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Thirty minutes before the party began, Lucian stepped out of the bathroom. He slipped into a blue pinched shirt layered over a logo-print cotton tee and fitted pinched jeans. Without a second thought, he left for the party.
Inside, the music was low and the lights dimmed just enough to set the mood. His eyes immediately found Daniel, lounging in the corner with a drink in hand. Dressed in a black velvet shirt and leather pants tucked into mid-calf cargo boots, Daniel looked every bit the untouchable bad boy.
Lucian joined him, holding out his glass. Without a word, Daniel poured him a drink. Lucian downed it in one gulp.
"Bro, why are you so damn sad?" Daniel asked, studying him.
Lucian exhaled sharply. "Hmmm. Nothing. I just don't want to be here."
Daniel arched a brow. "It's your sister's birthday. At least try to be happy for her."
"Do I look like I care about her?" Lucian's tone was ice.
Daniel gave a crooked smile. "Yeah, I know. You're not the only one who doesn't want to be here. But at least try."
Lucian smirked. "You look like a girl just broke your heart."
"I wish that's what happened," Daniel muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Well, lucky for you there are plenty of girls over there," Lucian said, motioning toward the dance floor.
"Yeah, maybe you could try too."
"They're not my type."
Just then, Daisy and Mina made their entrance. Heads turned, eyes drinking them in. Daisy floated in wearing a fluffy pink dress paired with high heels, while Mina rocked an off-shoulder evening dress—short, stylish, teasing her half-sleeves.
They glided over to Daniel and Lucian.
"So, Daniel, how do I look?" Daisy asked playfully.
Daniel's gaze softened, if only for a second. "Beautiful."
Her cheeks flushed at the word. Daniel quickly looked away, oblivious to the blush burning her face. Lucian, on the other hand, barely spared them a glance, his indifference cutting deeper than any insult.
"Hello, Lucian. Why aren't you talking?" Mina teased.
Lucian pretended not to hear. Mina rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath.
That's when Geo and Klara entered the hall, Lucian's parents dressed for power and reputation. Daisy rushed to hug her mother while Lucian drowned another sip from his glass.
"Why aren't you wearing your suit?" Geo snapped, his voice sharp.
"And why would I wear that to a stupid party?" Lucian retorted.
"It's your sister's birthday! Change now!"
"What if I don't, old man? This is my house—you don't get to tell me what to do."
"Your father is trying to help you get a good wife from a respectable family," Klara scolded. "And here you are, ungrateful."
"Did I ask for your help?" His words sliced through the tension like a blade.
Klara drew in a sharp breath. "Fine. Don't change. But you're still meeting them tonight."
"Fine," Lucian muttered coldly, already plotting. I'll just tell her I can't marry her and get this over with.
Moments later, the King family arrived. Geo greeted them warmly, dragging Lucian with him like a reluctant shadow.
"It's so good to see you," Geo beamed. "This is my lovely wife, Klara, and my son, Lucian Larenzo."
Lucian's gaze sharpened when the elder King stepped forward.
"I'm Roshan King," the old man introduced, his voice commanding but warm. Lucian shook his hand firmly, concealing his unease.
Beside him stood a younger man with sharp eyes. "Mike King," he said simply—Mirabel's brother.
Geo nodded politely. "And these are the young ladies?"
Roshan smiled faintly. "Flora Xavier, my grandson's fiancée. Mirabel King, my granddaughter. And Tracy Eric, her best friend."
Lucian's world tilted the second Mirabel's name left Roshan's lips. His gaze fell on her—calm, untouchable, breathtaking.
Geo's smile widened. "I was thinking my son and your granddaughter would suit each other. Don't you agree?"
Roshan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "That decision isn't mine—it's hers. But I admit, they would look good together."
Everyone's attention shifted to Mirabel. Lucian's eyes locked on hers, waiting.
"Grandpa," she said softly. "The answer is no. I already have someone I like."
The words struck him harder than he expected. His jaw clenched.
"Are you two dating?" Roshan pressed.
"Grandpa, it's my personal relationship," Mirabel said firmly.
"Alright then," Roshan sighed, backing down. But Lucian could still feel the sting.
Klara leaned toward Geo, whispering, "Maybe if we leave them alone, something will spark."
"Let's hope your son doesn't blow it," Geo muttered back.
Klara smiled and pulled Flora away, Roshan and Mike following shortly after.
Tracy stretched, yawning. "I'll go find some snacks. I'm starving." With that, she wandered off, leaving only Lucian and Mirabel.
The silence between them was electric.
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