The foyer's ornate chandelier reflects the soft warm light across the ceiling. It wasn’t necessary for the chandelier to be on, but it kept Delia occupied as she couldn’t bear to look at the man standing beside her. Her hand squeezes around his as she attempts to relax, but nothing’s working. It’s a very good thing that she never got into acting. From the stairwell she sees a tall, older well-dressed man; he hurries his pace to greet them. As he approaches, Delia notices that his hair is more salt than pepper. His face hints that in his younger years, he looked exactly like Theo.

“Good day, good day!” He exclaims as he pats Theo on the shoulder. “You look to be in fantastic spirits, my boy!”

“Grandfather,” Theo nods.

“And you must be Delia. Just look at you—a cute little woman you are!” He turns to Delia, his eyes wide with childlike excitement. She swears he's going to pinch her cheeks, but he doesn’t. “My name is Milo Avangard. A pleasure to finally see you in person.” He grins; he's very different than what she expected. He gestures to Theo, “Come, show her off, show her off!”

Theo clears his throat, his face showing mild disturbance from his grandfather’s ushering, but he stays quiet as they follow him. Milo turns to Delia, “I hope you can mind my Theo—he can be a stick in the mud.”

Wow, she would never have gotten that impression, Delia rolls her eyes as she thinks to herself. 

Theo lets go of her hand and sticks it in his pocket, which suited her fine. His palms were starting to get clammy anyway.

They follow him to the entertainment room; Delia holds her hand to her mouth when she sees her grandmother sitting on the chair, next to Thorne. He hops off of the antique couch, rushing to meet his sister.

“Dee, I’m glad you're here!” Her younger brother stands heads taller than her. He's built like a bodyguard, but he’s too soft for the job. His brown eyes look at Theo for a moment before he holds out his hand. “I’m Thorne Bellaham…erm…Bellaham-Firthe.”

“Theo Avangard.” He replies, shaking Thorne's hand. They matched each other in size but held completely different personalities.

“Welcome to the family!” Thorne gives him a hard pat on the back. “Dee’s been lonely for quite some time, she could never keep a man around long enough to marry her—ouch!” Delia smiles wryly as her fingers pinch harder on Thorne's waist.

“Is that so?” Theo smiles, amused at Thorne's words. She rolls her eyes—she’s not going to dignify Thorne’s words with a response. It’s time to say hello to her grandmother.

Cordelia has the same idea; she sees the older woman coming towards them.

“See? Didn’t I say it would all work out?” Cordelia smiles softly, patting Delia’s back.

“Yeah,” She feigns happiness. If only she could mention that it was a façade to score an island for the Odious Oranges—those very thieves being the hired bodyguards scattered around the mansion. God knows what they would do to her and her family if she blabbed. Delia can’t afford to risk their safety.  

“You look upset—why?” Her grandmother’s steel-blue eyes glare at her.

“It’s nothing—just tired from the last few days.”

"I do say it’s suspicious that you fell for the Avangard boy so swiftly but I’m the last person on this earth to judge you. I fell in love with your grandfather quite quickly, and it astonishes me to this day that we had a nice long life together—a life that I longed for you to experience as well.” She looks misty-eyed. “Thank you so much for giving Theodore a chance. You have saved our family from ruin.”

“It’s no problem. I told you I’d give it a try—and—we’re just the perfect match.”

“Ah, he must like eggs too.” Cordelia grins, “Is he a good cook? He could help you run Eggcellent Eats.”

“In time,” Delia closes her eyes—lying to her grandmother churns her stomach. She needs to switch the subject. “I know Grandfather had passed a few years ago, but have you considered Milo? He’s quite handsome for an older man.”

"Milo? Oh heavens, no! He’s a friend and a business partner. I’d say he and your grandfather were more of a match than anything, but thankfully he only had eyes for me. Three is a crowd in any relationship.” She chuckles. “Besides, I couldn't be with him. That man doesn’t know the art of subtlety, and we can't have two Firthes marrying Avangards, could we?” Did she assume Oli and Delius weren't going to marry? “I am curious, however—was it is that made you fall for Theodore so hastily?”

“We have chemistry—it’s hard to explain.” A lie if she ever told one…she hopes her grandmother will buy it.

Cordelia’s eyes soften. “I thank you again for all you’ve done for us, Delia.” It dashes her hopes that her grandmother believed Delia so easily, but she couldn’t afford to let it slip. Theo needs to convince his grandfather for that island while the man is in a good mood.

“Excuse me,” Delia pardons herself, glancing around for Theo—good, he was still talking to his grandfather. What were they talking about? She should intrude on their conversation while they’re still chatting. Twisting a curl of her hair, she decides to approach them. Delia needs to act like this is something she really wants. That would be the best way to approach this, right? God, she hopes so.

“Hey, I’m just here to drop in. Just seeing what’s going on over on this side of the room, you know? So—what you are guys talking about?" God, that sounded so fake!

Theo raises a brow as he stares at Delia in confusion.

