hapter 51
After several days of continuous autumn rain, the sky finally cleared on the day of the engagement party.
At the Winters estate, everyone had risen early for Thalia’s big day. Even Laicy, who typically loved sleeping in, had gotten up and donned a festive pastel blue dress for the asion.
In Thalia’s bedroom, a professional styling team was at work. She wore an elegant cream–colored gown with delicate embroidery and pearl detailing. Her hair was elegantly arranged in a sophisticated updo adorned with subtle diamond pins.
Lucy leaned against the dressing table, tilting her head as she watched Thalia with bright eyes. “You look like a princess today, Thalia,” she said in her sweet, childish voice.
Thalia smiled softly, reaching out to affectionately touch Lucy’s cheek.
Lucy’s round little face suddenly clouded with worry. She furrowed her brow and asked, “After you get married, will you stille home often?”
Thalia paused, surprised by the question.
-She hadn’t expected Lucy to ask something like that.
Her lips curved into a gentle smile, eyes twinkling. “Of course I will. The ckwood estate is so close to ours–I can visit whenever <b>I </b>like.”
“Hmph, you’re fibbing,” Lucy pouted. “You don’te home every day now. How can you possiblye back regrly after you marry Asher?”
Thaliaughed. “I have to work, sweetheart. That’s why I can’t always be home now.”
Lucy held out her little finger. “Pinky promise you’lle home to see me.”
Thalia smiled–clearly children weren’t so easily fooled.
She extended her own pinky finger. “I can’t promise every day, but I promise to visit whenever I can. I’lle home often, all right?”
Lucy nodded happily. “All right.”
Thalia linked her pinky with Lucy’s, smiling warmly at her half–sister.
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The engagement ceremony was set to take ce at the ckwoods‘ private estate in the northern countryside.
Early that morning, Asher personally drove to pick up Thalia.
Randolph and Victoria had dressed formally for the asion and were waiting in the downstairs sitting
room.
Randolph’s face lit up when he saw Asher arrive. He rose eagerly to greet him: “Asher, wee! Thalia will be down in just a moment.”
Victoria stood beside him, her smile warm and genuine.
She was truly happy today. Though Thalia wasn’t her biological daughter, in her heart, she loved her just the same.
She silently reflected: *Rosalind, our girl has grown up. Today she’s getting engaged. You’d be so proud if you could see her now. Asher is an exceptional young man, and he clearly adores her. She’ll be happy with him–you can rest easy.*
They all sat in the sitting room, making pleasant conversation.
After a few minutes, Lucy came running down the stairs, excitedly announcing: “Thalia’sing!”
Everyone turned to look as Thalia descended the staircase, carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Asher’s breath caught, his eyes reflecting pure admiration.
Thalia looked absolutely stunning today.
Her cream gown with intricate pearl detailing entuated her figure perfectly, highlighting her slender
waist.
Expert makeup enhanced her already beautiful features, while her elegant updo gave her a sophisticated
grace that was captivating.
Though he had seen her face countless times, he found himself falling for her all over again.
Asher’s lips curved into a smile as he stood and stepped forward to take her hand.
In the car, Thalia and Asher sat in the back seat.
He could barely contain his excitement. “Lia, this day has finally arrived.”
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Thalia’s smile was slightly shy, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Tve been looking forward to it too.”
“I almost wanted to skip the engagement altogether and marry you straight away, making you Mrs.
ckwood immediately.”
Thalia’s lips twitched with amusement. “I’ll be yours eventually. Why the rush?”
Asher held her hand, his finger gently tracing circles on her palm. “Because I can’t wait a single day–no, not even a minute longer.”
He continued with a self–deprecating smile, “I originally suggested an engagement to your father because I worried you might find an immediate marriage too sudden. I thought we could wait until our
rtionship deepened. Now I realize I’ve only created an unnecessary dy for myself.”
Thalia teased him yfully: “So you think our rtionship has deepened enough now?”
Asher pinched her cheek affectionately. “That’s for you to say. My feelings were there from the start.”
Thalia lowered her eyes with a subtle smile, feeling mischievous. “Perhaps we should wait a bit longer.”
Asher chuckled indulgently. “And when might Miss Winters be willing to be Mrs. ckwood?”
“We’ll see.” Thalia replied impishly, tilting her head and making a face at him. “Depends on my mood.”
The journey passed with lively conversation between them.
Upon reaching the estate, Asher opened the car door and extended his hand to Thalia.
She ced her hand in his, and they walked together toward the main building.
The entire estate was decorated with balloons and flowers. Thousands of fresh pink roses formed a path from the entrance all the way to the main hall.
Thalia walked carefully in her heels along the petal–strewn path into the elegantly decorated ballroom.
The meticulously arranged venue was filled with a festive atmosphere, soft music ying throughout the
space.
Guests approached to offer their congrattions.
After greeting the guests, Thalia and Asher went to the preparation room to confirm the ceremony details
with the officiant.
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The entire ckwood family was present.
Even Lord ckwood Sr., who rarely left his post in the capital, had made the special journey. He looked particrly distinguished in his formal attire, a warm smile on his face, appearing remarkably energetic,
Lady ckwood stood beside him, elegant in her silk outfit adorned with valuable jewelry, the picture of refined dignity.
Lord and Lady ckwood also wore formal attire, radiating sophisticated poise.
The Winters family arrived shortly after.
Lucy greeted Victoria quickly before running off to y.
Both families gathered together, chatting amicably and confirming the engagement procedures onest time.
As the ceremony was about to begin, Asher received a phone call.
A woman’s desperate voice came through the line<b>: </b>“Asher, please don’t get engaged to Thalia Winters.”
The smile instantly vanished from Asher’s face<b>. </b>
He stepped out of the preparation room to take the call.
“Who is this?” he asked coldly.
“Asher, don’t you remember me? It’s Vanessa. Why are you getting engaged to Thalia? I’ve been in love with you for ten years–ten whole years!”
Vanessa? Ten years?
Asher remembered now.
The woman was Vanessa Miller, his high school ssmate who had been voted the most beautiful girl in their year.
Asher’s expression darkened. “Vanessa, stop calling me. There will never be anything between us.”
He was about to hang up.
“Asher, if you don’t cancel the engagement, I’ll kill myself,” Vanessa said frantically.
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The sound of rushing wind came through the phone, making Asher frown with displeasure.
Vanessa’s voice, mixed with the howling wind, continued: “I’m standing on the roof of the building where your engagement ceremony is being held. If you don’t cancel it, I’ll jump right now.”
The building was ten stories high. A fall from that height would be undoubtedly fatal.
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