The Engagement Party
Amber was surprised how Devlin candidly opened up about his feelings towards his relationship with Raven. He looks much better now compared to the previous weeks where he was desperate to get back with Raven. She is not sure what changed his mind. She does not want to assume that it has something to do with their relationship now. Amber is not assured of whatever they have. Devlin shows her so many actions and words that she thinks that they are doing good. But she also understands that just weeks ago, things were definitely not fine with them. She shivered just thinking about the past. She just wants to find out if Devlin shares those same feelings with her.
“By the way, I almost forgot something.” He stood up to get something from his suitcase that he left in the living room earlier. He gently pulled Amber with him out of the entertainment room.
“Here, this is an invitation letter.” Devlin handed her the card he got from Raven and his brother.
“What is this?” Amber asked out of curiosity.
“Just read. We are invited next weekend to that party.” Amber noticed that the card was addressed to them…Mr. And Mrs. Devlin Wesley. Now, she grew more curious. No one knows they are married except for a few people.
She read the invitation letter and was surprised to know that it is an invitation to an engagement party of Devlin’s brother and Raven.
“Wow! That’s amazing.” She simply said. She doesn’t know what else to say. She was eyeing Devlin who had a blank look on his face. She was waiting to see something else. Probably, looking angry, sad, annoyed…anything that is negative about the engagement. That’s not the reaction she expected from him at the moment. He seemed calm.
“So, you better get ready. Raven told me that it is a private party.” He said nonchalantly. Amber could not believe that he could act casually about Raven’s engagement. The woman he has been desperately chasing.
“If you think it is fine, then I will come with you. I am just worried about your parents’ reactions when I get there.” She said honestly. She still remembers what happened last time. She didn’t get a good reception from his family. That is expected. However, Devlin has changed a lot after that day. And she still doesn’t know what happened. Is he doing everything for real? Or is it another form of his revenge or punishment? Still, she believed his words. She was hoping that he would see her in a different light. That he would also fall for her.
“Don’t worry about that. I will be with you all the time. They will not say nor do anything that would put them into shame. I know my parents so much that they value their family name. They would surely act civilly with you. Besides, I talked to Raven on the phone. She wants you to be there. She likes you by the way.” Amber’s right eyebrow arched up. She could not believe what she was hearing.
“Alright, no problem. I will get ready for that engagement party.” She said without voicing out what has been nagging in her head. She really felt that something did not add up. For more than two weeks now, Devlin has drastically turned from a ruthless CEO to a loving husband. She lets herself believe that perhaps she could make him fall for her. Just like what happened to her. And she feels that it may not be impossible as she saw his reaction towards Raven’s engagement invitation. Probably he has moved on from her. That would be great for his peace of mind. Then, he can move forward and open himself to love again.
She shook her head. Her train of thoughts were just crazy. She already went beyond imagination. She was already planning for a future.
Days passed, Amber and Devlin’s relationship grew deeper and more intimate. Devlin goes to work at his company. Then, he comes home early to spend time with Amber. She would prepare dinner for them. Sometimes, Devlin would call her if he wanted to eat outside. That has been their routine. And at night time, they always share their most fiery intimate moments together. It’s like they could not get enough from each other.
Amber was worried that she may get pregnant soon. They never talk about having a baby. Until now, they have never talked about their relationship. For Amber, she feels that Devlin has been doing his job well as a husband. She is also doing the same thing. She made sure that she made Devlin feel that he is appreciated and taken care of every single day. She wants to nurture whatever they have right now.
There are no spoken words about declaration of love from Devlin. However, Amber is content at the moment for whatever they have. She does not want to put pressure on him to admit what he feels for her. And besides, they are already husband and wife. She finds comfort with that thought.
She is getting ready for the engagement party. She wore the floral dress that Devlin bought for her earlier. She left her long straight hair down. She only puts on minimal make-up. Devlin was already outside their room waiting for her. When she got out, he was on a phone conversation with someone. When he saw her, it did not take long for him to hang up the phone.
“Baby, you look so beautiful. You look great in that dress.” She is wearing a floral dress from one of Valentino’s collections. She looked at Devlin who looked very dapper in his black suit.
“Ready?” Amber only nodded her head. Together, they walked to their private elevator. They were talking casually about the party. Amber did not voice out her worry when she met Devlin’s parents again. She hopes that they will act civilly towards each other. There are other guests and for sure they will be curious about her. She is bracing herself for whatever is going to happen tonight.
If it were up to her, she would not join the party. But it would be rude not to go when Raven specifically asked Devlin for her to come.
The moment they arrived at the party, all eyes were on them. Everyone is eyeing Amber from head to toe. She suddenly felt conscious about herself. The scrutinizing looks she got from the visitors were unnerving. Thank goodness… Raven came to the rescue.
“There you are! Good evening guys. How are you doing?” She was beaming at them. She even kissed Amber’s cheek while she only smiled at Devlin. After that, Raven ushered them inside the living room where some of the guests were waiting. It was Devlin who introduced Amber to everyone. He did not specifically tell them who Amber is in his life. He just said a special someone. Amber was fine with that. She does not want to get asked by the other guests all night long. After the introductions, they went to sit on the spot where Raven chose for them.
Devlin saw his parents and simply greeted them together with Amber. She felt the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the father and son. They immediately went back to their seats after that while waiting for the party to commence.
“We will wait for a little bit more before we start the party, okay?” It was the host of the party. Amber saw that there were some decorations in the poolside area of the house. Even the catering service was already prepared. There were some waiters who offered drinks for everyone. She took one for herself.
“Baby, don’t drink too much, okay?” Devlin whispered in her ear. She saw almost everyone looking at them. She even caught a glimpse of Devlin’s parents looking at them in annoyance. She felt Devlin’s hand gripping hers.
“Relax baby. They are not going to do anything. I am here with you.” He assured her. That was enough for Amber to relax a little bit.
“Alright, don’t worry. I think I can handle them for another hour or two.” That earned a chuckle from Devlin. Unbeknownst to them, someone was watching them closely with annoyance and envy.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s all proceed to the poolside area to start the party.” Everyone was suddenly in a jovial mood. There were some activities that were prepared during the party. Amber joined some of them together with Devlin. All in all, it was actually a blast. Dalton and Devlin were seen talking to each other. They seemed to be alright.
Amber was happy. She saw that the brothers looked fine. Raven and Devlin look like two old friends. The four of them were talking. She would join in some of their conversations. In the middle of the party, she excused herself to use the restroom. That was when things turned for the worst.Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.