5. The Stolen Match

Orchestral music played softly as Clarine and Damian’s engagement requirements were fulfilled. The big news began to spread among business colleagues and upper-class social circles. Spark Winery’s high-quality champagne and wine were the main sponsors of this engagement party, and the Royal Cassel Hotel witnessed the event.

Clarine stood beside Damian with an elegant smile, looking at the guests with an aura of arrogance. Her hand wrapped around Damian’s arm with an aura of ownership. Meanwhile, Damian stood looking at the high-class guests with a cold and bored gaze, but the man remained calm.

The Royal Cassel Hotel ballroom doors opened once again to welcome a guest. Enola walked in gracefully, her lips polished with bright red lipstick and curved confidently. The maroon dress that fit her body perfectly stole the guests’ attention with her arrival.

“Tonight, I will take back everything you have, Clarine. You’ve had enough fun at my expense.” Enola’s mind, filled with vengeance and hatred, uttered these words loudly, echoing throughout her entire being. Tonight, she would carry out her first plan to rise again.

The guests began to whisper about Enola’s stunning arrival, and the orchestra music stopped momentarily, giving the host a chance to start the event.

Enola greeted several high-class guests who knew her because of her parents. She deliberately made herself a minor distraction to show that her status tonight could not be ignored.

Enola’s grey eyes kept watching Damian, and she knew that Damian had started to notice her between his bored glances at Clarine.

“Let’s welcome the future couple, Clarine Reginald and young master Damian Cassel.” The host’s greeting drew applause and cheers from the guests for the couple. Clarine and Damian stepped forward, increasing the guests’ cheers and applause.

Damian only nodded stiffly, his gaze cold and bored. Even when Clarine turned to him, smiling, Damian did not react. Enola noticed the interaction and then stepped onto the dance floor.

“What a beautiful sight, but it’s embarrassing that the groom doesn’t look very happy. I don’t think the title of future couple is appropriate for them.” Enola’s voice managed to divert the guests’ attention to her. The atmosphere became silent as the guests suddenly fell quiet. Clarine tensed beside Damian, while Damian stared at Enola with raised eyebrows.

Clarine’s face began to pale as Enola successfully stole the guests’ attention from her. Meanwhile, Enola’s gaze was locked on Damian.

“Enola, what are you doing here? This party is not for you.” Clarine held back her emotions, and her smile looked stiff.

“No, but it seems this party isn’t for him either, “ Enola said. Still, her gaze ignored Clarine, focusing only on Damian. Damian’s lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze intensifying as he looked at Enola. The woman’s words had managed to stir his feelings.

“Damian, don’t listen to her, she’s just jealous because—“

“Jealous? You think I want to stand next to a man who doesn’t want you? You’re really blind, Clarine. Everyone can see it; he doesn’t want you.” Enola cut Clarine off sharply as she took a step forward.

The guests began to whisper. As time passed, the whispers grew louder. Clarine felt panic rising again, her face turning red.

“Enola, you shouldn’t be here. You have no place at this party.” Clarine was still trying to salvage what little pride she had left. However, Enola came to the engagement party with a well-thought-out plan. Enola smiled with an unmistakable aura of mockery.

“Really? But from what I see, young master Damian Cassel is more suited to stand with me.” Enola’s provocation succeeded in provoking Clarine’s emotions.

“Enola, how dare you—“

“Enough, Clarine.” Damian removed Clarine’s hand from his arm. It

Clarine stared at Damian with wide eyes, wanting to say something, but her father’s hand prevented her and instead dragged her back.

“Dad, don’t let that crazy woman take my fiancé; Damian must be mine.” Clarine’s eyes began to fill with tears, and she was about to burst into tears. Her father seemed deaf and just continued to drag her away from the crowd.

“What’s going on? Did the engagement fail? How embarrassing?” Clarine heard the guests whisper, which only added to her sadness. That night, she became the laughing stock of the crowd. The guests’ attention turned completely to Damian and Enola.

Damian stopped before Enola and leaned down slightly so only Enola could hear him.

“You’re completely crazy, but I like your courage.” Damian’s praise was accompanied by a flash of emotion that instinctively emanated from within him due to Enola’s provocation.

Enola bowed her head slightly to show her respect to Damian. Her lips curved into a victorious smile.

“Didn’t I tell you that I would prove my words? Let everyone see that you deserve to be by my side.” Enola’s confidence touched Damian, but on the other hand, he had to bear the risk of Enola’s performance tonight.

“You really are a dangerous woman. Do you know the consequences of your words?”

“You know, that’s my goal.” Enola smiled triumphantly. Damian asked Enola to dance, immersing the guests in a new atmosphere. The orchestra, which had stopped playing, was quite surprised by the couple’s actions and immediately played a melody to accompany Enola and Damian’s dance.

They began to dance in the centre of everyone’s attention. Damian’s steps were strong and controlled; his hands clasped around Enola’s waist. Meanwhile, Enola gracefully matched Damian’s steps, and their dance captivated the guests as if they were made for each other.