...
The announcement hung in the air like a challenge, and Ruby felt a pang of disappointment.
She had felt a connection with Liam, and now it seemed like he was off-limits.
As the guests began to congratulate the couple, Ruby excused herself and stepped outside for some fresh air.
The cool night air hit her like a slap, and she took a deep breath, trying to clear her head.
She had known Liam for only a short time, but she couldn't help but feel like she had lost something special.
As she stood there, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Aurora. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
Ruby nodded, trying to smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little surprised, I guess."
Aurora nodded understandingly. "I know. I didn't see it coming either, although there were rumors regarding this, among the socialites. We should get back inside, the night is still young."
Ruby nodded, and they returned to the gala, the music and laughter enveloping them like a warm hug.
As they mingled with the guests, Ruby couldn't help but steal glances at Liam.
The rest of the night was a blur of conversations and congratulations, and before she knew it, the evening was drawing to a close.
Ruby said her goodbyes to the Wynter's and thanked Aurora for the evening.
As she walked out of the gala, Ruby felt a sense of closure, knowing that she had experienced something special, even if it was just for a night.
She smiled to herself.
With the music and laughter fading into the distance, she felt a sense of clarity wash over her.
She had caught a glimpse of Liam's world, and though it was dazzling, she knew she wasn't part of it.
The engagement announcement had been a reminder of the boundaries between their lives.
Aurora's voice echoed in her mind: "There's more to Liam than meets the eye." Ruby wondered if she'd ever know the real Liam, or if he'd remain a fleeting connection.
Ruby walked home, lost in thought. The city lights twinkled like stars, and the night air carried the scent of blooming flowers.
She felt a sense of growth, as if she'd learned something about herself.
As she approached the house, lost in thought, she thought about her current living situation.
She was staying at Ava's house alongside Mark and Vida.
Ruby walked into the house after alighting from the can, feeling a sense of familiarity and comfort.
As she entered the living room, Ava looked up from her book and smiled. "Hey, Ruby! How was the gala?"
Ruby sat down beside her, feeling a sense of relief. "It was amazing," she said, sharing stories about the event and her encounter with Liam.
Ava listened intently, her eyes sparkling with interest.
As Ruby finished her story, Mark and Vida joined the conversation, asking questions and sharing their thoughts.
The evening was filled with laughter and warmth....
...
After the announcement, Liam had instantly turned cold and distant.
Ignoring the congratulatory message said by the guests, he left the gala early.
Liam had found himself glancing at Ruby, wondering what she thought about the announcement.
He felt a pang of curiosity, a sense that he wanted to know more about her.
Liam drove aimlessly through the city, trying to clear his head.
He had told The driver to call for another and wait for his mother.
The night lights and sounds of the city blurred together as he navigated the streets.
He couldn't shake off the feeling of suffocation that had settled in after the engagement announcement.
As he drove, Liam's phone rang several times. He knew it was probably his mother, Evelyn, calling to discuss the announcement, but he wasn't in the mood to talk.
He let the calls go to voicemail, letting the silence of the night wash over him.
The city lights began to thin out as Liam drove further away from the gala's location. He found himself lost in thought, replaying the events of the evening in his mind.
His conversation with Ruby, the announcement, Ruby's enthusiasm while talking about Art– it all swirled together in a jumbled mess.
Liam eventually made his way home, the city giving way to quieter streets.
He pulled into the driveway, the darkness of the night enveloping him as he turned off the engine.
Stepping out of the car, Liam took a deep breath of the cool night air.
He felt a sense of relief wash over him, the silence of the night a welcome respite from the chaos of the gala.
As Liam entered the living room, he saw his mother, Evelyn, waiting for him.
She was seated on the couch, her eyes fixed on him.
"Liam, darling," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I've been trying to reach you. Where have you been?"
Liam sighed, feeling a sense of inevitability. "I needed some time to clear my head, Mother," he replied, trying to keep his tone neutral.
With a smiling face, Evelyn informed that he could have left the gala with Sophia, since the announcement had been made to dispel any form of rumors.
Liam's expression turned cold as he listened to his mother's words. "Mother, I didn't give you permission to make that announcement," he said, his voice low and even.
Evelyn's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Liam, darling, it's for the best. This engagement is a perfect match for our family. You need to think about the future and what's best for everyone involved."
Liam's anger simmered just below the surface. "I didn't agree to this, Mother. You went behind my back and made a decision for me. That's not acceptable."
Evelyn's expression turned stern. "Liam, you're being unreasonable. This is a good opportunity for you and our family. You need to learn to put the needs of the family first."
Liam's jaw clenched in frustration. "I'll talk to Sophia, Mother. But I won't be forced into an engagement without my consent."
Liam's words hung in the air, a challenge to his mother's authority.
Evelyn's expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Liam, you're not thinking clearly. I have known the Richmond's for years, and Sophia is a perfect match for you. Don't be foolish.."
Liam's anger boiled over, and he took a step forward, his voice rising.
"I'm not being foolish, Mother. I'm being honest. I didn't agree to this engagement, and I won't pretend otherwise. You need to respect my decisions and my feelings."
Evelyn's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Liam, snap out of it! You're engaged to Sophia now, and that's what matters. The past is just that – the past. Do you still have feelings for that dead girl?"...