Night had fallen at the Virellano estate.
The sky was cloaked in darkness, and the scent of night-blooming flowers mingled gently with the cool breeze flowing through the family gardens.
In the backyard, a private gathering had begun—attended only by two great families: the Virellanos and the Valendras.
Crystal lights hung from tree branches, sparkling like stars that had descended to earth.
Classical ornaments, white-and-gold linen-draped banquet tables, and the soft sound of piano from the edge of the garden combined to create an atmosphere both regal and modern.
Guests mingled, chatting in small circles with glasses of wine in hand. Soft laughter, polite greetings, and measured conversations filled the air.
Elsewhere in a separate building, in a very modest room, Al was still preparing himself—the main figure of tonight's event.
He sat before a large mirror, his mother Sandra helping to fix his hair and pin a small brooch to his collar.
"Sorry, I didn't know you don't have formal wear yet..." Sandra said gently.
Al simply smiled.
"It's fine, Mother. I didn't know this event required formal wear. I thought a regular shirt would be fine. I forgot to tell you," Al replied.
"Besides, I'm not used to dressing up fancy anyway."
With no other option, Al had to wear David's formal suit.
Unfortunately, even though they were the same age, their builds were very different. David was large and muscular like a young athlete. Al—though well-toned from training—was slimmer and about five centimeters taller.
The result? The suit was loose around the chest, but slightly short in the sleeves and pants. A mismatched fit that would likely draw snide comments tonight.
But as usual, Al felt no shame.
In fact, there was a warm feeling in his heart. It was the first time his biological mother helped him dress. The first time soft hands fixed his collar. The first time... he felt the warmth of a biological mother's presence.
Sandra looked at him from behind, her eyes beginning to mist.
"I'm sorry, Al... I found you too late... Seventeen years..."
She gently hugged him from behind—a hug filled with regret and love.
"But even though it's late... thank you for still calling me 'Mother.'"
Al didn't say much.
"It's okay, Mother. Even if it's late... I'm grateful to be here."
Those simple words struck Sandra hard. She held back her tears and stepped away slowly.
"I'll wait for you at the party, okay..."
Al nodded. After his mother left and the door closed, he looked at his reflection in the mirror.
Borrowed clothes, a stiff stance, a small smile on his face.
But tonight... he felt more alive than ever.
Yet unease stirred in his chest.
As if... something terrible was going to happen.
He looked up at the window, staring at the sky veiled in a dark aura, as if tonight was no ordinary night.
His eyes sharpened. Still, he remained still.
He shook his head slightly.
"You're only bringing disaster... upon yourselves," he whispered.
---
Elsewhere, deep in the misty and silent wilderness, Rudi stood before an old shaman—a thin, frail man clad in bloodstained, soot-covered robes. Amid swirling incense smoke, the two chuckled quietly... laughter laced with dark intent.
Tonight, they said, would be the night of their target's downfall.
---
Back at the Virellano estate.
The garden lights glowed with a soft golden hue, night air carrying the scent of white roses and the gentle strains of string music from a small orchestra.
The exclusive banquet between the two families had begun. Guests were in formal attire. The MC recited the program itinerary.
Sarah's voice floated gracefully as she sang one of her international hits. Her golden voice left the audience in awe.
From the Valendra side, a traditional dance from Vali Island was performed—vibrant and mesmerizing. The cultural exchange unfolded with class, like a ritual uniting two royal houses.
Finally, the main event commenced.
A round table was set at the center of the garden.
Seated around it were the Valendra elders, Edward and Sandra representing the Virellanos (as they had no elders), Nayala seated on the Valendra side, and Al across from her representing the Virellanos.
The atmosphere turned formal.
Nayala's father—a stern middle-aged man with piercing eyes—stood and spoke:
"After careful consideration, we, the Valendra family, agree to the annulment of Al and Nayala's engagement. But under two conditions."
Silence fell. Tension spiked.
"First, David must become Nayala's official fiancé. Second, David must be guaranteed an inheritance—either partial or full—from the Virellano family."
