Page 37

“You look beautiful tonight, baby,” Chandler whispered into my ear as he kissed my cheek. All I did was give him a small smile in response. “Act like you want to be here tonight. After all, this is our engagement party.”

Accepting his awaiting hand, I took a deep breath as we stepped into the banquet hall.

It’s been three weeks since I’ve come back from my vacation to Grove’s Isle, and true to his word, we were having our engagement party.

Looking around the room, I eyed all of our family, friends, and associates as they, in their finest attire, celebrated a union that I despised with every fiber of my being.

The black-tie theme seemed fitting for the night, being as though it appeared everyone was dressed for my funeral.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the groom-to-be and his bride would like to thank you all for joining them here tonight.” The DJ turned down the soft jazz as we walked the center aisle. “Join me in celebrating the upcoming union of Chandler Pierre Gourneau and Noemi Renee Boudreaux.”

I smiled and waved at the guests as Chandler led the way to the middle of the dance floor. Along the way, I locked eyes with Rosier. Giving him a small wave, he winked as I prepared for my first dance of the night.

“Did I tell you how good you looked?” Chandler smirked as I wrapped my arms around his neck and swayed to the music. “I don’t think I could have picked a better dress.”

I could admit that he did well picking out the custom black ball gown for the evening.

While the top was a form-fitting corset, the bottom flared in mermaid style.

It was a bit dramatic for a simple party, but I looked damn good, so I didn’t complain.

He looked handsome in his custom-made Versace tux, and he smelled even better.

He had a clean shave, and he even had diamonds around his neck and wrist that he wouldn’t usually wear.

He really wanted to put on a show with not only our outfits but the decorations as well.

From what I’d heard, he planned the majority of this event with very little help from our families.

On theme with our outfits, the ballroom was nothing short of extravagant.

The floor was a neutral tan, and our initials in a cursive black font danced around in a repeated pattern on the floor and walls.

The room walls were a deep red with white draping curtains strategically placed around the space to highlight the different areas that may interest the guest, such as the photo booth and multiple mini bars.

A massive floral installation hung from the entire ceiling, with white and red roses and tan pampas grass being the star of the arrangement.

Our guests were seated at round tables covered in cream satin cloths with centerpieces too large but extremely beautiful, casting light through water and diamond-like crystals.

Fine china sat on gold-rimmed chargers, and gold eating utensils sat nearby for use.

Spotlights throughout the space gave the rooms a nice glow, and the tedious details, such as our names being on the napkins, our faces on multiple framed portraits, and our favors being Dom Perignon champagne gift baskets, proved that money was spent.

The room screamed wealth and romance, but I was nowhere near in love with this event or the man who planned it.

As the current song the quartet band played came to an end, everyone clapped as we were approached by Chandler’s mother and sister.

Charlotte didn’t care that much for me, and I did nothing to hide that I didn’t give a fuck.

Whenever I was around, she was rude and tried with all her power to piss me off.

The lady hated my guts, and the gag was I didn’t like her ass either.

“Chandler, darling… you look magnificent tonight.” She beamed at her son before turning her sights to me, her smile slowly fading. “As do you, Noemi. This classy look fits you compared to how you usually dress.”

“Thank you.” I nodded, trying to break free from Chan, only for him to hold me tighter. “I see Chandler passed along the anti-aging serum I recommended to him. You look less casket-ready this evening.”

Making a funny noise with her throat, Star eyed me before glancing around the room.

People were now mingling and beginning to let loose.

Seeing her shoulders drop, I followed her line of sight and noticed she’d zeroed in on Rosier and Gabby.

My sister was beautiful tonight, with her baby bump on display, as was Bridgette.

I couldn’t help but let a small giggle escape my lips.

“Is something funny, sis ?” Star asked as she sipped her wine, knowing I was laughing at her mad ass. I knew it angered her to have a simple conversation with me, just like her mother, because I was close with the woman who stole her chance with my brother. “Tell us the joke so we can laugh.”

