THE STERLING FAMILY
1268 Words
The Sterling Estate stood majestically like a relic of old money, sprawled across the vast acres of properly manicured lawns and fountains that shone under the morning sun. The Sterling mansion itself was a masterpiece - one that screamed of aristocracy. Ivory pillars stood as though they seemed to reach the sky, chandeliers visible even from the grand windows and colorful roses that bloomed beautifully in neat rows that perfumed the air.
Inside this beautiful mansion sat the Sterling family in their sun drenched conservatory with eye catching interior decorations ranging from glass ceilings that spilled daylight across gold trimmed furniture. At the center of the room was a long table laid with golden cutlery and porcelain dish S and inside this conservatory,the Sterling family enjoyed brunch as though the outside world didn't exist.
Lord Alexander , the head of the Sterling family sat at the head of the table in his grey suit that fit perfectly to his body . He had the posture of an emperor as he went through his work tablet. He was a man of few words,and every single word carried weight. Next to him sat Vivian, his wife and Lady of the Sterling family dressed regally in a cream silk gown,her jewelry subtle yet undeniably expensive. And sitting right opposite then was their only daughter Elena Sterling.
Several servants moved silently among them, serving tea and refilling plates with pastries while two event coordinators stood nervously at the far end holding documents and a tablet as they reported the preparations of the upcoming gala.
“The invitations for the gala have all been dispatched sir. Confirmations have also begun to arrive . The Whitmore family and the Harringtons will be present and the two sons of the Harringtons who live abroad will also be present. The press is finalized and the security has been tightened to avoid any unforeseen situation. Also the kitchen requires your presence Lady Vivian for you to have a taste of the food that will be served at the gala.”one of the coordinates, a man in his forties with spectacles reported.
“Alright. Tell the Chef to prepare adequately. Any mistake in the food taste and he's fired”, Vivian ordered.
The coordinator swallowed,”Alright my lady. I'll let him know “.
“And the orchestra?”Lady Vivian asked while stirring her tea delicately.
The second coordinator,a young woman, answered with shaking hands.”They've begun rehearsals this morning my lady. The lead conductor assured us of a flawless service”.
“And the ballroom decor?”,Lady Vivian asked further,her tone soft but sharp enough to make one's hair stand in fear.
“The silk diaperies will arrive tonight,the roses ordered from France have arrived and the chandeliers polished neatly”,the woman replied.
Lord Alexander gave a single nod,his face unreadable. “Ensure everything goes smoothly without a hitch. This gala must not falter. This annual gala is an event that keeps this family name shining. Any issue and you both-”, he said pointing at the two coordinators “-will pay dearly understood?”.
“Yes sir”, they both echoed nervously.
Suddenly, Elena, who had been quiet,leaned forward, her chin resting on her manicured hands. Her lips curved into a playful and determined smile .
“And what of Damien?”, she asked her voice soft , breaking the rhythm of reports
The coordinators both looked at each other and Lady Vivian paused mid-sip.
“Damien Cross”, Elena clarified,her eyes gleaming expectantly.”What about him? Has he confirmed about attending?”
Lady Vivian laid her teacup on the table with a faint click and cleared her throat.”Elena, I thought we've already had this discussion. You can't still be obsessed over Damien, you're not a school kid”.
Elena laughed softly unfazed"Mum you can call it whatever you want . And I'm not obsessed about Damien,I-" she paused and looked at the coordinates briefly who immediately lowered their heads,”- I love Damien. He is so perfect in many ways . His family's influence,his reputation,charm..he's literally admired by every lady in L.A and even beyond. And he doesn't wear his-”
“Spare me Elena I've heard enough”Lady Vivian cut her off with a wave of her hand and went back to sipping her tea.
Lord Alexander looked at his daughter,his expression stern” The Cross are formidable allies,but alliances are not secured with Infatuation Elena,they are secured with strategy”.
Elena's smile sharpened,”Don't worry about that Dad. I always get what I want. Damien Cross is mine and I'll get him one way or another”.
The room became silent for a minute . Lady Vivian and her husband exchanged a meaningful look but said nothing more.
The older coordinator cleared his throat nervously, thereby breaking the tension and signalling for a move on of the discussion.”Ah- we also have good news. For the first time in a long while, the Lawson's family will be attending the gala event. And not just that, they agreed to perform their duties as special guests”.
“Really?” Lord Alexander asked,his voice sharp and a bit…happy.
“Yes sir. Also for the first time,their second daughter Aria Lawson will be attending as a special guest also “
Lord Alexander's brows furrowed” I didn't know they had two daughters “
“Yes honey they do. Rumors have it that she's an illegitimate child, “ Lady Vivian said.
Elena frowned,”Aria…Lawson?” She repeated slowly, the name felt unfamiliar yet intriguing on her tongue. “I think I've heard of her . The so-called fashion queen”.
“Yes ma'am.She’s also the owner of Aria Luxe.The biggest fashion hub in L.A” the female coordinator replied, almost praising Aria.
Elana scoffed ‘’Biggest my foot’’ she muttered under her breath .
“Ohh really that's interesting.” Lord Alexander said as he leaned back softly on his chair.” An illegitimate child who is successful. Not bad” .
Slowly Elena rose to her feet ,her silk gown flowing softly behind her like liquid moonlight. She walked towards the tall windows that overlooked the estate gardens.
“Damien will be at the gala . That's all that matters”, she said softly almost to herself.”And when he sees me, he'll realize no one compares to me “ she added looking at her reflection on the glass window. “No one”.
Her parents said nothing but looked at her keenly.
The coordinates shifted nervously due to the tension,” Shall I finalize the seating arrangement,my Lord?”.
Lord Alexander nodded “See to it that it's done adequately and remember, everything must be flawless. One mistake and you both will suffer the consequences.”. he said, waving his hands dismissing them.
“Yes my Lord “. The coordinators answered by bowing their heads quickly and retreated hurriedly,relying evident on their faces .
Elena turned back to her parents,her smile dazzling but beneath that smile,lingered a quiet hunger. “I'll make sure the Cross family never forget this gala night”.
She reached for some pastries and chewed on them,her eyes sharp and calculative.
And though no one said it aloud, it was evident that this gala would not just be another night of music and champagne-but a battlefield .
A battlefield where alliances would be made ,rivals unmasked…and destinies intertwined.
- Writer
