Chapter 3
718 Words
The Engagement Party from Hell
Mariah stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting the deep-red gown that clung to her curves. Tonight was the night—the grand engagement party Sebastian had dared her to go along with. She had spent days plotting, ensuring this evening would be as insufferable for him as possible.
"You look like a goddess ready to bring destruction," Olivia said from the bed, grinning.
Mariah smirked. "That’s exactly the plan."
Her phone buzzed with a message from her mother: Everyone’s arriving. Where are you?
Mariah sighed. On my way.
The party was being held at the Greys’ lavish estate, an over-the-top display of wealth with sparkling chandeliers, fountains, and a ballroom fit for royalty. Guests were already mingling, sipping champagne, and pretending to be delighted by the union of two people who, in reality, could barely stand each other.
Mariah spotted Sebastian near the bar, dressed in an elegant black tuxedo, his hair perfectly styled. He exuded effortless charm, laughing at something a colleague had said. When his eyes met hers, amusement flickered across his face.
She approached with a dramatic sigh. "Sebastian, darling, you left me alone for so long! I was positively lost without you."
He tilted his head, clearly catching on to her game. "My deepest apologies, my love. How can I ever make it up to you?"
Mariah looped her arm through his. "Dance with me. Right now."
His smirk widened. "Anything for you."
As they twirled across the dance floor, Mariah made sure to be as obnoxiously affectionate as possible—clinging to him, whispering dramatically in his ear, making exaggerated declarations of love.
"We should get matching pajamas with our faces on them," she cooed.
Sebastian chuckled. "I’d love that. Maybe we can get our names embroidered too?"
Mariah scowled. He wasn’t breaking. He was playing along too well.
Time to take it up a notch.
She stopped mid-dance, gasping loudly. "Oh my God, Sebastian!"
The music and chatter around them continued, but a few heads turned their way.
Sebastian arched a brow. "What?"
Mariah placed a hand over her stomach. "I just realized—I think I want to have at least six children."
Sebastian blinked. "Six?"
"Yes! Six little Sebastians and Mariahs running around. Maybe seven, if I change my mind later." She clasped his hands dramatically. "I just love you so much!"
A muscle in his jaw twitched, but he kept his expression composed. "Then we should start planning names. How about Persephone for a girl?"
Mariah gaped. He was actually playing along.
"And for a boy?" she asked cautiously.
"Sebastian Junior, obviously."
She laughed despite herself. "You’re impossible."
"So are you."
For a moment, she forgot she was supposed to be sabotaging the night. The warm weight of his hand on her waist, the way his gaze softened ever so slightly—it threw her off balance.
Before she could process it, her mother’s voice interrupted. "Mariah, dear! The speech!"
Mariah’s eyes widened. "Speech?"
Her mother smiled. "Of course! The guests are expecting a heartfelt speech from the happy couple."
Mariah internally cursed. She hadn’t prepared for this.
Sebastian, however, smoothly took her hand and led her to the center of the room. He raised his champagne glass, effortlessly commanding attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate the… unique bond Mariah and I share."
A ripple of polite laughter spread through the crowd.
Mariah took a breath and lifted her glass. "Sebastian and I have had quite the journey. Some might say we’ve been… rivals for years. Others might say we’re ‘destined.’"
Sebastian’s lips twitched.
Mariah continued. "One thing is certain—I have never met anyone who can frustrate me more."
More laughter.
Sebastian leaned closer. "Right back at you, sweetheart."
Mariah forced a smile and lifted her glass higher. "To a future filled with love… and unexpected surprises."
Sebastian clinked his glass against hers. "To surprises."
As the guests cheered, Mariah’s stomach twisted. This was not going according to plan. She had tried to make him hate this, but he was enjoying the game just as much as she was.
Sebastian leaned in. "You’re going to have to try harder, Mariah."
Her grip on her glass tightened. This wasn’t over yet.
- Writer