“Not much…uh…just catching up on stuff.” She can hear the why are you bothering us in his voice. He freezes momentarily, the realization set in. He pulls Delia in with his arm briskly, the suddenness of his actions startles her into a gasp. “Were you lonely?” He says insincerely.

“A bit, but I mean, we were joined at the hip for the last three days. True paradise when I’m by your side.” God, her lines sound so forced! She hopes Milo is as stupid as Theo said he was.

“Ah yes, where are my manners? Theo, you need to show Delia around the house, since this will be her new home.”

WHAT?! There was never any talk about her living in the Avangard Manor at all! What's with this change? Wait, no, this is perfect! Delia can interject here.

“Well, I was thinking about something else…like…maybe we could live somewhere private…like have our own island.” Delia smiles, lightly resting her hand on Theo’s chest. She can feel his heartbeat through her palm; his muscles tensing presumably from the stress of her question.

Milo frowns, “I’m old, quite old in fact. As much as I would like to give you what you ask, how will I meet my great-grandchildren if they are so remote?”

Theo coughs.  

“But, think of all the press that will be crowding us if we don’t have a remote space. I don’t think Theo and I can bring children into this world under that kind of pressure. I want to raise my babies in peace.” Delia says, feigning confidence.

“I assure you, dear, that you will be protected here. I will not let any harm come to my family no matter what.”

Was he insinuating that she would become an Avangard herself? That wasn’t going to happen!

“Delia's right. You’re not getting any great-grandchildren unless you give us an island.” Theo's voice is firm. She appreciates the backup.

“That’s not fair.” His grandfather pouts. “Dangling one of my long-time wishes over my head like that.” He pauses, sighing in defeat. “How about this—once my first great-grandchild is born, then I’ll purchase any small island you want.” Delia exchanges worried glances with Theo. That was a terrible agreement! “Forgive an old man for putting you two in this situation, but Theo is my only hope to continue our family name. But, that’s what the honeymoon phase is for, after all.” Milo let’s out a hearty chuckle.

“Please stop talking,” Theo stresses heavily.

So much for getting that island right away. God, who knows how long they’d be trapped under the thumb of these guys. Couldn’t Delia just steal a baby and be done with the ordeal? This isn’t how she wants to start a family. Thank god Milo's attention drifts to her grandmother. It gives them a chance to breathe.

“What did you ask him about the island for? I was going to ask when we were alone.” Theo whispers under his breath.

“I didn’t know that!”

“Now he’s going to expect us to have some brat!”

“No worries there, Theodore. I wouldn’t sleep with you unless I loved you—”

“Not so loud,” Theo warns. “If the wrong person hears us, we are screwed.”

From the corner of her eye, she catches the sight of her twin brother, Delius. She didn’t even know he was here—he hated formal engagements since they were kids. Beside him is a small, slim girl with the same dark hair and chestnut skin Theo has, although her eyes were a vibrant fuchsia. It's been a few since she’s seen Thea. Delia huffs, maybe they weren’t interested in each other but at least they got on well. Her and Theo are just not a match for each other.

Delius glances in Delia's direction, walking over to her. Thea follows.

“Hey bro,” Thea waves, eyeing him up and down. “Fancy shirt u got on.”

Theo pulls a face but says nothing. She looks at Delia, “Kinda feel sorry that you gotta take my place, but you look happy at least. Still mystified me that you’d choose to be with my bro, though. She lets out a cackle. “But whatever, I guess you’re part of our clan now—for better or worse.”

“Thanks…” Delia looks at her brother, he doesn’t say anything until Thea drags Theo away by the arm. Delius moves closer to his sister, eyeing her suspiciously.

“You aren’t doing this because you want to. I can see it written all over your face.”

Delia isn’t sure what to say. She looks up at her brother tempted to tell her what was really going on. She can’t afford to be honest with him.

“What’s he done?” Delius comes to the wrong conclusion.

“Theo isn’t at fault,” she corrects herself, “It’s just nerves before the wedding.”

“Don’t give me that bullshit. I know you too well—you need time to get used to someone in your space. You would never jump on a wedding—never mind elope—with someone you just met. I’ve met Theo before—he’s not your type.” Delius crosses his lean arms as he steps forward. “I told Grandmother this wouldn’t work.”

"Really?" Delia's skeptical, but she's not going to cause a scene. She changes the subject, “Where’s Oli.” 

“You know he can’t be here—he’s not allowed in the manor.” She sees the sulk in his lips. “We’ll talk about this later—I need a quick word with Grandmother.”

Panic begins to bubble in Delia’s throat as she watches her brother head towards their grandmother. She has to flee the scene before she makes a spectacle of herself. Delia runs into the hall, looking for a room to hide to. The panic in her chest is so close to bursting. She's spotted by one of the men in black—he speeds in her direction. Fuck! He’s going to storm her down—and she can’t call for help! She squeaks, spinning on her heel as she sprints in the opposite direction, but she knows it’s not going to work out for her. She’s always sucked in track-and-field. It’s not much, but maybe she can chuck her shoe at him. Before Delia grabs her shoe, the man snags her by the arm, yanking her off of her feet. His large hand covers her mouth before she has the chance to scream.

“You best be quiet, bitch.”