Chapter 36 - 6.8 : The Broken Engagement
Night had fallen at the Virellano estate.
The sky was cloaked in darkness, and the scent of night-blooming flowers mingled gently with the cool breeze flowing through the family gardens.
In the backyard, a private gathering had begun—attended only by two great families: the Virellanos and the Valendras. Crystal lights hung from tree branches, sparkling like stars that had descended to earth. Classical ornaments, white-and-gold linen-draped banquet tables, and the soft sound of piano from the edge of the garden combined to create an atmosphere both regal and modern.
Guests mingled, chatting in small circles with glasses of wine in hand. Soft laughter, polite greetings, and measured conversations filled the air.
Elsewhere in a separate building, in a very modest room, Al was still preparing himself—the main figure of tonight’s event.
He sat before a large mirror, his mother Sandra helping to fix his hair and pin a small brooch to his collar.
"Sorry, I forgot you don’t have formal wear yet..." Sandra said gently.
Al simply smiled.
"It’s fine, Mom. I’m not used to dressing up fancy anyway."
With no other option, Al had to wear David’s formal suit.
Unfortunately, even though they were the same age, their builds were very different. David was large and muscular like a young athlete. Al—though well-toned from training—was slimmer and about five centimeters taller.
The result? The suit was loose around the chest, but slightly short in the sleeves and pants. A mismatched fit that would likely draw snide comments tonight.