Chapter 11
797 Words
The engagement party glowed with soft amber lights and polished marble reflections. Selene had been moving from group to group, offering practiced smiles while trying to memorize names that seemed to multiply every minute.
Damien stayed beside her like a silen guardian. Not intrusive. Not possessive. Just... steady. His presence kept her from drowning in the sea of Ravenson elegance.
Then--inevitiably--
"Selene!" Mari's voice cut through the crowd like a glittering blade.
She strutted toward them, dress shimmering with every sharp step, confidence radiating off her in waves. Ethan followed her, composed as ever, hands folded behind his back like the perfect gentleman.
Mari stopped right in front of Selene, crossing her arms. "Why does everyone keep cornering me? I swear, i've been lectured by an aunt, two cousins, and some woman who looked like she invented judgement."
Selene gently touched her sister's arm. "They might not mean it that way--"
"Oh please," Mari scoffed. "Half of them look like they iron their faces every morning."
Damien lifted an eyebrow, fighting -- barely -- not to react.
Ethan stepped forward, his voice warm but grounded. "Mari, they're trying to include you. You're new to the family circle. Questions are normal."
Mari spun toward him. "Well i don't like feeling interrogated."
"You're not being interrogated," Ethan said softly. "You're being noticed. It's different."
Mari blinked, thrown off for a moment. She wasn't used to being disaghreed with gently. Before she could snap back, Vivienne and Charles arrived with perfect timing.
"Good evening, girls," Vivienne said with a serene smile.
Mari plastered on her sweetest expression. "Vivienne, your taste tonight is exquisite!"
Vivienne accepted the compliment with a dignified nod. "Thank you, dear. And your gown is quite... expressive."
Mari's smile wobbled. "Expressive is good, right?"
"Expressive," Charles repeated diplomatically, "is memorable."
Damien's mouth twitched, the closest thing he'd ever show to amusement in public.
Vivienne placed a hand on Selene's forarm. "And you, Selene, look radiant. You're carrying youself beautifully this evening."
Selene flushed. "Thank you. I'm trying."
"You're doing far more than trying," Vivienne said warmly. "You're handling this with remarkable poise."
Mari bristled, straightening her shoulders. "I can be poised too, you know."
Ethan, gently redirecting before she said something sharper: "Mari, why don't we step onto the balcony for a moment? The air will help."
"I don't need air," Mari snapped--
--but her eyes flicked around the room nervously, and she followed Ethan anyway.
Selene let out a quiet breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
Vivienne watched Mari disappear with a soft sigh. "She's spirited."
"An optimist's term," Charled murmured.
Selene looke down. "She means well. It just... comes out mixed."
Vivienne cupped Selene's cheek tenderly. "You don't have to explain her behaviour. You're not responsible for her choices."
Selene's throat tightened.
Damien spoke for the first time, voice low. "She has a habit of taking on burdens that aren't hers."
Selene turned to him, stunned. Damien rarely commented on personal matters.
Vivienne smilled knowingly. "He's right, you know."
Selene looked away, flustered. "It's just how i am."
"And it's why you fit this familiy," Vivienne said softly.
Charles clearned his throat. "Selene, there are some older relatives who would love an introduction."
"Of course," Selene said, hesitating.
Damien extended his hand. It wasn't a romantic gesture. It wasn't possessive. It was an offer of support, quiet and steady.
Selene placed her hand in his. His fingers curled around hers with controlled strength.
As they moved through the crowd, Selene greeted retirees, business partners, and family elders. She answered questions with grace; she accepted compliments with mulity. Each time her nerves fluttered, Damien shifted closer -- barely noticeable to anyone but her.
At one point, an elderly aunt leaned toward Selene. "You're lovely, dear. And very composed. Quite the contrast to your sister."
Selene forced a polite smile. "We're different that's all."
"Different," the aunt said kindly, "in ways that complement each other -- if she ever realizes it."
Damien's hand tightened slightly around Selene's.
Later, when they stepped aside for a moment's rest, Selene whispered, "Does it... bother you? When people compare us?"
"No," Damien replied simply. "They're observing, not judging."
"Some are judging."
He titled his head. "Let them. Your worth isn't up for debate."
Selene blinked. "That was... unexpectedly comforting."
"Truth often is."
She looked down at their intertwined hands. "And you holding my hand."
He didn't release it.
"It steadies you," he said matter-of-factly. "And i prefer you steady."
Her heart tripped.
Across the room, Mari reappeared with Ethan. Her expression was tight, but Ethan walked beside her with calm dignity, quietly grounding her again.
Two sisters. Two brothers.
Two paths slowly diverging.
And the lines between them -- glowing, fragile, inevitable -- were becoming clearer with every passing moment.
- Writer
