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A/N: Here’s an aesthetic of the ball with Victoria looking as resplendent as ever in her gown.
TRIGGER WARNING: SELF-HARM!
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The weeks passed by quickly after the games, rolling over each other. End-of-term exams came and went and before long, the Christmas vacations were here again. It was the night before Christmas when all through the house, everything was definitely stirring.
Christmas in the Tetteh household was anything but quiet. Pots banged, pans clattered, the twins argued, the children yelled, and the baby screamed, creating such a ruckus that no one heard the sharp urgent knocks on the door.
The knocks repeated several times, growing louder and louder in frequency until one of the mothers heard it and screamed at the twins to get the door. The poor light of the porch shrouded the figure behind the door in darkness making it difficult to make them out as they waited impatiently in the chilly night.
Panyin swung the door open and the warm inviting light of the house illuminated the lone figure on the porch. He fixed the suited stranger with a polite frown as he stared expectantly up at him.
‘Can we help you?’
The stranger stomped his feet in the cold and nodded crisply. ‘Does a Noel Tetteh live here?’
Panyin’s gaze sharpened suspiciously as his frown deepened. ‘Who wants to know?’
‘I have an invitation for him.’
Panyin considered him for a moment before turning his head to shout, ‘Noel!’
He continued to stand protectively by the door as Noel came in from the kitchen where he had been helping the mothers with the Christmas Eve dinner.
The man in suit regarded Noel carefully. ‘Are you Noel Tetteh?’
Noel nodded hesitantly, glancing from him to Panyin.
The man pulled out a glossy invitation from his suit pocket and handed it to him. ‘The young master requests your presence at his family’s Christmas Eve ball hosted at Mills Manor.’
Noel took the invitation and studied the elegant writing with surprise on his face. ‘Now?’
‘There’s not a minute to lose. The ball has already begun.’
Noel blinked. ‘But I… erm, but I don’t have anything to wear.’
The man nodded to the limo parked in the street behind him. ‘The young master has already arranged for everything.’
Noel stuttered as he glanced at Panyin in confusion. Panyin smiled reassuringly at him.
‘What are you waiting for Cinderella? Your coach awaits.’
Noel hesitated. ‘What about mum and dad? They would-‘
‘I would talk to them,’ Panyin stated firmly as he shoved him out the door. ‘Now go dance with your prince and I don’t want to see you back before midnight.’
Noel gave him a shaky smile and followed the man in suit to the waiting limo, sliding in as he held the door open for him. The limo sped off, stopping first at a hotel where he changed into a tuxedo before continuing to the ball.
Mills Manor was a blaze of lights as luxury cars rolled up the winding driveway. Limousines stretched as far as the eyes could see, depositing its elegantly dressed occupants at the entrance before moving on to the parking area.
Noel stepped out of the limo as a smartly dressed footman held the door open for him. There was a flash of cameras as he walked up the red carpet and he looked around him in awe as he was guided into the large palatial residence. A butler halted him at the top of the gold-banistered marble staircase.
‘Your introduction, sir?’
‘My wh…what,’ Noel stuttered in confusion.
‘Your introduction,’ the stoic butler reiterated. ‘How would you like me to introduce you?’
Noel was confused. ‘Erm… by my name?’
The butler nodded. ‘And what is your name sir?’
‘Noel,’ Noel answered. ‘Noel Tetteh.’
A flash of recognition passed through the butler’s eyes and he immediately swept down in an elegant bow.
‘Forgive me sir, you have been expected. If you would kindly come with me.’
The butler did not wait for a response. He turned and walked with sure steps down the large high-arched hallway.
He paused in front of a large set of open double doors and whispered to the footman on duty. The footman nodded and thumped his staff loudly on the ground, calling out in a booming voice.
‘Noel Tetteh, companion and best friend of the heir of the Mills estates and fortunes, Jayden Mills.
The butler gestured to the open doorway and a flustered Noel made his way into the grand ballroom. He was blinded by another flash of cameras as he made his way down the grand staircase, pausing at the foot to reorient himself.
