A crazy announcement
1095 Words
A Saturday…
A knock sounded on the door.
Soraya opened it to find her father standing there.
“Father, come in. Is there any problem?” she asked, stepping aside to let him in.
He entered and glanced around the room, a faint frown settling on his forehead. “I don’t remember your room looking like this before.”
Soraya chuckled softly. “My stepmother changed the décor. She thought I wouldn’t make it out alive,” she said casually.
He paused, then nodded.
“You wanted to tell me something?” Soraya asked.
He cleared his throat. “Yes… There’s an event being hosted today. We’ll all be attending—you, your stepmother, and Lorelei.”
Soraya leaned against her dresser, listening closely. “Alright. I’ll get ready,” she replied with a polite smile.
“Yes, but…” He hesitated. “There’s something else I wanted to tell you. At the event, there will be an announcement, and—”
Before he could finish, the door opened.
“Dad, we need your attention downstairs,” Lorelei said as she walked in. Her eyes flickered between her father and Soraya, suspicion clear on her face. “Am I interrupting a secret discussion?”
He shook his head lightly. “We’ll talk later. Soraya, get dressed.”
He left with Lorelei before Soraya could say another word.
She sighed softly. He always does this.
She knew her father loved her, yet she couldn’t help noticing how much more attentive he was toward her stepmother and stepsister.
Brushing off the thought, she turned to her wardrobe. Whatever this event was, she needed to look presentable.
---
An hour later, Soraya stepped out of her room.
She wore a knee-length wine-colored dress with long sleeves and a subtle V-neckline. It was simple yet undeniably elegant. Matching heels completed the look. Her hair was tied into a neat ponytail, with soft strands framing her face. Her makeup was minimal—just enough to enhance her natural beauty.
Lorelei’s expression froze when she saw her.
Her father walked toward Soraya, smiling proudly. “My beautiful daughter. Let’s go—we don’t want to be late.”
Soraya hesitated. “What was it you wanted to tell me earlier?”
“You’ll find out soon,” he replied before walking away.
She followed with a quiet sigh, unease settling in her chest.
---
The car sped toward the venue.
It was indeed a business event—one that hosted influential business owners from across the country. Soraya’s father owned a company, so his invitation was expected. What confused her was why he had insisted she attend. Normally, he only brought Mirela and Lorelei.
Tonight felt different.
---
The venue was breathtaking.
A massive glass chandelier dominated the ceiling, casting warm golden light across the hall. Polished marble floors reflected the glow, while tall pillars wrapped in gold detailing stood proudly around the room. Silk drapes in deep ivory and champagne tones lined the walls, paired with crystal accents and fresh floral arrangements that filled the air with a soft, luxurious scent.
Guests were already scattered throughout the hall—men in tailored suits, women in glittering gowns. Laughter blended with the soft music played by a live orchestra. Conversations revolved around investments, mergers, and power moves.
Wealth didn’t just exist here—it commanded the space.
Soraya’s father approached a middle-aged couple.
“Mr. Smith,” the man greeted with a smile. “It’s been a while.”
Her father returned the smile. “I’ve been busy running the company.”
Mirela stepped forward gracefully. “Mrs. Anderson, you look more radiant than the last time we met.”
Mrs. Anderson chuckled. “Mirela, always flattering. You look stunning as well.”
Her gaze then shifted to Soraya. “I don’t recognize this face. Who is she?”
Soraya turned toward them.
“Oh,” her father said proudly, “this is my daughter, Soraya. She doesn’t enjoy business events much, which is why you haven’t seen her before.”
Mrs. Anderson smiled warmly. “She’s beautiful.”
Mr. Anderson nodded. “A rare gem indeed. I didn’t know Mr. Smith had such a daughter.”
Her father laughed.
Lorelei nearly scoffed, but before she could speak, the lights dimmed.
A woman stepped onto the stage, holding a microphone.
“Good evening, everyone,” she said smoothly. “I see we’re all enjoying ourselves.”
Soft laughter rippled through the crowd.
“This event is held in honor of the 25th anniversary of Donovan Enterprises,”
The hall erupted in applause.
She smiled. “And now, another announcement to keep everyone on their toes.” She paused dramatically. “Mr. Donovan would like to introduce his fiancée.”
The room fell into stunned whispers.
Mr. Donovan has a fiancée?
The Skyler Donovan?
He never associates with anyone!
Is this real?
---
Across the hall, Nora sat beside her aunt.
“Aunt, you didn’t tell me Skyler would introduce me tonight,” Nora said, smiling as she adjusted her dress.
Her aunt frowned. “I didn’t know either. He didn’t tell me anything.”
Nora giggled softly. “Skyler doesn’t explain himself. He just does what he wants.”
But her aunt looked uneasy.
---
“Alright,” the announcer continued, glancing at the card in her hand. Her smile widened.
“Mr. John Smith’s daughter—Soraya Smith. Congratulations.”
The room exploded.
“What?!”
Two voices echoed at once, from different directions.
Nora froze. Soraya froze.
Her blood ran cold. She rushed to the stage, snatching the card from the woman’s hand, scanning it desperately.
No mistake.
Soraya felt the world tilt.
She felt herself drift, whispers surrounded her. Mirela demanded answers from her father. Eyes locked onto her from every direction.
Nora marched toward her.
“Soraya,” she said tightly. “We need to talk. Outside!” she laid emphasis on the outside, she tried her best to be calm but Soraya could see the hidden rage.
She grabbed Soraya’s hand—
but the doors opened.
A man walked in.
Dressed in a black tailored suit, tall and broad-shouldered, his presence alone silenced the hall. His cologne filled the air—deep, rich, intoxicating. Every head turned.
Skyler Donovan.
He walked straight toward Soraya, leaned down, and whispered near her ear:
“Let’s talk.”
Her body reacted before her mind could.
Without waiting for her response, he took her hand and led her out of the hall—leaving shock, whispers, and unanswered questions behind.
- Writer