Stillness.
Expressions of seriousness, even disappointment, appeared on the Valendra family members' faces. They couldn't accept the annulment without tangible gain.
Nayala was shocked. This wasn't what she expected. She protested:
"Dad! Even if David has no inheritance, I still want to marry him!"
Her father glared.
"Silence, Nayala. This isn't about cheap romance."
Nayala grumbled and fell silent.
Edward knew this wouldn't be easy.
When it came to family interests—especially matters involving wealth—it was always a sensitive topic, yet something bound to surface in an elite engagement like this. He thought.
Even more so when the case involved a potential cancellation.
In the end, every elite family only sought the outcome that benefited them most. He sighed bitterly.
Al noticed it too.
This family sure was strict when it came to financial discussions. My father probably understands that. he thought.
So they separate their social lives from financial matters. They can act all friendly on the outside, but the moment money or inheritance is mentioned, they become extremely cautious.
I should take note of that.
Back to Edward—
The first condition? Possible. But the second one—talking about inheritance—was far too sensitive. Especially when we already have seven children… and now eight, with Al. There's no way I can make an instant decision, he thought.
Edward then chose to address the first demand first.
He called David forward. All eyes turned to him.
David looked hesitant.
Damn it. Why am I the one being cornered right at the start of this conversation? I thought this would be easy, he thought bitterly.
I don't have any problem with Nayala; she's actually one of my targets. With that body, there's no way I'd let her slip away. But there's no way I can make her the first one, either. I'd better reject it now and talk to her privately later.
And so, he responded—
"I... I'm still in school, so... an engagement feels too early. I apologize..."
Edward and Sandra were stunned.
Nayala was even more shocked.
David panicked as he saw everyone's expressions.
"David? How could you?" she whispered softly.
Nayala was furious. She intended to reveal they had already slept together to force the engagement. She stood and blurted out loudly,
"No. It shouldn't be like this. It doesn't have to be this hard. Forget about the wealth issue, because actually, David and I…"
David froze at Nayala's sudden words. That one sentence nearly made his mind explode. Panic surged, forcing him to act on impulse.
This girl, seriously! Why does she always love to bait me with that kind of line? Doesn't she realize what image even means?! he cursed inwardly.
He cut her off before she could finish.
"But... I promise! I'll get engaged to Nayala after I graduate, on my birthday... three months from now!"
Everyone sighed in relief. Nayala, who almost exposed their secret and nearly ruined David's image, beamed and nodded shyly.
David exhaled, regretting his impulsive words. But he had no choice—Nayala's statement could've destroyed his reputation.
It's not that he didn't want to marry Nayala—It's just that his ambitions when it came to a partner were far greater.
He dreamed of having a harem filled with top-tier women.
Nayala definitely qualified, with her stunning body, but her obsessive nature might end up getting in the way of that goal.
And this was one of the examples—their reputations nearly destroyed because of that obsession.
Premarital intimacy was still considered a taboo image within Indorosian society's conservative eastern culture, not to mention David was only seventeen
Meanwhile, Al, who knew their secret, merely chuckled.
Haha. What an interesting show, he murmured to himself, a chuckle forming in his heart as he covered his mouth with one hand.
Then, attention shifted to the second condition.
Ge Wiranta, Nayala's father once again demanded the inheritance guarantee.
Edward tried to reassure them:
"As for the second condition, it's too early to discuss inheritance, but I can promise David will receive my full support as a son."
But Nayala's father insisted. No verbal promises. He wanted certainty.
And an argument broke out—Ge Wiranta insisting on his point, while Edward tried to find a middle ground.
Until a voice cut through the tense conversation.
Calm, yet sharp, with a hint of boredom.
"Excuse me," Al said, "but why is it so hard to annul an engagement?"
Everyone turned. Al sat relaxed, yet his eyes were calm and firm.
"This engagement was our grandfather's decision. Not mine. Not Nayala's. Why drag wealth and inheritance into this?"