He felt as if he was in a fairytale as he moved through the glittering gowns and sparkling jewellery. The orchestra was playing a soft tune as the sound of soft laughter and tinkling glasses filled the air. The guest mingled amongst themselves and he felt out of place as he looked around, searching desperately for a familiar face.
He suddenly felt two arms hook around his on either side and lead him away to the side of the ballroom. He let out a relieved smile when he saw Cam and Leo on either side of him.
‘I thought I was dreaming when I heard your name,’ Leo muttered. ‘I told Cam and he called me crazy but turns out I was right.’
‘You can’t blame me,’ Cam returned. ‘It’s not like you have an impressive record in that department.’
Leo shot him a dirty glare from the other side of Noel who laughed in amusement at the two.
‘I can’t tell you how glad I am to meet you both. I was about to have an anxiety attack in the middle of the room.’
‘Yeah we saw, what are you doing here by the way. No offence but this isn’t really your setting.’
Noel nodded in agreement. ‘None taken. Jayden invited me here but I haven’t found him yet. Have you seen him?’
Leo waved his hand dismissively at the entire ballroom. ‘Saw him a few moments back in the sea of uptight upper-class snobs. He looked close to murdering someone.’
Noel chuckled. ‘Sounds about right.’ He looked around the mass of twirling bodies in amazement. ‘Is the entire Noble 52 here?’
Cam snorted. ‘Not only the 52 but the Grande 200 as well. Two hundred of the most powerful and wealthiest families on the continent all in one place. The sheer amount of power in this ballroom alone is astonishing not to talk of the others.’
At that point, the guests grew quiet as the footman thumped his staff again.
‘Her Royal Highness, the Lady Silvia and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of the Ashanti Kingdom.’
The guests parted, bowing and curtseying slightly as Paul and his mother made their way down the grand staircase. Lady Sylvia looked every inch a queen in a regal embroidered gown of the finest kente cloth anyone had ever seen. Paul was looking like a fairytale prince as he stood by his mother’s side and together they smiled at the cameras that flashed at them.
Victoria met them at the foot of the stairs. As always, she drew everyone’s breath away with her staggering beauty, looking completely stunning in a blue velvet gown sprinkled with diamonds.
‘Victoria, so nice to see you again.’
‘You look magnificent as always, your highness,’ Victoria replied as she bent to give her an air kiss on both cheeks.
‘And you are breath-taking as usual, darling. I may be the wife of a king but we all know who the queen is here.’
Victoria inclined her head politely and gave her a small smile before turning her attention to Paul.
‘You look dashing, your highness but speaking of the king, where is he?’
Paul smiled politely at her. ‘I’m afraid my royal father couldn’t make it. He had important matters of state to attend to.’
Victoria nodded solemnly. ‘Such is the life of a king, a life you would soon have. Have you thought about your marriage yet? This is a good place to find a future bride.’
Paul’s smile grew forced as his mother answered for him. ‘Yes, you’re right but I already have a person in mind for him.’
Victoria looked pleasantly surprised. ‘Oh, do tell.’
‘Narcissa Asamoah.’
Paul grimaced slightly but the two women didn’t notice.
‘She is from a prestigious family, well up in the ranks of the 52. She would make a perfect bride.’
Victoria nodded approvingly. ‘I’m sure she would. We are also planning Jayden’s engagement to Rebecca Rowlings. It’s time the first and second families of the 52 are joined at last, don’t you think?’
Paul perked up at the mention of Jayden’s name. ‘Excuse me, Mrs. Mills but where is Jayden?’
Victoria pursed her lips thoughtfully as she contemplated that question. ‘I don’t know. Last I saw, he was caught up in a conversation with the French ambassador. I best go look for him. Don’t worry dear, I’ll send him in your direction when I find him. Enjoy the ball!’
Victoria smiled before gliding away in search of her recalcitrant son. She fixed a polite smile on her face as she inclined head gracefully to the dignitaries she passed, pausing here and there to engage in small talk.’
She finally found Jayden in the company of the Moroccan King and his wife, looking completely bored out of his mind as the king’s wife rambled on to him about stars. How someone could take a fascinating subject like stars and make it utterly mired in quotidian details was completely beyond him.
