Nora walked into the biggest hall in the west wing of the storm mansion. It was never used and saved for special occasions and it was one of the biggest in the house. Inside, the glittering chandeliers reflected off the polished marble floors.Rows of elegantly dressed guests, the low hum of violins, and, worst of all, the flashing lenses of cameras.
Her parents sat proudly at the center with Knox Wilder's parents and finally Knox sitting tall beside them like he already owned her.
Nora's heart sank. She had known all afternoon about her engagement but seeing it made it finally sink in, Her parents were marrying her off to somebody she detested and resented. She hadn't even gone on a date with her soon to be husband and this was their engagement dinner? Talk about a well paced irony.
She walked in wearing an off the shoulder, straight gown that graced her voluptuous body with silver jewelry and clutch. Her 6 inch heels were killer and she walked gracefully to her sit not bothered.
Food was served and before eating began, Knox Wilder called for attention while tapping his fork on his glass.
" I have called everyone here to witness this great day. I would be proposing to the love of my life tonight."
The place erupted with applause, some people even gave standing ovations. Nora smiled a little watching the drama unfold. The media immediately started taking her picture, misinterpreting her little smile.
As the applause quieted, Knox stepped forward, his smile more for the cameras than for her. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a velvet box. The crowd gasped, phones lifted, the press leaning closer.
"Nora Storm," Knox's voice carried, smooth and confidently. "Tonight, before your family, our friends, and the world—will you marry me?"
The room held its breath. The cameras clicked in a frenzy.
But Nora's hands clenched at her sides. Heat rushed through her veins—not from flattery, but fury. She glanced at her parents' smug expressions, at Knox's self-satisfied smirk, and something inside her snapped.
Standing up, she walked towards him and gently raised him to his feet.
"No," she said, her voice sharp enough to cut through the music. Gasps echoed through the hall.
Knox's smile faltered. "Nora—"
"I said no." She turned toward the press, her chin lifted with defiance. "This is not a proposal. This is a marriage arranged without my consent. And I refuse."
" I won't marry someone I barely know."
The cameras went wild, reporters shouting questions, the crowd buzzing with shock.
"And besides, I'm already in a blossoming relationship, with the love of my life, he has already proposed and we are getting married next week."
Before Knox could recover, the doors at the back opened. A tall figure strode in—Leo Callahan. His presence alone seemed to shift the atmosphere, commanding attention without a word. His tailored suit spoke of wealth and power, but it was his eyes, steady and certain, that anchored Nora in the chaos.
Nora took a step forward, her voice steady now. "If the world wants to know who I've chosen, then let me be clear." She extended her hand toward Leo as he approached. "This is my fiancé, Leo Callahan."
The flashbulbs exploded like fireworks. The guests erupted in shocked whispers.
Leo reached her, his hand sliding around hers with practiced ease. He bent slightly, his lips brushing her temple, a gesture as protective as it was possessive. "You don't have to fear, Nora," he said low enough for only her to hear, but the confidence in his expression told the cameras everything.
Together, they turned to face Knox and her stunned parents, the world watching as Nora shattered their carefully constructed charade.
Walking towards her parents, she eased herself from Leo.
"Father, what was it you said again, I can't get better?" she scoffed.
"Well how about now, is the richest bachelor and owner of shopixir that we all us enough?"
" That's what I call better."
Her parents were stunned, her mother tried to talk but the words couldn't form.
Walking past a shell shocked Knox, she went towards Leo who reclaimed his position with arms on her waist, leading her out of the hall majestically.
The media went crazy, Flashing lenses went crazy in frenzy.
A black limo pulled up outside and Leo helped her get in before going inside himself.