Chapter 38 Plunged Into Darkness
Chapter 38 Plunged Into Darkness
Alina’s POV
Blake squeezed my hand and led me deeper into the crowd. Heads turned. Whispers followed. I kept the smile locked on, nodding politely at familiar faces while my stomach twisted tighter with every step.
His parents stood near the center like royalty holding court. Mr. Harrington…tall, silver-haired, commanding…and Mrs. Harrington in a champagne-colored gown that probably cost more than most people’s cars. Blake guided me straight to them.
“Mother, Father,” he said smoothly, “Alina is here.”
We exchanged polite pleasantries like we are best of friends and soon enough, the formal dance began. Handshakes, followed by air kisses surfaced around every corner as people greeted one another. There was that signature perfect posture all around.
My father and Regina appeared moments later, sliding into the little circle like they’d rehearsed it. Because they had.
“Richard,” Mr. Harrington greeted my father with a firm handshake and that measured rich-guy smile. “Good to see you. Regina, stunning as always.”
The two families exchanged the usual pleasantries…the kind of talk that sounded warm but weighed every word like a contract clause. Mrs. Harrington turned to me, her eyes scanning me head to toe with approval.
“Alina, darling, you look absolutely perfect. So poised. So well-mannered. Blake is lucky to have someone like you by his side. Really, you’re everything we could’ve hoped for.”
I nodded politely, cheeks aching from the forced smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Harrington. That’s very kind.”
My father puffed up beside me, chest out, voice booming with pride. “I guess all the training paid off, eh?” He laughed, the sound too loud for the circle.
I didn’t look at him. Not once. I kept my eyes on Mrs. Harrington’s diamond necklace instead, pretending the man who’d slapped me earlier was just another business associate. Stranger. Nothing more.
The conversation droned on…stocks, upcoming mergers, golf handicaps, the new yacht someone was getting. It was nothing short of boring and suffocating. I just couldn’t help but think about Kai at that moment.
I stayed quiet, nodding at the right moments, laughing softly when everyone else did. My free hand stayed clenched at my side, nails digging into my palm.
Then I felt the shift in the air and rolled my eyes.
Dorothy swept in like she owned the place, her father trailing behind her looking uncomfortable in his tux.
She had on this dress that screamed ‘notice me,’ all plunging neckline and fake innocence. She zeroed in on Mrs. Harrington immediately, laying it on thick.
“Oh my goodness, Mrs. Harrington, your gown is divine! And this event? Flawless. You always know exactly how to make everyone feel so welcome. Truly an inspiration.”
Mrs. Harrington’s smile tightened. I could practically see her mentally reaching for duct tape to stitch Dorothy’s mouth shut. She gave a polite nod and turned away as fast as manners allowed.
Dorothy didn’t stop. She pivoted toward Blake’s father next, eyes bright with that pick-me energy. “Mr Harrington! It’s been too long. Remember those summers when—”
He didn’t even glance at her. Just kept talking to my father about quarterly projections like she was background noise.
Dorothy’s smile faltered for half a second before she recovered, laughing it off too loudly.
Blake’s father eventually excused himself and moved toward the podium. The room quieted as the spotlight found him. He tapped the mic, smiling out at the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. We’re gathered here to welcome my son and heir, Blake, back where he belongs… and to formally announce his engagement to the beautiful Miss Alina Sterling.”
Polite applause rippled through the hall as everyone’s gaze turned towards us and my stomach dropped.
Mr. Harrington chuckled warmly, leaning into the story. “I still remember when Blake was just a little boy. He came running into my study one afternoon, all serious, and said, ‘Dad, I want to marry the princess.’ I asked him, ‘What princess?’ And without missing a beat, he looked me dead in the eye and said, ‘Princess Alina.’”
Laughter erupted…that refined, controlled rich-people laugh. Not too loud, never messy.
Heads turned toward us again in polite acknowledgement. Blake glanced at me shyly, that boyish grin on his face like we were sharing a sweet secret.
I felt… nothing. Just the weight of eyes on me and the ache in my cheek where makeup hid the truth, but, I smiled wider anyway.
He went on with the introduction and eventually made a toast in celebration of the union.
The night rolled on the way these things always did. Fake smiles and handshakes with business partners who’d known our families for decades.
Blake kept one arm around my waist the entire time, fingers splayed possessively against the silk of my gown.
Every time I tried to create even an inch of space, he pulled me closer, leaning in to whisper something in my ear. His rich-boy chuckle brushed warm against my skin, low and confident, like he thought it was charming.
Half of the time, I didn’t even make out what he said, but who cares? I laughed where I was supposed to. Posed for photos. Played the part like a good little heiress.
Then…just as another round of champagne flutes came around…every light in the ballroom went out at once.
Total darkness swallowed the room as gasps rippled through the crowd.
Someone dropped a glass somewhere to my left and it shattered.
Blake’s arm instinctively tightened around me like a vice as confusion and panicked whispers swept through the hall.
My heart slammed against my ribs as the sudden darkness pressed in, thick and electric with surprise.
What if it’s an assassination attempt?
And who is the target?