He flashed a grateful look at his mother as she glided beside him and flashed her award-winning smile at the royal couple.
‘Hassan, you must take a look at our dancing fountains. I had them specially designed with you in mind. There is also an amazing view of the stars from there which I’m sure your wife would appreciate.’
His wife nodded enthusiastically but the king hesitated. ‘I was hoping to talk to you about my business proposal Victoria. Is there a private place we could talk?’
Victoria let out a tinkling laugh. ‘Of course not, dear. It’s a party, we can talk about business later. Now go on and enjoy yourself. I’ll feel very insulted if you don’t.’
The king allowed his wife to pull him away as Victoria turned amusingly to her son. ‘Can’t you at least pretend to enjoy yourself?’
‘No.’
Victoria sighed. ‘You know, for once I would like you to look less threatening and more approachable.’
‘And I would like you to burst into flames every time we enter a church but neither of us seems to be getting what we want, now are we?’
Victoria shook her head. ‘I’ll settle for a smile for now. Come on, let’s see it.’
Jayden sighed and with herculean effort tried to twist his lips into a smile but it ended up looking like a weird cross between a painful grimace and a smirk.
‘Maybe, just a polite expression will do,’ Victoria decided after seeing the pitiful look on his face.
Jayden rolled his eyes and rearranged his features into a look of polite disinterest. His mother nodded approvingly and turned as the Duchess of York, came up with her daughter in tow.
The duchess’s daughter curtsied, shooting Jayden a suggestive wink. ‘You seem to look even more handsome every time I see you, Mr. Mills.’
Jayden stared blankly at her, refusing to respond.
‘So,’ the duchess’s daughter prompted, refusing to give up. ‘How do I look today?’
‘Completely pulchritudinous,’ Jayden answered with a straight face.
Both the duchess and her daughter gasped, looking highly offended.
‘Jayden,’ Victoria scolded lightly. ‘Don’t be so cruel, you know perfectly well that no one knows what that word means. It means beautiful, your grace,’ Victoria added, turning to the duchess.
Victoria smiled apologetically at the duchess and her daughter as they nodded and quickly left after muttering a weak excuse. She then turned to her son with a stern look on her face.
‘That wasn’t very nice of you.’
‘What do you mean?’ Jayden asked innocently. ‘I did what you asked, I was completely delightful. I positively gushed.’
Victoria shook her head in exasperation. ‘Your friends are here by the way. I promised to send you to them but before you go, your father and I need to have a word with you.’
Jayden’s expression grew wary. ‘About what?’
‘Not here. Come with me.’
Victoria plastered a smile on her face and led Jayden through the guests and away from the bright lights and twirling bodies of the ballroom. They slipped through a doorway at the side and climbed up the swirling staircase to the second floor, leaving behind the bright lights and soft music the farther they climbed.
Victoria held the door to the study open for Jaden before entering the room herself. The room was scantily lit, causing the shadows on the walls to become larger. Moonlight filtered in from the tall glass windows and standing by the desk was his father.
Victoria sidled up to her husband and placed a hand daintily on his shoulder. Roger turned around at her touch, raising her hand to his lips. His face grew soft as he looked into his wife’s eyes.
He straightened up and turned his attention to his son who was watching them both with a detached look on his face.
‘What do you want father?’
Roger gestured to the seats behind them. ‘Let’s sit.’
‘I prefer we stand. Get this over with quickly.’
Roger nodded reluctantly but Victoria moved to sit elegantly on a sofa, draping her gown gracefully around her.
‘Suit yourselves, but I’m definitely not going to stand in these heels. I know I make it look flawless but being a fashion icon isn’t easy and it definitely isn’t comfortable.’
A worried look came into Roger’s eyes. ‘Are you alright, honey? Should I get someone to see to you?’
Victoria waved away his concerns. ‘I’m fine. Now back to the matter at hand. Jayden, your father and I were discussing and we’ve come to an agreement.’
‘We’re going to go ahead and announce your engagement to Rebecca tonight at the ball,’ his father finished.
There was a pregnant pause as silence filled the room. A cloud floated in front of the room, reducing the light that filtered in from the windows.
