The grand ballroom of the Ellington Estate shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, their prismatic light casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floors. It was the night of the much-anticipated Winemaker × Ellington collaboration, a union of two titans in the world of viticulture and luxury.
The occasion marked not only the launch of an exclusive vintage wine—a bold, velvety blend with notes of blackberry, cedar, and spice—but also a celebration of shared ambition and artistry. The air was thick with anticipation, scented with the subtle bouquet of the new vintage and the fragrance of opulent floral arrangements adorning every table.
Guests, an elite coterie of sommeliers, critics, and high-society luminaries, were resplendent in their finery. Men donned tailored tuxedos, their lapels gleaming with satin, while women floated through the room in gowns of silk and chiffon, their jewelry sparkling like constellations. The atmosphere buzzed with animated conversation, the clink of crystal flutes, and the soft strains of a string quartet weaving through the crowd. This was more than an event; it was a spectacle, a testament to the prestige of the Winemaker × Ellington alliance.
At the heart of the evening stood Charlotte, a vision of ethereal elegance, who commanded the room the moment she entered. Her gown, a flowing cascade of ivory silk, hugged her frame with delicate precision, its off-the-shoulder neckline accentuating her graceful collarbone. The dress shimmered faintly with each movement, catching the light like moonlight on water. Around her neck and ears gleamed a matched set of diamond jewelry—a necklace with a teardrop pendant and chandelier earrings that sparkled with every tilt of her head. Her fiery red hair, styled in soft, voluminous waves, was swept into an intricate updo, with a few tendrils framing her face, lending her an air of timeless sophistication. Her emerald-red eyes, framed by long lashes, held a spark of nervous excitement, though her outward composure was flawless.Charlotte's entrance was nothing short of magnetic. Heads turned, conversations faltered, and a ripple of admiration swept through the crowd. She moved with poise, her smile gracious yet reserved, acutely aware of the weight of every gaze. Beneath her polished exterior, however, her heart raced.
Tonight was not just a celebration of the collaboration but a personal milestone—she was to deliver a speech, a task that filled her with quiet dread. Public speaking had never been her forte, and the thought of addressing this discerning audience made her stomach churn.As she glided through the throng, a familiar figure approached: Sebastian Ellington, the charismatic scion of the Ellington dynasty and a key figure in the collaboration. Sebastian was the epitome of debonair charm, his bespoke navy tuxedo tailored to perfection, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame. His dark hair was swept back, a single lock falling roguishly over his forehead, and his piercing green eyes gleamed with warmth and mischief. In his hand, he held a flute of the new vintage, its ruby hue catching the light as he raised it in greeting.
"Good evening, my Lady Red," he said, his voice a smooth baritone laced with playful affection.
The nickname, a nod to her vibrant hair, never failed to coax a smile from her.
"Good evening, Sebastian," Charlotte replied, her tone bright but tinged with unease.
"I must confess, I'm rather exhilarated by the evening… but there's a slight predicament.
"Sebastian's brow arched, his expression shifting to one of attentive concern. "A predicament? Do enlighten me, and I shall endeavor to remedy it."
Charlotte hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the delicate chain of her necklace. "It may sound utterly trivial, but I'm dreadfully nervous about my speech. I scarcely slept last night, fretting over it."
A gentle smile curved Sebastian's lips, his eyes softening with understanding.
"My dear Charlotte, there's no shame in that. Even the most seasoned orators feel the weight of the stage. I, too, have known that flutter of nerves. But allow me to impart a small piece of wisdom: once you're up there, let the world fade away. Focus on the microphone, let your words flow, and if you falter, seek my gaze. I'll be your anchor."
Charlotte's shoulders relaxed, a wave of gratitude washing over her. "Thank you, Sebastian. Your counsel is invaluable, as always. I… I truly cherish how you're always there for me. It's why I hold you so love ."Sebastian's eyes widened, a spark of hope flaring in their depths.
"love? Dare I hope you mean—
"Charlotte's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she waved a hand dismissively, cutting him off. "Oh, no, I didn't mean—that is, I—"He chuckled, raising a hand to forestall her protest.
"Very well, Lady Red. Let's table this discussion for after your speech, shall we?"
