Midnight Surrender-Chapter 87 You are my everything (AVOT)

The grand hall, once filled for her wedding, now bustled with even more life, a vibrant mix of new faces—human and vampire alike, though predominantly human.

As the Marquess, Rhain was determined to integrate Lily and Lucas into society, to ensure they didn’t feel isolated within the walls of their grand estate. And so, he orchestrated a soirée fit for royalty, a lavish affair that promised to be the talk of the town for weeks to come.

Daisy couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nerves as she prepared for the evening, acutely aware of her role as the marchioness and the scrutiny she would face. She meticulously adorned herself in a beautiful gown, its intricate lace and satin drapery exuding elegance, paired with jewelry so resplendent that it could rival the crown jewels. Her hair was styled in a sophisticated updo, adorned with delicate pearls and ribbons, framing her face with an air of regality.

Beside her, Rhain cut a striking figure in his tailored attire, exuding an air of effortless sophistication and charm. His suit, a rich black velvet that caught the light in subtle ripples, accentuated his lean frame and commanding presence. A crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath his waistcoat, the silver buttons gleaming in the soft glow of the chandeliers. His dark hair, meticulously styled, framed his angular features with a touch of rakish allure.

With a nod of approval from Rhain, Daisy looped her arm through his, and they made their way to the grand staircase. The moment they appeared at the top of the stairs, a hush fell over the hall. Every eye turned upward, and as they began to descend the stairs, whispers rippled through the crowd.

"What are they saying?" Daisy whispered anxiously.

"I told you. They are green with envy," Rhain whispered back, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Once they reached the bottom of the staircase, they were greeted by a flurry of compliments from the guests. Daisy smiled graciously, exchanging pleasantries with practiced ease, though inwardly she couldn’t shake the feeling of being scrutinized and judged.

Some guests seemed genuinely eager to befriend them, while others appeared more opportunistic in their attempts to curry favor. Daisy remained courteous, yet reserved, wary of those whose intentions seemed less than genuine.

As Daisy gracefully navigated through the throng of guests, her attention was drawn to the arrival of her father and her sisters, accompanied by Katherine. She couldn’t help but notice the extra effort her sisters had put into their appearance, making it seem as if they had no financial struggles. It was evident that Katherine had spared no expense in ensuring they looked their best for the occasion.

The trio hurried toward Daisy and Rhain, their eagerness palpable as they approached. However, Daisy couldn’t ignore the distracted look on her father’s face, his gaze fixed elsewhere. Following his line of sight, she realized he was watching her mother, now happily intertwined with Tiberius. A tinge of sadness flickered within Daisy for a moment, but she quickly reminded herself of the pain her father had caused with his abandonment and betrayal.

"Daisy! You look so lovely," Katherine’s voice broke through the moment, her tone sugary sweet as she addressed Daisy. Then, her attention shifted to Rhain. "Lord Blackthorne, you have a very nice party here."

Cassandra and Lila flanked their mother, offering polite curtsies to Daisy and Rhain. While Lila wore a visibly displeased expression, Cassandra’s eyes lingered on Daisy’s attire and jewelry, a hint of envy simmering beneath the surface. Daisy met her sister’s gaze with a knowing smile.

These were the people she had endured for so long. It was difficult to comprehend how she had endured now that she had a taste of a life without them. She longed for them to disappear, especially Katherine’s pretentious smile. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Daisy blocked out the incessant ramblings of her sisters and Katherine, her focus instead drawn to her father’s awkward presence on the sidelines. Thomas would occasionally cast glances toward Helena, who appeared radiant in her midnight-colored gown, her dark hair cascading in elegant waves. Daisy couldn’t help but admire her mother’s renewed sense of confidence and beauty, her genuine smile serving as her most precious adornment. Tiberius stood beside her, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back. Seeing them so at ease brought a genuine smile to Daisy’s lips.

Whatever apprehensions her mother had harbored about societal judgments seemed distant now. If anyone dared to speak ill, it would be out of sheer envy.

