Chapter 1
Celine:
I wandered through our new spacious library, my fingers tracing old leather spines, the daylight illuminating the halls through the windows. If this was an ordinary day, I would love this dewy golden light, the smell of fresh and old books, the touch of gold in the white crown-moulding, the smooth feeling of oak. But no, I can’t enjoy it.
I wish time could stop so I can, but instead i’m in a blush pink dress with pearl lining, and expensive white Jimmy Choos’. I bet you can tell where this is going. If you can’t; I’m an 18 year old getting engaged to a rich boy who I haven’t seen since I was 8. They said until he’s graduated college and is in ‘that’ place where he’s nearly ready to inherit everything, also till I get to my 2nd year, we unfortunately will get married.
Lucas:
I click my fingers in the back seat of the car in the silence. “Cas, stop that it irritates me. You know that.” My mother complains, and yes I stop. But half the time I can barely hear what she’s saying, I just look out the semi-tinted windows. My head rested on the window, wishing I wasn’t here at all.
I loosen my tie, I wonder if she’s still the same, or completely different. I haven’t thought about her in so 10 years but all that changed a week ago when they finally announced to me at the dinner table that i was to marry her, then i accidentally ejected red wine out of my mouth on waiter in shock. That was not a great day for my mother or for that waiter.
Celine:
I snapped out of my thoughts as soon as the head butler called me “Young mistress, your mother expects you at the entrance.” I immediately went down the library stairs. “Thank you, Robert.” I smiled subtly. As I scurried down the hallways, my heels echoing through these depressing halls. I straightened my dress, tucking loose hairs behind my ears.
“Ah, Celine there you are! Come then we have to greet our lovely guests.” My mother beamed. I bet she’s enjoying this alliance between the families, there’s no denying it.
She snaps her fingers indicating for someone to open the doors. My brother finally joins us with my father too. He walks up to me, staying by my side, he raises his eyebrows slightly, bending them sympathetically. I just fix his hair and smile reassuringly. He squeezes my hand. Even if he’s my brother, I raised him behind the scenes and turned him into this adorable smart 14 year old kid.
The doors opened revealing our large fountain with a very creepy cherub on the top like a cherry on a cake. A long black car slowly entered the black gates, the tires moving small pebbles to the side as it pulled up right in-front of the freshly polished marble stairs.
Lucas:
Our chauffeur opens the car door, allowing my mother to head out first, then my father and finally me. Mrs.Rousseau walked up to my mother, extending her arms out. “Serena! Oh how long it’s been,” She exclaims.
“Oh yes Laura it’s been far too long!” My mother replies as she hugs and kisses both of Mrs.Rousseau’s cheeks. Meanwhile both of the fathers shake hands and talk business as we’re being led up the stairs.
I caught a glimpse of Celine, she looks even more beautiful now. Her auburn hair goes up to her waist now and some of it is pulled back by a long white ribbon. She’s wearing a slightly pink coral dress with the heels my mother made me pick out with her. She catches me staring at her, but it just gives me a chance to smile at her before she disappears in front of my parents. I can’t believe I’m falling for her again just from one look.
Celine:
I wonder why he smiled? Was he trying to reassure me? Though his small smile did want me to melt on the spot. I sit looking at myself all dressed up in the mirror, clutching my golden earrings in my hands. Why am I thinking so hard about it? I just put my earrings on. I look down at my heels and re-wrap the white bow, I mean at least they’re pretty although they’re a clear sign I’m engaged.
