Elise could feel the attention, but this time around she didn't shy away from it because today, she had come as his bride. In the future, there would be more occasions such as this, and knowing the position Ian had which is the Lord, and how whatever the Lord does and wherever they go would be followed, Elise felt it was wise for her to get acquainted with her surrounding.

"Sweetheart?" asked a lady who was plump in figure. She held her fan in a way that covered her lower half face but her smile was evident as her eyes curved. Elise turned to look at the lady and returning her smile, she saw the woman bowed, "Have the blessed day finally come for us to hear a word of marriage from you, milord?"

"Duchess Stella," Ian called the woman's name while Elise bowed. She noticed the familiarness the two shared but didn't feel jealous as their relationship sounded more like a friend than of lovers. Perhaps because Elise knew how much Ian love her to the point that he didn't mind getting harm or hurt by her hands that she didn't feel any more jealousy toward the affairs he had in the past. 

"You are correct, could I please have everyone's attention to my dearest?" questioned Ian when his eyes brushed away the guests in the ball, noting that he had gathered their attention since the moment he entered the ball. "I have a grand announcement to make, and a happy one to state. This breathtaking lady over here is named Elise Scott. She didn't come to the Ball with the purpose of attending as my companion, but because soon she would be my wife. I thought it was only right for her to get acquainted with the Balls she would be attending with me in the future and create one. Our marriage would be held out next year around the fourth month of the year. This news is made for today for everyone to hear, and to know about our marriage."

"This is a celebration!" said Duchess Stella with a brimming voice that breaks the silence that ensued as if it was an eternity. "I can't wait to attend your marriage, Lady Elise," the woman smiled at her and Elise could feel the sincerity behind her words as she returned the woman's smile. Unlike most people, the lady in front of her was clear with her words, bearing no ill intention, and Elise could tell she hadn't said the word only to be on their good side. 

"The marriage of the Lord would be grandiose, I can't wait to hear the exact date. It would be one of my most awaited events in the past decades. May I ask where would it be held at?" The woman questioned, looking at Ian whose eyes then shifted at Elise as if waiting for her to answer the question.

She looked at him, her eyes were filled with even more questions as she doesn't know anything about where their marriage would be held at. It was also her first time hearing the faint idea of their marriage date. At first, when hearing Ian's announcement she was surprised, but she didn't bother with the details as her heart was filled with too much joy. 

Silently Elise pulled the sleeve of his clothes that earned her his naughty smile, "I plan to hold the marriage anywhere Elise would like to. As the groom, it is only right for me to grant the wish my bride has. Whatever it might be. Whether it is love, house, or even anyone's head who had disrespected her," saying this his eyes trailed to both Ellen and Monica who didn't stand far away from each other. Lady Ellen thought Ian wouldn't know what happen at the beginning of the Ball, but with his sharp initiation, it wasn't hard to tell that it happened, especially when he saw the exchange of gaze Ellen had when looking at Elise that had more contempt. 

With a clear voice, he spoke slowly, "The reason why I announce this to you all is to make everyone understand that I expect them to show respect to my future wife. And if there is anyone who disrespects her or carelessly letting a remark from their mouth, you would be warranting death."

The air turn stifling and Lady Stella was the first one to make a bow, followed by the others to show respect to the woman with who the Lord has promised marriage. The party barely started and the announcement made the whole party crowded. Elise, who stayed beside Ian didn't know how to react when many people who she has not met before come up to praise every trivial thing they could see from her. The same people who had looked down on her before in the soiree she attends or some that didn't care about her, quickly changed their attitude wanting to know more about her. 

Elise felt overwhelmed by the sudden myriad of attention. Never in her life, she had been treated this way, to be in the limelight. She saw how unlike her, Ian didn't mind the attention but then he had always been a person who walks at his own pace, not caring about what others think of him. Regardless, Ian made sure to make her comfortable, letting her talk with people who he sees as more amiable so she wouldn't need to take care of the rude people who knew how to mask their praises with mockings. 

While trying to let the conversation flow, Elise kept a smile but she still couldn't get used to how the people around her talk and excused herself to the washroom. 

Getting more fresh air on her way, she noticed how after their marriage declaration, Edward had disappeared somewhere. To Edward, Elise sees him at first as a friendly person, but she could tell there was something off about the man. Like the way he gazed on her that lingered more than necessary. She had made clear of her intention, not wanting to lead the man by the nose as the person she loves was Ian. But after tonight, noting how Edward had sent her the gown as if she was knowing that she would attend the Ball, she felt the need to guard herself and create more distance from the vampire.

Elise, who knew she shouldn't venture too far inside the castle with the danger around her, quickly made her way to the powder room when on her way, she caught the faint shadow of the person who she knew. 

The person said after exhaling a heavy breath, "Give some time to weigh on my choices about this. I will-" as if noticing Elise coming near, he stopped talking and his brown eyes shifted to look at her.

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A/N: I'm not sure if anyone would like to know about this, but I will be giving a little head-up. I will be going under a surgery since tomorrow and another four days. I will try my best to write more, but the update will be very slow, although I will make sure not to miss a single day of update. ^^ I hope everyone a nice day~