A gentle squeeze on her side drew Daisy’s attention back to Rhain, who wore his trademark mischievous smile. "What do you say?" he asked.

Daisy realized she had missed part of the conversation. "Well, your sisters also wish to find husbands," Rhain explained, gesturing toward Lila and Cassandra, who flashed innocent smiles in her direction. Daisy suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. She had grown weary of their antics and decided to let Rhain take charge, knowing he could impart valuable lessons they would never learn from Katherine.

"I’m sure you can introduce them to some suitable gentlemen," Daisy replied with feigned enthusiasm.

"Of course," Rhain agreed, his eyes gleaming with hidden intents.

He motioned for Cassandra and Lila to follow him as he began to introduce them to various guests. Daisy couldn’t quite discern his exact intentions, but it was Rhain, and she knew he relished playing his own brand of cunning games.

Left alone with Katherine, Daisy observed the calculating glint in her stepmother’s eyes as she surveyed the hall, seemingly plotting her next move. Katherine’s brows furrowed when her gaze fell upon Helena and Tiberius, and Daisy realized this was the source of her simmering resentment.

It was clear that the witch’s mind was already concocting schemes to undermine her mother’s newfound happiness. Daisy couldn’t help but smirk inwardly at the thought. She would like to see her try and fail miserably.

"Where is Thomas?" Katherine suddenly interjected, her tone possessive as she scanned the room. With a dismissive glance toward Daisy, she strode off in search of her husband, before dragging him to Helena and Tiberius’s table.

Daisy had become adept at deciphering Katherine’s manipulative tactics, and she could already anticipate her stepmother’s intentions. Katherine would likely unveil her mother’s past, casting her as a forsaken woman, while she would paint herself as the gracious woman who permitted her to reside with them.

As expected, Katherine wove her tale of deception, causing Helena to squirm uncomfortably while Thomas feebly attempted to intervene, unable to curb his wife’s venomous tongue. Her father appeared weak as always.

Tiberius, on the other hand, was not one to listen to Katherine idly and allow her to get away with her nonsense. His usual politeness gave way to a stern demeanor as he cut her off, "What do you wish to say, Lady Katherine?" he interjected firmly. "If you expect gratitude for your supposed generosity toward Helena, you are sorely mistaken."

He wrapped an arm protectively around Helena, drawing her close as he gazed at her with unabashed affection. "Helena is a treasure," he declared, his voice unwavering. "Anyone fortunate enough to have her in their lives should be the ones offering gratitude."

Helena’s eyes shimmered with suppressed emotion as she smiled gratefully, her heart touched by Tiberius’s defense. Tiberius then turned his attention back to Katherine and Thomas. "I am grateful to have her in my life," he continued. "I will not tolerate any mistreatment or disrespect toward her."

Thomas appeared defeated, while Katherine was momentarily stunned before stumbling over her words in an attempt to salvage the situation. "Oh, no, you misunderstand, my Lord," she protested weakly. "I did not mean—"

"That is enough!" Thomas suddenly intervened, rising from his seat. With a formal bow to Tiberius and Helena, he offered his apologies. "My apologies," he murmured, his demeanor contrite.

Katherine, bewildered by her husband’s sudden assertiveness, attempted to protest, but Thomas silenced her with a firm grip on her wrist. "We are leaving!" he declared.

"But..." Katherine began to protest.

Thomas cut her off with a stern glare, one that surprised Daisy. She hadn’t seen her father stand up to Katherine with such resolve before. Feeling humiliated, Katherine rose from her seat and followed Thomas out of the room, her pride wounded by her husband’s uncharacteristic defiance.

Rhain’s attempts to match Cassandra and Lila with older, wealthy suitors quickly revealed the difference between the sisters’ naive nature and the superficiality of high society. The men they were paired with, though affluent, exuded an air of entitlement, viewing Cassandra and Lila as nothing more than decorative accessories to enhance their own status.

As the evening progressed, the sisters found themselves increasingly uncomfortable in the company of these conceited individuals, whose inappropriate behavior left them both disappointed and relieved when Thomas intervened, rescuing them from further discomfort.

