Earlier that afternoon:The party was being held at the countryside estate of the Rover family, named the "Willowbrook Estate". Nestled amidst lush green fields and towering trees, the estate was the very definition of grandeur. Normally, on approaching the estate that the family usually visited once a year, a majestic wrought-iron gate adorned with intricate vine patterns greeted the visitors, opening onto a sweeping gravel driveway that led to the heart of the property.The facade of the main manor was a masterpiece of architectural craftsmanship, featuring creamy limestone walls adorned with delicate ivy climbing along the edges. A centuries-old willow tree spread its graceful branches near the entrance, casting a gentle shade over the grounds- after all, this had inspired the name of the estate.Mark remembered that back when they were kids and he was home from boarding school for his vacations, he and his brother would spend their days over here.This was the first time he was
"Brooo!" Alex gave him a wink and stepped towards him."Okay,so tell me what this new plan of yours entails -""Nuh uh! That, my friend, is a secret -""Oh, come on!"Alex whined."No! None of your tactics are going to work this time."Mark smiled.He was going to say something more, as he moved from his place in front of the mirror, deciding that he looked perfect; and took Alex's tie from his hands. While he was arranging the maroon tie, Alex found the chance to speak again;"Okay, leave that! Tell me, when are you going to introduce me to my sister- in- law?"Before Mark could have replied to Alex's question, his phone screen flashed on to display a message notification popping up.A smile appeared on Mark's face the moment he glanced towards the screen."Today! And I guess your sister in law really does have a long life, as she has almost arrived."While saying this, Mark loosened the noose of the tie from around his neck, and looped it under the collar of Alex's shirt as he cont
Connor also noticed that even though they were heading towards the exclusive entrance, their steps had stopped near the common area for some reason. A smile crept up on his face as Connor realized that it would be a great time to get Mark thrown out of the party, before he appeared in front of any prominent personalities of the city.After all, Cassie should also get a taste of what it looked like to get her pride hurt by somebody! With all these agendas lined up in his mind, he made his way towards them; and before Mark and Cassie would have started walking once again, he was standing in front of them."Oh, hello Cassie! Casandra Holmes, if I am not wrong -""Connor…"Cassie murmured the name to herself at a volume low enough to not let anyone hear, knowing that she had never told Mark about Connor and his proposal. Looking back at it, she had two reasons for that decision; in the initial period of knowing Mark and getting close to him, she had a fear that Mark might feel like he
As if Connor's presence was not already enough to trigger the calm tiger sleeping inside Mark's heart! That Andrew had also arrived there and decided to make the worst mistake of his life by challenging Mark by adding to his previous sentence;"So tell me what other tricks do you have up your sleeves, are you going to complain about my friend to Mr. Rover?""Andrew! My friend, haven't you heard this phrase before that goes like: 'The dogs who bark, don't bite'.""Oh, my bad, Connor! I seem to have forgotten that phrase, thank you for reminding me."Andrew replied and lifted his hand to take a look at his watch, and he said again. "I guess only fifteen minutes are left for the start of the exclusive party. Don't you think you need to rush to check the arrangements one last time, before you start the serving?Going by your looks, it is really clear that Mr Rover has really been quite generous to you by giving you some branded clothes."He added his last remark as if he himself was d
Everyone turned in the direction of the authoritative voice that had just echoed in their ears, only to find Maxwell Rover himself, standing there.Andrew had only heard the name of the great Maxwell Rover but had never really had the opportunity to meet him, or even see him in person.Hence, he was still in confusion about who this old person was, and was about to say something. But on the other hand, Connor Lawrence and Mariella Holmes had not only heard his name, but had seen him on a few occasions, during major business conferences and bids.So before Andrew could get the chance to open his mouth and make things worse when they were already on the ground, Lady Mariella Holmes spoke up. "Hello Mr. Rover, it's nice to see you here! I was not expecting that you yourself would care to come to receive the guests by yourself -'"So! As I was saying! He could not only get you thrown out by asking the guards, staff or security, but he can throw you out by dragging you out by himself.Bu
Cassie was at a loss for a few moments after Maxwell Rover vanished from her sight.This is when Alex stepped forward and spoke;"Hello, Cassie, or I should say sister-in-law! I hope you haven't faced any difficulty in arriving here and finding the Estate?""No, not at all…"Cassie spoke with a smile, trying to remember the name Mark had mentioned for his best friend. But all her efforts seemed to be in vain, this was when she heard Alex's voice once again. "I am sure that he hasn't ever mentioned me to you, or scratch that, I am sure that he hasn't even mentioned my name in front of you, not even once!""No, no… that is not the case-""I know him very well, sister-in-law, so you don't have to cover for him. Just chill, and let me introduce myself to you first.I am Alex… Alex D-""Alex Rover! Cassie, he is Alex Rover, my one and only best friend."Mark said, squeezing Alex's shoulder as he interrupted before Alex could have spoiled everything in one fell swoop- and that too, withou
After bidding goodbye to Cassie and Mark, Alex turned in a completely different direction, but paused after walking a few steps to observe their receding backs.And once they had vanished from his sight completely, he knew what he had to do next.Once he was assured about the fact that they could not see him anymore and wouldn't be returning anytime soon, made his way to the foyer where Cassie's family was standing.It didn't take him more than five minutes to reach, taking long strides; and this time he might seem alone, but he had already asked the guards to accompany him.He had made sure that Connor had been thrown out of the estate already, and now, it was the turn of everyone else who had dared to mistreat his best friend.Because the Old man still had some obligations to follow and some ethics to uphold, which were stopping him from throwing Cassie's family out of the party. But he didn't have any such obligations or ethics! The only ethic and duty he observed was that he was n
When she entered the ballroom, Cassie was feeling a little overwhelmed at first. But then, her gaze met Mark's, and a warm feeling rose in her chest.She could see him standing in one corner, nursing a drink and his gaze fixed on her. She had an inexplicable feeling like as long as he was there with his reassuring smile, she would be okay anywhere. But no matter how many people were standing here now, she felt a little more at ease due to the warmth and familiarity with which everyone from the Rover family had treated her.Almost an hour ago, when Mark had taken her along with himself after meeting Grandpa Rover, he had taken her around the Estate, talking about his childhood memories of spending his days with his best friend here.This dynamic was quite new and at the same time, quite delightful for Cassie, who had always been taught from her childhood that she was supposed to put family above everything else.She had never been allowed to form close friendships with anyone else, ap