Mysterious Husband

Gala Dinner

Precisely at seven in the evening, the gala dinner held at one of the luxurious hotels in Fransco was bustling with guests. The event was organized to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Archo Property.

This year’s gala was truly grand—just as Richard had requested. He had personally stated that there would be a surprise for everyone.

In fact, this year’s event was attended by a well-known solo singer, indicating that the surprise Richard had in store was not something trivial.

Vay had just arrived, walking gracefully toward the crowd that had already gathered. And of course, her destination was Sakira.

Many people admired Vay’s beauty. Her tall and slender figure, her long wavy hair, and her small, delicate face—all of it combined to make her appear absolutely stunning in everyone’s eyes.

It was no surprise that many men were captivated by her. Vay had become the standard of beauty at Archo Property.

“Oh my God, Vay! You look absolutely gorgeous!” Sakira gasped in shock. Even though she was a woman herself, she couldn’t help but be mesmerized.

“Thank you, Sakira!”

Annevay gave a faint smile. She looked truly stunning in her navy-colored gown, complemented by a gold clutch. Tonight, she was undoubtedly the center of attention.

All of Maya’s hard work in hiring a famous makeup artist had paid off, ensuring Vay’s perfect appearance.

“That’s right! Miss Annevay looks absolutely stunning!” chimed in others who were also captivated by her presence.

“I hope tonight, you’ll meet your future husband here!”

Vay let out a small laugh, but she moved closer to Sakira and whispered in a hushed tone,

“Don’t say such things! You’re embarrassing me, Sakira!”

“It’s fine, Vay!” Sakira replied quickly. “Look over there! So many handsome men, the sons of wealthy businessmen! They’re definitely here for you!”

Vay shook her head. She knew her best friend loved to tease her—especially when it came to romance.

“But don’t worry! If any of them approach you, I’ll screen them first!”

Vay chuckled softly. She was already familiar with Sakira’s overprotective nature when it came to her love life.

In the middle of their conversation, Sakira suddenly leaned in, looking completely shocked, as if she had just witnessed something unusual.

She grabbed Vay’s hand and pulled her away from their group of colleagues. Whenever she acted like that, it usually meant she had spotted a handsome man.

Vay knew her friend all too well. It seemed trivial, yet it was always exasperating—because Sakira would talk about it for an entire week.

“What is it?” Vay asked as she hurriedly followed Sakira, her hand still being pulled. They stopped in the corner of the room, beside a palm tree.

“I just saw a really handsome guy!”

At that moment, Vay’s expression immediately changed. She let out a long sigh, realizing that Sakira was once again obsessing over a good-looking man.

“I already know what you’re thinking,” Vay said flatly.

Sakira giggled and scanned the luxurious room with her eyes.

“But I’m serious, Vay! He’s incredibly handsome!”

Annevay only cleared her throat in response. She knew Sakira had a habit of fixating on handsome men—just like now.

Vay was used to hearing her friend’s endless stories about attractive men, only for Sakira to later point out their flaws and lose interest. Sakira was truly one of a kind.

“Whatever you say, Sakira.”

“But he’s—”

“Sakira, that’s enough! I’m tired of your stories about handsome men. Bye!”

Vay raised her hand in the air, signaling Sakira to stop because she was done listening.

“But Vay—” Sakira’s words were cut off when she saw Vay already walking away.

“Ugh! Just wait and see if she ends up falling for him!” Sakira muttered, stomping her foot in frustration as she watched Vay rejoin their colleagues.

Despite being the daughter of the company’s owner, Vay was known as a friendly and approachable person. She treated everyone kindly, no matter their position.

The guests enjoyed the event, and many continued to compliment Vay’s elegant appearance that evening.

Sam, looking dashing in his black suit and bow tie, suddenly ran up to Vay, who was chatting with her friends.

“Sis, Dad is calling you!” he said, tugging at her gown from the side.

“Oh, okay, sweetheart,” Vay replied before excusing herself and leaving Sam with Sakira and the others.

Her younger brother was truly adorable. Vay was sure that one day, Sam would grow into a handsome man admired by many women.

“Dad is calling for me?” Vay asked when she finally reached her father, who was engaged in conversation with several men around his age. She knew they were his business associates.

“Annevay, come here! I’d like to introduce you to some of my business partners,” Richard said, motioning toward a few unfamiliar men.

Although she was Richard’s secretary, she wasn’t acquainted with all of his associates—especially the ones currently speaking with him.

“Your daughter is truly beautiful, Richard,” one of the men in glasses remarked, making Vay smile politely.

“How about I match her with my son? He’s a handsome young man. I’m sure they’d make a perfect couple!” suggested another.

“No, no! That won’t do! What about my son instead? He graduated top of his class from Oxford University. I’m certain they would complement each other perfectly!”

Vay smiled awkwardly, unsure of what to say. These men sounded exactly like salespeople, advertising their products.

Maya, standing beside Richard, couldn’t hide her joy. Maybe this was an opportunity for Vay to move on from her past. But she was even more pleased when she noticed someone approaching them silently from behind.

“Uh… I—”

“Sorry, but she’s my fiancée.”

Vay’s body froze.

A deep, commanding voice rang out just as she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist.

The chilling yet firm tone left no room for argument. Vay stiffened even more when the unknown man pulled her even closer, pressing her against his chest.

Who is he? she thought, her legs starting to tremble.

“Ethan… You finally came!”

Richard’s face lit up with excitement as he enthusiastically greeted the man, while the surrounding guests looked on in shock.

“Who is he?”

They murmured among themselves, confused because no one recognized the mysterious man.

Slowly, Annevay turned to look beside her. She swallowed hard as she finally laid eyes on him.

Thump!

Her heart seemed to stop for a few seconds as she took in his striking features—sharp nose, thick dark eyebrows, thin lips, and a perfectly proportioned face.

It was as if she were looking at an angel descended from heaven. And those crystal-clear blue eyes… they made her heart race uncontrollably.

“Everyone, let me introduce you to Ethan—Annevay’s fiancé!”

Richard’s words left everyone stunned.

Nobody had expected that Richard had already chosen a husband for his daughter.

“Dad?” Vay whispered, her face turning pale.

“Yes, Vay! He’s your fiancé!”

No! This must be a dream! This must be a dream! she thought, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

“Mr. Richard, is it true that he’s Annevay’s fiancé? Who exactly is he?”

Richard’s business partners looked displeased. They had wanted Vay to marry their sons.

“It would be such a waste if he isn’t from a prominent family!”

As they argued, Annevay remained in shock. The man’s grip on her waist tightened, making it impossible for her to move.

“Dad—”

“Stay right here, Annevay! I won’t let you go anywhere!”

His deep, authoritative voice interrupted her.

She stiffened once again as his arm pulled her even closer—her body pressed firmly against his chest.

She could hear his heartbeat—so calm and steady—while hers raced like a speeding motorcycle.

Vay’s mind was in chaos.

Was this man the prince from her dreams?

But where was his white horse? Shouldn’t he be riding one?

“Dad….”

Richard ignored Vay’s call and walked toward the stage.

He was about to make an announcement.

And Vay… was left standing there, overwhelmed with confusion and fear.