A Dance Of Crowns & Thrones | Book I

Chapter 146 | December 31st | This Is How You Fall In Love

Timeline - December 31st | ( 4 Days later)

She should have known today was going to be different when she woke up that morning. Her boyfriend had been unusually attentive, even more so than usual. While sex was always amazing, that morning he had been exceptionally attentive. Breakfast in bed and a small black box awaited her, containing a pair of stunning drop earrings intended for the event that night.

She had been eyeing those earrings for months, and he had always balked at the hefty $33,000 price tag attached to them. At that point in time, she hadn't thought much of it. He had spoiled her before; it wasn't the first time.

The sleek black coupe parked in the basement garage of Allegiant was a testament to just how much he loved doing such things for her.

After finishing breakfast, they laughed, bantered, and chatted away like every other morning. Their friends arrived with wide smiles, which should have been her second clue that something was amiss. They seemed suspiciously happier than usual, but she brushed it off, attributing it to the party tonight. It was then that he told her to go shopping.

This should have been her third clue.

Why she failed to notice the red flag waving right in front of her was a mystery. Her boyfriend handed over one of the blacklisted account cards, the very ones he had explicitly declared off-limits under normal circumstances. However, tonight seemed to be an exception, and her excitement for the upcoming shopping spree overshadowed any reservations she might have had about it.

However, as Jesse emphasized, tonight's New Year's Eve party was destined to be the celebration of all celebrations. No expense would be spared.

The dress code assigned for the evening was black tie, and he urged her to find an outfit that surpassed all the others she had worn. This should have been her fourth clue. Matthew had always reminded her about reusing the dresses she had bought that was stored in her room. This subtle detail, overlooked in the excitement of preparation, should have been the most glaring warning sign of all.

What at that point of the day should of been her fifth clue was that Mya already in advanced had gone the extra mile and arranged for a salon to stay open on New Year's Eve, allowing for the four of them to get manicures and pedicures. With a few bottle of wines between them all before the event, they strolled together, sharing laughter and giggles, with new hairstyles, and glammed up to the nines. 

The hours passed, and a little after six, a long, elegant train followed Eko as she swayed with Mya towards the auditorium. The sparkling golden dress, adorned with intricate lace detailing, shimmered under the lights, reflecting a regal elegance for the festivities tonight. The fitted bodice accentuated her curves, and the flowing skirt trailed behind her, creating a captivating silhouette. The ravishing aspect of the assignment was embodied in the tasteful yet alluring design of the gown. Eko was well aware, given their history, that Matthew would appreciate the allure before the fireworks lit up the sky at midnight.

Matthew had wanted tonight to be the night that she remembered for the rest of her life, the type of night that she would love back on and remember that she was incredibly loved.

For weeks, they had all discussed and meticulously planned the event. Every detail mattered because if Eko said yes, it wasn't just a commitment to Matthew but to all of them, she was saying yes to being a family. Yes to forever.

Jesse cast one last lingering gaze across the room. The ethereal ambiance was heightened by the presence of white peonies, delicately suspended and scattered, creating an enchanting floral tapestry. The orbs of magical light, like softly illuminated fireflies, danced and floated around the ballroom, casting a warm and inviting glow.