"Nayala doesn't like me. I don't like her. I don't want to marry someone who doesn't care about me. She already has someone she loves. What kind of life are we building with this?"
"Sleeping alone every night, never touched, never spoken to. Please... let's just end this."
The room fell silent.
Not because of what he said—but because of how boldly Al had interrupted.
And yet, for some reason, they felt compelled to listen.
Some of the Valendra elders even gave faint, knowing nods.
They understood—a loveless marriage would only become a hollow shell filled with pretense.
Some of them had lived through such unions. A few were harmonious, but most... ended in quiet tragedy.
In the end, wealth and prestige were vital to the future they envisioned—even if it meant sacrificing something just as vital:
a truly harmonious family.
But Nayala's father remained firm. He repeated his demand.
Al stood.
"Are you sure I'll be the one to inherit the Virellano estate?"
Nayala's father fell silent.
He knew how this family treated Al—from Nayala's stories. Although Nayala had mostly heard tales from David and Sarah, which made it seem as if Al was truly disregarded, the reality wasn't quite that bad.
And the answer he finally got was: no.
It was just that the other truth was somewhat troubling. Al was their blood, and David was not. That alone made him hesitate to make a decision.
Sigh. Everything felt like a gamble, he thought.
Edward also realized—he had never considered Al in inheritance matters.
Just the thought alone—that even if Al's existence wasn't made public, Edward would still ensure his life remained at a luxurious standard—was enough to ease his conscience.
Al observed them one by one.
"For some reason, fighting over money disgusts me," he said firmly.
"But you're right—I don't understand the kind of obsession elites have toward wealth. I spent over ten years growing up in an orphanage, unlike you all, who've had that elite culture running in your veins since birth."
Everyone turned to him, confused by the sudden speech.
But Al continued,
"So if you're too obsessed with that wealth, then don't involve me in it. Tonight, our engagement is being canceled—and I fully agree with that. I'd rather live poor than live together with Nayala."
His words made Nayala grit her teeth, anger flaring inside her as she felt deeply insulted.
"You… You're insulting me?!" she snapped.
Al waved his hand dismissively in her direction.
"Shut up, idiot. I'm fighting for this cancellation; you don't need to complain. We're in the same boat now. Or are you telling me... you actually want to keep this going just because of my family's money too?"
Nayala instinctively stepped back, momentarily realizing something.
"Ah... You were right. Keep going," she whispered.
Because she'd gotten so used to antagonizing Al, she'd forgotten that the two of them were now actually in the same boat.
Though the frustration in her heart still burned—she couldn't believe Al would talk down to her like that.
"And… if this whole engagement is really being decided based on inheritance," Al continued, "then let me declare it right here and now— I won't take a single cent from this family's wealth."
"So please, just cancel it," Al said resolutely, his tone showing that he meant every word.
Silence returned.
But this time, it was different.
Everyone thought Al's words were empty. But the way he said it… somehow, it was incredibly convincing.
And that bold declaration stirred their minds.
Yet, even if David wasn't their blood, he had a much better shot at inheritance. Even without it, David's achievements and popularity were exceptional for his age—a far brighter future than Al, the lazy boy with no clear path.
And now, Al's public declaration could be used against him if one day he were to demand the inheritance.
Finally, Nayala's father sighed.
"Very well. But I want Nayala and David's engagement held on his birthday."
Edward and Sandra stared at Al, a wave of discomfort stirring in their chests.
Their biological son had just made a declaration—not about love, but about inheritance. And yet, it felt like a subtle reminder of how poorly they had treated him.
Even worse, it felt as though the boy who had just returned... was already preparing to walk away again.
Both were left speechless, eyes locked on him in silence.
But in the end, the purpose of tonight's gathering pulled their thoughts back, leaving no room for further reflection.
In the end, all sides agreed. The documents were signed.
Tension eased. Music resumed. The banquet continued.
And far away, in the shadows of the night, Rudi and Daraka smiled.
Everything was going according to plan.
Tonight... would be a long night.
---