Chapter 95: The Birthday Girl
Arabelle stood before the grand entrance of the opulent ballroom, her heart fluttering like a caged bird. It was her 26th birthday, a day she had been eagerly awaiting, but the anxiety had her in its grip. Tonight was the night all her dreams were going to come true. She’d been battling with uncertainty for so long, but Great Uncle had promised to announce her engagement tonight as the future Mrs. Frost. However, she could not help but feel something was off. Uncle Elijah had sounded so distracted when he’d told her that she had to maintain a happy facade no matter what happened. Why would he say something so cryptic?
She took a deep breath to calm her racing thoughts. She must be overthinking things. Maybe he just wanted to remind her to keep her poise and not be too forward. She looked down at the soft green dress that she had chosen for the occasion. It would be a perfect match for the diamond necklace that Demetri had chosen for her. It was for this reason that she had even kept her neck bare, she wanted him to put that necklace on her. Summoning her resolve, she raised her chin and entered the ballroom.
With every eye on her as she entered the ballroom, Arabelle felt her confidence soar. As she looked at the sea of people with their admiring gazes, she knew that she was the most enchanting of all and no one would be able to steal the spotlight from her tonight. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and her delicate smile radiated the joy that danced in her heart.
As she moved through the crowd, she graciously accepted the birthday wishes from the eager guests. However, as she wove her way towards Great Uncle, she could not help but worry. Uncle Elijah was there along with Ian, Gabe, Seb and Lucien... but no sign of Demetri. Where was he? She watched as the Frost men soon dispersed in the crowd, with Gabe making his way towards her. There was something in his eyes that warned her, sending alarm bells ringing through her. She did not want to talk to him, she realized. She did not wish to see the way he looked at her, as if he could see into her soul. It made her feel uncomfortable.
Hurriedly, she looked around before moving to seek refuge near a glistening fountain on the grand terrace, where she took a moment to grab some water from a passing waiter and collect herself.
However, in the next moment, she wished she had not done so. Nearby, two guests conversed in hushed voices, unaware of her proximity. "It’s a shame that Arabelle is going to marry into the Frost family. Old man Frost is really smart, keeping the gem close to him."
As she preened, she heard another person talk in hushed tones," I don’t think so. I’ve heard a most intriguing rumours. They say Demon Frost is already married."
Arabelle’s heart skipped a beat, and she strained to eavesdrop on the conversation, her pulse quickening with dread.
Just then another guest chimed in, her words dripping with spite. "And he’s awfully protective of his wife, you know. He’s even imposed a gag order on his staff to shield her from prying eyes."
"I heard she’s nearly fourteen years younger than him," another gossiper mused, her tone tinged with disdain. "Practically a trophy wife or sugar baby, they say."