I Am The Queen 65 Chapter 16

There were also n.o.bilities from other countries, though much were faces of celebrities far and wide.

Finely attire attendants shuffled between the guests bearing beverages, alcoholic drinks, delicacies among the other wide selection of snacks.

Vast open gardens with flowers blooming and perfectly trimmed trees made a private yet comfortable atmosphere while the lights were strategically designed, making the venue cozy and romantic.

People go and about, taking the advantage to network with influential personages. The men mingled and established their connections and the women chatted with their fellow females.

But for the two girls sitting at the front row, they were awfully quiet. Jen, the daughter of the prime minister and Sisley, the girlfriend of Daniel Richardson, Prince of Everland. Thus, they were seated at the front row signifying their rank among the guests.

Sisley and Jen was in an awkward position since they were the only women who didn't mingle with the others.

It was not like Jen at all to stay quietly at the table. She was used to mingling and interacting with all the women around whether she knew them or not since she was the daughter of the prime minister. It was her duty to accompany her father and interact with other women in higher society.

But as of the moment, she was too depressed. In a state of disbelief ever since Asher called her ugly. She refused to believe the man she loves called her ugly and worse, he didn't even put her in his eyes. She couldn't believe her allure and status didn't move him even just a tiny bit. Her mind was blank at the moment while her body was numb, unable to react like a proper human being.

Sisley didn't know what to do. Her best friend was so distressed that she wouldn't talk to her while her boyfriend left her there to socialized with other men. She couldn't exactly leave Jen all alone and go with Daniel. Thus, she contented to look around, pretending she was doing something to escape the weird looks others throwing at them.

Her misty eyes wondered towards her boyfriend. Sadness and fear flashed across her pretty face, gazing at Daniel who was wearing custom made, fitted suit, looking all handsome and dignified. Lately, she felt Daniel wasn't that affectionate to her as he used to be. She felt he was secretly avoiding her for some reason. Their usual dates and going home together were cut short all too suddenly that she was left at a loss on what was wrong that brought about his sudden change.

Buzz!

Buzz!

When Sisley's eyes grazed the newcomers who caught, if not all, then most of the guests' attention, her melancholic expression instantly turned gloomier.

Evangeline Heart!

With her stunning, awe gaping silvery ashen blue dress, emphasizing her every curves while the mermaid skirt swayed tantalizingly together with her every movement. The dress was finish with an elaborate embroidery done with ashen blue thread almost the same color as her long wavy hair that was ornamented by a simple headdress with various precious stones in all shades of blue.

She was glowing under the lights. And with her sharp elegant features, she looked so surreal like she was not human at all, but an enchanted creature in the desolate land of snow.

Her features were like ice while her personality was like fire. She was the G.o.ddess of fire and ice that made everyone fear the cold, yet craved the burn.

Face contorting in a frown, Sisley's anger boiled. She was aware Evangeline and Daniel had secretly met at a café not long ago. Someone saw them, though she hadn't asked Daniel about it.

And Daniel's sudden changes happened after that secret meeting with Evangeline which made her mind burst with so much hate for the woman. She couldn't help but make her own conjectures as to why Evangeline was meeting with her boyfriend. And worse, it was night time! And it was only the two of them! And her boyfriend hadn't told her anything at all! Her mind was overthinking of what they were doing together inside the cafe.

Is she trying to get back with Daniel?

Unimaginable fear and jealousy possessed her heart for she knew she couldn't compete with Evangeline if ever. She was terrified Daniel would leave her and get back together with the woman!

Due to fear and frustration, as well as, helplessness of her situation, a silent tear ran from her cheek which she immediately wiped off.

She was in love with Daniel for years. There was no way in h.e.l.l she would give him up without a fight!

On the other side, while Evangeline was showered with gazes and gossips, her full attention was scanning the crowds. Her eyes were frantically searching and searching… until… her gaze met the man who was dominating her entire mind.

Eric was wearing a fine suit which differentiated him from the guests, signifying he was a staff of the event. He was busy going around with a tray of drinks in hand. And when their eyes met, he momentarily halted his steps. But then he quickly averted his gaze and scurried away from Evangeline's view.

Biting her lips, Evangeline's lilac eyes narrowed. Her feet doubled in speed in an attempt to catch him.

SPLAs.h.!.+

She was stopped when a sudden splash brought her mind back to where she currently was while releasing the pressure from her hand that was holding Asher's arm. Composing herself, she uncaringly looked behind her.

All the guests woke up from the trance and instantly, their eyes turned towards the sound.

At the cobbled pathway where the guests entered and walked like models on a runway, there were ponds at each side of the path. Illuminating the whole catwalk were sculptures of swans, flying fishes and light orbs like bubbles floating on water. There was an out of place shadow in the artificial pond which made the onlookers gossiped in controlled whispers and curious stares.

Evangeline smirked when she saw who was in the water. It was that girl, Satele Risova, downing the staffs uniform, soaked from knee to toe. At the side, some women were snickering while their faces held fake concerns.

It was a no brainer those women had something to do with Satele ending up in the pond.

Raising her brow, Evangeline resumed walking, not one bit interested in the drama. But she halted once more when she felt the man beside her had stopped moving. Gazing at Asher who was still looking back, the shadows made his face indiscernible.

Gossip

Gossip

"What happened?"

"Seems like the waitress fell in the water."

"Such a careless thing. I can't believe they hired a clumsy fool."

Satele lowered her head, but then she realized her hair was tightly raised in a high ponytail thus unable to hide whatever face she had left.

Avoiding her eyes from the crowds, she didn't want to see their judgmental looks and those hypocritical display of concern. She secretly bit her lips and glared at those women who pushed her when she was minding her own business of greeting the guests. Those women who were at the same school as her.

"What a useless thing. Can't even do a simple job and greet the guests. Where did the management find this girl?"

When she heard the snickers and comments directed at her, Satele's eyes stung while her body s.h.i.+vered. She refused to show any weakness. But try as she might, her limbs were numb from embarra.s.sment and humiliation that it refused to move. She was afraid if she did move, she would fall into the water, face first.

She was beginning to feel helpless at her current predicament. She wanted to ran yet she couldn't feel her limbs while the surging blood from anger, embarra.s.sment, helplessness made her dizzy, and the nasty comments and hypocritical concerned looks made her stomach churned and bile rose to her throat.

She wanted to ran and be out of sight. Wanted to hide, away from the sickening buzzing noises and those malicious gazes laced in false concern — but she couldn't.

She couldn't even breathe normally. Her lips quavered, trying to hold her sob. She couldn't speak. She couldn't open her mouth. Afraid if she did, she would burst out crying.

Someone…

… someone….

… anyone….

Save me…!

Her unbending eyes started to cloud and dull, searching for someone she knew who would help — anyone to pull her out of the water.

Yet only the cold and ruthless gazes reciprocated hers, waiting for her to show weakness to ridicule.

Biting her tongue, she tried to hold the tears threatening to leave her eyes, but no such luck as a single tear managed to escape — then followed by another and another.

Aldrick!

SPLAs.h.!.+