Chapter 3
"Nope," James said. "The guy from the Lewis family is really private, barely ever seen in public. But I heard he looks pretty good, just a bit on the cold side. But that doesn't matter, as long as he treats you right."
I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh inside at his words.
I wondered who else in this world would ever really care about me except my family?
The next week was a total blur.
During the day, I was at the office sketching; at night, I'd come home to try on dresses and pick out jewelry, just going through the motions, like a puppet with no soul.
My mom could tell I was off, and tried to talk to me a few times, but I always managed to change the subject.
Adrian didn't come looking for me again.
I heard his dad had basically put him under house arrest.
Probably because he found out about my engagement to the Lewis family and was afraid he'd show up and cause trouble.
I was honestly relieved to finally have some peace and quiet.
Soon enough, the day of the engagement party arrived.
The party was held at one of the Lewis family's private estates, with tight security and only the closest family and friends from both sides invited.
I was dressed in a custom-made white gown, my makeup flawless, sitting in front of the vanity mirror, staring at the unfamiliar version of myself reflected back.
My mom walked in, took my hand, her eyes a little red.
"Celine, if you really don't want to..." she began, her voice trailing off.
"Mom, I'm fine," I said with a smile. "I'm lucky to be marrying into the Lewis family."
My mom sighed and didn't say anything else.
The engagement ceremony was simple: exchange rings, then dance.
Victor, my fiancé, was nowhere to be seen when the ceremony began.
The elders from the Lewis family explained he was caught up in an urgent international meeting and was rushing over.
I felt nothing and even a bit relieved.
At least I didn't have to fake being all lovey-dovey with a complete stranger in front of everyone.
The butler took care of the ring exchange for the Lewis family.
A massive pink diamond ring was slipped onto my ring finger.
It was beautiful, but the touch was icy, just like my heart right now.
Once the ceremony was over, it was time for the toast.
I stood before the Lewis family elders, holding the cup, my mind a total blur.
Just then, James's phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID and smirked, clearly up to no good.
He pressed speaker, his voice loud enough for the whole banquet hall to hear.
"Hey, Mr. Holt, what brings you here? I thought your dad had already broken your legs," James said.
On the other end, Adrian sounded pissed, barely holding it together.
"James, put Celine on the phone," Adrian snapped.
"What for? Celine's busy right now. She's getting engaged," James drawled, making sure everyone could hear.
"What did you just say?" Adrian's voice shot up.
"I said, Celine is getting engaged today," James enunciated every word. "What, nobody told you? Figures you're just an outsider now."
There was dead silence on the other end.