Chapter 10- The Engagement Party

Anna stepped out of the car, her nerves tightening with every passing second. The Blackwell estate loomed before her, a dazzling display of wealth that felt almost oppressive. Her emerald-green gown flowed elegantly around her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t belong here.

Beside her, Jaden adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored suit, his expression as cold and detached as ever. He barely glanced at her before offering his arm.

“Remember, smile,” he said flatly. “You’re supposed to be happy about this.”

Anna swallowed her retort and placed her hand on his arm. Together, they walked into the grand hall, where the engagement party was already in full swing.

The room was filled with impeccably dressed guests, their laughter and chatter blending with the soft notes of a string quartet. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a golden glow on the scene. As they entered, all eyes turned to them, the newest couple on the Blackwell stage.

Anna felt the weight of their stares, the whispers that followed her every move.

“Smile,” Jaden muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening.

She forced a smile onto her face, though it felt hollow.

Eleanor Blackwell, Jaden’s mother, was the first to approach them. She looked elegant and poised as always, her sharp eyes scanning Anna with a mix of approval and calculation.

“You both look wonderful,” Eleanor said, her tone smooth but her gaze lingering on Anna’s dress. “Anna, the gown suits you.”

“Thank you, Eleanor,” Anna replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Jaden, however, wasted no time in excusing himself. “I need to speak with someone. You’ll manage,” he said to Anna before disappearing into the crowd.

She barely had time to process his abrupt departure before a familiar voice cut through the air.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Cinderella herself,” Daniella said, her tone dripping with disdain.

Anna turned to face Jaden’s ex-fiancée, who stood just a few feet away, her sharp features twisted into a mocking smile. Daniella had been the thorn in her side since the day they first met, and tonight was no different.

“Daniella,” Anna said politely, though she could feel her patience wearing thin.

“You’ve certainly cleaned up nicely,” Daniella said, circling her like a predator. “But let’s not pretend, shall we? Everyone here knows you’re not Jaden’s type.”

Anna clenched her fists, willing herself to stay calm. “I wasn’t aware there was a specific ‘type’ for a fiancée.”

Daniella smirked. “Oh, there is. And trust me, sweetheart, you don’t fit it.” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You’re just a placeholder. He’ll get bored of you soon enough.”

Before Anna could respond, another voice interrupted them.

“Is this how you greet all the guests, or is this pretty lady here just special?”

Anna turned to see a man with dark hair and striking green eyes standing behind Daniella. He was tall and effortlessly charming, his smile disarming.

“Lucas Black,” he said, extending a hand to Anna while ignoring Daniella completely.

“Anna,” she replied, shaking his hand, grateful for the interruption.

“Ah, the bride-to-be,” Lucas said, his green eyes twinkling. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Though, I must say, the stories don’t do you justice at all.”

Anna felt her cheeks warm at the compliment. Daniella, however, wasn’t as amused.

“Lucas,” Daniella said, her voice laced with irritation. “Shouldn’t you be mingling with someone else?”

“Why would I, when the most interesting person in the room is right here?” he replied smoothly, his gaze never leaving Anna.

Daniella scoffed and stormed off, leaving Anna and Lucas alone.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Anna said quietly, though she couldn’t help but smile.

“Done what?” Lucas asked innocently.

“Antagonized her. She already doesn’t like me.”

Lucas shrugged. “She doesn’t like anyone who isn’t her. Don’t take it personally.”

Anna found herself relaxing slightly in his presence. There was something easy about Lucas, something that made her feel less like a pawn in someone else’s game.

“Anyway,” Lucas continued, “if you ever need a buffer at one of these things, just say the word. I’m always happy to save a damsel in distress.”

“Thanks,” Anna said, her smile genuine this time.

Across the room, Jaden watched the interaction, his expression unreadable. He had been speaking with a business associate when he noticed Lucas leaning a little too close to Anna. Something about the way she smiled at him—soft and unguarded—made Jaden’s chest tighten.

But he pushed the thought aside. It didn’t matter. Anna was here to play a role, nothing more.

As the evening progressed, Anna found herself drifting through conversations with strangers, each one more exhausting than the last. By the time Jaden returned to her side, she was ready to leave.

“You’ve done enough socializing,” he said, his tone neutral. “Let’s get this over with.”

She nodded, following him to the center of the room where Eleanor stood waiting.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Eleanor announced, her voice commanding the attention of the crowd. “If I may have your attention, please.”

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to them. Anna felt her pulse quicken, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.

“As you all know,” Eleanor continued, “tonight we celebrate the engagement of my son, Jaden, to the lovely Anna.”

Polite applause filled the room as Jaden took Anna’s hand. She glanced up at him, trying to play the role of a perfect and loving fiancee.

Eleanor stepped aside, leaving the couple to share the spotlight. Jaden leaned down, his voice low enough for only Anna to hear.

“Smile,” he said, his tone almost teasing.

She did as he said, though her smile felt more like a shield than an expression of happiness.

As the applause died down, Anna caught sight of Lucas watching her from across the room, his expression thoughtful. And for a brief moment, she wondered if she had made a mistake stepping into Jaden Blackwell’s world.