Chapter 129 - Red And Black

Grand Pavilion Residence

The Grand Pavilion Residence was where the family Astera held their special events. Now, it's an event for class, social, and introductions. The most unique event in the Great Greivania is the event that the Marchioness will be holding. Red and Black event. But it wasn't purely a red and black event, the decorations had white and gold to mix it up and to make it look elegant and glamorous. 

People who were invited were thrilled to meet the Marchioness. But the time that they stepped out from their cars was even more thrilling. They were already talking about the grand entrance with a red carpet that also had that gold glitters. There were also lanterns to make it look like they were living in the medieval era. But with cameras around, as they had their photos at the entrance and a booth that would print it right away is one thing that makes it modern. 

No noble held such an idea. The booth had those beautiful letters. WE HAVE YOUR MEMORIES IN YOUR BEST DRESS. 

Every family came, like the Belmont, and even the Parson family came, the last ones who arrived were the King, the Prince, and Lady Kaisley with her fiance. Then, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Westeria while Maverick came alone. Everyone had their eyes on Maverick but seeing Kenzo's uniform was a big question. 

Then soon, a lady approached Maverick. Lady Eloiza Kennedy. She curtsied while he bowed at her and held her hand. 

Seeing those scenes made someone's heart start shattering. Stacey held her clutch tightly as she slowly breathed. Her chest was in more pain seeing a beautiful noble lady ready to fill up the position of the Duchess of Marduque. 

"Stace," Hardin called and she smiled at him.

Everyone bowed and curtsied as the Prince and the King went to the aisle to greet the Marquess and Marchioness. Their eyes were on the Marquess and Marchioness who walked down the stairs of the aisle to greet the Prince and the King. Everyone gaped at the Marchioness who looked so elegant and graceful. Everyone started mumbling about whose family she came from but none of them received any answers. 

"We should go and greet them," Hardin said softly. Stacey looked at Maverick who mumbled to the woman in a very affectionate way and went to the aisle where everyone was talking. 

The Prince and the King greeted Stacey warmly and then, Victoria was laughing with Vivien as Vivien hugged Victoria and glared at Bailey who was gaping at them. At that beautiful moment, Lady Regina was also surprised and Dana was even more surprised. Their shocks had different meanings and seeing how possessive Vivien toward Victoria only means war to the people who hurt her. 

Katarina had dropped her clutch after knowing that Victoria is the Duchess of Westeria and her husband is the Duke. Jason also felt a cold sweat through him. 

It was full of emotions as Stacey also faced Maverick and she curtsied to him showing a little bit of her cleavage. She was already seducing him but won't talk to him. Her heart was still aching. Then, the Marquess greeted everyone and acknowledged how his wife worked hard for this event. He then acknowledged the Prince, the King, Lady Kaisley, Caleb, Duke Maverick, and Duke Kenzo with his wife, Duchess Victoria. 

Everyone was even more shocked. They were gaping and were silent. The show started with few performances as everyone started mumbling about the Duke and Duchess of Westeria. They don't show much in the newspaper and there's no name about the Duke and Duchess of Westeria and suddenly, they came up in front of everyone. 

The person who was even more shocked was Jason and Katarina and the whole Parson family. However, Lady Regina only smirked as she had thought something big about Kenzo. She then realized that the letters from Prince Philip were from Victoria and Kenzo. She also liked the ultimate face slap that she saw from Jason and Katarina. Then, everyone started the party by dancing. First from the Marchioness and Marquess, next to their children with their partners. Harriet partnered with Duke Maverick while Hardin partnered with Stacey. Then, next was the Duke and Duchess of Westeria. 

It was only a little waltz and then, everyone danced as they exited the stage. 

At that moment, Maverick kept looking at Stacey who looked downcast but she was smiling at Hardin. He then thought that Stacey was better off than Hardin who was kind, came from a noble family, and handsome. 

"Your grace," Harriet speaks. "You should speak to her. Love is still there. Am I right?" She sneered at him. 

Maverick knew Harriet as they had few moments with the friends. She also knew that he and Stacey were so in love. 

"She's not safe with me." He mumbled. 

"You are a coward. And this is my advice as a friend." She patted him. "What a great dance?" 

