Wedding Banquet 2

At the girl's voice, the revolving throne turned into view & the smiling face of an old man came into view. The man raised his palm in a welcoming gesture.

"Little girl, come to Grandpa."

"Grandpa...", Fiona swiftly walked towards Grandpa Nigel while dragging Ashton towards him. Both of them knee downed near the old man.

"Finally, thought of Grandpa?",the old man patted their heads & then tossed a question to Fiona,"You agreed because of Grandpa or him?"

"Both", Fiona's eyes were hidden beneath her eyelids while a pink color rushed to her cheeks; Ashton coughed awkwardly. The grand old man smiled hearing this. The black tuxedo he was wearing complimented his gray hair & his eyes turned into crescents when he smiled.

"Okay, no offence, kids. I'll be heading down now. Come down when I called you", the old man disappeared out of the room. Both of them stood up & faced each other. Ashton took a step forward,"What you told Grandpa was true?"

The girl who always backed out to his advances, took a step forward,"I already made myself clear, didn't I?"

Ashton looked at her for a few moments & then pulled her in for a kiss. The sudden kiss made Fiona's body limp while Ashton gently supported her weight.

--Banquet Hall, downstairs--

Everyone quietened their chatter when they saw the elegant old man descending the long, spiral stairway. His age wasn't a blockage to his elegance but it actually seemed to increase with his age. Those who were close to him knew this precisely. The old man gradually descended & stopped when he reached the brightly lit central stage. Then he took the mic & started speaking in a magnetic voice,"Good evening to one & all present here. You all know the purpose of the gathering today. My beloved grandson finally dared to bring his beautiful wife out public...",the old man laughed heartily & it echoed in 'their'room as well. They,even themselves can't help laughing as well as the guests present downstairs."...So, I would like them to show up before the guests." The hall broke out in thunderous applause.

--'Their room, Upstairs--

"...show up before the guests."

"There, Grandpa called us", Fiona pushed the man's rest head from her lap.

"Huh, Grandpa abruptly wasted the mood."

"Shut up. Let's go."

Ashton finally offered his hand in gentlemanly gesture & Fiona hooked her arm with him. The moment they started descending the stairs, a huge spotlight followed them. Everyone's eyes were glued to the ever-mysterious couple. Everyone was trying to find any familiarity in their mysterious soon-to-be lady boss. But why was she covered in a veil? This raised suspicion in few people's mind. Most of them started whispering loudly!

"Why is she undercover?"

"Could it be that her face is scarred?"

"Is that the reason why the young prince refused to bring her out in public?"

This conversations reached the elder's ears. His face was serene as ever but a strange smile appeared on his face. They actually dared to doubt Fiona!? They actually dared to doubt their lady boss, the young princess?! Wait till Ashton unveiled her! Everyone brace yourself for an evergreen face-slap!!

...

The couple finally stepped onto the central stage. The moment looked like it was a scene playing from a fairy tale. Indeed it was a live fairy tale show! They gently stood beside the elder. The elder was actually smiling ear to ear!! He began,"We welcome the couple of the night. So, many were actually insisted on knowing how you 2 met. I'll just say that they met 2 years back when Ashton saw her potential to see the future! The rest of the story is for you 2 to speak." Then, he shoved the mic into Ashton's hand & headed down the stage.

"Hello, everyone!", Ashton began in a deep, charming voice. Everyone eventually held their breath when she heard his magnetic voice.