"Father...mother... today I will finally put an end to the reason that separated you and us...our family broke like glass and I will break him."
The night was beautiful. Rather than the usual hallways, Odette saw beautiful lights flickering in the center of rose-like chandeliers. From the gate, the path toward the main gathering ballroom was lined with a breathtaking chain of rose-gold lights leading the guests. The colors he preferred seemed to be turquoise and dark red, mixing with the bright lights and softly complementing the night.
Watching young women step out of the vehicles, men courting their partners, old businessmen holding wine and laughing loudly—confidently facing the world and every challenge in it—made her wonder whether she really fitted into this occasion today. Slowly, she took careful steps and walked forward.
Away from the ballroom... Caius remained seated in front of the mirror as his butler fixed his sleeve. He was adorned in a striking black ensemble. He draped himself in a crushed satin white shirt consisting of a deep U-neck complete with a white silver-lined lapel wrapping around his neck and falling to his chest. This complemented his status as the host and owner of the Constantine legacy. Its design was personally tailor-made with a dramatic avant-garde flair—a full-length black overcoat depicting silver-lined curved arts of the rising sun among mist and mountains, a tonal dark embellishment worthy of the Master of Constantine. The Haute Couture pieces of his suit paired well with polished wood-toned shoes.
His shoulders stood broad and were held in good posture, just as his father had imprinted upon him at the age of five. He stood tall, legs well built. His defined chest showed a set of toned muscles through the satin shirt as it covered his waist, built wide and profound. He held the bearing of ownership, authority... and control over every chess piece in this game of tug and push.
"This piece resembles your late uncle's taste in fashion, sir," Mr. Griffin, who was dressing him, smiled. Caius glared at the clean-set face staring back at him... his own reflection seemed sharp and demanding. Fixing his hair slicked back, he said,
"See to it that every guest has arrived and is served well." He felt his gun, heavily latched onto his inner shirt.
"There should be no more mistakes today, or ever again."
It was thirty minutes past six, and every guest on the list awaited the entrance of the host. All around the mansion, guards adorned in neatly pressed black attire mingled with high precaution. Luxurious vehicles parked line by line, driven by chauffeurs who had separate lounging areas. In the hallways leading to the ballroom, many were walking around, watching the garden, making small talk, taking pictures, and posting online. Most of the women present were aristocratic individuals, models, or influential figures from royal or military families. They were familiar with one another and accustomed to fame. However, Odette found it hard to blend in, mainly due to her fear of saying the wrong thing in the wrong place. Luckily, she found herself meeting some familiar faces at the corner where musicians played the orchestra.
"It seems very lively here, doesn't it?" She looked at Paul, Caius's guard, standing straight with two guns resting on each side of his belt. He looked around and nodded. The young man could not help but take a second glance at the woman next to him.
"Good choice of attire," he blurted halfheartedly.
Odette smiled and bowed slightly. "Diana made it... she said it fits me." Looking around for a mirror, she said it out with no care for her wording, "I look the least impressive... some young ladies look amazing today."
At this, the young guard could only roll his eyes and agree. "Whatever makes you sleep well."
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Caius Alles Constantine."
With his name announced and the entire room silenced, Caius stood at the entrance of the hall, ready to walk in and make a good impression. This night was not only a night of business success, but it was his night of uniting all the others who had kept their hands off Nathaniel's plan of rebellion. And more than anything, he desperately longed to see a certain pair of large, round eyes greet him and dance the night away with him. He wanted her beside him while he spoke to the guests. He wanted her assurance... to see her smile because of him.
She was already the most beautiful woman in the ballroom today—even before he saw her.
Odette heard an uproar of applause and saw him walk in with complete confidence. The way he carried himself, setting his eyes upon one person at a time, greeting them silently yet so loudly... For the first time, she sensed that the tingling feeling inside her was giddy and filled her with excitement. She watched as the sole heir of this family began to build connections and speak patiently with every person lining up to meet him.
"Aren't you going to greet him, miss?" Paul gave her a questioning look. She shook her head, shrugging.
"Look at that line... I don't like doing that." Her smile was reassuring and made the guard wonder.
"This is so-and-so... my niece and the partner of my business, sir..."
"How have you been, sir?"
"Do you remember we met at the last gathering?"
Questions upon questions... compliments upon compliments. The strong scent of overwhelming perfume and the subtle fragrances of various women took over his senses, and he found himself surrounded by a crowd. They all wanted a piece of his victory.
Where is she?
He could not spot her...
Did she not come?
