Web Novel
“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 122
***Gracie’s POV:***
As the guest continued to arrive, the girls along with everyone else headed to the ballroom. Kai and I would be making our grand entrance later. I had to give Kayla her credit; the ballroom was absolutely beautiful. I suddenly became anxious thinking about our wedding. Just then, Kai called me.
*“Hello my love.”*
*“Hello back. Are you dressed?”*
*“Emm hmm, I just finished the rest of my makeup. You?”*
*“I bet you look beautiful. I can’t wait to see you. And yes, I actually just finished.”*
I smiled lightly thinking about how handsome Kai probably looked. He’d chosen a black tailed three piece suit. The tie, inside of the jacket and his mask all accent my dress. I beamed at the thought of us rising together.
*“Well then…I’ll see you soon. I can’t wait to see how handsome you look.”*
We both paused for a moment before hanging up. We would be together soon. I just needed our esteemed guests to arrive first.
The time was 6pm when the Rochesters and Jonathan arrived. I could feel my heart racing as they entered the ballroom. Thanks to the speakers that were placed, I could hear most of everyone’s conversations.
*“Mother! Do you see this! Whosever party this is their theme is way better than mine was this year! Next year I want something ten times better!”*
Olivia was pouting as she scanned the room. No matter what, everything had to always be about her. I chuckled at her arrogance of thinking she could outdo Kayla Christiansen.
*“Don’t worry dear…it will be!”*
And of course, mother was right there to indulge her.
*“Don’t worry Livie, you’re still doing better than Graceland. Her birthday is the same day as yours and she didn’t even get a party.”*
Cole spoke with a smug tone. And this was supposed to be the nice brother. What a joke.
*“Who would want to throw a party for Graceland. That’s like throwing a party for the maid.”*
Brian sneered as they made their way into the ballroom.
*“Enough! Tonight we’re here to make sure we’re on the good graces of House Christiansen and to also make sure Graceland comes back with us. Even if she’s not here, we can’t risk others hearing you bad mouth them or her.”*
Ever the business schemer, Noah really was just like dad.
As the party progressed, my father looked around in irritation.
*“Where are the Christiansens and why haven’t they announced who this party is for?”*
*“Yes, this is rather unbecoming of such a prominent family.*
Just as my mother was chiming in, Marla and Theo walked directly behind them.
*“Enjoying yourselves?”*
Marla’s words caused everyone to jump and turn around. If it weren’t for the masks, you would have been able to see all the color draining from their faces.
*“L-Lord and Lady Christiansen?”*
My father nervously asked as they began to bow.
*“Mr. & Mrs. Rochester.”*
My father-in-law stated in a stoic tone causing my father to shudder.
*“Well! It’s a pleasure to see you both! Thank you so much for the invitation! Everything looks beautiful!”*
*“Oh yes! This theme was amazing! You two really know how to throw a party!”*
My mother chimed in with my father. All this ass kissing was starting to upset my stomach.
*“Are you sure? You don’t think it’s unbecoming?”*
***……..***
My parents both stared at each other nervously. Suddenly, Marla let out a sardonic laugh.
*“Just kidding. Thank you for the compliment. It was actually my daughter’s idea.”*
Sharon and Calvin both laughed nervously.
*“Oh, well, you must let us speak with her sometime to get some ideas about future parties and events! Afterall, we’re all family now!”*
My father smiled eagerly. Family. Please. Not once did they even ask if I was there.
*“If you don’t mind me asking, who’s birthday are we celebrating today?”*
Marla smiled a mischievous smile.
*“That’s a secret for now. In due time, the guests of honor will be arriving. Well, I hope everyone enjoys themselves.”*
Marla and Theo walked off greeting other guests. Shortly after, Sharon’s face twisted. Speaking low so that no one else could hear her, she fumed.
*“That bitch. That’s the second time she’s done that.”*
*“Quiet! Enough of your complaining!”*
Calvin scolded her as Noah spoke up.
*“This is exactly why I said stop with the shit talking. You all almost got caught! Let’s remember why we’re here.”*
The time was now 7pm. As the orchestra finished their song, Marla and Theo took the stage. After taking the mic, Marla began to speak.
*“Thank you all for to celebrate this evening. As you all know, the beginning of this year was very tragic for my family and I. Our son Kai was in a horrible accident that rendered him comatose.”*
*“Because of that, we’ve spent this past year in the shadows as we chose to focus on our son’s health. I can honestly say this year has been extremely challenging for us as we continued to fight and pray for his recovery; so I thank you all for joining us tonight as we finally allow some celebration.”*
*“Now I’m sure you’re all wondering exactly WHO we’ll be celebrating this evening, but before we get into that…I’d like to introduce a young woman on the stage who has composed a very beautiful piece for tonight’s honor.”*
The crowd all began to whisper; wondering who the guest or guests of honors were and who this mystery artist was.
As I made my way to stage, the room began chatter.
*“Who is that?”*
*“I don’t know; she’s wearing a mask so it’s hard to tell.”*
*“Her dress is beautiful! Is that a phoenix themed dress and mask?”*
The crowd continued to gossip as I made my way to the piano.
The first time I expressed my love to Kai; I used my violin and it’s musical notes. Tonight, I would use this piano along with my voice. I scanned the room quickly spotting Kai, he was now standing in front of the crowd. I smiled warmly and began to play the piano as I sang the song written just for him.
As I began to play and sing, I could hear the crowd whispering. Although I couldn’t make out the words, I could tell they were filled with excitement.
**********************************
***Kai’s POV:***
As Gracie played and sing, I could feel my heart swelling in my chest.
*‘Is THAT what she had been doing all those nights in the music room while I was working?’*
She’d composed another love letter to me. Only this time; she used the piano as her paper and her voice as the pen.
*“Oh my, this is absolutely beautiful.”*
Someone from the crowd exclaimed as Gracie continued to sing.
*“I wonder who she’s singing too?”*
*“Well, whoever it is…he’s a lucky fella. This young lady is clearly in love.”*
I could feel myself blushing through my mask. They had no idea…me and Gracie…we crossed oceans of time just to be together.
As she reached the end of her song, I could hear several people talking behind me. As they grew closer, their voices grew clearer.
The Rochesters.
*“Oh my god…I don’t believe it.”*
*“What is it Cole?”*
*“I…I know who that singer is.”*
*“Who is it??”*
*“It’s Graceland.”*