My System Harem

Chapter 5: Ominous Feeling

The next day arrived at the blink of an eye, and the party, which was going to be held at night, came. I stayed in my room for the entire day until the clock struck 8. Since the party would begin at 10, I had to get ready and prepare before going to the Moon Estate—our family's place.

I had no idea what happened to Lyra since last night, and honestly? I don't want to know. She may have spent the night here. Or worse, even stayed until it's time to get ready. I bet Darius would have accompanied her since I had never heard anything from him since waking up. I guess I wasn't that relevant, after all. But I tried to erase these negative thoughts, because this is my day, and I don't want to ruin it nor end the day with painful memories. I'll just try to forget everything that happened yesterday, for my sake.

Since I wasn't able to pick a gown at the bridal shop, I could only wear a gown I already own. It wasn't that extravagant, but it definitely had its own elegance. The gown had a beautiful crimson color, with a sweetheart neckline and ruffled sleeves. It was a gown I hadn't worn for ages, but it still looked good despite its old age.

I paired the gown with gold-strapped stilettos that resembled that of a candlelight, flashing like hidden sparks with every step. Around my throat sat a necklace of burnished gold, its intricate links resting against my collarbone like a gilded cage. At its center hung a single, teardrop-shaped ruby, so deep in color it appeared almost black until the light struck it, revealing a crimson fire that mirrored the gown perfectly. In my ears dangled matching gold filigree drops, swaying in my every movement.

I looked in the mirror and smiled with satisfaction. I knew I didn't have to worry about my looks. I could only smile as I took my clutch bag and walked out of the room. It was near 10, and I had to be there before to greet the guests as a form of formality. I carefully steadied my steps as I walked down the stairs. There, at the door, stood the man that I had tried so hard not to think about for the entire day.

He was a striking apparition in a suit of crisp, ivory linen, a garment that seemed to absorb the sun and radiate an effortless, old-world elegance. The jacket sat with tailored precision across his shoulders, its brilliant white fabric contrasting sharply against the stark, polished abyss of his black leather shoes. These shoes, shined to a mirror-like finish, anchored his ethereal appearance, striking the pavement with a quiet, confident authority that bridged the gap between breezy sophistication and formal intent.

I could only watch him with great admiration. I tried so hard not to think of this man, and yet, just the sight mere of him already made my heart beat. I couldn't help but fall in love every time I saw him, and everything he had done to me seemed like a distant memory that would not matter at this very moment. As if sensing my presence, he turned to look at me as our eyes met. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, as he has always done things I couldn't comprehend. But right now, I would like not to understand this man just until the day ends.

I continued in my footsteps until I was only a distance away from him. His emerald eyes scanned me from up and down until it stopped on my face.

"You look gorgeous today." His hands caressed my ears as it turned bright red.

"So are you."

"Then, let's go?" I nodded from the suggestion and we soon left the house before entering the car. This time, there was no Lyra to take my front seat, so I no longer hesitated when I entered the car.

As soon as we buckled our seats, the car then departed and left the house. Today is my day, and I should be feeling ecstatic on our drive as I will be celebrating it with that family. Although it wasn't supposed to be the case—since it was Lyra who insisted I celebrate my day with her— I still feel especially happy to be with them and with my fiancé.

But what is this feeling? I feel oddly anxious, as if something bad is going to happen. It's the same ominous feeling I had when Darius suggested we invite Lyra to hang out with us so that I could freely walk with Darius in public. But this time, it's even stronger, and I feel my heart tightening. Is this just my body reacting late from getting rained yesterday? Or is this another illness? I couldn't help but worry. However, this was soon interrupted when Darius opened the car door and said we had arrived.

I stepped out of the car as I looked at the estate. As always, it gave me an uncomfortable feeling. I mean, I never liked this house the moment my mom left me. It has been nothing but a nightmare. However, I should not think that way when I am being generously invited to celebrate my birthday with Lyra, so I should be happy, because I have to be.

The place was bustling with people coming in as the party would begin any moment now. Accompanied by Darius, we entered the house and were greeted by my family. My dad, who still looked at me with that cold gaze of his, my stepmother, who always looked at me with utter disgust, and Lyra, who always smiled with evil intentions. Nothing will go wrong, right?

Lyra, as always, glowed under the dim light of the ballroom. She wore the white satin gown I picked yesterday, paired with a silver necklace and heels. She even had a veil stuck on her hair. But why is she wearing one? This is just a birthday party, there's no need to be so extravagant. However, I couldn't even continue my thoughts when she came towards us.

"Hi, Caelia! Where did you find that gown?" She smiled, and yet, it had a mocking look on it. Before I could even answer, she had already turned her eyes on Darius as she openly took his arm.

"Wow, Darius. You look stunning today. We look like a beautiful couple, don't we?"

I froze. Looking at them, it makes sense. Both of them wore something white, and when they stood next to each other, anyone would think they were a couple. But why did Darius wear something like that? Did Lyra ask him to? Or did he do it on his own accord? But why now? Why today?

Lyra, once again, looked at me.

"Were you not able to pick up a gown yesterday, sis? That gown looked worn out. Why would you wear that today?" Her harsh remarks brought laughter to everyone inside. It may have sounded like a joke to them, but it hurts. The humiliation and the fact that no one, not even Darius, defended me.

"Let's go, the party is about to start. We should get ready, right?" As Lyra dragged Darius by her side, I was left alone watching their backs. The same back I have been looking at since our university days, the same back that I know won't give me another glance.

They look like a happy couple.