Free Web NovelChapter 96: Meeting Lady Glowen
A sharp knock sounded at the door.
Before Lyvana could answer, Isabel walked in, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Oh, Mark! Pardon me. I didn’t know you were here," Isabel said.
Mark gave her a charming smile.
"It’s quite alright, Isabel," he said. "Lyvana and I were just discussing our plans for the wedding."
Isabel beamed. "That’s sweet, I will come back later."
She turned and walked out.
"I want to rest. Let’s meet at the party tonight," she told him, her voice holding just enough forced sweetness to satisfy him.
The moment the door clicked shut, she let out a long, heavy sigh. This was getting pretty intense.
She reached for her phone, as the screen lit up.
There was a message from Julian.
I’m thinking of you. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
A small, genuine smile touched her lips. But right below his text, the notification bar showed two missed calls from Emily.
"Babe, how are you?" Emily’s voice came through the phone, sounding frantic. "Where are you? I was at your apartment. There are cops everywhere! They said there was a break-in."
Lyvana took a deep breath, keeping her voice low. "I’m okay. Yes, I am at my grandma’s house for now."
"I am suing those people for such poor security!" Emily snapped, her anger replacing her worry. "How does a random person just walk into a high-end building like that? It’s a joke!"
Lyvana laughed softly, feeling relieved after such a tense morning. "It’s okay, Emy. Why were you there so early."
"Ethan and I set a date," Emily said excitedly.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Lyvana squealed excitedly. "Emily, that’s amazing! When is it?"
"In three weeks," Emily chirped. "I went over to your place because I wanted you to design a wedding dress for me, but then I saw the officers. I almost had a heart attack! I thought something terrible happened to you."
"I’m sorry I scared you," Lyvana whispered. "It’s been crazy, I was going to call you this morning. But I’m so happy for you and Ethan. You guys are perfect together."
"Thanks, babe."
"I am coming over? I will be there in twenty minutes."
"Where do you want to meet?"
"At your place," Lyvana said. "And I need to pick up something to wear at the penthouse."
....
The party was already in full swing by the time Lyvana and Emily arrived. The ballroom had been nicely decorated, with sparkling lights reflecting off the polished floors.
Waiters in white uniforms moved smoothly through the crowd, carrying trays of cold champagne.
The music was soft, and the room was filled with the sound of people talking and laughing.
Emily leaned in close to her ear.
"Remember, no drinking on," Emily whispered, her eyes watching the champagne glasses. "Because of... you know what."
"I know," Lyvana replied softly. "I’m sticking to water tonight."
As they walked further into the room, Lyvana saw Mark. He was standing in the center of the room, smiling and shaking hands with guests. He looked like the perfect fiancé.
Then someone tapped her shoulder.
It was Clarisse.
"Clarisse," Lyvana said coldly. "I didn’t realize you were on the guest list."
"Mark insisted I come. You know how it is."
"What do you want?"
Clarisse leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"I just want to remind you that it’s me that Mark loves. You might have the ring and the title of fiancée, but I’m the one he truly wants. You’re just a part of his public image, Lyvana. A trophy he has to keep polished."
In her past life, words like this had broken her heart. But now, she just felt disgusted.
"You are truly crazy. Why do you feel the need to tell me that?"
"I saw you watching him. I do admire your optimism," Clarisse sneered, stepping closer. "It takes a lot of courage to stand here pretending Mark actually wants you."
Lyvana let out an amused smile.
"Funny. I was about to say the same about you."
"You bitch," Clarisse hissed, her voice trembling with sudden rage.
"That’s probably your mother," Emily said stepping in front of Lyvana. "I’d check your birth certificate before you start labeling other people."
"How dare you—" Clarisse started, her face turning a deep, angry red.
"Why don’t you get a move on," Lyvana said, leaning in closer. "Your desperation is showing. It’s staining that cheap dress you’re wearing."
Clarisse glared at them angrily. Then turned to leave, but her heel caught the hem of her dress, and she stumbled blindly, nearly hitting the floor before scrambling away into the crowd.
A few guests nearby smothered their laughs.
"Ten points," Emily whispered, making Lyvana laugh.
"Let’s find my grandmother, before she thinks I didn’t show up."
They moved through the gold-trimmed ballroom towards Lady Glowen.
She was standing with Isabel. Mark stood behind them discussing something with Damon and a few dignitaries.
"Your outfit is stunning, Lady Glowen," Emily said to her
"Thank you, dear," the older woman said. "How are your parents? I have —"
She cut off mid-sentence as their attention went to a small commotion at the entrance.
They watched as Julian stepped in, looking perfect in every inch of his body. His presence was like a magnet, drawing every eye toward him.
Beside him however was Madam Hestia Vane, The Grand Duchess. Her elegance matching his. Following closely were Ethan and the famous princess Sophia and some bodyguards.
"Oh no, he didn’t," Lyvana murmured. She had crossed out her name because she knew it was impossible to bring such a woman to this small event.
"Omg... omg! Wait, is that the Grand Duchess?" Emily squealed, clutching Lyvana’s arm so hard it left a mark. "This is insane!"
Lyvana turned to her grandmother. The older woman’s mouth was open in pure shock. This will definitely get huge points for Julian.
As they approached, the entire ballroom seemed to hold its breath.
Lady Glowen reached them and bowed slightly.
"Your Grace," Lady Glowen breathed, her voice thick with awe. "Welcome to my home. It is... it is a profound honor. I never dared to dream you would grace us with your presence."
"Julian here had so many good things to say about you and your family, I simply had to see you."
Lady Glowen turned to the handsome man beside her.
