Chapter 314 The Arena
Aurora never expected Albie's engagement ceremony to be decided so quickly. The commercial alliance of two major groups would happen in one week. Almost everyone with a name in the industry received an invitation. Regardless of their intentions for attending, this engagement ceremony was destined to be lively and extraordinary.
After packing up, Aurora drove with Cameron to the venue. After parking the car, she heard the man next to her speak, "I have prepared a gift for your brother in the back. Take a look." "Okay."
Aurora nodded and took her gift out of the back seat, holding a beautifully wrapped box. Cameron took both gifts from her hands without hesitation.
"Ladies first, responsible for elegance."
Aurora couldn't help but laugh softly and followed him inside.
The scene was luxurious and romantic. The red carpet that started at the entrance extended into view. The lighting and flower arrangements were carefully arranged, making it dreamy throughout.
Sion had already arrived at the venue ahead of time. After greeting others, he turned around just in time to see two people whispering intimately as if no one else could fit in between them.
There seemed to be tiny needles pricking his heartstrings that gradually became heavier until they went numb from pain. Cameron had noticed him long ago but deliberately waited until Aurora turned around before speaking, "Mr Carroll, you're early."
Sion replied politely while looking towards Aurora and said. "Aurora, sit here."
"Didn't you see that Aurora came with me?" Cameron looked at him coldly as if unwilling to lose face.
Aurora stood right between two men feeling like she was being torn apart by them; she didn't lean towards either side more than another.
Helplessly watching them both she said, "Since Mr Carroll is alone then let's sit together."
Sion put one hand into his pocket while glancing over indifferently at Cameron saying nothing more than what Aurora suggested earlier about sitting together.
"If Mr Carroll doesn't mind then I don't have any objections," Cameron snorted coldly showing he wasn't willing to give up easily on anything or anyone he wanted by his side regardless of who else might want it too.
The three of them sat tightly together, with two big men vying for Aurora's attention. In the end, the most effective solution was to have Aurora sit in the middle, with one man on either side of her. They looked like two bodyguards.
Aurora breathed a sigh of relief when the two men finally stopped arguing and turned their attention to other guests who were mingling around them during the wedding reception. She couldn't help but feel uneasy sitting between these two "giants."
As various business elites from different companies came over to chat during the lull before the wedding ceremony began, Cameron and Sion handled each conversation with ease while Aurora found herself with nothing much to do. It was just an engagement party today, but judging by all these guests invited from different industries and backgrounds, it seemed like both sides treated it as a business banquet. Watching all these successful businessmen chatting away made Aurora wonder if her brother would truly be happy in this marriage. Albie was busy entertaining guests left and right while trying his best not to show his restlessness. He answered people's questions half-heartedly while scanning around for someone he had seen earlier.
He had caught a glimpse of her when she first arrived but lost sight of her soon after. It made him agitated until he finally saw her again walking towards him looking stunning in a white off-shoulder dress that showed off some skin yet still maintained elegance. Her hair was casually styled at the back while diamond earrings shone under bright lights.
Albie's breath hitched at seeing her radiant smile until his eyes landed on those two men beside her causing him to look down briefly before composing himself quickly enough not to let anyone notice his discomfort.
"Mr Doyle! We're waiting for your good news!"
Albie smiled politely, "Thank you for your patience."
The man understood what Albie meant by that remark so he didn't linger any longer than necessary. As soon as he walked away, Albie turned towards Aurora who greeted him happily, "You look handsome today, Albie!"
"I've been busy over there," Albie replied softly, unable to take his eyes off hers.
"It's okay."
At this point, both men beside Aurora turned their heads towards them making it awkwardly clear for Aurora while being surrounded by the three of them. Aurora felt trapped between them unsure how she should react or what they wanted from her.
Three men and a play, the sparks in their eyes could electrocute her in just one second. She had no choice but to watch as the troupe began their performance.
"Mr Carroll, Mr Dawson, it's an honour that you took time out of your busy schedules to attend today's banquet." Albie began. "My pleasure." Said Sion.
Cameron lazily leaned back on his seat with his hands clasped together. "You're Aurora's brother, and you're getting engaged, even if it was a big business deal I had to push it aside and come celebrate." "Mr Dawson speaks the truth," Sion added with a faint smile. "Mr Doyle has taken care of Aurora before, I should attend your wedding with my blessing." Sion continued.
Aurora sat in the middle listening to their banter and felt a headache coming on. Why did she feel like these three men were smiling at each other while secretly wanting to fight?
Albie heard their veiled threats and his eyes turned cold as he lightly laughed, "Aurora is my sister, we have been close before and will continue being so for years to come. As for both of you helping Aurora out, I'll make sure to thank you properly when there is an opportunity."
Sion raised an eyebrow, "What concerns Aurora concerns me too."
"I live with Aurora now, I'll take good care of her." Cameron chimed in without missing a beat.
At this point, Aurora wished she could disappear into thin air. Thankfully Albie didn't press further but instead turned towards her, "Aurora, I might be busy later on so, do you wanna come to sit with me at the family section?"
"She won't go."
"She won't go."
Almost instantly, Sion and Cameron spoke up simultaneously. The sudden unity between these two men shocked Aurora beyond words. Who would have thought that two men who were just arguing would suddenly become perfectly synchronized?
"Aurora came here with me, how could she suddenly go sit at the family section with you, Mr Doyle?" Cameron explained.
"Yeah, since so many people saw her arrive earlier if she goes off alone again then wouldn't people start suspecting something?"
"So, then, never mind, Mr Doyle."
Their perfect harmony left Aurora speechless Albie glanced at them with a blank expression, seemingly surprised that these two people would be together. After pausing for a moment, his gaze shifted to Aurora, as if seeking her opinion.
Aurora was speechless and helpless. After the two rounds just now, she was already mentally exhausted and didn't want to bother anymore. She said, "It's okay, Albie, go ahead and do your thing. I'll just sit here. The view is good."
Albie could only nod his head and give a heavy glance at the two men next to him before turning around to go in another direction. "Okay then, if you need anything, remember to come find me directly." "Okay." Aurora nodded her head and signalled him to hurry up.
As soon as he left, Cameron and Sion suddenly felt much better in mood and subconsciously looked at each other. Their gazes collided in mid-air before quickly looking away like they had been shocked by electricity as if their brief cooperation just now had been an illusion.
Seeing this scene unfold before her eyes made Aurora feel embarrassed so she awkwardly smiled before sitting down again.