Chapter 10: Double Engagement

Mark spotted Evie’s mum near the entrance of the grand hall and walked over with an easy smile. She was checking a flower arrangement, her face glowing with excitement.

“Everything looks beautiful, doesn’t it?” she said when she saw him.

“It does,” Mark replied smoothly. “But I just spoke with Evie. She’s incredibly busy right now with all the final touches. You know how dedicated she is. Maybe we should give her some space so she can focus. The party is only two days away, after all. We don’t want to add more pressure on her.”

Evie’s mum nodded, a little concerned but trusting. “You’re right. She works so hard. I’ll let her be. Thank you for looking out for her, Mark.”

He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “Anything for our family darling.”

After Mark and Mum left the side room, I waited a few minutes before stepping out. My hands were still shaking a little. I took a deep breath and went back to the main hall like nothing had happened.

“Looking good, team,” I said, forcing a smile. “Sarah, those tables are perfect now. James, the lights are exactly what I wanted. Let’s wrap up the extra supplies and head back to the office.”

We packed up the unused decorations, extra linens, and some spare centerpieces. The ride back to Aurora was quiet. I stared out the window the whole time, Mark’s words echoing in my head. Enjoying both you and your mother. The thought made my stomach twist, but I pushed it down. Tomorrow was Mum’s day. I had to focus on that.

The day of the engagement party arrived faster than I expected. My team came early to do final retouches. We adjusted the fairy lights, fluffed the flowers, and made sure every table setting was spotless. The grand hall looked magical, soft ivory and blush everywhere, candles flickering, a beautiful stage set for the announcement.

“Perfect,” I whispered to myself as the first guests started arriving.

Cars began pulling up one after another. Well-dressed guests stepped out, smiling and chatting. Mark’s parents arrived, looking elegant and a bit formal. Mum’s friends from her charity groups came in colorful dresses. A few billionaires who had worked with Aurora before showed up too, adding even more importance to the night. The air filled with laughter and soft music from the live band.

The party started nicely. People mingled, enjoyed appetizers, and admired the decorations. I stayed in the background, making sure everything ran smoothly. Then the MC, a charming older man in a sharp suit, stepped onto the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight to celebrate love,” he said with a warm smile. “This beautiful event was planned by the talented team at Aurora Event Agency. Let’s give a big round of applause for Evelyn and her incredible staff!”

Heads turned toward me. I smiled and gave a small wave. Whispers spread through the crowd.

“Is that her? The one who planned the Hale gala?”

“She’s so young to be running the top event company.”

Mum and Mark walked onto the stage together, looking happy. The MC continued with kind words about their journey. Mum’s eyes shone with tears of joy as Mark held her hand. It was a perfect moment. I felt a mix of happiness for her and a deep ache inside.

Then the doors opened again.

Alex stepped into the hall, uninvited but confident. He had dressed sharply in a dark suit. His eyes scanned the room until they found Evie. This was his chance. He knew she wouldn’t want to cause a scene on her mother’s special day. She would have no choice but to hear him out.

He moved through the crowd with purpose, ignoring the curious looks. Tonight, he would fight for what he wanted.

I was standing near one of the side tables when Alex appeared in front of me. My heart stopped. Before I could say anything, he dropped to one knee right there in the middle of the crowd. Gasps rippled around us. He pulled out a small ring box and opened it, revealing a sparkling diamond.

“Evie,” he said loudly, voice full of emotion. “I know I made mistakes, but I love you. Will you forgive me and marry me? Let’s make this a double engagement party tonight.”

The entire hall went silent for a second, then erupted.

“Say yes!” someone shouted.

“Say yes! Say yes!” others joined in, clapping and cheering.

Mum stood on the stage, eyes wide with shock and hope. Mark watched with a tight jaw. Cameras flashed. Everyone stared at me, waiting. Alex stayed on his knee, ring held up, looking at me like this was our perfect moment.

I stood there completely speechless, my nice dress suddenly feeling too tight. My mind went blank. I never thought he would actually do this. Not here. Not now. With Mum watching. With everyone watching.

What was I supposed to do?