The celebration

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Chapter 31

The Alabaster family spared no expense in creating a lavish and opulent atmosphere for Mr. and Mrs. Alabaster's anniversary celebration. The venue, a sprawling ballroom within their majestic estate, was transformed into a scene of unparalleled luxury and sophistication.

Guests arrived to find the entrance adorned with grand floral arches and cascading curtains of twinkling fairy lights. The ballroom itself was a masterpiece of elegance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm and shimmering light over the spacious dance floor and tables adorned with fine white linens and exquisite floral centerpieces. Each table was meticulously set with sparkling glassware and polished silverware, reflecting the attention to each detail.

At the center of the room, a beautifully decorated cake stood on a pedestal, with "Happy Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Alabaster" written in elegant script.

Elon and Natasha, the guests of honor, were seated at a table surrounded by their closest friends and family. Natasha looked radiant in a shimmering silver gown, while Elon was dashing in a classic black tuxedo.

Nyrah and Zale stood beside their parents, beaming with pride and happiness. Nyrah, in a chic red dress, clinked her glass to get everyone’s attention.

“Everyone, can I have your attention, please?” she called out, her voice filled with joy. “Tonight, we celebrate the incredible love story of our parents, Elon and Natasha Alabaster. Their love has been an inspiration to all of us, and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. To Mom and Dad!” the crowd echoed, raising their glasses in a heartfelt toast.

Nyrah gracefully descended from the stage, her radiant smile from addressing the guests fading as she spotted Aston amidst the crowd. His presence seemed to cast a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere. Aston, tall and imposing, stood at the periphery, his gaze fixed on Nyrah with an intensity that drew her attention despite herself.

Aston sipped his wine at the counter, but his gaze had been riveted on her since he first entered the hall. She looked ethereal in a red dress, and he couldn't disagree. Her hair was elegantly styled in a bun. He watched as she descended from the stage, lifting the hem of her dress to navigate the stairs. Her red stiletto heels moved in perfect harmony with her graceful stride.

Aston's thoughts were consumed by her presence. Despite the many beautiful women in the room, none compared to her. He observed her every move—how she retreated to the corner to check her phone, how she smiled warmly at each guest who greeted her. Her smile captivated him, but a pang of regret accompanied it. He couldn't recall a time when she smiled at him, Nyrah, the woman he once believed loved him. How could she, when he had done everything to make her cry? His mind tormented him with memories of her cold rejection, especially the incident in the cafeteria where she declared she had no feelings for him anymore.

Before his thoughts could spiral further, his father, James Archer, grabbed his hand. "You never get drunk at parties. What's gotten into you?" James, usually consumed by power and greed, seemed genuinely concerned tonight.

Aston let out a bitter laugh. "Why do you care, Dad? Don’t worry, there are no paparazzi here," he said, placing a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder.

James narrowed his eyes. "But all the influential people are here, including those who invited us. Look at Zale. He commands authority and respect effortlessly, while you..." He trailed off, removing Aston's hand from his shoulder and walking away, leaving Aston with another wound—the sting of comparison. The pain and resentment towards his father intensified, making it unbearable for him to stay. He was about to exit the party, but a sudden surge of pain in his head halted him. He clutched his temples in agony.

"Please, take this," a concerned, mellifluous voice interrupted his misery. Aston looked up to see Nyrah offering him a glass of fresh lemonade. "It will help with the pain," she said, her concern evident.

"Thank you," he murmured, taking the glass and drinking it slowly. The refreshing drink gradually eased his headache.

"Eat something; it will help you feel better," Nyrah insisted, calling over a waiter who brought a variety of food—rolls, a pizza platter, sushi, and a fruit salad. She had them placed on the table before him.

Aston couldn't believe her kindness, especially after everything he had done to hurt her.

"Now why do you care, Nyrah?" Aston asked, gripping her hand in his.

"You didn't seem well," she replied, her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands as she tried to pull hers free.

Instead of letting her go, he pulled her closer. "You still love me, don't you?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips.

"It's not that. You're just another guest to me," she insisted, attempting to break free from his grasp, but it was futile.

Unbeknownst to them, Aston's father and Nyrah's family were observing the interaction. A thought sparked in James Archer's mind as he turned to Nyrah's father, Elon. "Aston and Nyrah look good together, don't they?" he remarked.

"They do," Elon agreed with a smile.

James's eyes gleamed with intent. "I think we should bind them together," he proposed, making Elon pause. "I want your daughter Nyrah's hand for my son, Aston."

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