As the evening turned darker , the town became lively as fancy carriages, men and women dressed to impress made their way to one of the mansions where a celebration was being held .
' Mr and Mrs Domeng so lovely to see you here , please welcome ' the couple were escorted inside just like the other guests . The occasion was nothing less to a mini ball with smooth, soft music , drinks , food and appetizers . The room was filled with murmurs , awes , praises and the people's chatters .
A middle aged man dressed in a fine black suit stood on the staircase with a glass of red wine and a fork , which he used to clink the glass to get the people's attention .
' Ladies , gents and all invited...may you lend me your ears for a while ' he started with a sweet smile on his face .
The chatters and the cheerful exchange of words turned light as their attention was pulled back to the man . ' It's been lovely seeing you all here to celebrate with us on this special day , you all know my daughters Scarlet and Charlotte....and today we are all gathered here to celebrate their eighteenth birthday ' he continued as two beautiful young girls made their way to either side of the man .
One had dark brown hair and blue eyes while the other had blonde hair just like her father . The man stared at both his daughters and smiled as they were now all grown up .
They climbed down the stairs as the people clapped , cheered and praised the girls for their daunting beauty .
' The Alvarez twin daughters are so beautiful and we'll mannered ' .
' I've heard they are top of the class and are both beautiful and intelligent , they have a bright future ahead of them .
Have you heard the Duke's son might propose to lady Charlotte today ' they continued .
The Alvarez family was the wealthiest and respectable family in the land , lord Edward Alvarez was a high ranking official in the council .
' Lady Lucy , you have grown such beautiful and talented young ladies . You must be so proud ' complimented one of the women who had gathered around Lord Alvarez's wife .
' Indeed I have ' she smiled proudly as she sipped her wine .
The two ladies were introduced to most of the guests and suitors present in the room , after a while a three layered cake with candles was brought in front of them . The guests started singing for the girls to blow out the candles and make their wish .
' Now you can blow your candles and make a wish ' their father said to them . Both Scarlet and Charlotte stared at each other and smiled before blowing the candles and making their wish together .
The people cheered and congratulated the pair who were now cutting the he cake into slices . ' Scarlet am so happy for you ' Charlotte said as she fed her sister a slice of the cake , Scarlet too did the same .
After a while the dancefloor was cleared and couples made their way to the dance as soothing music was being played .
' Charlotte I hope the Duke's son asks me to dance with him ' Scarlet said hopefully as she scanned the crowd looking for the duke while Charlotte smiled nervously .
A man in his early twenties with blonde hair and brown eyes made his way to the two ladies , his looks made heads turn as they greeted him . He came and stood right in front of Charlotte who had been praying to all the Gods that the duke asks her sister to the dance and not her .
' Lady Charlotte , will you dance with me ' he held out his hand as he looked at Charlotte lovingly . Scarlet was dumbfounded unable to believe how the man she wanted to dance with and charm had asked to dance with her sister instead of her , though she was more beautiful and attractive than her .
Scarlet glared at her sister daring her to not accept but her sister was captivated by the man and nothing else mattered than him at the moment .
' Of course I would love to ' Charlotte replied as she gave her hand to him and the man accepted it , kissed the back of her hand and led her to the dance floor .
' I never knew you were this good , seems like you never missed a single dance class ' the young man praised .
' With a mother like mine skipping a class would have been the end of me ' Charlotte giggled as her eyes landed on her mother who was now by her sister's side with a disapproving look in her eyes .
' Charlotte..... ' he breathed as they danced , ' Yes Milord ' she replied and he pulled her close .
' I have a surprise for you ' he said as he pushed her slightly and pulled her back .
' I love surprises , what is it ? ' she asked happily ' Call me by my name first ' he demanded softly .
Charlotte bit her lip , contemplating whether to oblige or not but she did . ' Henry.....' she said and earned a smile from the man she was dancing with .
' You are driving me to the edge... Charlotte ' he confessed as the dance ended .
They bowed at each other but before Charlotte could leave his side , Henry got down on one knee before fishing out a small small black box from his pockets .
' Charlotte Alvarez will you make me the happiest man alive and accept me...will you marry me ? ' he asked as everyone including Charlotte gasped unexpectedly .
Truth be told Charlotte had been in love with Henry for quite some time now , but didn't let her feelings show but never in her wildest dreams had she ever dreamed that one-day the duke would propose to her on her eighteenth birthday .
' ....yes I will ' she replied happily as the young man slipped on a diamond ring in her finger .
Henry stood up and hugged her tightly as people clapped and cheered happily , Scarlet tried to smile but her smile cracked at the end as she saw her sister and the man she loved together and happy .
' No , that was supposed to be me , my ring and Henry too ' she whispered to herself as she ran out of the room crying .
Though she tried to be happy for herself Charlotte couldn't help but be sad since her sister was smittten by Henry too , today things will not end well between them . Charlotte thought in her mind .