‘What?’ Jayden’s voice was barely a whisper.
The cloud floated away and the moonlight fell uninhibited into the room, throwing their features into sharp relief.
‘It’s what’s best for you dear,’ his mother said gently.
‘No, it’s not,’ Jayden’s countenance had turned frosty. ‘You’re only doing it for your image and reputation.’
‘An image you seek to destroy,’ his father cut in. His face was hard as he stared at his son. ‘There are already whispers about why you have never had a girlfriend. What do you think would happen to our reputation if your disgusting desires got out? We are announcing your engagement tonight and later in the future, you will get married to Rebecca. That is final.’
Jayden’s eyes were defiant as he stared right into his father’s empty ones. ‘I won’t do as you say and you can’t make me.’
Roger’s lips set into a thin line as his jaw clenched tightly. His hands twitched at his side, closing into fists. Jayden saw that and he recognized them for what they were. They were the signs that would herald what was to come. He has seen them so many times before and he hated how he winced internally when he saw them tonight. He hated how it brought back memories of him cowering in the corner with bruises all over his body and tears streaking down his face.
His mother’s voice cut in gently. ‘Don’t argue with your father Jayden. Go back to your room and change for the engagement announcement. We’ll meet you on the balustrade.’
Jayden turned to leave but his father’s voice halted him in his tracks. ‘You better be on your best behaviour tonight.’
Or else.
The unsaid words hang heavy in the air. He didn’t need to say it. Everyone in the room felt its cold presence as it filled the space with its terrible promise.
‘If you’ll excuse me.’ Jayden didn’t wait for an answer.
His hands shook as the memories plagued him on his way to his room. His skin began to itch furiously and it didn’t seem to subside no matter how much he scratched at it.
He needed to make it stop.
Meanwhile back in the ballroom, Samuel had already arrived with his family a few minutes ago and was standing by the buffet with his friends. Cam was scolding Leo for trying to spike the punch bowl while an amused Paul and Noel tried valiantly to keep the laughter from their lips.
‘This is abuse, harassment,’ Leo protested weakly. ‘Tell him Sam.’
Samuel’s eyes were scanning the ballroom as he replied absently. ‘Stop bullying Leo, Cameron.’
‘Thank you!’
‘And Leo stop being an idiot,’ Samuel completed.
‘Hey!’ Leo sputtered in indignation. ‘You guys are no fun. Come on Paul, let’s go flirt with some girls. We can be each other’s wingman.’
‘No, thanks.’
‘Come on, don’t be like that.’ Leo draped an arm over Paul’s shoulder. ‘You’re a prince, where’s your passion?’
‘Somewhere behind my responsibilities. Not everyone can be a playboy like you.’
Leo flashed him a charming grin. ‘Then let me be the playboy to your prince.’
‘That has got to be the shittiest pickup line I’ve ever heard,’ Paul muttered but he allowed Leo to drag him into the crowd of guests.
Noel stared at Samuel as he continued to scan the crowd anxiously. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing it’s just… have you seen Jayden around?’
Noel shook his head. ‘I haven’t seen him since I arrived.’
Samuel bit his lips as he nodded. ‘I’m gonna go look for him.’
Noel nodded as he watched Samuel disappear into the crowd. ‘Guess it’s just you and me then,’ Cam said as he turned back to him.
Noel hummed absently as his eyes followed Charles who had just stepped into the room. ‘Would you excuse me for a moment?’
Cam barely had time to respond before Noel disappeared into the crowd after Charles.
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Jayden wasn’t in the ballroom. Samuel knew that much as he moved through the richly dressed guests. He had been keeping a lookout for him the minute he had arrived and as large as the grand ballroom was, he would have found him by now if he was there.
After a quick search outside, he concluded that he wasn’t in the gardens either. He was on his way back inside when he heard whispered voices coming from behind a hedge.
‘Why are you following me?’ the first voice asked nervously.
‘We need to talk,’ the second said firmly.
Samuel frowned. He recognized those voices but he couldn’t place them in his head. He moved closer as the second voice continued firmly.