"What a great dance…" He agreed. She also got to dance with Stacey at that moment. He then went back to the corner but then Caleb hugged him tightly and he hugged him back. 

"You asshole," Caleb mumbled and Maverick looked at Kaisley as he gently pushed Caleb and bowed at her. She curtsied as a response. "You looked so tired." Caleb noticed. 

"Yeah," He only smiled at him. "I had lots of shits to do." 

"Uhuh, how about women?" Caleb asked again. "The Lady who approached you a while ago is coming in this way." 

Lady Eloiza excuses as she curtsied and acknowledged Kaisley as Lady Kaisley. Then, she smiled at Maverick that looked blooming. 

"Can I have this dance, Lord Maverick?" Her voice was like a feather caressing the petals of roses. 

"My pleasure," Maverick said formally and reached her hand as he excused himself and took her to the dance floor. 

Caleb and Kaisley glanced at Stacey who was in the corner and a tear fell from her eyes and she quickly wiped it and turned back. 

Back to Victoria who was talking to Vivien more while Kenzo was with his grandfathers and laughing with them. Then, the Prince looked for Lady Regina and approached him. Her family who was behind her bowed to him. 

"Lady Gina." The Prince smiled as he extended his hand. She curtsied and reached it. He bent down slowly and took her hand to his lips. "Let's go to our grandchildren." 

"Thank you for making your way here, your highness." 

The old people laughed as they walked toward Victoria. Victoria quickly greeted her grandmother with a big smile and a big hug. Then, Kenzo did the same as Lady Regina faced the beautiful woman wearing that red, black, and gold gown that complimented her porcelain skin. The old woman never thought that the changes were big. She still looked young in her eyes and she reached Vivien's hand. 

"Vivien," Regina said softly. "You are well." She smiled as she started looking emotion while looking at her. Vivien showed less emotion but she bowed her head to the old woman. 

"It's been a long time, Lady Regina." 

"Indeed." Regina agreed as she looked at Victoria who still didn't know about their relationship. 

"I prepared a hall privately for the majesty and highness. Would you like to join?" 

"Yes," Regina smiled. "I can't wait to taste your best teas." 

"I have your favorite one ready." Lady Vivien speaks very politely like she sees Regina as someone highly. "Lady Regina, this is my loving husband, Hansen." 

Hansen moved a little closer as he reached Regina's hand and kissed her knuckles. 

"It's a pleasure to you, Lady Regina." 

"You too, my lord." Regina's smile had a hint of a tear on her left eye. 

They went to the hall for their dinner. 

Meanwhile, Stacey wanted to stay away and she knew that even going on the hall wouldn't make her feel famished with the foods if Maverick was with them. But she also can't say no to Hardin and Harriet who were accompanying her although lots of ladies and gentlemen approached them many times. They went to the hall and Maverick wasn't present. Victoria and Kenzo were busy whisperings at each other and they seemed to have plans already. 

While she planned to seduce Maverick and taking him away from his girlfriend for a day. She knew that everyone thought of her as a commoner and she is a commoner. She knew that they wouldn't accept it if she became Maverick's girlfriend or lover. She will be bashed all over again… and again. But she still loves Maverick and it hurts. She ate a little and spoke more with them. After a few moments, Maverick arrived and he sat on the other side, right in front of her. They looked at each other eye to eye for a very long time and Maverick was the first one who acted like a stranger. 

It's one of the most painful parts. From lovers to strangers. He didn't even say hi to her. Or ask about how she is. He gave her a villa, a VIP card to all Edward Shopping Centers. But when face to face, he would treat her like she's someone that shouldn't talk to a Duke. Her heartfelt like it was shattering and she didn't know how long she's going to take the pain. But then, Victoria excuses herself and is followed by Vivien and Lady Regina. 

She finally excuses herself after the trio left the dining hall. Then, she left the hall and walked away from the crowd. She kept walking until her feet brought her to the garden. She sat on the bench under the tree and gazed up at the starry sky. She doesn't know how long she's been here, but it's better than seeing Maverick flirting with another. 

"It's beautiful here." A voice of a woman said. She doesn't know if she's acting cute or if her voice was like that. 

"It is." Her heart almost jumped as she realized who it was. Then, she watched them stop near the garden light post, and the woman tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. They were kissing, and she quickly looked away.