Chapter 100: A Heart to Heart
As Demetri made his way towards the small gathering of his brothers and his grandfather, Elijah Frost quickly excused himself without glancing at his wayward grandson and went on to chat animatedly with the many fawning guests.
Seb and Gabe exchanged glances as they observed their brother approaching. With a grimace, Seb muttered a quick wish of luck to Gabe before making a swift escape. Picking up two glasses of whisky from a passing waiter, Gabe handed one to Demetri before the two of them moved to a small anteroom at the back.
The low buzz from the celebration outside could be heard in the silent room as the two brothers stared at each other. While Demetri looked at his brother as he leaned against the wall casually, Gabe had nothing to say as well, looking away.
"Congratulations," Demetri uttered the words that were right for the occasion but somehow sounded more like a question than a wish.
Gabe forced a smile and looked at his drink, unable to look at his brother as he muttered," Thanks."
Demetri arched an eyebrow at this," You sound thrilled."
Gabe hesitated, his eyes betraying a complexity of emotions. "It’s complicated, Demon. I mean, I like Arabelle, you know that. But this whole situation is just... overwhelming."
Demetri nodded with understanding as he took a sip of his own drink," Then why did you offer yourself as a replacement groom?"
Gabe winced at the blunt question. Taking out his phone, he showed the message that he had received from their grandfather’s assistant. "Arabelle’s future is now in your hands. The engagement is about to be announced as for the groom... no one knows."