known Honor to be near emotionless and stoic. The entire Raibu family had this staunchness about them that trickled down to each of the seven children. They had made their wealth off mining markets a

hem to go beyond dating. Honor loved Maddie with a persistent pursuit. In fact Anna had spoken to Sofia, Maddie's moth

bout the whole thing. Anna wondered how she could be so blind.

ned for herself. Now it all made sense. Anna glanced at Maddie, and it also dawned on her, Maddie didn't just look gorgeous and rich, Maddie looked as if

r Maddie. His sun rose with this woman and it was apparent to anyone who saw him, he would do anything for her. He spared

hand into his again. Desperate not to cause a scene she left it ther

ivy reached up the pillars and over the ceiling from which hung sparkling white lights. The entire scene seemed like they weren't in a ballroom at all, But in some

e. Sofia and Brent were seated foremost at the table whereas Ja

e. Cesar Hernandez, Emily Schultz, Dylan Moore, and Marissa Mishra were all eagerly waving and g

ught a flute of champagne and downed it as her friends

going to propose t

but Marissa could make this look effortless and classy. Marissa nearly chimed as she moved to whisper a myrth-filled response "Oh? You think so? Ah, maybe!

m the bangles there. Marissa cooked her head quizzically before Anna met he

Anna's eyes made her understand in an instant. This was importa

ropped her voice. Her mind still processing everything at onc

pped her arms around her friend and rocked her, "For what sa

Anna was sure, and Anna was confident. Marissa held her friend, unsure what to do when the door leading to the toilets opened. Marissa failed at words or warn

slucent oil, that never let you quite see everything. Her jewelry made Anna's "heirloom" prices seem like a child crafted them. It was obvious they were only outshine b

, shame, and even joy for Maddie. Faith walked directly to the pair. She said in a tone that was rich and resonant,

gazing into her very soul. Faith didn't soften her gaze but instead offered something aki

her word to exit the room leavi

ng to ruin Maddie's proposal?! Anna glanced in panic at Mariss

Don't mind her." Then Marissa's expression softened. "If you are s

s perhaps the moat gentle person Annabelle had ever known, "I can't.

right away. Tonight - " but before a word came out Mad

ing face and untangled from Mari

n. The concwrn that almost scream of imminent danger. Anna's unease grew but sh

no listen. Tonight is important, " and befo

d crowded Anna too, "Is ever

ed to explain but Anna interrupted, "Nothi

ely caught Anna's drift and started ushering Ma

ising her voice. "No, Anna n

insisting. "Time to goooo!". Anna glanced at Marissa apologetically and grabb

d at a table across a small dance floor directly dacung the raised center table. Marissa fumbled in her purse gesturing as m

er face as she scrambled for her phone in her clutch, "Don't tell me

ask if SHE was talking to anyone? Her cheeks flashed red but her hand hesitated. All she could hear was

she was seated beside gave her a single glance. Marissa instead quickly explained to her father.

ly. He was a portly man, and luckily neither Jaxon or Maddison inherited t

l to a remarkable event. You know

Anna's heart. The sense something disastrous was barreling down on her and there was no

very special

the same way. That's when Anna saw Honor atand up and Maddie turn while Jaxon stood up beside Anna. The lights dimmed and a beautiful stirring melody of strings acc

around and noted Maddie and Honor hadn't moved and inch. The lights were too bright. Then Ja

rprise slightly parted lips. Anna frooze there unable to move. Jax9n there ine one knee, ulon the other an obvious antique box The moment was perfect with diffused lighti

s of horror etched on their features. She managed to fight the bile in her throat as she watched Madd

ng either. Anna startled as Jaxon clasped her hand and slipped on a huge diamond ring, his grandmother's ring. She tried to look for Maddie aga

r before. She stared, transfixed at his eyes. Anna finally realized Jaxon looked concerned for her. And that's when An