Chapter 27 The engagement
Ariel
For the hundredth time since I took my seat at the Coleman and Lancaster table, I'd only seen the name card a few minutes after getting settled. I took a glance at Anastasia on the opposite side of my spot at the table.
She was currently picking at her bowl of salad and nodding absentmindedly to something her boyfriend of two years, Gregory Lancaster, was saying. I'd found that out during the mini introductions they had given while dinner was getting served.
First we have Victor Coleman, of course. Biotech billionaire and business mogul with a good heart image, thanks to the goodwill foundation he had built. Then we have his wife Eleanor Coleman. She has just been as quiet as Anastasia since the whole dinner started and was currently picking at her bowl of salad too.
Well, at least she was eating it.
But why, though? All the women at the table were eating a bowl of salad while the men were feasting down on steaks. I had gotten a plate of steak which had made me feel self-conscious from the moment I got it but no one was really paying attention to me now.
Okay, so... Next is Anastasia. I know all there is to know about her for now; at least I think I do. Now I'm thinking not so much. There just seems to be something off about this gathering of people around this table.
Then we have the Lancaster family. I don't think I've heard of them before but they were obviously stinking rich. Business probably.
Starting from William Lancaster, the father or husband, or whichever; the wife, Margaret Lancaster; and their two children, Gregory and Charlotte Lancaster. The family was basically involved in investments, according to what the oldest Gregory had said. And then there was the husband of Charlotte too, Sebastian Lancaster. He had obviously come from a rich family also and was quite obnoxious.
"Everyone..." I glanced up as the MC took the stage again after handing it over to a guest to announce the major donors. "The moment we've all been waiting for. The big announcement."
I saw a slight smirk spread across a number of people's faces, Victor's and William's especially, and then a wide grin on one person's face, Gregory's. He was practically beaming. Anastasia, though...
Okay. I think she needs to see a doctor. Like what? Why was she so pale? Like deadly white. I think she has gotten even worse since the last time I glanced at her.
"I would like to request Dr Coleman, Mr William Lancaster, Mr Gregory Lancaster and Miss Anastasia Coleman to please join me on this podium to give the announcement."
I raised my eyebrows, curious and confused as they stood up from their seats to do just that. What was going on?
I found out a few minutes later and was absolutely dumbfounded. Anastasia was getting engaged; and to that loud dude that made me feel the need to close my ears, thanks to all his bad jokes, Gregory Lancaster. He has done nothing but irritate me since I sat down at their table two hours ago.
What?
I looked around the table to see if anyone else was just as surprised as I was, but I was the only one. Apparently everyone already got the memo.
I turned back to the stage to see what Anastasia's reaction to that was but it was pretty much the same. Still. Pale as fuck and cursed with that look of trepidation that it seems no one else but me could see until...
Gregory moves in to kiss her, I guess as a way to commemorate the announcement, and she bends over and heaves a pile of slimy liquid at his feet.
Oh my God. Everyone gasped.
Is she okay?
I got the answer to my question almost immediately because right after dumping the rest of her stomach content on her fiancé, she falls to the ground and faints.
The event turns into chaos.
Anastasia (Interlude 2)
I knew where I was even before I opened my eyes. The familiar coldness of the room, the damp smell, and the concrete floor beneath me. I was in the basement again.
"Ah..." I groaned as I sat up on the hard floor, my body pretty much exhausted to even do anything else. He was going to be down here sooner than later too, so...
I wondered what time it was or, more importantly, how long it had been since I ruined my dad's charity event. He must be livid right now. Fuming and probably thinking of the best way to punish me.
I couldn't even care less at this point. I was exhausted and tired and... I flinched as the basement door opened. Followed immediately after that was the flip of the light switch and the lights came on, blinding my eyes for a while.
"You're awake."
I said nothing, my body moving on instinct further into the wall. I don't trust myself to stand because of how weak I was, but there was no point in doing that.
"Do you realise what you've done? The humiliation you've caused me at my biggest event of the year!" I flinched again as he yelled that last phrase out.
"You know the drill. Think about what you've done and come up with the best punishment you think you deserve for it. You come up with something mediocre, you know who suffers for it. She's in the other room." I felt my heartbeat increase, including the pounding in my head.
Oh please. Not this again. Not mom.
"Ah, right? I've also sent the invitation you were so hesitant to send to your friend. Ariel Bennett. She's so pretty. She's like the perfect gift to unwrap at the next party, don't you think?”
I shook my head slowly.
And I warned her. I told her to leave the event but she didn't listen, now...
"Just keep in mind that this is all your fault. You made stupid decisions, and what do I say happens when you make stupid decisions?”
I knew not to keep him waiting for an answer. So I cleared my throat and echoed, "The people around you suffer.”
“Good. Now think about what you've done.”
It was only after he left that I let the tears fall.
Ugh, fuck my life!