His Last Choice

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

Even without him saying a word, I knew Leon was irked by what had just happened. I could feel it in the tight grip around my wrist—firm enough that it would surely leave marks later on.

Together, the three of us headed toward the pavilion, where many of the guests of Leon’s family had already begun to gather and enjoy themselves. They were all faces I was seeing for the very first time.

While Leon exchanged greetings with the visitors, I quietly searched for a corner where I could blend into the background. I settled there in silence, observing everyone from a distance.

Leon possessed an intimidating aura, yet he appeared approachable, as he engaged with every single person there. Meanwhile, I was perfectly content staying in the shadows, unseen by most.

I also caught sight of my sister, Celina. Just like Leon, she moved effortlessly among the guests. Holding a glass of wine in one hand, she conversed with others with effortless confidence. It was the very trait I had always envied about her—making social interaction look as easy as breathing.

I lowered my gaze slightly, realizing that I had finally admitted to myself just how envious I was of that quality in her. As much as I tried to deny it, it was the truth.

She exuded confidence in every aspect—in her appearance, her style of dress, and the way she spoke. It was no wonder she carried herself with such certainty that she was the one suited for Leon, not me.

I was nearly overwhelmed by self-pity when a server carrying a silver tray passed by and offered me a drink. Quickly dispersing the troubling thoughts swirling in my mind, I mustered a small smile toward him and took a glass of wine. He moved on immediately to attend to the other guests.

I focused my attention on the glass in my hand, gently swirling the deep liquid within its clear, fragile walls. I was not accustomed to drinking, having grown up with a frail body, yet I was not entirely ignorant of such beverages. Surely, it would do no harm if I were to taste just a little.

I toyed with the glass for several minutes before finally lifting it to my lips and taking a sip. The wine’s unique blend of bitterness and sweetness instantly settled on my tongue, making me furrow my brows slightly—but it was not a taste I disliked. Eventually, I drained what remained in the glass.

The server passed by a few more times, and I accepted refills each time, until a pleasant, warm haze began to cloud my senses. I hadn't even noticed how many empty glasses had piled up on the table in front of me; I had become far too absorbed in watching the joyous crowd enjoying themselves.

My senses began to drift as though I were floating, and my movements felt beyond my control, so I chose to remain seated where I was.

After a while, a pair of feet clad in black high-heeled shoes appeared before my table. I slowly lifted my gaze and found Celina standing right in front of me.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself here," she remarked.

She wore a smirk as she looked at me, but I quickly averted my eyes, turning my attention back to the glass held loosely in my hand.

"What? Already drunk?" she teased, a mocking lilt evident in her tone.

I remained as if I had not heard her at all. Instead, I offered a broad smile toward the glass, where I could see my own reflection staring back at me.

My indifference clearly annoyed her, for the next time she spoke, she prodded my arm sharply with her index finger, forcing me to look at her.

"Hey! Have you gone deaf? Can't you hear me?" she demanded.

I still did not meet her gaze, but I answered her nonetheless.

"Please... just go back and enjoy the party with everyone else. Leave me be here," I replied in a low but firm whisper, keeping a smile on my face as if her presence did not bother me in the least.

"What did you just say? You certainly have the nerve to—"

Celina’s words were cut short when a voice spoke from behind her. It was Harvey, Leon’s cousin, whom I had only met earlier that day.

Instead of finishing her sentence, she grabbed my free hand and acted as though I had just shoved her away. I raised an eyebrow at her blatant performance.

"What happened?" concern laced in Harvey's voice as he hurried forward to catch Celina just before she "fell"—as if she hadn’t orchestrated the whole thing herself.

My mouth fell open at my own sister’s actions. I never knew she possessed such a talent; she truly was a brilliant actress.

"I’m fine, thank you," she said softly.

"I think my sister has had too much to drink. She seems completely out of it and no longer aware of what she is doing.

I let out a sharp breath, forcing a wry smirk to tug at the corner of my lips at Celina’s words. If there is someone drunk it's her, she was the one acting truly intoxicated—so bold and shameless to frame me right before their eyes.

Following her remark, Harvey turned his gaze toward me.

"She’s right, you know. Your cheeks are flushed," he observed. "Where is Leon anyway?" He glanced around the room in search of him.

"Oh, he’s still quite busy," Celina replied smoothly. "More guests have just arrived, so he has to attend to them personally."

Then she suggested, putting on the sweet, helpless act of a kitten: "Perhaps you could be the one to escort my sister back to her room? My heel hurts rather badly—I fear I may have sprained my ankle. Would that be alright?"

"There is no need," I spoke up. "I am not drunk, and I am perfectly capable. I can manage on my own."

I had reached my limit of witnessing my sister’s pretenses, so I stood up abruptly. But the moment I tried to take a step, my body betrayed me, unprepared and unsteady. I nearly collapsed, though thankfully Harvey caught my arm just in time to steady me.

This was exactly the very thing I had tried so hard to avoid, which was why I had remained seated in the first place. Yet Celina had deliberately ruined my quiet refuge, forcing me to look weak and helpless in front of everyone.

"Come, let’s go. I’ll see you to your room," Harvey insisted, holding my arms firmly to support me.

In the end, there was nothing else I could do but yield to his help.

"Alright then, please take good care of her!" Celina’s voice rang out behind us as Harvey and I began to walk away, her parting instruction echoing clearly in my ears.

As Harvey guided me out of the pavilion, I finally realized just how much I truly had drunk. It was not merely that I struggled to keep my balance; the whole world seemed to spin before my very eyes.

"Miss, whatever has happened?" Rose met us at the foot of the stairs, her voice filled with deep concern.

"She is quite alright—she simply had a little too much wine," Harvey replied.

"Oh my!" Rose gasped in alarm, unsure whether she should step in and help support me.

"It would be best if you fetched a cloth and some water for her," Harvey instructed gently. "Wait for us in her room."

"W-very well, sir," Rose stammered, immediately hurrying to follow his directions.

A faint smirk touched my lips as I watched Rose hurry away.

"She’s panicking over nothing... tsss! It’s only me after all," I muttered under my breath.

"I am truly sorry, Leon’s cousin, for putting you to so much trouble," I said, my words coming out heavy and slightly slurred as we slowly climbed the stairs. "Don't worry—I shall make it up to you when the chance arises."

"Oh really? Very well then, I shall hold you to that promise," Harvey replied with a light tone.

The moment we stepped into the room, I let my full weight collapse onto the bed. Harvey stood nearby, taken aback when I suddenly pulled away from him and threw myself onto the mattress without hesitation.

"Thank you so much! Don't you worry—I've got this, and I promise I'll make it up to you!" I declared, my voice loud and unguarded.

Harvey let out a soft laugh, standing with hands planted firmly on his hips as he looked down at me. "Alright, alright! Don't worry, I will definitely hold you to that," he replied with amusement.

I had barely laid my head down when the bed seemed to pull at my very soul, and it was not long before the weight of the wine dragged me into a deep slumber.

I lost track of time and events, unaware of how long my eyes had been closed. Every so often, however, I was pulled back to consciousness by the sensation of everything I had eaten rising in my throat, threatening to spill out at any moment.

Once, as I surfaced from the haze, I saw Leon beside me. He was speaking, though his words sounded distant and unintelligible. I felt his hand gently stroking my back as I succumbed to the urge to be sick.

Everything remained blurred and hazy in my mind. It felt as though my spirit was fast asleep, yet my body was forced awake time and time again to endure the violent churning of my stomach.