The Proposal

They parted ways having to do their own things. In the end, Astell found his sister in the snacks and dessert area. While Adriana stayed in the resting room, faxing herself up.

The hated day became an excitement for Adriana. Never had she expected him to help her. But of course, that did not mean Adriana was not suspicious of Astell. Even if she agreed. That didn't mean he had no motives against her.

In the end, they were using each other for their own needs.

Adriana looked at herself in the mirror, and slowly her cheeks rose, smirking. Things were about to be interesting. The future had changed.

The garden was filled with the laughter of the nobles enjoying the party more than expected. They did not think the Belladonnas were great accommodators.

A man who seemed to be the family head of the Belladonna made his way to the stage. He walked to the middle of the stage, and then everyone became silent. He glanced at his two wives, then at Adriana.

From afar was a pair of red-colored eyes, watching the whole event turn. His fingers fiddled around a diamond ring that he had kept for two years now.

"Adriana, you're finally mine," he smirked, not keeping his eyes off her. He pressed his lips on the diamond and rested his head on the tree trunk.

Adriana shivered, feeling someone was watching her. Though it did not feel hostile, it felt familiar. A gaze of a filthy demon. But Adriana ignored it because she did not want him to feel special.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I thank each one of you for coming to the meeting of the four families. As known to everyone, the meeting of the four families is not a meeting but a celebration to commemorate peace. Two years had flown since the incident, which I do not dare to bring up. It was tragic, which made the empire depressed. Within those two years, the Belladonna family had changed and wished to cooperate with the other three families. Our evil deeds will never be forgotten, which is why we wish to pay that penalty by serving the nation for the better. I hope everyone would understand," Vayne Belladonna bowed his head which made some nobles gasp.

But this was his plan all along. To look pitiful, to speak with a gentle tone, to dress simple yet elegant. This is to show the world that the Belladonnas were chaining. But that change wasn't good and might become the downfall of others.

"As I am growing older each day. It is about time for my family to start growing. We have two potential heirs whom I am proud to announce. However, there could only be one," announced Vayne, who paused before counting. "I would also like to announce the marriage of my daughter, Adriana Belladonna, to Issac Belladonna. I hope everyone will celebrate this great news."

Vayne Belladonna stood on the stage and looked proud. While those who heard the two siblings were getting married, the nobles felt disgusted. They thought the Belladonnas were going to change. But their change was not enough to please the people.

In the end, they were still the same, not until Adriana made her step in. She casually walked up the stage while Ebony and Jocelyn tried stopping her. But they were too late.

"What do you think are you doing?" Vayne whispered to Adriana, who stood beside him.

"Father, don't you think you're making rash decisions?" Adriana asked him, which made him furrow his brow.

"What do you mean by that? We've agreed to this," Vayne argued, which others heard. He cleared his throat and apologized for raising his voice.

"This might be the time for me to say this back to you," said Adriana. "Watch this daughter of yours grow into the woman you have never had thought."

"Adriana, stop whatever you are about to do," ordered Vayne, but he was too late.

"My father wants me to marry my brother, whom I do not love. I regret not telling him anything earlier, which I apologize for," Adriana bowed her head, apologizing to Vayne Belladonna. "I have a secret that I've been keeping and hiding. I am actually in love with another man. And he had proposed to me."

Vayne's eyes grew wide, shocked by this sudden news. He grabbed her wrist, stopping her, but Adriana shrugged his hand off her.

"I apologize, father. I was afraid to tell you because I knew you wouldn't accept the man. But I am sure he is a lot better than Issac," cried Adriana, who fell onto her knees. She knew she looked pathetic and was her old self. But at least it was helping her.

The crowd had sided with Adriana as none were happy about Adriana marrying Issac. Not to mention during those two years, he had been absent. And today, he was not present either. At one point, they pitied Adriana, who grew up in a weird family. Only if there was someone who could save her.

At that moment, the nobles gasped, seeing a familiar face. Their eyes grew wide, and their mouths were frozen, unable to say a single word. As if the heavens had blessed their eyes.

Platinum blonde and light blue eyes like aquamarine. A tall well-structured man wearing a white suit makes his way in front of the stage.

"T-that can't be?"

"He's alive? That Astell Skydane is alive?"

"This is great news! But how is he alive?"

"That doesn't matter as long he is alive and well."

Ebony Belladonna dropped her fan out of shock. Even she couldn't keep her act up. It was unbelievable when she knew and saw his bones and ashes on the ground. It then snapped in her, and she glared at Adriana.

"This is the man whom I love and who had proposed to me, Astell Skydane."

Astell reached his hand out, asking for her hand. Adriana played along and placed her hand on his palm. And to her surprise, he gently pressed his lips on her finger.

"It may be a piece of sudden news, but I cannot bare the woman whom I love to marry another man. Which is why. I ask the family head of the Belladonna to allow me to marry your daughter."