her mind from the moment her father had revealed it to everyone. Why had they not said a word about it to her? At least even if she could not go against their word, a word before the announcement would cause no pain to anyone, right?

"I guess I am, Danny, but let's not speak of this. Today is the birthday of my prince and his princess will dance with him for as long as he wishes!" exclaimed Vilian dodging the conversation.

Vilian held Daniel's hands as they started dancing with the cross steps. The big smile graced daniel's face never left as they dance. He was so happy.

The guests present in the hall could not help but look in awe at the cute siblings dancing along with the soft music playing. Vilian had to move her knee slower than usual even though the wound was healed it sometimes hurt when moving it.

Her Celestial black velvet frock which reached a little above her knee sparkled under the dim light glowing on the dance floor.