Recently, whenever Mikayla returned home, she would give Cayden the cold shoulder. Cayden, unsure of how to make amends, let her sleep in a separate room for several days.
On the night of the banquet, Mikayla meticulously applied her makeup. Cayden gently knocked on the door.
"Come in."
She was wearing a simple yet elegant white satin strapless gown, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, exuding a cold yet graceful aura.
Cayden couldn't help but admire her. Indeed, the dress she had chosen suited her perfectly. Mikayla's delicate eyebrows furrowed as she rummaged through her jewelry box, struggling to decide which necklace to wear.
"How about this one?" Cayden suggested, approaching her from behind with a necklace. He gently lifted her hair, his fingers brushing against her long, white neck, causing Mikayla's skin to tingle.
"Let me do it," she said, lifting her hair to make it easier for Cayden to fasten the necklace.
He took his time, making Mikayla suspect he was doing it on purpose. As she turned her head to look at him in suspicion, he whispered, "Don't move."
"There, all done."
Mikayla looked up at the mirror. A delicate, radiant pearl nestled perfectly in the center, like a pure white rose blooming on a snow-capped mountain, perfectly complementing her evening gown.
"Thank you, it's beautiful." Mikayla smiled at him, finally noticing his tailored black suit that exuded an air of sophistication and elegance. In the mirror, they looked perfectly matched.
"It just found its rightful owner." Cayden took Mikayla's hand. "Shall we?"
Tonight's banquet was an engagement party hosted by one of Cayden's close friends. As they entered the estate, colorful balloons and ribbons greeted them, and the bright lights on the ground created a warm and romantic atmosphere.
"Cayden? Hello, Mikayla!" The groom-to-be stood at the garden entrance, a blissful smile on his face.
Cayden patted his shoulder and handed him a gift. "Congratulations on your engagement."
"No wonder you've been missing our gatherings lately. Spending time at home with your wife, huh?"
Mikayla's cheeks flushed slightly. Cayden held her hand tightly and coughed. "Busy with work. Next time." He glanced around. "Where's Miley?"
"She lost an earring and went back to change."
As another group of guests arrived, the groom-to-be busied himself with greetings. "You two sit at that table inside, make yourselves comfortable."
At the banquet, glasses clinked, and such gatherings often involved business dealings. Mikayla's face ached from smiling, and her ears were bombarded with endless chatter as people approached Cayden, exchanging business cards. She regretted agreeing to attend. Wouldn't playing video games at home have been more enjoyable?
"I'm going to the restroom," Mikayla whispered in his ear.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
Mikayla shook her head, relishing the rare opportunity to escape. She certainly didn't want Cayden tagging along! He smiled and let go of her hand, lightly brushing his fingers against her palm.
Why is he so clingy?
Instead of going to the restroom, Mikayla wandered around a quiet garden. Suddenly, she heard faint sobbing and paused to listen.
"Forget about me… Don't come looking for me…"
Mikayla saw a woman in a burgundy trailing gown with her hair styled in a princess updo. Could she be the bride-to-be?
Mikayla quickly hid behind a column. The woman cried for a while before hurriedly walking out, wiping her tears with the back of her hand, her face a picture of sorrow.
Fearing she had stumbled upon something she shouldn't have seen, Mikayla quickly returned to Cayden's side.
When she got back, she was even more shocked to see her ex-boyfriend and her current husband sitting together. She stood frozen for a moment before Cassius turned and noticed her.
