Chapter 51

After several days of continuous autumn rain, the sky finally cleared for Thalia’s engagement party. At the Winters estate, everyone rose early for the momentous occasion. Even Laicy, who usually loved sleeping in, was up and dressed in a festive pastel blue dress.

In Thalia’s bedroom, a professional styling team worked diligently. She wore an elegant cream-colored gown, delicately embroidered with pearl detailing. Her hair was elegantly arranged in a sophisticated updo, adorned with subtle diamond pins.

Lucy leaned against the dressing table, watching Thalia with bright eyes. "You look like a princess today, Thalia," she said in her sweet, childish voice.

Thalia smiled softly, touching Lucy’s cheek. Lucy’s round face clouded with worry. She furrowed her brow and asked, "After you get married, will you still come home often?"

Thalia paused, surprised. Her lips curved into a gentle smile. "Of course, I will. The Blackwood estate is so close; I can visit whenever I like."

"Hmph, you’re fibbing," Lucy pouted. "You don’t come home every day now. How can you possibly come back regularly after you marry Asher?"

Thalia laughed. "I have to work, sweetheart. That’s why I can’t always be home."

Lucy held out her little finger. "Pinky promise you’ll come home to see me."

Thalia smiled. She extended her pinky finger. "I can’t promise every day, but I promise to visit whenever I can. I’ll come home often, all right?"

Lucy nodded happily. "All right." Thalia linked pinkies with her half-sister, smiling warmly.

The engagement ceremony was to take place at the Blackwoods' private estate in the northern countryside. Early that morning, Asher personally drove to pick up Thalia. Randolph and Victoria, formally dressed, awaited in the downstairs sitting room.

Randolph’s face lit up upon Asher’s arrival. He rose eagerly. "Asher, welcome! Thalia will be down in just a moment." Victoria stood beside him, her smile warm and genuine. She was truly happy. Though Thalia wasn't her biological daughter, she loved her dearly. She reflected silently, Rosalind, our girl has grown up. Today she’s getting engaged. You’d be so proud. Asher is exceptional, and he clearly adores her. She’ll be happy with him—you can rest easy.

They conversed pleasantly. After a few minutes, Lucy ran downstairs, excitedly announcing, "Thalia’s coming!"

Everyone turned as Thalia descended the staircase, carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers. Asher’s breath caught; his eyes reflected pure admiration. Thalia looked stunning. Her cream gown, with intricate pearl detailing, accentuated her figure perfectly. Expert makeup enhanced her beauty, and her elegant updo lent her a captivating grace. Though he’d seen her countless times, he found himself falling for her anew. He stood, smiling, and took her hand.

In the car, Thalia and Asher sat in the back seat. He could barely contain his excitement. "Lia, this day has finally arrived."

Thalia’s smile was slightly shy, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I’ve been looking forward to it too."

"I almost wanted to skip the engagement altogether and marry you straight away, making you Mrs. Blackwood immediately."

Thalia’s lips twitched with amusement. "I’ll be yours eventually. Why the rush?"

Asher held her hand, his finger gently tracing circles on her palm. "Because I can’t wait a single day—no, not even a minute longer."

He continued, with a self-deprecating smile, "I originally suggested an engagement to your father because I worried you might find an immediate marriage too sudden. I thought we could wait until our relationship deepened. Now I realize I’ve only created an unnecessary delay for myself."

Thalia teased him playfully: "So you think our relationship has deepened enough now?"

Asher pinched her cheek affectionately. "That’s for you to say. My feelings were there from the start."

Thalia lowered her eyes with a subtle smile. "Perhaps we should wait a bit longer."

Asher chuckled indulgently. "And when might Miss Winters be willing to become Mrs. Blackwood?"

"We’ll see," Thalia replied impishly, tilting her head. "Depends on my mood."

Their lively conversation filled the journey. Upon reaching the estate, Asher opened the car door and extended his hand. They walked together toward the main building.

The entire estate was decorated with balloons and flowers. Thousands of fresh pink roses formed a path from the entrance to the main hall. Thalia walked carefully in her heels along the petal-strewn path into the elegantly decorated ballroom. The meticulously arranged venue buzzed with a festive atmosphere, soft music filling the space. Guests offered congratulations. After greeting them, Thalia and Asher went to the preparation room to confirm the ceremony details with the officiant.

The entire Blackwood family was present. Even Lord Blackwood Sr., who rarely left his post in the capital, had made the journey. He looked distinguished in his formal attire, a warm smile on his face, appearing remarkably energetic. Lady Blackwood, elegant in her silk outfit and valuable jewelry, exuded refined dignity. Lord and Lady Blackwood, also in formal attire, radiated sophisticated poise.

The Winters family arrived shortly after. Lucy greeted Victoria before running off to play. Both families gathered, chatting amicably and confirming the engagement procedures.

As the ceremony was about to begin, Asher received a phone call. A woman’s desperate voice said, "Asher, please don’t get engaged to Thalia Winters."

The smile vanished from Asher’s face. He stepped out to take the call. "Who is this?" he asked coldly.

"Asher, don’t you remember me? It’s Vanessa. Why are you getting engaged to Thalia? I’ve been in love with you for ten years—ten whole years!"

Vanessa? Ten years? Asher remembered. It was Vanessa Miller, his high school classmate, voted the most beautiful girl in their year. His expression darkened. "Vanessa, stop calling me. There will never be anything between us."

He was about to hang up. "Asher, if you don’t cancel the engagement, I’ll kill myself," Vanessa said frantically.

The sound of rushing wind came through the phone, making Asher frown. Vanessa’s voice, mixed with the howling wind, continued: "I’m standing on the roof of the building where your engagement ceremony is being held. If you don’t cancel it, I’ll jump right now." The building was ten stories high. A fall from that height would be fatal.