The Banquet at the Blackwells

Melissa had not seen Duke Kensington for almost two weeks since he was gone. At first, she didn't feel much difference without his presence. However, she started to feel slightly lost after four days in. When a week had passed, Melissa felt like crying, and finally admitted to missing him terribly. 

Ever since they met for the first time, Duke Kensington had constantly appeared before her, accompanying her everywhere, annoyed her, teased her and even made her angry at times with his domineering attitude. But now, he's no longer around and Melissa seriously felt his absence in her life. She didn't like it at all. She wanted him here, with her, all the time. When the second week hit her, Melissa no longer had appetite and could barely concentrate in her work. 

Duke Malcom somehow could guess the reason behind this changes and didn't say much. As a married man himself, he knew only Melissa could overcome this herself, and she would be fine once Duke Kensington comes back. Luckily Lord Melvin had once again went to the countryside and therefore wasn't around to pester his sister. 

"Melissa, are you attending Lord Benjamin Blackwell's birthday party this evening?" Duke Malcom asked his daughter during breakfast. He glanced at her breakfast plate, which she barely touched. 

"Yes Father. I've promised him." Melissa said. 

"Alright then. You've been looking tired lately, it would do you good to go out and mingle. Take Andrew with you, only then I would be assured." As much as Duke Malcom had kept his guard up against Benjamin Blackwell ever since Lord Melvin informed him about that man, he didn't want to alert his daughter unnecessarily. Judging from how she's reacting to Duke Kensington's absence, he knew that his daughter had fallen for that man, hence he's convinced that Melissa would not be fooled by Benjamin's sweet words. 

Melissa smiled and nodded to her father's instructions. That evening, Melissa decided to wear the burgundy gown that Lord Benjamin had gifted her. She found it only fitting to reciprocate his kindness towards her by this appreciative gesture. She decided to braid her long hair, leaving only small strands of hair to grace her face. Satisfied with her look, she left for the banquet.

When she reached the dancing hall of the Blackwell Mansion, her mood was instantly lifted. There, gracing the main hall was a collection of her beautiful paintings. When she entered the huge room, she was suddenly swarmed by a number of guests, all wishing to speak to her. Melissa chatted happily with them, followed closely by Sir Andrew.

"Melissa! You came! You look beautiful in this dress." Lord Benjamin's voice broke through the noisy crowd.

"Thank you. Happy Birthday, Benjamin. This is for you." Melissa gestured Sir Andrew to hand over a wrapped painting to Lord Benjamin, drawing jealous looks and praises from the surrounding crowd.

Lord Benjamin immediately unwrapped the painting, and the moment they laid eyes on it, everyone cheered and started clapping.

"Genius! Lady Melissa, you must draw this again and I will definitely buy it!" A nearby gentleman said.

"No, I shall get it first before you!" Another older lady said while laughing.

These kind jests drew laughter from the crowd and everyone was amazed at how talented this beautiful lady was.

The proudest of them all was Lord Benjamin, recipient of the painting. When he looked at it, he felt as if the whole world belonged to him. Melissa had drawn a completely different theme this time, depicting a world outside theirs. The painting was black, and covered only with silver strokes with golden hues. Melissa had named the painting, Fallen Stars.

Lady Anastasia, who had been observing Melissa since she appeared, smiled at this scene, masking her real feelings towards her. Her eyes held sinister thoughts and she couldn't wait for Lady Melissa's downfall, which would take place very soon. She glanced around to find her accomplice and when she saw Mr King standing nearby, she felt satisfied. 

A group of ladies soon surrounded Lady Anastasia, voicing their envy and jealousy towards Lady Melissa. Some of them had an undeniable crush on Lord Benjamin, and seeing how close and comfortable Lord Benjamin was towards her, they felt angry and went to Lady Anastasia to voice their dissatisfaction. 

"How did that slut gets along with your brother? Is she worthy?!"

"Yes, I'm sure she's the one who seduced him. Shameless! Isn't the Duke enough for her??"

"Ana! You need to show your brother the real face of this bitch!"

Surprisingly, Lady Anastasia was calm and didn't react as how she normally would towards Lady Melissa. The girls were puzzled. They knew that Lady Anastasia hated Lady Melissa, though they didn't really know the actual reason. Now seeing her not reacting to their complaints, they immediately stop talking.

Lady Anastasia merely smiled but her smile didn't reach her eyes. She walked over to the grand piano placed in the corner of the banquet hall and sat down. Before long, a beautiful melody grazed the ears of the guests and everyone stopped talking, focusing on the pretty girl who was playing the piano. She was worthy of her status as the only daughter of Earl Blackwell and she knew exactly how to play her role well. In front of the eyes of the elders, she behaved like a prim and proper young lady, however only her family knew her real character. 

"Blackwell, you have such a talented daughter! She plays the piano so beautifully." Lord Hillbury who was standing next to his friend commented, drawing a smile on the other man's face. 

"Yes, how old is Anastasia this year? Has she found a suitor yet?" Lady Hillbury said while gesturing at the girl with her wine glass. 

"You're all too kind. Ana just turned 22 this year. This girl is too stubborn. She said she wants to spend more time with me at home. Silly girl." Earl Blackwell's reaction to this topic was evasive and there was a slight embarrassment look appeared on his face. 

Lord and Lady Hillbury exchanged brief glances and smiled knowingly. Of course, although not many were aware of the proposal to marry into the royal family, only a few close friends knew but feigned ignorance when they heard the Blackwell's proposal was rejected for the second time by the Queen. 

Lord Benjamin's lips twitched when he saw his sister played the piano. 'What is she up to now?' 

Lord Benjamin knew his sister would not volunteer her energy and time into something if it didn't benefit her. Suddenly, before he could discern her motive, Lady Anastasia finished playing and the crowd all clapped for her. She smiled and curtsy gracefully before speaking up. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today for my dear brother's birthday celebration." She looked over to where Lord Benjamin and Lady Melissa were standing and her smile grew wider. Lord Benjamin had a bad feeling in his heart.