Evening lights shimmered through the crystal chandeliers, scattering prisms across the long mahogany table. Silver cutlery gleamed beside porcelain plates, and a rich aroma of roasted lamb and herbs lingered in the air. The Langford mansion was alive again—elegance draped across every corner, laughter and soft chatter echoing through the gilded halls.
But beneath the polish, a storm waited, silent and heavy.
At the head of the table, Mrs. Langford gracefully dabbed her lips with a silk napkin before rising to her feet. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she lifted her wine glass, her smile elegant and commanding.
"Everyone," she said, her voice carrying across the room like a practiced melody, "may I have your attention, please?"
The chatter died instantly. Forks were set down. All eyes turned to her.
Aira, seated at the far end of the table, lifted her gaze slowly. Her fingers trembled faintly around her spoon, and though she tried to steady her hand, the metal still clinked against the plate.
Mrs. Langford's smile widened as she looked at her family. "Tonight is not just about family bonding," she began warmly, "it's about celebrating something precious… my son."
Jayden leaned back in his chair with a mischievous grin, raising his brows. "What is it this time? Another award?" His tone was teasing, but the edge in it made a few chuckle nervously.
The atmosphere shifted. Mr. Langford shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his brow furrowing. Alec's eyes narrowed slightly, his posture stiffening.
Mrs. Langford's eyes sparkled. "No. Tonight, we celebrate something far more important. He's getting engaged… to Celeste."
The words dropped into the air like a stone into still water, sending ripples across the table.
Elena gasped loudly, hand flying to her chest. "What?! Oh my God, seriously? That's amazing!" she squealed, her voice too high, too dramatic.
Lily leaned forward with a polite smile. "That's wonderful news."
Sana clapped her hands together with exaggerated delight. "Finally, some good decisions from this house."
Aira froze.
No… no… please, no.
Her heart sank like lead in her chest. Her lips parted, but no sound came. She lowered her gaze quickly, afraid someone might see the storm in her eyes.
Beside her, Mira's breath hitched softly. She turned toward Aira in alarm. She didn't know… oh God, she didn't know.
Across the table, Jayden gave a lazy chuckle. "Congrats, I guess. She's perfect for him." He snickered under his breath, though his eyes flicked toward Aira with a sharp glint.
Mr. Langford's chair scraped lightly against the marble as he straightened. His voice was firm when he spoke. "I was not informed of this."
Mrs. Langford waved her hand dismissively, her smile never faltering. "It was decided recently. I wanted it to be a surprise. Celeste and Liam are perfect for each other. She brings peace into this house."
"Peace?" Alec's chair pushed back suddenly, his tall frame rising as he fixed his mother with a piercing gaze. "Wait—when was this decided?"
His father's eyes hardened, his tone cutting. "He didn't choose this. You did."
Mrs. Langford's laughter was light, practiced, as if brushing away a trivial matter. "Oh come now, darling. You know how boys are—they hesitate. I simply gave it a little push."
All eyes shifted to Celeste, who rose delicately to her feet. She folded her hands in front of her, her smile demure, her voice soft and dripping with innocence."Actually, Mr. Langford… Liam and I are in love. We've kept it quiet for a while, but… it's time everyone knows."
Gasps of approval fluttered around the table. Elena clapped her hands together again, Sana grinned smugly, Lily nodded in satisfaction.
But Aira's chest constricted. Her ears rang. Liar. Every word reeks.
Her chair scraped back softly as she stood. Her voice was faint, but steady. "Please excuse me… I need some air."
Mrs. Langford didn't even glance her way. "Don't cause drama now, Aira," she said smoothly, sipping her wine as if dismissing a servant.
Aira's throat tightened. I should be used to this by now… but why does it still hurt like the first time?
She walked out slowly, her heels echoing on the marble floor. Each step away felt heavier, like she was sinking. No one followed.
Back inside
The silence after her departure lingered like smoke. Alec remained standing, his jaw set. "So… we're just accepting this?" His voice was low, dangerous.
"Why wouldn't we?" Mrs. Langford replied sweetly. "She's everything we could want for Liam."
"Not everything." Mr. Langford's tone cut sharply. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "She's too perfect to be real."
"She isn't," Alec muttered, his eyes fixed on Celeste, voice barely above a whisper. "You'll all see it soon enough."
Celeste tilted her head, her lips curving into a smile that seemed sweet to everyone else but carried venom for him. "Alec," she said softly, almost mockingly, "be happy for your brother."
Outside
The night air was cool, brushing against Aira's skin as she leaned against a marble pillar in the courtyard. Her chest rose and fell unevenly, her hands clutching the fabric of her dress as though it might hold her together.
Why does it always feel like I'm the one in the wrong… even when I've done nothing?
Her eyes blurred as tears slipped silently down her cheeks. She pressed a hand to her chest, the ache unbearable.
I've lost him again. But this time… he didn't even look back.