CHAPTER FIVE
1152 Words
They decided to explore the party, eager to see the beautiful surroundings, before the party began.
As they walked through the grand hall, the buzz of discussion and laughter filled the air.
“Look, Tiara! It's Ken!” Sarah blatted, as she pointed at him across the room. She gestured him over, and soon they were occupied in catching up.
Tiara smiled at their reunion but felt a pinch of loneliness. “I am going to look around a bit,” she said to Sarah. “Enjoy catching up with Ken.”
“Sorry, are you Tiara?” Ken asked curiously.
Tiara and Sarah looked at him in confusion, “Do you know her?” Sarah asked.
“I just wanted to know if she was the Tiara Luciano made such a huge birthday surprise for.”
Tiara was so happy to hear about the surprise but tried as much as possible to control her emotions.
Sarah smiled at her and said, “Ken, you just ruined the surprise for Luciano.”
Ken slightly raised his hands up and said, “I never said a thing.” They both laughed.
Tiara walked away with a feeling she had never felt her whole life.
The day which felt like the worst day of her life was beginning to unleash its better side.
She began to walk through the hall, trying to let herself enjoy the night despite the thought of her father that lingered in her heart.
As she picked a glass of wine from the table close to the staircase, she noticed two men in black suits moving oddly, their appearance raising her suspicion.
At first, she wanted to ignore them, but the thought that this was Luciano's father's party made her feel a responsibility to know what they were up to.
She stylishly followed them, making sure to keep a safe distance as they walked on the staircase.
As they walked, she noticed they were about to enter the section that was meant for the VIPs of the party. She stopped, contemplating if she should go ahead.
As she took the last stair up, she found herself in a large hallway with rooms on either side.
She hesitated, with no knowledge of which room the men had entered, she decided to go back.
Just as she turned to leave, she heard the sound of a glass shattering to the floor followed by a yell that almost cut her off.
Her heart raced, and fear gripped her, but she immediately recognized the voice.
“What is going on?” she whispered to herself, as she walked quietly to the door from which the sound was heard.
She gently pressed her ear against the door, straining to hear.
Her eyes widened in shock as she heard their conversation. “Just make sure he stays out of the way until we finish,” a gruff voice replied.
Tiara’s mind raced. She knew she had to do something, but her fear paralyzed her for a moment.
Taking a deep breath, she decided to take action. She gently turned the doorknob, hoping it wouldn't creak, to confirm the voice she heard.
Her eyes widened in shock as she saw Mr. Jake, a prominent member of Luciano’s father’s pack.
Tiara's heart pounded as she stepped back from the door. She had to find Luciano and let him know.
Without wasting more time, she turned and hastened down the stairs, her mind contending with fear.
As soon as she got down the stairs, she noticed that the party was in full swing.
Everyone stood, facing the stage, and Luciano was seen standing close to his father, everything appearing in order.
The cheerful atmosphere was a strong opposition to the dread that filled her.
“I need to get to him,” she whispered, looking around for a clear path.
But the crowd was thick which made her restless and confused.
She had to tell Luciano that his father's glass of wine had been poisoned before the party presenter would call for a toast.
Just then, Sarah walked up to her, looking worried. “Tiara, what is wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost,” Sarah said.
“Sarah, I need you to help me get to Luciano?” Tiara said, her head pacing around.
“What's the problem?” Sarah asked, with curiosity written all over her.
Just then, the presenter called Luciano to the stage. The limelight shifted to him, the room was filled with applause and then fell silent.
“Good evening, everyone,” Luciano saluted, his voice warm and confident.
“I want to thank you all for being here tonight, especially our recognized guests from all around the world. This evening is special, not just because it's my father's birthday, but because I have a special gift prepared for him.”
Tiara felt her heart sink as she watched him. She knew this was the moment she had been waiting for all her life.
“Father,” Luciano continued, his eyes lit with emotion, “I want you to know how important I love and admire you. You've always guided and supported me. Tonight, I want to give you something in return. Something you've always wanted. I have found my scent and I want to announce her to everyone.”
The room erupted in applause and cheers, everyone turning their attention to the stage.
Tiara's heart soared with excitement. She knew it was going to be her. This was the moment she had been waiting for, the moment when Luciano would eventually announce her as his mate in front of everyone.
She had spent the whole evening rehearsing what she would say.
Luciano's voice grew soft and tender, then he said. “Join me as I welcome, Elara.”
“What!!” Sarah screamed in confusion.
Time seemed to stop, Tiara's legs grew weak, as she struggled to stand on her feet, her vision blurring as tears filled her eyes.
The name echoed in her head, as she watched Elara gracefully walk to the stage.
She stood there in tears, as everyone cheered. Her dream had just turned into a nightmare.
Sarah held her closely, patting her on her shoulders to calm her down.
Elara climbed onto the stage and pecked him, she walked over to the table, picked up a glass of wine and handed it over to Luciano.
“No, no, no,” Tiara screamed, seeing that Elara had picked up the wrong glass that was poisoned.
Luciano smiled at Elara and raised the glass.
“To my father, my friend, and the future of our pack. Cheers.”
Luciano's Father raised his glass and so did everyone.
Not considering what anyone would say, Tiara decided to take action.
As she tried to move, her feet felt fused to the ground, the weight of her situation still weighed heavily on her.
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