“The joke is you…” I stopped a nearby waiter and snagged a glass of champagne.

I was going to need a buzz for the shit I was set to endure tonight.

“You’re over here about to burst into tears at the sight of a man who could care less about you while your mother has smoke coming from her ears because she’s forced to be near me.

This union between our families will be nothing less than entertaining.

” I took a big sip of my drink before continuing, “Just wait until I fuck your son and birth your grandchild… I can’t wait to give you your own bundle of joy with Boudreaux blood. ”

Charlotte’s light skin began to turn red as Star sneered and walked away.

Having sex and procreating with Chandler was nowhere near my mind, but I knew saying it out loud would get under their skin.

One thing these ladies have never done and will never do is intimidate me.

The hate has always been there among our families, but once their father died and this marriage was suggested, it intensified.

They both needed humbling, and I didn’t mind being the one to make it happen.

“Listen here, you little bitch?—"

“Mother, not tonight,” Chandler stated through clenched teeth as he eyed her. “Remember what happened the last time you called her out of her name in my presence?” He arched his brow, causing her to cower. “Go have a seat. My wife and I need to make our rounds.”

Frowning at his words, I put on the smile of a happy bride and worked the room with him as we greeted our guests.

Most of the people here tonight were from the five Families, but a good bit of the crowd had no idea that this union was pretty much obligatory.

No matter how much I didn’t want this, we were in a public setting, and appearances were everything.

I would never embarrass him or myself. As we were speaking to one of his business associates, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Turning around, I couldn’t help but frown.

“Congratulations, sis.” Ginny smiled as she pushed her purse strap up her shoulder. She smirked as she looked from me to Chandler. “I’m happy you finally found the love you always spoke about. You didn’t go half bad either.”

I haven’t seen Virginia since she ran from my mama’s house due to Jules being Jules, so I had no idea why she was here tonight.

I kept her away from my family and me because I didn’t want to see her hurt.

She was my friend for years, but I knew she was going to get herself killed fucking with my brothers about their women.

Looking from her to Chan, I couldn’t help but scoff.

While he gripped my waist, glaring at her with a scowl on his face, she gave us a look that told me she knew something I didn’t.

Leaning my head on his arm, I couldn’t help but simper.

“Either you fucked him, or you’ve tried, huh?

” Her eyes bulged, telling me I was right one way or the other.

“Lucky for you… I’m not in the mood to beat your ass today.

I could call Bridgette over with some sporks, but I’ll let bygones be bygones since we’re both so pretty tonight.

” Removing myself from his grip, he glared down at me.

“See your whore out. Let one more person approach me tonight, Chandler, and I promise you… I will embarrass you in a way that will have you ready to murder me.”

Taking his champagne flute from him, I downed the contents before gathering my dress and making my way over to my brother.

With my head held high, I glided across the room like a woman with poise and grace.

Virginia, Charlotte, and even Star all wanted a rise out of me tonight, but they weren’t going to get it.

“Look at my baby,” my mother gushed as I approached them. Pulling me into her arms, she kissed my cheek. “Your father would be so proud of you.”

“I’m sure…” I gave her a tight smile as she pinched my cheeks.

I glanced at them all and whistled in approval.

“You people sure do clean up nice. Even Jules looks less spooky this evening.” We all shared a laugh as he took a bow.

“I know this isn’t something we’re all thrilled about, but I appreciate you all being here to support me.

” Glancing over at Rosier, I smiled. “I love you all.”

Pulling me into his arms, I wrapped mine around him, giving him the tightest hug. At one point, I thought our relationship would be torn beyond repair, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Rosier is my rock, and that will never change.

“Have I told you lately how proud of you I am?” he asked as he led me to the dance floor. Across the way, I could see Chandler having Ginny escorted out. “He’s given you every reason to call this off, but you still want to see this through. Why?”

“It’s my duty to the Family.” I shrugged, placing my head on his chest and swaying to the music. “I know what’s required of me and?—”