The Grand Ballroom of Camellia Jessops Hall was a vision of opulence and elegance, a true masterpiece of vintage Art Deco design. The room was a vast, high-ceilinged space with gleaming polished floors and walls adorned with intricate patterns of silver and gold. The ceiling itself was a work of art, a domed masterpiece of stained glass and crystal that refracted and reflected the light in a dazzling display of color and sparkle.
At the center of this beautiful space, Selena and Liam held court, surrounded by their friends, family, and a sprinkling of diplomats and dignitaries. Selena was a vision of loveliness, her raven locks cascading down her back like a waterfall of night. Her eyes, a deep, rich chocolate brown, sparkled with happiness as she smiled and laughed with their guests.
She wore a stunning gown by Oscar de la Renta, a floor-length masterpiece of silk and lace that hugged her curves in all the right places. The gown was a deep, jewel-toned blue that perfectly complemented her dark hair and eyes, and its intricate lace details seemed to shimmer and shine in the light.
Liam, dashing in his Tom Ford tuxedo, stood tall and proud beside her, his dark blond curls perfectly messy and his blue eyes shining with adoration as he gazed at his bride-to-be. Together, they made a stunning couple, and their happiness was palpable as they celebrated their engagement with the people they loved.
As they mingled with their guests, Eun Ho and Jonathan were deep in conversation with a group of diplomats, their faces serious and intent as they discussed matters of state and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Gunn stood at the edge of the room, a sour look on his face as he nursed a glass of champagne and watched the festivities with a jaundiced eye.
The grand ballroom was abuzz with excitement as the guests mingled and chatted, sipping champagne and canapés. The party for Selena and Liam was in full swing, with the who's who of high society in attendance. Among them many friends and vassals.
As the evening wore on, the music began to play, and the guests took to the dance floor. Selena and Liam, resplendent in their finery, were the center of attention, their love and happiness radiating like a beacon.
"I'm so happy for you both," Claire said, hugging Selena tightly. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."
As the night wore on, the guests began to make their way to the microphone to offer their congratulations and well-wishes to the happy couple. The room was filled with heartfelt speeches and toasts, and Selena and Liam were visibly moved by the outpouring of love and support.
The pair endured pictures, and found some time to unwind in a slow dance. "I think I am ready to call it a night." Selena said feeling exhausted. She had been tired lately. Liam insisted on taking a car tonight, so he could drink, she did not drink out of respect to her past self and Molly.
Selena and Liam's engagement party had been a resounding success, with friends and family gathered from far and wide to celebrate their love. As the night wore on, the guests began to say their goodbyes, and the hall slowly emptied.
Liam looked at Selena. He held her tightly. He whispered into her ear, his hot breath and lips tickling her ear, "I cannot wait to peel you out of that dress like a banana and eat you."
Selena smirked and asked, "I think you have had enough fun tonight. Can you even function with that much whiskey in you?"
Liam pulled her close to him, pressing her into the part of himself that already yearned for her. "What do you think, Doctor, does it really seem like it could impair me?"
"Get my bag then," Selena said with a laugh. If her father saw him walk across the dance floor, he would be mortified right now.
Liam drunkenly said, "You know what? Just wait a minute or two, while I think about baseball and Jonah's back hair." Selena erupted in laughter. She slowly danced with him. He held her close and when he was ready, he grabbed her purse obediently.
As they prepared to depart, the perfect evening drew to a close. As they emerged from the Hall. Its stunning Art Deco exterior was bathed in moonlight. The lanterns cast a golden glow, illuminating the epitome of nature's envoy to humanity. Selena stood as they waited for their driver.
Selena's long, curled raven hair shone like the night sky and reached down to her lower back in a voluminous waterfall of curls. Her alabaster skin was illuminated like the very moon she was named after. Her beautiful, full lips were aching to be kissed. Liam's breath was briefly caught in his throat.
The early summer weather had been perfect, with a gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers through the hall's elegant gardens. Her hair picked up in the wind. A camera flashed and took a picture at just the right moment. He would have to get that photograph. He stared transfixed at her.
Selena's grandparents, Park Gulduk and Noe Jin-ae, were among the first to leave, followed by her mom's cousin, Park Jun Pyo. Her other grandparents, Amelia and Arthur, departed soon after, beaming with happiness as they congratulated Selena and Liam once again.
