Chapter 37: Years Of Training
The names of the fiancé and fiancée glowed on the massive hall's large screen, casting a soft light over the room. The golden letters shimmered for a moment before the brightness dimmed, allowing the atmosphere to settle into a refined elegance.
As the glow faded, Zethan Lyall and Lilia stepped in with practiced ease, their presence commanding attention.
A hush fell over the room, as if the very air had thickened. All heads turned, drawn to the couple at the center of attention—some faces reflecting disbelief, others confirming that the rumors were, indeed, true.
They were genuinely surprised that Zethan was officially getting engaged, meaning he was actually celebrating it.
Lilia couldn't even remember the last time she had been under such intense scrutiny. The weight of countless eyes pressed down on her, leaving an unsettling tightness in her chest. A part of her longed to turn away, to disappear into the shadows of the grand hall, but she knew that was impossible.
She had to endure it.
For some reason she couldn't quite explain, the large chandelier overhead flickered, casting a shifting glow in her direction. At that moment, Zethan glanced down at her, offering a subtle nod—a silent reassurance that he was by her side, that she had nothing to fear.
And, inexplicably, confidence welled up within her.
With steady steps, she walked beside him.
Her gaze swept over the sea of faces, pausing when it landed on her father. He sat at one of the grand tables, his hands folded neatly on his lap, a small, unreadable smile playing on his lips. But Lilia already knew the truth—it wasn't a smile meant for her. It was the look of a man satisfied with what he stood to gain tonight.
No one dared to say it aloud, but she understood.