She nodded, relief mingling with a flicker of curiosity at the intensity in his gaze. "Yes, after the speech.
"The moment arrived for Charlotte to take the stage. As she ascended the steps, her heart thundered, and the sea of expectant faces before her seemed to blur into a daunting haze. Her breath caught, and for a fleeting moment, she felt paralyzed, her carefully rehearsed words slipping from her grasp. Then, her eyes found Sebastian's. He stood near the front, his posture relaxed yet attentive, his gaze warm and unwavering. There was something almost luminous in his eyes—a quiet strength, a silent promise that steadied her. It was as if the rest of the room dissolved, leaving only the two of them.Drawing a deep breath, Charlotte began. Her voice, initially tremulous, gained confidence with each word. She spoke of the collaboration's vision, the artistry behind the new vintage, and the shared passion that had brought it to fruition. Her delivery was poised, her words eloquent, and by the time she concluded, the audience erupted in applause.
She descended the stage, her heart soaring, and made her way to Sebastian.
"Thank you," she said, her voice fervent. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Sebastian's smile was radiant. "You were magnificent, my Red. Now, if I may, there's something I wish to—
"Charlotte, sensing the weight of his words, gently interrupted.
"Sebastian, let's discuss this over dinner. It's your turn to speak now.
"He inclined his head, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "As you wish."Sebastian took the stage with effortless charisma, his presence commanding yet approachable. His speech was a masterclass in persuasion, weaving humor, passion, and insight into a narrative that celebrated the vintage's uniqueness. His voice, rich and resonant, carried an infectious enthusiasm that captivated the audience. By the time he finished, the room was abuzz with excitement, and orders for the new vintage surged.Later,
in a secluded corner of the estate's dining room, Charlotte and Sebastian sat at a candlelit table, a third chair reserved for an absent guest. The table was adorned with fine china and a centerpiece of white roses, their petals glowing softly in the dim light. Charlotte, still radiant in her gown, felt a quiet thrill at the intimacy of the moment. Sebastian, his jacket draped over the back of his chair, looked at her with unguarded affection.
"You were breathtaking tonight, Red," he said, his voice low and earnest. "And those eyes of yours—there's a fire in them, a passion I find utterly captivating.
"Charlotte's lips curved into a shy smile, but her expression grew pensive.
"Sebastian, there's something I've been meaning to ask. Why did you support me… in betraying my brother? You didn't know my reasons, and yet you stood by me without question.
"Sebastian leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Do I need a reason to stand by the woman who holds my heart? Right or wrong, my loyalty is to you. My Red is always right in my eyes."
Charlotte's breath caught, her heart swelling with emotion. "I love you," she whispered, the words spilling out before she could stop them.Sebastian's face lit up, a slow, radiant smile spreading across his features.
"And I love you, more than words can express. Which is why… I want us to be engaged.
"Charlotte blinked, momentarily stunned. "Engaged? Are you serious? This is so sudden—it feels almost like a jest."
He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "No jest, my darling. I love you so fiercely that the thought of being apart, even for a day, is unbearable. This collaboration will demand our time, and we may only see each other once a week. To me, that's an eternity."
Charlotte laughed softly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Once a week? I'd call that frequent."
"Not for me," Sebastian said, his voice fervent. "I need you by my side, always. Say you'll be mine, Red.
"Her heart raced, a surge of joy overwhelming her. "I love you, Sebastian. Yes, let's get engaged."
Sebastian's face broke into a grin, and he squeezed her hand. "Thank you, my love, for giving me the chance to build a life with you."
Charlotte's eyes glistened, and she rose, excusing herself. "I need a moment in the washroom. I'm so happy I might cry."In the quiet of the washroom, Charlotte leaned against the counter, her reflection radiant with joy. This was her moment, a life she had scarcely dared to dream of.
Then, her phone buzzed, shattering the reverie. She glanced at the screen, and her blood ran cold as she read the message:
I WILL ENSURE YOUR DEMISE, CHARLOTTE, AND YOU SHALL NEVER RISE AGAIN, YOU VILE OFFSPRING OF A MISTRESS.
The words hung in the air, a venomous threat that cast a shadow over her newfound bliss.
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