The Engagement party

The day of the engagement party finally arrived, and I wasn’t ready. Not mentally, not emotionally. But there was no turning back now. The entire Quinn family and the Kings clan gathered at the grand estate—a mansion so vast and magnificent, it could have starred in movies or glossy magazines.

I took one last look at my reflection before heading downstairs. My dress was a sleek, deep crimson gown that hugged every curve. The color made my fiery red hair glow and brought out the piercing blue of my eyes. Damien had said he loved red. Funny—because it reminded me of blood, the kind I wanted to spill whenever I thought about how fast everything was moving.

Mum waited for me in the living room, perfectly dressed in an elegant navy blue gown. She smiled warmly, but beneath that pride was something else—hope, maybe? I looked so much like her with my red hair and blue eyes, and Dad often told me I was her twin.

“You look stunning, Zara,” she said softly.

“Thanks,” I replied, though I didn’t feel it.

The house buzzed with energy. Servants glided gracefully through rooms, carrying trays of champagne and delicate hors d’oeuvres. Guests filled every corner, their voices blending into a hum of polite chatter and laughter. Cameras flashed relentlessly—because when two powerful families unite, the world wants to watch.

Theo and Ella stood by the doorway, both looking sharp. Theo gave me a nod that said, This is your moment. Ella’s eyes were sharper, calculating, watching my every move like a hawk.

Then Damien appeared.

He looked flawless in a classic black tuxedo. His presence commanded the room even before he spoke. His dark eyes locked onto mine the moment he stepped in, making heads turn and stirring a flutter inside me I wasn’t ready to admit.

He approached, his confident smile softening as he took my hand.

“You look beautiful, Red,” he said—the nickname sending a shiver down my spine.

“You don’t look bad yourself,” I teased, smiling back as he gently cupped my cheek, posing for the cameras to show we were the perfect couple.

Dad came over, standing tall beside Damien, though not quite as tall. “Welcome, everyone,” he began, raising his glass. “Today, we celebrate not just the union of two families, but the future—a future built on strength, loyalty, and honor.”

Applause filled the room.

I glanced at Damien. His hand was warm around mine, fingers lightly tracing small circles on the back of my hand. I wanted to tell him I wasn’t ready, that my heart still ached from Jason and Mia’s betrayal. But all I could do was breathe and pretend this was what I wanted.

After the toast, Damien led me to the dance floor. The music started—slow and melodic—and I felt his body press close. His hand rested on my waist, pulling me gently. For a few moments, I let myself get lost in the dance.

“Are you nervous?” he asked softly.

“Do I look like I am?” I challenged, locking eyes with him.

“You’re fiery… a force to be reckoned with,” he said with a smirk.

I laughed for the first time all evening. “I’m many things, Mr. Kings.”

He smirked back but didn’t reply as we danced.

Later, mingling with guests, I watched Damien move through the crowd with ease—greeting friends, business associates, and a few politicians. I overheard snippets praising his empire and influence. No wonder Dad was so eager for this union.

“Zara, darling,” a woman with perfectly coiffed blonde hair approached me, her smile polite but her eyes sharp. “I’m Catherine Kings, Damien’s mother. It’s lovely to finally meet you.”

I smiled, shaking her hand. “Thank you, Mrs. Kings.”

Her gaze seemed to assess me. Then she nodded, apparently satisfied.

“You’re lucky, dear. The Kings family is powerful—more powerful than you realize.” Her voice was sweet, but I sensed an edge. “We expect a lot.”

I swallowed hard. This wasn’t just about me or Damien—it was legacy, business, alliances.

“My husband would have loved to meet you,” Mum said. “He and your father are good business partners, but he had to leave for an important meeting after our anniversary.”

“That’s fine, Mum,” I said.

“Well, I can’t wait for you two to get married and give me grandkids,” she added with a laugh. I joined her, but my mind drifted.

Kids? I wasn’t even sure I could handle my niece and nephew, Andy and Anna—Theo’s troublemakers who were currently on vacation with their mother. Then there was Sophie, my eight-year-old niece who loved shopping and spending my money. I loved them all, but their mischief sometimes threatened my sanity—especially when Sophie said she wanted to be godmother to my future child. Hilarious.

As the evening wore on, I slipped away to a quiet corner to catch my breath. Mandy found me and slid onto the seat beside me.

“How’s it going?” she asked softly.

“Overwhelming,” I admitted. “I feel like I’m trapped in a gilded cage.”

She nodded knowingly. “I know it’s hard, but you’re stronger than you think.”

Before I could reply, Damien appeared, holding two glasses of champagne. He handed me one and smiled. “Here.”

I took a sip, feeling the warmth spread.

He leaned close, voice low. “I know this isn’t easy for you, Zara. But I want you to know something.”

I looked up, curiosity and caution mingling in my eyes.

“You’re not just my fiancée. You’re the one I want by my side. No games. No distractions.”

His honesty surprised me. I wanted to believe him, but years of heartbreak made that difficult.

“Oh really? So how’s your playboy life going to fit in?” I teased, earning a clearing of Mandy’s throat as she excused herself.

“Jealous?” he asked, pulling me closer.

“You wish,” I said, spotting Dad watching us from afar—clearly proud that I had Damien Kings by my side.

Later, the DJ started playing a lively song, and guests returned to the dance floor. I spotted Mandy and Theo loosening up, laughing and moving to the beat.

My phone buzzed—it was an unknown number.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Zara… love, please, can we talk?” The voice hit me like a punch—Jason’s voice, the man who had broken my heart.

“How dare—”

“Don’t answer that line,” Damien’s voice cut in as he snatched the phone from my hand, surprising me.

“I don’t want him near you,” he said, his eyes dark with anger as he walked away.

And how dare Jason call me, thinking I’d come running back? Not this time. Not ever.

The night ended with a grand fireworks display over the estate. Everyone gathered outside, watching the sky burst with color.

Damien pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my waist. “This is just the beginning, Zara.”

I wanted to believe him.

Maybe, just maybe, when love comes calling, it’s worth answering.