"Mrs. Blackthorne," a smooth, melodious voice called out, drawing Daisy’s attention. She turned to find a young woman draped in a gown of soft lavender silk that accentuated her slender frame. Her chestnut hair was swept up in an intricate coiffure, adorned with delicate pearls that shimmered in the candlelight. Beside her stood a man of noble bearing, impeccably dressed in tailored evening attire.

"I am Florence, and this is my Husband George, the Earl of Westbrook," she introduced with a regal nod.

Daisy returned the gesture with a warm smile. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Florence and Lord George," she greeted graciously. "Thank you for gracing our humble gathering with your presence."

"Thank you for extending us the invitation," Florence replied graciously. "It’s not often that one receives such an honor from Lord Blackthorne, but I anticipated changes with his recent marriage."

Daisy’s smiled, a hint of amusement twinkling in her eyes at Florence’s remark. "Indeed, marriage does bring about certain changes," she replied. "Please, join me at the table," she said, motioning for them to sit, having a feeling she would like Florence.

Florence, at twenty-eight, had been wedded to her husband for eleven fruitful years, blessed with two daughters and a son. The eldest daughter, nearly the same age as Lucas and Lila, presented a perfect opportunity for companionship. Yet, beyond the prospect of fostering friendships for the children, Daisy sensed the budding of a genuine bond with Florence herself. As the evening unfolded, Rhain joined their circle, engaging in lively conversation where Daisy, in turn, shared the story of Lucas and Lila’s adoption.

Florence’s reaction was one of sincere surprise and heartfelt warmth. "We must arrange a gathering soon, with the entire family present," she proposed, her eyes alight with enthusiasm.

Daisy’s heart swelled with joy at the suggestion. "That would be wonderful," she agreed eagerly, looking over at Rhain. He gave her an approving smile.

Soon a lively tune filled the air, prompting Florence to suggest a dance. "We’ve been seated for too long," she remarked with a playful smile.

With George and Rhain leading the way, they gracefully made their way to the dance floor, surrendering to the rhythm of the music. Turning to Rhain, Daisy inquired, "What are your thoughts?"

"I like them," he smiled.

Daisy returned the smile, reassured that her instincts about Florence and George had been right. "Likewise," she admitted.

As their dance continued, Rhain observed, "Your father has departed."

"Yes," Daisy acknowledged with a nod. "At least Lila and Cassandra had a bit of excitement," she added, a hint of humor in her tone.

Rhain confessed, "I did feel a bit guilty."

Daisy arched an eyebrow in surprise. "You? Vampire Rhain, feeling guilty?"

He chuckled softly. "Just a little. After I had enjoying their discomfort."

"Well, don’t lose your edge now," Daisy teased, her fingers trailing lightly over his nape. "I have come to enjoy your dark side."

"Oh, so now you don’t want me to lose it?" Rhain teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"No," Daisy replied softly, her fingers trailing down to his nape. "You can’t lure me to the dark side and then decide to abandon me."

"I do enjoy a bit of a struggle. Now it’s up to you to make me stay," he flirted, drawing her closer with a gentle yet insistent touch.

"So now I’m the one chasing after you?" She quipped with a playful smirk.

"Yes, and I promise to make it quite the challenge."

She chuckled, feeling the warmth of their playful exchange. "But you’re already mine, Rhain."

"Say it with more possessiveness," he urged, his voice lowering.

"You are mine!" Daisy repeated, more firmly but still with a lot of affection.

"And you, my vibrant bloom, you are my everything," he whispered.

With his eyes still watching them, he leaned in and pressed his lips to her forehead.

THE END!

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A/N

This was THE END of the story. Thank you so much for going on this journey with me. I absolutely loved this story. For those of you who aren’t reading "Captive of Night" yet, I would love if you could come over to MyFavReads. Follow me on Instagram @author_jazzmine or facebook page Jasmine Josef to stay updated on all of my stories and upcoming ones. I will be joining the MyFavReads contest that starts this April so stay tuned for the new story. Much love. Hope you enjoyed this short story.