Chapter 36: The engagement party.
Chapter 36: The engagement party.
Chapter 36: The engagement party.
After spending a blissful morning and afternoon with Ian the day before, Dara felt as if she was on top of the world. Now, they were on their way to the main estate for their engagement party. The afternoon before, Ian called his mother and ordered her to put together an engagement party by the next evening.
“Th-The next evening! Ian that’s imposs-”
“I’m the king of the entire West! How is it impossible! Get it done! We’re getting married next weekend.”
Nancy could hardly believe her ears! Married next weekend!!! Why!!!
“I-Ian….honey….what’s the rush? Why not-”
“Didn’t you marry my father the same day you told him you were pregnant with me? I’ve already made Dara wait for over five months. Get it done.”
Nancy smiled nervously, her thoughts filled with rage! That was the second time Ian brought up her past with his father!
“Of course my son. I’ll have everything in order.”
As Nancy hung up Ivan scoffed.
“Is that boy out of his fucking mind!! Forcing you to plan a party this short a notice!”
Nancy looked at him with drained eyes.
“At least she’s getting a proper engagement and wedding.”
Ivan looked at Nancy as if she had three heads!
“Just what the hell is that supposed to mean-”
“Nothing Ivan. If you’ll excuse me….I have a party to plan.”
Now, everyone who was everyone began to arrive at the Keller manor in honor of Ian and Dara. As they made their way to the ballroom, Ian had to admit; he was quite impressed with how fast his mother was able to put this together! It was beautiful! The decorations, the food, the live band, she had truly outdone herself. He’d be sure to thank her with something special. He owed her anyway….lately he’d been rather hard on her.
Dara beamed with joy as they entered the ballroom.
“Oh Ian!!! This is simply beautiful!!!”
Ian smiled down at Dara, happy to see the innocent happiness in her eyes.
“Be sure to thank your mother-in-law.”
“I will!”
As the party began, Nancy announced the arrival of Ian and Dara. Soon, everyone clapped and cheered as they made their way to the couple to congratulate them on their wedding and baby. Several of Ian’s employees and Dara’s co-workers made their way over to congratulate them as well….including Eric.
“Wow Dara! You look beautiful….congrats.”
Lisbeth said meekly as she smiled at Dara and Ian. Secretly she cursed them both; blaming them for why her best friend Suzanne left. Dara smiled smugly as she put on her sugary voice.
“Why Lisbeth….thank you so much! I used to think you and Suzie didn’t like me! I’m so glad you’re here!”
Ian’s eyes instantly darkened. Had employees been giving her a hard time! Quickly realizing where this was going, Lisbeth immediately excused herself.
“Well….congratulations again.”
With that, she scurried away. Over in the corner, Eric was talking with Jackie Brice, the HR department head. She and Eric had been secretly dating for the past four months.
“I can’t believe she won! I thought for sure Mr. Keller would try and win back Mrs. Ke-Davis. I guess I better get used to calling her that if I ever run into her.”
Eric remained quiet. There were a million thoughts running through his mind at this moment. For some reason, he had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach that things were going to get worse before they got better.
‘Was this truly the way to achieve your dreams Dara?’
As he gulped his champagne, he decided it was time congratulate the “happy” couple.
“Mr. Keller. Dara. I just wanted to say congratulations! This is beautiful!”
As Ian shook Eric’s hand in thanks, Dara smiled coyly.
“Oh Eric….it’s going to be so weird everyone hearing you still call me ‘Dara’ after I marry Ian. Some people might think you don’t respect me as much as you did Ms. Davis…..oh but don’t worry! I’ll just always let them know we knew each other befo-”
“Dara has a point.”
Ian interjected before Dara could finish causing Eric’s eyes to darken for a brief unnoticeable moment.
“So there is no confusion….from this point on, start referring to Dara as Mrs. Keller.”
Eric’s eyes held ice as he glared at Dara who was now beaming. Turning towards Ian, Eric nodded.
“As you wish Mr. Keller. Mrs. Keller…..congrats.”
Dara smiled shyly.
“Gosh….I’m never going to get used to this. Thank you so much Eric.”
Ian didn’t notice, but Eric saw it….directly in her eyes…..nothing but arrogance.
Smiling lightly, Eric nodded and walked away. He’d had just about enough of kissing his sister’s ass for the evening.
“I need to get the hell out of here…..”