Then... a reasonable distance away, at a table near the orchestra, he saw her. When he did... every voice around him fell silent.
All of the voices, the music, the cricket singing under the moon, and the silent sun drowning behind the mountains—everything seemed to fade from his hearing. A cold, piercing warmth tugged at him. A sharp jolt of awakening spread throughout his body.
Her body was adorned in a flax duchess satin dress. It was smooth and glossy as if her body were swimming in fresh sunlight. The dress began with a sweetheart neckline, signifying a gathered bow when looked at closely. They were softly puffed and ruffled at the edges. It brought out the beauty of her collarbones, which showed slightly. The gown resonated with her waist, gathering to accentuate her curves, and finally flowed down to a ruffled hem above her ankle.
Caius could feel the blood rushing through every nerve. He could not even bear to blink. He knew that she was a woman with the body of a curvy, Rubenesque goddess. His eyes shamelessly traveled over the full chest, faintly showcasing an adorable cleavage, her waist not thin but curvaceous with a visible tummy roll that drove him mad.
She was speaking with his guard, and her hair, freely blowing across her face in the subtle wind, complemented the dress and the simple pair of high-heeled shoes. She wore no necklace or bracelets. Obsidian eyes noted the two pearl earrings dangling by her neck.
This woman... was the death of him. If he ever had to live without her presence, he would hate it to the core. Nothing in this world mattered at that moment but her... he yearned to hear her laugh and walk up to her. He desperately wanted a closer look.
"Master Constantine..."
"Sir..."
"Mr. Constantine!"
At the loud exclamation of his name, he jolted awake into the reality of loud men and women. They gathered around, complimenting and speaking things he wished to never understand. Through small glances while he spoke, he saw her look around and smile, enjoying the place. She walked toward the table arranged for beverages.
She knew it took a considerable amount of time for the host to finish greetings and move on with the evening, and it was a relief that she was not in his place. Odette walked toward the table set up for beverages and saw a beautiful platter of cream puffs dipped in dark chocolate.
"This one was definitely made by Mary." She chuckled to herself and picked one, admiring the layered delicacy. As she stepped back, she bumped into a firm chest. Turning around promptly, Odette stood in front of Caius, gazing up at him.
She looked at him with wonder and masked her reddening face with a smile. "You were over there talking to your guests a few minutes ago."
He had a questionable expression etched in his eyes, and she was not entirely sure what emotion he carried. He silently observed her, searching and stripping away every layer.
"I wanted to come see you..." Smiling brightly, he broke the awkward silence and stepped forward. This motion made her step back... every time she did, he stepped forward until her back hit the table.
"How's... the gathering so far?" Eyes looking up with curiosity and shyness, Odette placed her hands on the table.
Caius leaned over, placing his nose inches away from hers. For a simple second, he just took a deep breath, completely relaxing. He softly murmured, "I was lucky to see the most mesmerizing work of God."
His menacing eyes dropped to her lips. "Truly, this gathering has been a wonder for me." Locking eyes with her once again, he reached out, carefully hovering the back of his hand above her collarbone.
He could not resist, yet he feared she was too precious for his hand to touch. Odette breathed in and out slowly, face reddened and stuck in a trance, unable to escape the beating warmth of her own heart. There was a thin space between their chests. She saw him gulp slightly and rest one hand on the table, drawing closer with no fear. When he did, his eyes caught hers again, and his free hand held her by the back of her neck.
"Did you know..." He was serious—she saw nothing but a dead-serious man. "You flutter against mountains... nibble at its peaks..."
Odette could not help the smile creeping across her face. "You remembered..." Her eyes were shining in awe.
Caius ran his fingers through her hair, showing a full gummy smile. Leaning over, he softly kissed the side of her neck and muttered into her ear, "Just look at me, and I shall forever be redeemed."
The lines from the poetry collection she loved. Her heart could not handle the admiration bubbling within her. Her round eyes darted from one side to the other as her mind spun.
Drawing circles on her cheek with his thumb, he released the joy bottled within and said, "You are as beautiful as the moon looking down at us tonight, Odette." Drawing closer to brush his nose against hers, "How am I even worthy of looking at you for more than a few minutes... I'm simply not worthy."
At this, the other let out a laugh. She chuckled loudly and shook her head. "Look at you being poetic." Her eyes shone like stars gracing every guest this evening. "I prefer you being very oblivious to literacy..." Teasing him with her eyes, she pushed his face away by his nose.
"Mr. Constantine-"
"Don't call me that." Caius pouted and drew away, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward him. "Especially when you're about to dance with me."