Bound By Fate

Engagement Party

Zara sat in front of the mirror, her reflection almost foreign to her.

She always imagined marrying for love, not out of necessity.

Olivia handed her a glass of champagne, "Come on, Zara. It's your engagement party! Let's make it memorable."

Zara sighed, accepting the glass. "I know. It's just... I always thought I'd marry for love."

Mia, standing beside Olivia, smiled reassuringly. "You deserve happiness, Zara. And who knows? Maybe love will come with time."

Olivia chimed in, "My brother is not a monster. He'll respect you and treat you well."

Zara took a deep breath, deciding to push her doubts aside. "You're right. This is my engagement party, and I should enjoy it."

They clinked their glasses together, taking sips of the bubbly champagne. Olivia grabbed her phone, "Let's take some pictures for Instagram! We all look fabulous."

They posed together, laughing and capturing the moments. Zara decided to embrace the night, determined to make it special for Mia and Olivia and to have fun herself.

---
As Zara stepped onto the sunlit terrace, her elegant presence captured everyone's attention. Her hair cascaded in long, loose waves, adorned with a sheer, delicate bow that added a touch of romantic whimsy. Her nails, neatly manicured and painted a soft pink, glistened in the light, complementing the refined simplicity of her look. She wore an off-the-shoulder white mini dress, its fitted silhouette accentuating her figure while the dramatic ruffled neckline drew the eye. The sparkle of her solitaire diamond ring on a thin gold band hinted at promises of forever. Her ensemble was completed by high-heeled sandals, their clear straps and pearl-adorned ankle bows blending sophistication with playful charm. Each detail, from her head to her toes, spoke of timeless elegance and modern grace.

The hall was adorned with elegant white and gold decorations, flowers cascading from every corner, and a massive chandelier casting a warm glow over everything. The cake, a towering masterpiece, stood proudly in the center, adorned with delicate sugar flowers and intricate details.

Zara had to stand beside Aaron, who was talking to his best friend, Theo. She'd seen Theo a few times but only knew him because he and Aaron practically ran New York City. She plastered on a fake smile before excusing herself from the girls.

As she approached, Aaron noticed her and glanced around at the media, who were paying close attention. He sighed and matched her fake smile, lifting his arm to gesture for Zara to hug him. She obliged, feeling the eyes of the room on them.

Theo introduced himself, "Hi, Zara. I'm Theo. It's nice to finally meet you properly."

Zara smiled, "Nice to meet you too, Theo. I've heard a lot about you."

They chatted pleasantly, with Theo being surprisingly nice.

The media soon approached, and Aaron and Zara posed for pictures, maintaining their facade of a happy couple. The questions began to flow.

"How did you two meet?" one reporter asked.

"It was a family event," Aaron replied smoothly. "Our mothers have been best friends for years, and it was only natural for us to cross paths."

Zara nodded, adding, "We've known each other for a long time, and it just felt right."

Reporter: "Zara, how does it feel to be engaged to one of the most influential men in New York?"

Zara: "It's a mix of excitement and honor. Aaron is a wonderful person, and I'm looking forward to our future together."

Reporter: "Aaron, what made you decide Zara was the one?"

Aaron: "Zara is kind, intelligent, and beautiful. She's everything I could have hoped for in a partner."

Reporter: "Zara, what are you most looking forward to about married life?"

Zara: "I'm excited to start this new chapter with Aaron. We have so many plans and dreams for the future."

Another reporter turned to Aaron, who had just returned, looking slightly disheveled but composed. "Aaron, how did you propose to Zara?"

Aaron smiled, a rehearsed expression. "It was a private moment, just the two of us. I wanted it to be special and meaningful."

As they continued answering questions, Zara made eye contact with Luca across the room and smiled at him. He returned the smile, but it was tinged with a hint of sadness.

Evelyn and Victoria were beaming with pride. Both of them oblivious to the truth, and being overjoyed about the marriage.

--

The night was progressing smoothly, and Zara started to relax. She mingled with the guests, her hand never far from a glass of champagne. Olivia and Mia stayed close, ensuring she felt supported.

"You look stunning, Zara," a guest complimented, eyeing her dress. It was a soft blush pink, adorned with delicate lace and beading that caught the light beautifully.

"Thank you," Zara replied with a gracious smile. "I'm glad you could make it."

Just as Zara was beginning to enjoy herself, the atmosphere shifted. Whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd, and heads turned towards the entrance. In walks, a woman dressed in a red dress that stops, mid-thigh, with red lips and Louboutin heels, a smirk evident on her face.

Zara, confused, asked Aaron, "Who is she?"

But Aaron was staring at the woman with a clenched jaw, his eyes filled with anger. He didn't answer her. Zara then looked to Theo for an explanation.

Theo leaned in, whispering, "That's Eva, Aaron's ex-girlfriend."

Eva sauntered up to them, her smile wicked. "Aaron, darling, how can you move on so fast? Not to mention, you moved onto filth." She winked at Zara, who felt a wave of embarrassment and humiliation.

Eva continued, "Where is my dearest Evelyn?" turning on her heel to scan the room, once she spotted Evelyn, she walked over to her and before Evelyn could reject her hug she pulled Evelyn into a soul-crushing hug.

Aaron's face turned crimson with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Eva, this isn't the time or place."

"Why not?" Eva shot back, her eyes gleaming with malice. "The media loves a good scandal. But tell me, why you organised an engagement party for this whore?" Eva looked at Zara like she was trash.

Zara, too embarrassed to confront Eva, stepped behind Aaron, trying to hide from the public eye.

"What the fuck did you just call her?" Aaron stepped forward, towering over Eva.

Eva blew a kiss to Aaron, refusing to back down despite the tension. The media lapped up the drama, recording every moment.

Aaron grabbed Eva's arm again, his voice low and threatening. "We're done, Eva. Leave now, or I'll have you escorted out."

Eva laughed, a cruel sound that sent chills down Zara's spine. "I'm not going anywhere. Not until you admit that you still love me."

The tension in the room was palpable. Aaron looked around, his eyes filled with fury. "Fine. Let's talk outside."

Aaron, furious, dragged Eva by her arm outside, leaving Zara alone next to Theo, with everyone staring at her. She felt humiliated and angry.

Theo patted her on the shoulder, muttering, "I'm so sorry, Zara."

Zara forced a smile, though she felt anything but happy. "It's fine, Theo. This is just... not what I expected."

The media buzzed with excitement, their cameras still trained on Aaron and Eva as they disappeared out of the venue. Zara took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.