Gunshot

The guests were confused on what was happening, but both the Harlow's and Xylia's families were shocked. It was the first time they heard an objection from her so it was quite a surprise to them.

"What's going on?" Her fake mother asked.

The people in the hall quietly waited when they saw Luciano step forward. Ivan let go of Xylia and was so afraid of Aciel's action.

Aciel immediately pulled Xylia away from Ivan, but he didn't put down the gun that was pointed at Ivan's head.

"The reason we came here was not that we wanted to celebrate with you. We already know about the engagement, but my son here could not let it slide." Luciano started.

"What do you mean by that?" Theodore Harlow asked.

Aciel didn't let go of Xylia's hand. He slowly put down the gun when his father looked at him. He knew he was asking him to calm down and so he did.

"You see. My son and Miss Xylia are in a relationship so he would not allow this engagement to happen." Luciano continued.

The guests started to whisper. No one knew that the princess of the Antonov Clan would have a relationship with someone from the mafia clan.

"N-No! No! That's not true. Xylia agreed to this engagement." Victoria stammered.

Aciel chuckled. "She agreed?" Then he turned to Xylia. "Did you agree to get engage with that asshole?"

Xylia shook her head. "No, I did not. You know I would never agree to his proposal." She said.

Aciel then noticed at Xylia's fake mother and then her father.

"You heard her." He said.

Hugo Antonov, Xylia's father gritted his teeth and was glaring at his daughter. He then put a fake smile then turned to Aciel.

"Mr. De Silva, this is just a misunderstanding. Xylia is not in her right mind. She's just nervous about the engagement, but she made a promise that she would marry Ivan. Let's not make this a big deal and we would just take everything as a joke."

Aciel laughed, loud enough to echo inside the banquet hall.

"Mr. Hugo Antonov, this is not a misunderstanding and Xylia made it clear that she would not marry Ivan. Your daughter never made a promise. She was threatened so she didn't have a choice."

Victoria, Xylia's fake mother, became pale. She looked around at the people in the hall who were whispering with each other and would make meaningful glances at them.

"X-Xylia, would you be so kind to tell everyone that no one threatened you? And please come here and stand beside me, my princess." She said.

Xylia wanted to puke. Her stomach rumbled again at her aunt's words. She had never called her with endearment. She was never an aunt or a mother to her.

"I'm sorry. But my decision is final. I'm not going to be Ivan's fiance. I'm in love with Aciel and I'm going to marry him." She said.

Aciel didn't expect Xylia to tell her feelings for him in front of everyone, especially her family. But she looked so damn hot while she stand firm in her decision. To be honest, he thought she would change her mind and just accept her family's decision so he was happy that she didn't back out.

"You ungrateful child! You dare disobey your parents!" Victoria started to yell.

Luciano shook his head and then raised his hand to stop the woman from her rant.

"I suggest we talk in private. I'm sure the head of the Antonov Clan would not want this matter to go on public."

"What matter? You already made a mess and everyone knew that child rejected the proposal." Victoria answered.

Luciano laughed. "I think you know what I mean right, Hugo?"

Hugo couldn't look directly into Luciano's eyes. Aside from being scared of the Mafia Boss, Xylia's father knew what Luciano meant so he nodded in agreement.

The three families went to the penthouse to talk. Aciel never left Xylia's side and he never let go of her hand.

"It's okay to let go of my hand." Xylia whispered.

Aciel looked at her from head to toe. He admitted she looked hot and sexy, but he didn't like the dress. Xylia got conscious and bit her lip because she knew he was disappointed.

He let go of her hand quietly and then removed his jacket.

"Wear this. I don't like what you're wearing." He said while handing her his jacket.

She nodded. "They gave me this dress." She whispered.

"I know. That's the reason I want to kill that guy." Aciel said while starting daggers at Ivan who was walking in front of them.

Xylia felt relieved because she thought he was mad at her. She was surprised when he grabbed her hand again, pulling her gently inside the penthouse.

"First, our family would not permit Xylia's relationship with Mr. De Silva. Second, we want to apologize to the Harlow's. I'm sure this is just a misunderstanding and Xylia will make it right." Victoria started.

Xylia sighed. She was about to say something but Aciel had already lost his patience.

"I'm trying to calm myself, but I'm already at my limit. We already know the secret of your family so I am warning you, if you don't want to be humiliated in public, let's finish this. I'm not here to ask your permission, whether you like it or not, I will take Xylia out of your house." Aciel said.

Ivan chuckled, making his parents anxious. Yelena and Theodore knew that Luciano would not allow someone to laugh at his successor.

"Since you already know their secret, you know that they got nothing. They are bankrupt and have no money. They're like beggars who were willing to sell their daughter to save their family. So you can't just take that girl from me because she's already sold. She's mine, but I can give her to you after I'm done with her." Ivan grinned.

'BANG!' The sound of a gunshot echoed inside the penthouse, making everyone present trembled in fear.