Fated To Not Just One But Three novel Chapter 283

Chapter 283: The Party

Olivia’s POV

"Trust me, all eyes will be on you," Lolita teased with a wink, fluffing my hair as I checked myself in the mirror. I rolled my eyes and looked away, forcing a small smile. The truth was, I didn’t care about all eyes. I only cared about theirs—Lennox, Louis, and Levi. And they weren’t going to be there. So no, I wasn’t exactly excited.

Before I could sink too deep into that thought, a knock landed gently on the door. I paused—and even without opening it, I knew exactly who it was. His scent gave him away.

"Come in," I called, adjusting the strap of my dress.

The door creaked open, and Calvin stepped inside. I didn’t turn to look at him. Not right away. Not after what happened this morning. After everything we’d said... or yelled.

"Excuse us," he said, directing his words toward Nora and Lolita.

They both bowed slightly and slipped out of the room without another word.

Silence settled between us.

Tense. Quiet.

Until finally, he spoke.

"I’m sorry."

I turned slightly, eyes meeting his in the mirror.

"For what?" I asked quietly.

"For... reacting the way I did earlier," he said, his voice softer than I’d expected. "I didn’t mean to scare you. I just—" He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. "I’m angry. Not at you. Just... at what you went through. I can’t stop picturing it. I hate that I wasn’t there to stop it."

My expression softened, and I nodded slowly.

"I know," I murmured.

He took a breath and looked me over, his eyes lingering on my dress.

"You look beautiful, by the way."

I gave him a small, surprised smile.

"Thanks."

"Have fun tonight. You deserve that much."

I studied him for a moment before asking, "Aren’t you coming?"

He shook his head. "No. I’ve got a few things to handle—pack matters and some loose ends to tie up."

Of course.

Alphas are usually busy.

"Just... if you feel anything strange," he said, stepping closer, "anything off at all—I want you to call me immediately."

I raised a brow. "You want me to call you from a party?"

"No," he said firmly. "I want you to teleport straight to me. No hesitation. No second-guessing. Just get out and come to me, okay?"

His tone was serious, protective, and it made my chest tighten a little.

"Okay," I whispered.

"Promise me, Liv."

"I promise."

He nodded once, like that was all he needed, and turned to leave. But just before he reached the door, he glanced back.

"And hey..." he added with a faint smile. "I love you. Don’t you forget that."

I couldn’t help but smile.

As the door clicked shut behind Calvin, I stood there for a moment, staring at my reflection. My heart was still a little tangled in his last words.

"I love you. Don’t you forget that."

How could I? obviously he does.

The door creaked open, and Lolita stepped back in, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.

"You done swooning?" she teased.

I snorted. "Barely."

Then I glanced over her shoulder. "Where’s Nora?"

"Oh," Lolita said, moving to help adjust my necklace. "Alpha Calvin asked her to bring him a glass of juice."

I frowned. "Juice?"

Lolita nodded. "Yeah. From the kitchen downstairs."

My brows pulled tighter. That didn’t sound right.

"Why would he send Nora? He has personal servants for that."

"I thought the same thing," she admitted.

"She’s even more beautiful than they said..."

I forced a small, polite smile, nodding slightly to the guests who greeted me with too much curiosity. I hated this kind of attention. It wasn’t admiration—it was fascination, like I was some kind of rare painting they weren’t allowed to touch.

Sofia, sensing my discomfort, leaned close and whispered, "Breathe. They’re just stunned because you’re... well, you."

I huffed softly but nodded. "I hate being stared at."

She grinned. "Better get used to it."

Before I could respond, a soft chime rang out—like a crystal bell—and the soft hum of conversation faded as Lord Frederick appeared at the top of the grand staircase.

He looked as elegant as ever in a dark velvet jacket, a silver brooch gleaming at his collar. His pale skin glowed faintly under the chandelier light, and his piercing eyes swept across the room until they landed briefly—firmly—on me.

Then he smiled.

"My honored guests," he began, his voice smooth and commanding, though not loud. "I thank you all for coming tonight. This celebration... is something I’ve put off for a very, very long time."

A soft chuckle swept the crowd.

Frederick descended the stairs slowly as he continued, "The last time I celebrated my birthday... was over a hundred years ago. I gave up the habit, thought it unnecessary—pointless, even. But tonight marks a new Chapter."

He reached the final step and paused.

"This is my three hundredth birthday."

A murmur of surprise ran through the room.

"And," he added, "since I have chosen to begin aging forward like the rest of you—starting now—I figured it was only right to acknowledge it."

The guests laughed gently and lifted their glasses.

"To life," he said, raising his own glass of thick red wine—though I wasn’t entirely sure it was wine.

"Cheers," the crowd echoed.

Crystal clinked, and the room came alive again with conversation and movement.

Music picked back up softly in the background, and people began to mingle and toast and drift into small groups. But Frederick’s eyes lingered on me just a heartbeat longer before he turned away, speaking to an elder vampire near the bar.

Sofia and I exchanged a look.

"Well," she whispered with a smirk, "he’s definitely watching you."

I ignored her and reached for a flute of whatever pink drink a passing waiter offered me.

"Let’s just try to enjoy this evening."