Chapter 71
After several days of continuous autumn rain, the sky finally cleared on the day of the engagement party.
At the Rodriguez estate, everyone had risen early for Gabriella’s big day. Even Lucy, who typically loved sleeping in, had gotten up and donned a festive pastel blue dress for the occasion.
In Gabriella’s bedroom, a professional styling team was at work. She wore an elegant cream–colored gown with delicate embroidery and pearl detailing. Her hair was elegantly arranged in a sophisticated updo adorned with subtle diamond pins.
Lucy leaned against the dressing table, tilting her head as she watched Gabriella with bright eyes. “You look like a princess today, Gabriella,” she said in her sweet, childish voice.
Gabriella smiled softly, reaching out to affectionately touch Lucy’s cheek.
Lucy’s round little face suddenly clouded with worry. She furrowed her brow and asked, “After you get
married, will you still come home often?”
Gabriella paused, surprised by the question.
She hadn’t expected Lucy to ask something like that.
Her lips curved into a gentle smile, eyes twinkling. “Of course I will. The Blackwood estate is so close to
ours–I can visit whenever I like.”
“Hmph, you’re fibbing,” Lucy pouted. “You don’t come home every day now. How can you possibly come back regularly after you marry Asher?”
Gabriella laughed. “I have to work, sweetheart. That’s why I can’t always be home now.”
Lucy held out her little finger. “Pinky promise you’ll come home to see me.”
Gabriella smiled–clearly children weren’t so easily fooled.
She extended her own pinky finger. “I can’t promise every day, but I promise to visit whenever I can. I’ll come home often, all right?”
Lucy nodded happily. “All right.”
Gabriella linked her pinky with Lucy’s, smiling warmly at her half–sister.
The engagement ceremony was set to take place at the Blackwoods‘ private estate in the northern countryside.
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Chapter 71
Early that morning, Asher personally drove to pick up Gabriella.
Randolph and Victoria had dressed formally for the occasion and were waiting in the downstairs sitting
room.
Randolph’s face lit up when he saw Asher arrive. He rose eagerly to greet him: “Asher, welcome! Gabriella will be down in just a moment.”
Victoria stood beside him, her smile warm and genuine.
She was truly happy today. Though Gabriella wasn’t her biological daughter, in her heart, she loved her
just the same.
She silently reflected: *Rosalind, our girl has grown up. Today she’s getting engaged. You’d be so proud if you could see her now. Asher is an exceptional young man, and he clearly adores her. She’ll be happy with him–you can rest easy.*
They all sat in the sitting room, making pleasant conversation.
After a few minutes, Lucy came running down the stairs, excitedly announcing: “Gabriella’s coming!”
Everyone turned to look as Gabriella descended the staircase, carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Asher’s breath caught, his eyes reflecting pure admiration.
Gabriella looked absolutely stunning today.
Her cream gown with intricate pearl detailing accentuated her figure perfectly, highlighting her slender
waist.
Expert makeup enhanced her already beautiful features, while her elegant updo gave her a sophisticated grace that was captivating.
Though he had seen her face countless times, he found himself falling for her all over again.
Asher’s lips curved into a smile as he stood and stepped forward to take her hand.
In the car, Gabriella and Asher sat in the back seat.
He could barely contain his excitement. “Gabby, this day has finally arrived.”
Gabriella’s smile was slightly shy, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I’ve been looking forward to it too.”
“I almost wanted to skip the engagement altogether and marry you straight away, making you Mrs. Blackwood immediately.“/
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Gabriella’s lips twitched with amusement. “I’ll be yours eventually. Why the rush?”
Asher held her hand, his finger gently tracing circles on her palm. “Because I can’t wait a single day–no, not even a minute longer.”
He continued with a self–deprecating smile, “I originally suggested an engagement to your father because I worried you might find an immediate marriage too sudden. I thought we could wait until our relationship deepened. Now I realize I’ve only created an unnecessary delay for myself.”
Gabriella teased him playfully: “So you think our relationship has deepened enough now?”
Asher pinched her cheek affectionately. “That’s for you to say. My feelings were there from the start.”
Gabriella lowered her eyes with a subtle smile, feeling mischievous. “Perhaps we should wait a bit longer.”
Asher chuckled indulgently. “And when might Miss Rodriguez be willing to become Mrs. Blackwood?”
“We’ll see,” Gabriella replied impishly, tilting her head and making a face at him. “Depends on my mood.”
The journey passed with lively conversation between them.
Upon reaching the estate, Asher opened the car door and extended his hand to Gabriella.
She placed her hand in his, and they walked together toward the main building.
The entire estate was decorated with balloons and flowers. Thousands of fresh pink roses formed a path from the entrance all the way to the main hall.
Gabriella walked carefully in her heels along the petal–strewn path into the elegantly decorated ballroom.
The meticulously arranged venue was filled with a festive atmosphere, soft music playing throughout the
space.
Guests approached to offer their congratulations.
After greeting the guests, Gabriella and Asher went to the preparation room to confirm the ceremony
details with the officiant.
The entire Blackwood family was present.
Even Lord Blackwood Sr., who rarely left his post in the capital, had made the special journey. He looked particularly distinguished in his formal attire, a warm smile on his face, appearing remarkably energetic.
Lady Blackwood stood beside him, elegant in her silk outfit adorned with valuable jewelry, the picture of refined dignity.
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Lord and Lady Blackwood also wore formal attire, radiating sophisticated poise.
The Rodriguez family arrived shortly after.
Lucy greeted Victoria quickly before running off to play.
Both families gathered together, chatting amicably and confirming the engagement procedures one last
time.
As the ceremony was about to begin, Asher received a phone call.
A woman’s desperate voice came through the line: “Asher, please don’t get engaged to Gabriella Rodriguez.”
The smile instantly vanished from Asher’s face.
He stepped out of the preparation room to take the call..
“Who is this?” he asked coldly.
“Asher, don’t you remember me? It’s Vanessa. Why are you getting engaged to Gabriella? I’ve been in love
with you for ten years–ten whole years!”
Vanessa? Ten years?
Asher remembered now.
The woman was Vanessa Miller, his high school classmate who had been voted the most beautiful girl in their year.
Asher’s expression darkened. “Vanessa, stop calling me. There will never be anything between us.”
He was about to hang up.
“Asher, if you don’t cancel the engagement, I’ll kill myself,” Vanessa said frantically.
The sound of rushing wind came through the phone, making Asher frown with displeasure.
Vanessa’s voice, mixed with the howling wind, continued: “I’m standing on the roof of the building where your engagement ceremony is being held. If you don’t cancel it, I’ll jump right now.”
The building was ten stories high. A fall from that height would be undoubtedly fatal.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.