As the remaining guests prepared to leave, Selena's parents, Eun Ho and Jonathan Lowrie, stood chatting with Liam's parents, Jake and Catherine Reinhold. Selena's uncle, Edward, and aunt, Elham, were deep in conversation with Joseph Whitehaven, a close friend of Selena's parents.
Gunn stood nearby, chatting with his mom Sara Whitehaven and her sister-in-law, Claire Lowrie and a friend. Selena's brother, Jonah Lowrie, was laughing with his cousin, Monty Lowrie, as they made their way towards the exit.
But just as the night was winding down, a dramatic turn of events unfolded. As Jonathan and Eun Ho stepped out of the venue to get into a waiting limo, a gunshot rang out.
"Get down!" someone shouted, as the guests screamed and scrambled to get out of the way.
Selena, who had witnessed the attempt on Jonathan and Eun Ho's lives, suddenly felt a wave of panic wash over her. She grabbed Liam's hand, and they ran for cover, hiding behind a nearby pillar.
"Oh my god, oh my god," Selena whispered, her heart racing. "This is just like...just like before."
As Liam held Selena close, trying to calm her down, he could feel her body trembling with fear. "It's okay, Selena," he whispered, his voice calm and reassuring. "We're safe. The Gregory Guard will handle it."
But Selena was beyond consolation. She was transported back to the night she was shot in the chest, the memories flooding back like a tidal wave.
The sound of gunfire echoed through the night air, and the Gregory Guard sprang into action. They chased after the would-be assassins, engaging in an epic gun fight. The sound of bullets whizzing through the air, the smell of gunpowder, and the sight of the Guard's tactical team in action created a chaotic scene.
But despite their best efforts, the assassins managed to escape, leaving behind a trail of chaos and destruction. The Camellia Jessops Hall, once a scene of joy and celebration, was now a crime scene, with police tape and flashing lights surrounding the area.
"Every single time." Selena said, she hung her head. Liam sobered by the event shook his head.
As the night ended there, the remaining guests and family began to disperse, shocked and stunned by the events that had unfolded. Selena and Liam, still shaken by the close call, clung to each other, grateful to be alive.
"It's going to be okay," Liam whispered, holding Selena close. "Let's get out of here. We'll take the car to your parents' estate."
Selena nodded, still in shock. Liam led her to the waiting limousine, its sleek black body gleaming in the flashing lights of the police cars. The chauffeur, a tall, imposing man with a kind face, opened the door for them, and they slid into the luxurious interior.
As the limousine pulled away from the curb, Selena felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was safe, for the moment. She leaned her head against Liam's shoulder, feeling his warmth and comfort envelop her.
Liam wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as the limousine glided smoothly through the streets. They didn't speak, just held each other, trying to process the events of the evening.
As they approached the Lowrie estate, Liam could see the concern etched on the faces of the security guards stationed at the entrance. They nodded to the chauffeur, and the limousine passed through the gates, winding its way up the driveway to the mansion.
He had always been struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the Lowrie estate, a stark contrast to his own family's modern home. He grew up in a mansion, but this was wealth beyond what they could achieve. It was not something that he could ever get used to.
The Lowrie family did not spend money as wantonly as his family. They were very modest in public, with very little presence, but in private, the Lowries and the Kinsman family spent quite liberally. Selena's Korean side of the family was publicly affluent. The Noe family was known as reclusive.
Each daughter married, but they lived in the Noe compound. They were an institution of success, with a keen business acumen that protected their wealth and value through conflicts, wars, and uprisings. He very well knew he was marrying into the family as well, and not vice versa. He was happy to.
As they approached the entrance, memories came flooding back to Liam. He remembered the first time he had seen Selena's nerdy side, when she had spent hours in the garden, tending to her hydroponic project for the science fair.
At first, he had been both intimidated and thrilled by her intelligence, beauty and passion. And before he had even realized his feelings for her, he had found himself competing with her for top grades, driven by a mix of admiration and rivalry.
As the door swung open, Liam's eyes widened in surprise. Instead of Selena's parents, he was greeted by the imposing figure of Amelia, Selena's grandmother. Her piercing green eyes seemed to bore into his soul, as if sizing him up and searching for any hidden weaknesses.
"Ah, Liam," Amelia said, her voice dripping with elegance and poise. "You have been very busy," she said. He knew she was expecting him.
Amelia's eyes scanned him and then finally Selena. Amelia smiled sweetly and then frowned.