The soft music playing in the background mingled with the murmur of voices and clinking glasses. The Blackthorn mansion shimmered under warm chandeliers. Ariana tried her best to breathe through the discomfort in her chest as the evening stretched on, laughter echoing from different corners, the scent of champagne and chocolate from the sweet treats that were being served lingering in the air.
She had survived her first large family gathering which happened to go smoother than expected. Vincent had also surprised her. Maybe it was because of the presence of his family elders but, he was a lot calmer and easier to talk to.
The guests had dispersed into smaller groups, all chattering away. She soon found herself ambushed by a group of women with elegant dresses and expensive perfumes, pull
