The Santiagos’ estate, bathed with the golden hue of the setting sun, stood elegantly amongst the lush green grass and trees.
The flowers, with their colourful petals, danced wildly in the evening breeze, gracing the air with their sweet fragrance.
The large white gates stood wide open, welcoming the guests and their companions.
The Santiagos’ security team dressed in sharp black suits were well stationed at every corner of the estate.
Tiny earpieces tucked into their ears, their eyes focused as they scanned the surroundings with trained eyes they oversee the arrival of the guests as well as their comfort.
In the wide open courtyard, rows of tables and chairs had been arranged with meticulous care.
Each table was draped in crisp white linen and decorated with silver platters filled with delicate pastries, exotic fruits, and tiny finger sandwiches so artfully arranged that they looked like works of art.
The first wave of guests had already arrived, they moved in small groups, exchanging greetings, laughing, and sipping on the chilled drinks offered by waiters.
At the corner, a string quartet played a gentle melody, its notes drifting through the air like the echo of a joyful heartbeat, both welcoming and embracing.
A red carpet stretched from the courtyard to the double doors leading into the inner living area, guiding the way for honoured guests.
Inside the grand hall, the Santiagos had spared no effort in their preparations. Bathed in the chandeliers’ soft light, the polished marble floor gleamed.
The hall smelled faintly of fresh flowers. Round tables were set around the room, each surrounded by high-backed chairs. The arrangement was purposeful.
With the consideration of the presence of business elites, it was arranged close enough for conversation but leaving space for easy movement.
Waiters in white shirts and black waistcoats moved gracefully between the tables, arranging glasses, pouring drinks, and making sure everything stayed perfect.
A raised stage at one end of the hall was adorned with fresh flowers and a rich velvet backdrop, clearly meant for speeches and special announcements later in the evening.
The arrangement was both grand and welcoming no matter where you choose to be...in the courtyard or inside the hall.
Outside, the low hum of conversation in the courtyard suddenly paused briefly as a sleek black car rolled into the compound stopping right beside the red carpet.
With some of the guests already in the courtyard, their heads turned, eyes narrowing in curiosity.
Murmurs erupted as they stared intently at the car while waiting for the occupants to alight.
But then it was Ethan who alighted. His charcoal suit pristine, his wristwatch catching the light of the sun as he glanced at it.
His face cold and expressionless as he stood at the side.
The murmurs began almost immediately.
"Whose family car is that?" someone whispered, leaning toward his companion.
"It looks powerful. Definitely from a top family of Country Z," another guest murmured.
"I heard the Anderson family is attending tonight," a woman said, tilting her head for a better look.
A man shook his head. "That insignia... it’s not from Country Z."
"It should be the Allen family’s insignia," someone else suggested, his voice low but edged with excitement.
"Allen family?"
"Yes. And with Davis taking over, do you think he’d even have time to attend this moment?"
A pause. "Isn’t that Ethan stepping out? Davis’s right-hand man?"
"He never comes unless Davis is here too."
"Then... it must be Davis."
"Likely."
"I heard his wife is quite beautiful. Do you think she’s with him?"
"Are you after his wife or the partnership?" someone teased, earning a few chuckles.
Another voice joined in. "I hope to secure a business deal with them... maybe I should grab the opportunity tonight."
"That would be after the Santiagos secure theirs," came the dry reply.
"Do you think the invitation was sent for partnership purposes?"
"Otherwise?"
"Or do you think... he’s married to the Santiagos’ granddaughter?"
A scoff followed. "Married as a crippled... impossible."


Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption