The golden hues of the evening filled the grand venue as the Ramsy family arrived. The heat of summer had begun to lessen gradually, and a warm breeze fluttered the green leaves gently as elegantly dressed figures stepped out of the limousine.
Albert Ramsy was the first to emerge. His dark metallic three-piece suit gleamed subtly under lights, with the violet tie adding a regal touch. With practised ease, he turned and extended a hand, his firm grip steadying Grandma Zhou as she stepped down.
Zhou Ruyan carried herself with grace, the violet silk blouson dress draped elegantly over her slender frame, and an elastic waistband clung to her midsection, giving a flattering blouson effect on the top. The delicate shimmer of the fabric highlighted her neatly pinned silver hair in a detailed updo.
Jacob Ramsy and Elina Palmer followed, both exuding classic elegance. Jacob's Indigo suit, complemented by a golden tie, matched the golden maxi dress Elina wore.
Micah was the next to step out, his groovy grey suit fitting him perfectly. The black-tie contrasted against the lighter shade of his attire, giving a touch of maturity. He barely adjusted His cuffs before reaching a hand to his sister, Aria, helping her out of the car.
Aria carefully stepped down in her black vintage-length satin dress. The V-neck and off-shoulder neckline showcase her collarbones. The puffy skirts swayed as she moved, a playful contrast to her refined attire.
Just as Micah leaned to help his older sister, a man blocked him in front of the car door. Micah's expression changed subtly.
Turning his head, he caught the cold profile of the man.
Gu Donghai.
His older sister's fiancé.
"Miss Willow, take my hand."
Gu Donghai said with a cold voice.
The man was tall, sharp, and effortlessly composed. His jet-black hair was neatly styled, and his Phoenix black eyes locked onto Willow with intensity and unwavering focus. His prominent jawline was clenched slightly as he bent forward in his simple black tuxedo.
Willow, unfazed by his strange demeanour, reached out and grasped his hand.
As she stood up, her lustrous burgundy satin maxi dress clung to her figure. The cowl neckline created a subtle drape, lending an air of considered ease to the silhouette. Her long black hair was gathered into a neat bun, exposing the delicate curve of her neck.
For a moment, Gu Donghai's gaze fluctuated slightly before resuming to his usual indifferent coldness.
He gave a curt nod to the rest of Ramsy's family before escorting Willow inside.
Micah stared at the back of the two figures disappearing through the grand entrance, deep in thought.
"What's the matter?"
Aria asked, puzzled.
Micah shook his head.
"Nothing. Let's go inside."
The brother and sister stepped into the banquet hall. The murmur of conversation mixed with the soft notes of a live quartet, created an atmosphere of refined celebration.
Aria's eyes lit up as she spotted her childhood friend.
"Ah, I see Penny."
"Go on. I need to pay my respects to the Gu family."
Micah said, ushering his sister with a slight push.
She barely registered his words before hurrying off.
Micah shook his head before approaching the centre of the hall.
There, standing a group of dignified elders, were his grandparents, engaged in conversation with another elderly couple.
Micah stepped forward and greeted them respectfully.
"Madam Gu, Mister Gu."
"Silly boy! What madam, mister?! Call me Grandma."
The plump older woman turned to him with delighted laughter.
Micah let out a helpless chuckle and complied.
"Grandma Gu, Grandpa Gu."
"That's more like it. With our grandchildren's engagement, we are practically family. No need for formalities, kid."
Grandpa Gu laughed heartily and clapped a heavy hand on Micah's shoulder.
Micah simply nodded with a simple polite smile.
"Since when did you become this polite?"
Albert Ramsy said as he arched an eyebrow.
"Grandpa, I just wanted to save face for you… I didn't want come across as rude to my elderly."
Micah said innocently.
Albert snorted, while Grandma Zhou shook her head with an amused sigh.
"This boy…" she muttered.
Grandma Gu, however, studied Micah with warm concern.
"Are you feeling better, Micah? I heard you had a little accident."
"Yes, Thank you for your concern, It was just a simple bump. My friends made a fuss to send me to the hospital."
Micah waved a dismissive hand.
"That's good. You, youngsters, are full of vitality and energy, but have no idea how to use it wisely. Listen, Boy, Drink in moderation and indulge less in those playful activities. Save some for your future wife, hmm? What if you can't deliver when the time comes? After all, The Ramsy family line is on your shoulder to carry."
Grandpa Gu chuckled.
Micah's lips lifted slightly upward but before he could retort, Zhou Ruyan interfered.
"Micah, go on, your aunts and uncles are waiting."
Grandma Zhou turned slightly, gesturing toward the far end of the hall.
Micah nodded in gratitude before slipping away.
He knew exactly why his grandmother had sent him away. Their family friends had never missed an opportunity to make a jab at Micah.
Pointing out his recklessness or lack of ambition, his mediocre talent, or his incompetence as an heir.
The reason Grandma Zhou had sent him away was not that she thought Micah would be more bullied but because she feared Micah would say something unfiltered in return.
And the consequences of it always were not in Micah's favour.
As he neared the gathering in the corner, Micah heard the lively chatter of his cousins.
"Cora! Please! Be more discreet! Don't stuff everything in your mouth!"
Vivian Sanford hissed in exasperation, glaring at her sister.
"Mum! Where are the other kids? This is so boring."
Arlo Booker whined.
"Just wait a bit longer, sweetie. Other guests have not arrived yet."
Felicity Ramsy said in a gentle tone.
"Dad, I want to dance with you tonight!"
Jemima Booker announced with a pout.
Owen Booker, the ever-stoic man, visibly twitched.
"Jemima, this banquet is formal. You can't dance with him. Your height difference would make your father look ridiculous! Do you want people to laugh at your respected lieutenant general dancing with his little girl?"
Vivian Sanford said with a disappointed look.
"But Cousin, I don't want to dance with those sticky boys!"
Jemima Booker huffed.
"How about dancing with your cousin Micah?"
Mabel Ramsy suggested playfully.
"No way, aunt! Even though he is the most handsome boy in the world, he always pranks me!"
Jemima refused outright.
"It was two years ago, Jemima, and you were just six. He didn't want to scare you, sweetie."
Felicity Ramsy sighed.
"No way! He threw me into the air in the middle of the dance!"
Jemima said with a puff in her cheeks.
"You should be grateful that you have that chance… look at Cora, a chubby girl…Micah could never do that to her!"
Vivian snickered.
"Young lady! Watch your word! You are eighteen now. Act like an adult!"
Mabel Ramsy said sharply, her expression hardened.
"Hey! Hey!… keep it down! People are staring at us."
Graham Sanford whispered timidly.
A Sudden laugh echoed behind them. The group turned sharply, their conversation halting as they saw Micah standing relaxed at the edge of a pillar. His arms were crossed with a bemused expression on his face.