Crimson Vows

I think there's something you should all know," Aarini said, voice carrying clear and furious across the marble, "about the man you've all been so eager to toast tonight. Advik Rai."

He simply walked, unhurried, up onto the small stage, and gently, almost gently enough to mistake for kindness took the microphone out of her hand. Then, to the room, his voice smooth as poured silk, carrying effortlessly to every corner of the ballroom without him ever raising it: "I apologize for the confusion. Tulip I mean, Ms. Mehta has had a long evening, and I think the stress of tonight's showcase has gotten the better of her. She's clearly a little disoriented, understandably overwhelmed by everything riding on this collection. I wouldn't put too much weight on anything she's just said."

"I know, tulip, you are mad at me, but don't worry, I will make it up to you later. In fact," he said, and something in his tone shifted warmer now, almost fond, entirely, infuriatingly convincing "I should probably use this moment to make an announcement of my own, since apparently we're doing those tonight."

"Everyone," Advik said, "meet my fiancée, my tulip, soon to be Miss Rai."