Chapter 1 - Prologue (1/2)
In a 5 star hotel, a Ting Hun luncheon was ongoing, an engagement ceremony celebrating the union of two aristocratic families. The symphony from the orc.h.e.s.tra filled the air as guests flocked in the venue and were welcomed by the bride's parents who wore a smile on their faces, shaking hands with every visitor that entered the ballroom hall.
Upon entering, one could tell how lavishly decorated the place was for the occasion: the smell of fresh flowers tickled everyone's noses, and the tastefully curated floral arrangements were a feast for the eyes, giving a feeling like one is entering a forbidden forest. Silence ensued as the emcee started to introduce the couple and their lineages. However, not everyone was interested in those facts as gossiping aunties at the back talked in whispers about all the troubles the groom had to endure from his crazy ex-girlfriend. They all nodded in agreement that it was a lucky decision for Lance Go to leave that girl and tie the knot to the love of his life, Selena Lee.
Thunderous applause filled the room, a signal for the double doors to open and reveal the back of a maiden dressed in a backless blush pink satin evening dress that has a mandarin collar strap and an embroidered illusion lace at the back. Selena walked backward from the entrance to the stage where her groom awaited her, a tradition to avoid the negative energy in the room. Her smooth milky white back earned both a sigh of jealousy and admiration as she traversed the red carpet with a 'lucky lady' guiding her along the way.
Across the hall, Lance wiped the beading sweat on his forehead and blew out a nervous breath when he saw how Selena's back shook from a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, just like him.
Upon reaching the stage, the 'lucky lady', someone who came from a successful marriage and a living example for the bride to emulate, turned Selena clockwise three times. She looked every bit like a fairy in a forest as her tea-length skirt danced with every twirl. Selena almost lost her balance in her 4-inch heels, and like a true knight, Lance caught her in his arms, earning laughter and applause from their guests. Side by side, they faced their audience and bowed. What a perfect pair, the guests thought.
Lance Go looked dashing in every angle despite the clear nervousness on his face. His custom-fit royal blue tuxedo and black bowtie added more charisma to the smoldering gaze of his hazel brown eyes that had trapped countless women everywhere he went.
Selena Lee looked ethereal, like a fairy who graced Earth with her presence. Loose hair framed her face, highlighting her big doe eyes that mirrored her innocence and youth. Everybody said her smile was her greatest asset, what with that sweet smile which could send fluffs of clouds to lighten up a person's day.
The couple faced each other with giddy smiles on their faces. Finally... Here they are after months of fighting for their love.
Outside the hotel, a fleet of cars came to a halt at the entrance. A security detail alighted a car and opened the backseat door for his master.
Click clack click
The deathly sound of stilettos hitting the hotel's marble floor was ominous. The haunting sound scared the hotel staff that stood guard by the ballroom hall's door.
The engaged couple was in the midst of exchanging their gifts that came in pairs: necklaces, bracelets, and watches. However, all the attention inside was stolen when the double doors opened. A lady in a black deep V-neck gown with a mermaid cape entered the hall, her giant black hat and black cat-eye sunglasses hid her face.
”Olivia Lin! Stop this madness!”
Pffft! Olivia scoffed as she eyed the golden Sanghee backdrop, a double ”happiness” character, behind Lance and Selena. What a joke. Double happiness? Well, let's double the fun. She motioned her security details to bring in her gifts: dozens of standing spray arrangement of lavender daisy poms, white roses, and lilies – perfect for the day's funeral.
Olivia pulled her sunglasses away revealing her face. The guests turned their gaze to her face, sizing up the notorious ex-girlfriend of Lance Go. Her naturally tanned yet flawless skin and exotic light brown eyes that pull your soul made her stand out from the rest of the elites. One would question why Lance broke his engagement with a woman like her in the first place. Nobody knew her identity except for the little fact that was she was his university day's sweetheart from London.
Everybody snapped their heads back and forth between the couple and Olivia as the lady in black started to walk forward. She stood before Selena and whispered something in the bride's ears.
”You schemed your way into his bed… now scheme your way out of debt… or death. Whichever comes first.” A smirk full of disgust beautifully complemented Olivia's face as she pulled away from the engaged pair.
Olivia gracefully placed a folder and recorder on the table along with the rows of jewelry that were yet to be taken out of their velvet boxes. She tilted her head to the left as she bit the tip of her sunglasses' hook, before saying, ”Enjoy my gift. Best wishes!”
The villainess turned on her heel and left, her h.i.p.s swayed like a model in the catwalk with her every step. Her insidious laughter lingered across the room, raising the hair of every guest's skin.