Chapter 5

The wedding venue fell silent, with Athena's face turning pale and Elias still in shock.

Raising our clasped hands, I revealed the ring on my finger.

"Allow me to introduce you all. Next month, Asher and I will be engaged. He's my fiancé."

"The wedding is set for March next year."

Everyone froze, and the sound of a glass dropping to the floor was particularly noticeable.

Wine spilled everywhere, barely masking the shock. Elias struggled to stand up, the ring box falling from his pocket.

The crowd that had been cold towards me earlier suddenly snapped to attention, desperately pushing forward with hands reaching out to me.

"Vesper, no, Vesper, is this the Mr. Channing who's returned from abroad?"

"You've kept this under wraps quite well. Why didn't you tell us old friends before?"

"No wonder we haven't seen you in so many years. You've been living better than all of us. We understand, rich folks like their privacy."

"Vesper, you're so charming. Mr. Channing..."