Chapter 47

It was not Juan but Malka who spoke.
"You and Alexander belong together, Heather."
Heather was taken aback by her presence. She did not expect Malka here when she was standing with Contessa and Heinrich Diadem while they were making an announcement in front of everyone.
Everyone.
She was ridiculed in front of the whole town. The word of Alexander and Diona's engagement would spread like wildfire. Even though, her relationship with Alexander was not exclusive, a lot of people in the town hinted at being aware of the reason behind her sudden presence in Warsavor.
If she gives it some thought, she realizes that no woman would leave her house and travel to a stranger's hometown. It does not take a highly intelligent person to suspect the underlying relationship between her and Alexander. She had been in this town long enough for them to know her and make their own judgment about her.
On more than one occasion, she and Alexander have taken strolled in Warsavor, meeting local residents. They might not have been vocal about their relationship, but it was evident.
"Malka, his parents just announced their engagement. You were present."
"That does not change anything," Juan said, trying to be optimistic about the entire situation even though it was far from one.
"Only thing which has changed now is my relationship with him,” Heather told her dejectedly.
On the other hand, Malka approached her and gently squeezed her shoulder as she put her hand there.
“But your love for one another won’t. What may come, one cannot forget their love. What you and Alexander have is true and genuine. It cannot be broken easily.”
Heather was not convinced by her words as her new friend spoke.
Malka continued, “I was present there when my uncle announced Alexander's marriage to Diona. You did not see the look on Alexander’s face; I did. He was livid. I know my brother. If it was up to him, he would have created a huge scene in front of everyone and left the hall instantly, confessing his desire to marry you and Diona, but he was powerless to do so. He would have been on the verge of bursting if I had not interfered. One word from Alexander and the family's reputation would have been tarnished for worst. Not only ours but also Gonzale’s. Alexander’s anger would have gotten the better of him, and things would have spiraled out of hand, and we cannot have that. The only way to resolve this difference is by communicating. It has to be done internally, or else we will be the town's gossip for all the wrong reasons. The only way I could imagine for things to get smooth over is by being patient and giving everyone some time. We still have time, as they are yet to get married, and Alexander is surely going to put up a big fight. I am sure about this.”
“I am not sure about it,” Heather said.
“What about your love for Alexander? You are unsure about that as well?” Malka asked her.
“Off course not. There is no ignoring the fact that I would do anything and everything for him. My feelings for him are not just an infatuation. It is real.”
“Then it some time. Give Alexander a chance to make things better for you.” Juan murmured as he approached Heather and gave her hand a light squeeze.
Heather nodded in return. She felt grateful she was surrounded by two lovely people who had become a well-wisher for her.
“If you don't mind, can I be alone for some time? I do not feel well.” Heather asked. She needs some time to think and also some space to process everything that has happened.
Juan and Malka nodded. “Yes. Malka and I should go inside to check on Alexander. I know my brother well. He would be ready to explode just about any time if he has not until now. Heather, please take care and do not hesitate if you need us. We are at your side, and I will try to send Alexander to you as soon as possible. Have faith.”
Heather gave a quick nod before entering her room. She had no idea what to expect. She erred in believing that she had enough time to leave a positive impression on his parents. Their thoughts were already made up, though. The chance of them thinking otherwise is slim.
Regardless of that, words from Juan and Malka were also echoing in her brain. She did believe them and also chose to believe that Alexander did have a valid reason for purposely concealing this fact from her. She would talk to him about it if and when he was ready to see her.
She was currently hiding in her room away from everyone's prying eyes. She and Alexander had not spoken to one another in about two hours. He had yet to escape from the party, and she had given up all hope of seeing him. But something didn't feel right. She felt a sharp sense of inside discomfort and ache. There was definitely a problem.
She was uncomfortable, but she was walking towards Diadem's mansion before she could control her emotions and her feet. What she was seeing astonished her. Tablecloths and other linens that were hung throughout the estate were torched, and the chandeliers on the grand staircase were broken into pieces. There was blood all throughout, and the mirrors were broken.
But nobody was inside. It was totally deserted. Heather rushes off to find Alexander, Juan, and Malka. She feared for their life.
She yelled their names, but neither of them answered, which made her more concerned about them and the other partygoers in attendance. How the hell she did not hear anything inside her cabin. It was not far from their home.
In an effort to locate them in their room, she went upstairs. Although it was a violation of privacy, she didn't care at this point. Thankfully, she heard muttering as she crossed the corridor. Before she mustered the courage to turn the doorknob, she heard Alexander's loud voice behind the closed door.