As Eric was about to take his tie off and leave, he noticed a shadow of a figure walk by. As his brows furrowed, he couldn’t help but wonder.
‘I know that wasn’t….’
Curious, Eric followed the figured outside the estate. As he made his way outside, he could see the figure walking swiftly before arriving near a black luxury car.
Standing at the door, the woman had on a beautiful black gown with a hat and attached veil. However, even with her face slightly covered, Eric was now 100 percent certain. The woman was Cassandra Davis.
“That’s very big of you….attending your ex-husband’s engagement party.”
A slight smile appeared on Cassandra's lips; so he was following her. Standing in front of her was Eric Snyder. The man partially responsible for the death of her parents in her previous life. She could feel the anger rising inside her. Taking a deep breath, she smiled.
“Eric Snyder. Well…..I supposed you’re pleased with yourself.”
Cassandra’s comment confused Eric causing his brows to furrow even deeper.
“I-I don’t under-”
“Of course you do. I mean this is joyous moment for your 'sister' afterall.”
Eric’s eyes widened in shock! How the hell did she know Dara was his sister! Sweat beads began to form on his forehead as he scrambled to deny her allegation.
“M-My sis….Ms. Davis….I’m not sure I follow-”
“Yes you do…..Dara Chambers…..you may have different fathers, but the fact still remains.”
Cassandra walked up to Eric slowly, a slight smile on her face.
“Though, something tells me our little Dara deviated just a little from your plan. Am I right?”
As the sweat dripped from his face, Eric could feel his pulse racing. Exactly how much did she know?
“Ms. Davis…I-”
“When you’re tired of her…..call me.”
Cassandra walked back to her car; after taking out her keys, she drove off into the night leaving Eric’s throat dry as he stared down at her business card.
\-------------
The next morning, Eric woke up with a slight hangover. After that encounter with Cassandra, he decided to go to a bar and got drunk. As he stretched and made his way to the kitchen, there was a loud knock on his door.
“Who the hell is that!”
Eric stalked over towards the door as the bang became louder. Once he opened it, his irritation rose seeing who it was.
“Dara…..what the hell are you doing here?”
Dara walked into his condo without waiting for him to invite her.
“Oh Eric….now is that any way to speak to your boss?”
Dara spun around, a devious grin on her face.
“You left early last night; you missed the fireworks.”
“Let's be clear....I don't answer to you."
Dara smiled with a devious grin.
"You will if my husband orders you too."
Eric's face tightened.
"I’m sure you didn’t come all the way here just to tell me about fireworks. And what are you even doing just showing up! What if Mr. Keller-"
“Relax dear brother….he thinks I’m out shopping for baby clothes with some friends.”
Eric scoffed.
“He thinks you have friends. He really is fooled.”
Dara’s eyes darkened.
“Listen Eric! I came here to warn you!”
Eric spun around and looked at Dara with a confused expression.
“What the hell are you talking about!”
“I’m talking about respect dear brother! From now on….I am MRS. KELLER….you’ll do well to remember that….otherwise….my version of events will be much better than yours.”
Eric stared at Dara….the sister he knew but never truly grew up with. His mother left him and his father when he was three years old for Dara’s father because he had more money. The problem, however, was that he was married. So though Dara grew up comfortable, she also grew up with no status. Eric slightly chuckled causing Dara to frown.
“What the hell is so funny!”
“You really are just like mom. That was the only reason I came to you. I was sure you’d have no qualms lying in bed with a married man-”
“SHUT UP!!! I’m nothing like that bitch!!! She let my father die still being his mistress! He left us nothing!!! I couldn’t even go to his funeral! But my son…..my son will sit on the throne….right next to me!”
Dara’s eye’s darkened as her voice became heavy.
“So if I were you….I’d start treating your queen with more respect…..or else it’s off with your fucking head.”
With that, Dara left.
\----------
Cassandra giggled as Ayden tickled her stomach.
“Ayden Crawford you stop it or I’m leaving you!! I swear!!”
Ayden pouted as he scooped Cassandra onto his lap.
“Not in this lifetime.”
Cassandra lightly blushed. Just as they were about to kiss, her cell rang.
“Cassandra Davis!”
…………
Cassandra’s eyes widened in surprise before a grin appeared on her lips.
“Why Mr. Snyder…..what a pleasant surprise.”
HELLO READERS!!!
The conclusion of the final story will be posted on Sunday....so stay tuned!! :-)