Chapter 49 The Gala

Chapter 49 The Gala
Aellorah

I waited at Max’s side as he checked us into the hotel before accompanying him to the grand ballroom. The expanse was lavishly decorated, faux trees lit up with hundreds of twinkling lights. Fine place settings had been arranged on silk-covered tables.

Inside the ballroom, finely dressed patrons mulled about, their hands clutching flutes of champagne. Max seemed as impressed with the sight as I was, his eyes following the glow that stretched across the polished marble floor.

“Welcome to the playground, Princess,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of reverence and mischief as he met my gaze. Max wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close as we navigated the sea of elegantly dressed guests.

I tried to keep my expression neutral, but anxiety gnawed at my innards, making my stomach ache. “Now, let’s go show them what we’re made of,” he whispered, breath warm against my ear, “and maybe, just maybe, we can find a nice quiet corner to really celebrate our union as Harrow Wood’s new power couple.”

“Right,” I murmured, cheeks turning pink with warmth. “So, what should we do first?” I asked nervously, trying to keep my tone light and neutral. This was our first official event as a couple; the first time I would meet his parents.

Max smiled reassuringly at me, his grip tightening around my waist, gentle and yet still possessive. “Relax, Blackwood,” he encouraged, his voice a smooth, soothing melody. “There’s nothing to be nervous about. My parents adore me, and they’ll love you just as much, once they get to know you.”

A flicker of amusement danced in his emerald gaze as he looked around the bustling ballroom. “First things first, let’s mingle a little bit. Have to let everyone see us, don’t we?” he asked playfully.  Max leaned in, his lips brushing my ear. “Stick close to me, Princess. Wherever you go, I go. I promise to keep you safe—and tonight, that means protecting you from prying eyes and wagging tongues, too.”

I didn’t think about the fact that I was underage. When Max snagged us a pair of champagne flutes, I accepted and chugged down the sparkling liquid. It was all I could do to keep my hands occupied and calm my racing nerves as I pressed closer to his side.

Max

I watched as Aellorah nervously gulped down the champagne, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. “Easy there, Mrs. Stonehall,” I teased, placing a steadying hand on the small of her back. “We’ve got all night, baby. Take it slow. I intend to make the most of the evening, and I can’t very well show you off if you get shit-faced, now, can I?”

Weaving through the crowd, I was acutely aware of the whispers and sidelong glances aimed our way. “See, Princess?” I whispered, leaning into her. “They’re all eating out of the palms of our hands. So, let’s give them a show they won’t forget.”

With a flourish, I spun her around, sweeping her into a daring dip as the music shifted into a sultry beat. Cheers and applause erupted from the gathered crowd, drawn in by my display of confidence and Aellorah’s smooth grace. “And that’s how it’s done, baby,” I purred, straightening her and pulling her flush against me. “Now, let’s find those parents of mine and introduce them to the future Mrs. Stonehall.”

“But Max...” she whispered, her heels suddenly stuck to the marble floor. “What if they don’t like me?” She’d asked me that before, her eyes shining with worry.

“Blackwood, stop fretting,” I commanded gently, trying to soothe her frayed nerves. “My parents will adore you as much as I do. They trust my judgement, and they know I wouldn’t introduce them to someone who didn’t deserve my respect and affection… You’re the only woman I’ve ever brought home to them…” I added, smiling as her eyes filled with happy tears.

A reassuring smile formed on my lips. “Besides, I’ve already talked to them. They’re expecting a remarkable young woman, and that’s exactly what they’re going to get.” Aellorah gave me a watery smile.

With a gentle tug, I guided Aellorah toward the elegant bar on the opposite side of the ballroom. Mom and Dad were there, engaged in conversation with several members of the school board. As we approached, my mother turned, catching sight of me, her eyes lighting up.

“Ah, Max, darling!” she greeted with a wide smile, striding forward and pulling me into a warm embrace. “And this must be Aellorah—you are simply glowing, dear,” she added, turning her gaze to my fiancée as she extended her hand in greeting. “We’re thrilled to finally meet you. Welcome to the family, dear.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Stonehall,” Aellorah replied in a tight whisper, forcing a smile. I could sense her nervousness and placed my hand on the small of her back.
Aellorah

I try not to tremble as I shake Max’s mother’s hand, though her bright greeting offered me ease.

“Please, call me Sarah,” she insisted, her smile widening. Her husband joined her side, rubbing her shoulder affectionately. He looked a lot like Max, tall and dark-haired. He offered me a warm, firm handshake, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled at me.

“Matthew,” he introduced himself, “You can call me Matt if you prefer, and the pleasure is all ours, Miss Blackwood.” His voice resonated with warmth and sincerity, calming my internal storm. “Max has always been a man of strong convictions—even if he is a bit of a troublemaker, and I’m delighted to see him so content—especially with someone as lovely as you.”

I flushed at his father’s praise as Sarah slipped her arm through his, pulling him close. “Tell us, darling, what drew you to our Maximillian?” she asked, her tone playful yet genuine. “He’s always been quite the handful, but we adore him all the same.”

My chance to answer was interrupted by Max’s scoff as he stepped forward. “Mom, Dad, I am not a handful. I'm just a man who knows what I want and how to get it—Blackwood here understands that, don’t you, baby?” His green eyes sparkled at me. “Besides, I knew you’d like her—everyone does.”

“Okay, now you’re just full of it,” I replied with a playful grin, gently smacking his chest.

A low, rumbling laugh came from him as he caught me by the hand, bringing it to his lips with a chaste kiss.

“Never when it comes to you,” he whispered.

His parents exchanged a knowing look, smiles playing on their lips. Max leaned in close, breath tickling against my ear. “I have a surprise for you later, something to really show you off as my queen.”

My eyes widened, curiosity piqued as he stared into my eyes. “Trust me, Blackwood,” he said, squeezing my hand. “This night will be unforgettable—for both of us.”