Chapter 18
It was usually quiet around the Dormer family’s villa at Cloudcrest Mountain. Yet, on that Tuesday evening, it was unexpectedly lively. All the scions from Jurbane City, who were friends with Kade, received their invitations and arrived as scheduled.
Upon stepping inside, everyone took in the sight of the hall, decorated like a wedding venue, and shared puzzled glances with one another. They couldn’t help but wonder if Kade was actually planning to pop the question. And if so, who was the lucky lady?
Having glanced around the hall, they realized that his recently revealed girlfriend was nowhere to be seen. Their attention then turned to Charlotte, who was dressed in a stunning gown, and they began whispering among themselves.
“It looks like Mr. Dormer has decided that old is gold and has chosen his first love in the end.”
“I feel so sorry for his ex. I bet she’s wondering why he suddenly dumped her.”
Upon hearing the hushed conversations and seeing the roses scattered across the hall, Charlotte’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She had always known that Kade would ultimately choose her. He had loved her for eight years, and his feelings for her had never wavered. What chance did Yvette stand against her?
As the banquet was about to start, a few of her friends dragged her into the bathroom and took out their makeup essentials, insisting on fixing her makeup.
“In a moment, Mr. Dormer is going to propose to you in front of everyone, Charlotte. You’ve gotta look your best!”
“All those heiresses out there are going to be so jealous of you! You have to outshine them all, Charlotte.”
Upon hearing her friends‘ compliments, Charlotte beamed. She couldn’t help but close her eyes and imagine her perfect future unfolding before her.
Everything unfolded just as Charlotte had imagined. At the height of the banquet, Kade, who had not been seen until now, appeared in a black suit, the sound of romantit piano music playing in the background.
He was holding a bouquet of roses as he walked toward Charlotte under everyone’s gazes. He then took out a ring box from his pocket.
As soon as the ring box was opened, a 20–carat diamond ring came into view, instantly eliciting gasps of admiration from everyone present.
A lot of the heiresses present in the hall had already recognized where that ring came from and exclaimed in astonishment.
“Isn’t this the ‘Eternal Heart‘ that was auctioned for a staggering one billion dollars not long ago? How did it end up in Mr. Dormer’s possession?”
“Is he actually using this ring to propose to her? Mr. Dormer must be madly in love with Ms. Lowell.”
Upon hearing everyone gushing over her, Charlotte’s confidence soared. She subtly raised her chin, her posture exuding arrogance and pride.
However, she needed to maintain her act in front of Kade, so she feigned surprise, placing her hand over her mouth. She then asked, “What’s going on, Kay?”
Kade didn’t answer her but showed her the answer through his actions. He took a few steps back, kneeled on one knee, and looked at her with a smile on his face. He then asked Charlotte the question she had always dreamed of. “Will you marry me?”
It was unclear who started it, but the crowd suddenly erupted in cheers and screams.
Charlotte, overwhelmed with emotion, slowly extended her right hand, saying, “I—”
Yet, before she could even say, “I do,” the piano music playing in the background stopped, shattering the romantic ambiance that had been carefully cultivated earlier.
All the guests in the hall turned their heads in unison, scanning the hall to find the cause of the disruption. Yet, with no answers in sight, they collectively redirected their attention to Kade, the host of the evening and the mastermind behind the proposal.
Charlotte, feeling displeased by the interruption, feigned a pout and asked coquettishly, “What happened to the music, Kay?”
“I’m the one who stopped the music,” Kade replied, getting to his feet. His smile vanished as he stood up, replaced by a cold, indifferent expression.
As soon as they saw the change in his demeanor, the guests held their breaths, sensing that a dramatic turn of events was imminent.
