"Did you hear? Is it true Sidney Price is actually coming to this celebration?" a woman in a glittering gown, dripping with jewels, whispered eagerly to her companion, who nodded with a sly smile. "Oh, I’m certain of it."
"But—aren’t they enemies?" The woman’s voice dropped to a scandalized hush. "Sidney Price and Aiden Hawk—sworn enemies, right?"
"Shh!" The companion glanced around quickly, relishing the drama. "Of course they are! But...Madam Hawk is Sidney’s mentor, so..."
The woman’s eyes widened with delight. "You’re telling me Mabel Hawk actually groomed her own grandson’s biggest rival? That’s why they hate each other so much? This is so delicious.."
"Hush! No. That is not the reason. Or atleast the only reason. There is a woman involved..."
"What? Are you saying that they were love rivals as well?"
"Will you please keep it down? Or have you forgotten that we are here for the welcoming party of Aiden Hawk? How can you talk about his past at a moment like this."
The woman shut her mouth even as she glared at her companion. She was not the one who had brought up the past. But of course she was curious. After all, if the two most eligible bachelors had competed over a woman in the past then chances were that they might just compete again. So, she would definitely pay attention to this going forward...
Just as the woman thought of this, the soft murmur of conversation around the room grew louder, building into an excited hum. A ripple of movement passed through the guests
Sidney Price had arrived.
Sidney surveyed the room with a practiced ease, his eyes scanning the crowd as he made his entrance. The buzz of anticipation was palpable, the chatter of guests rising in volume as he moved through the room. Just as he’d expected. These people really did not have anything to do other than gossip.
As he approached Mabel Hawk, he gave a rare smile at the woman. It had been so many years since he’d seen her. And even then, he was sure that it was the first time she looked genuinely pleased.
Once he reached her, he leaned down and kissed her papery cheek," Madam Hawk. You look well."
Mabel gave a satisfied smile as she patted the young man’s hand, "Sidney, how wonderful of you to come. I wasn’t sure you would make it."
"How could I miss this grand occassion? You look pleased. It seems you are quite pleased with Aiden’s choice, this time."
Mabel ignored the jibe in his voice as he added the words, ’this time,’ and instead nodded, patting her red cheeks as she said," I do look happy, don’t I? You are right. It is because of my grand daughter in law! She makes me happy! I’m actually happier than happy. But there is still a chance to make me happier. How is your family doing Sidney? Tell me, have you found a good girl like my Aiden did. Or do you need my help in that department?"
Sidney laughed and shook his head," Madam! My family is doing well. Still trying to back stab me and usurp my place. But, you! You’ve truly shocked me. You’ve grown old! You never would have tried to matchmake in the past. What happened to you?"
Mabel nodded at that agreeably," You are right. I am indeed old now and I want to see you all happy. Though I know marriage does not bring happiness, my own husband, may God rest his soul in peace, was a prime example of a crappy husband. But lets not talk of the past. These days? You need someone to anchor you and be there for you to lean on. Also, in case you don’t want a nice girl, I can look for a nice boy. Just let me know your preference."
Sidney laughed loudly at that, attracting the gaze of the nearby guests who looked on at them in wonder. "Now I am even more curious about this paragon that Aiden has married. She’s actually managed to make you a romantic while creating quite a buzz."
Mabel Hawk waggled her fingers at him," Then you better be prepared. Once you see my Sere...."
Before Mabel could continue, her maid stepped in, apologizing for the interruption and urgently whispering something in her ear. Mabel’s expression shifted to one of concern as she turned back to Sidney.
Once outside the hall, Mabel turned to her maid and questioned," What do you mean they are missing? Where could they have gone?"
Vera shook her head," I don’t know, madam. The maid went to fetch the young master and misstress but they were not in their rooms. I thought maybe they’d gone to share a private moment but then we looked everywhere... I asked the security to check the tapes. It seems master left the place in a hurry about an hour ago. And then the young madam followed him... But now both their phones are not reachable...
This isn’t like them. Aiden and Serena both know how to handle any situations discreetly. Let’s continue with the event for now. The guests inside are buzzing enough that they’ll wait. If they’re not here within the next hour, we’ll take further action."
Sidney looked around curiously once Mabel Hawk was done. A woman that could make Mabel Hawk happy and approve her for her dearest and most cherished grandson. How interesting. As he spoke to the various guests who approached him, he could not help but throw glances at the entrance, waiting for the golden couple to come. He really was curious.
Finally, after what seemed like an hour but was only a quarter of it, the lights dimmed and soft music started to play... Sidney, along with the other guests, turned their heads toward the entrance, their collective anticipation building as they awaited the grand entrance.
Unexpectedly, Aiden entered the place alone and Sidney raised his eyebrow. Alone? But then he turned and extended a hand, where a slender hand was placed in his... Sidney took a step forward to get a better view...