‘How long do you plan on ignoring me after what happened between us at the games?’
‘It was a mistake. I didn’t mean to-‘
‘What? Kiss me? Enjoy it?’
It was Noel and Charles, Samuel recognized suddenly.
‘Look, I’m sorry for kissing you. I won’t do it again.’
‘You did a lot more than kiss me as I recall.’ There was a wry note in Noel’s voice.
Samuel immediately decided that this was probably not a conversation he should be listening in on. Their voices faded away as he moved away from the hedges and made his way back inside. He climbed the grand marble staircase, grateful to leave the bright lights of the ball and the cloying scent of expensive perfumes below.
The staff didn’t question or halt him as he made his way through the hallways and he was grateful for the time which he spent exploring the manor the last time he visited as it was on that knowledge he gained which he relied on to guide him through the maze of corridors and network of stairs.
He first stopped at the music room but it was empty of any sign of Jayden. The sheets of music stacked neatly by the open cabinet showed that he had been frequenting the room more than usual which caused Samuel to worry. Jayden only visited the music room when his demons were plaguing him more than usual.
He passed his hands over the piano keys as a memory of Jayden’s nimble fingers flying across it popped into his head, drawing a fond smile to his face. He always looked so ethereal as he played, his lips moving slowly in time to the tune and his eyes distant as they were transported to a place only he could see.
He left the music room and continued on his search. He peeked into a few more rooms before arriving in front of Jayden’s bedroom.
‘Jayden?’ he knocked softly before letting himself in. The room was empty with the only light spilling in from the open doorway of the bathroom. The sound of running water hit his ears and Samuel walked to the bathroom, opening the door further as he entered.
‘Jayden, are you al-‘
The question died on his lips as Jayden slowly turned to meet his eyes. He was clutching a razor blade in a death grip and splotches of blood dripped down the sink to the white tiles, staining them ruby red.
Samuel’s eyes were horrified as they moved down from Jayden’s empty ones to his wrist, which was cut open several times. Without saying a word, he reached over to grab the blade from Jayden’s hand and chucked it away.
His movements were robotic as he quickly cleaned the cuts on Jayden’s wrist and bandaged them. Jayden didn’t protest as he allowed Samuel to guide him out of the bathroom and into his bed, where he sat and watched as Samuel went back to clean the blood.
He stared into his hands as he felt the bed slowly dip beside him. Samuel sat facing him on the bed, his expression unreadable as he stared down at his feet.
‘I’m sorry.’
Samuel looked up with surprise. ‘For what?’
Jayden’s eyes held a tinge of regret as he gestured to himself and the bathroom. ‘For seeing me like that. After your brother, how he… that must have brought up terrible memories for you. I’m sorry.’
‘It’s alright,’ Samuel reassured him. His voice was gentle as he stared at Jayden. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’
Jayden’s eyes grew listless as he stared ahead of him. ‘I’m getting engaged.’
‘Wha…’
‘Tonight. To Rebecca Rowlings. My father threatened that if I don’t cooperate he will…’ Jayden trailed off, looking down at his hands as he took a shaky breath.
Samuel’s features morphed from confusion, to understanding and by the time Jayden had finished, they had turned completely murderous.
‘That bastard,’ he hissed. He shot to his feet as he began to pace the room in frustration. ‘I’m sorry but the next time I see him I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself from punching his loathsome face.’
A small wry grin formed on Jayden’s face. ‘That’s an interesting thought.’
Samuel stopped his pacing and stood in front of Jayden. His jaw was set in a determined line. ‘You’re not getting engaged if you don’t want to. Not tonight or any other time.’
‘Doesn’t matter, just forget about it.’
‘No.’ Samuel sat down by him and tapped his fingers on the bed as he thought for a moment.
‘Hey,’ he said after a while. ‘Wanna get out of here?’
Jayden glanced up at him. ‘Huh?’
‘I’m sick of this place. Aren’t you?’
‘My father would put the entire mansion on lockdown the moment he realizes I’m gone. Hell, he can even put the entire city on lockdown if he wants.’
Samuel stood and stretched out his hand. ‘Then we better get a head start.’
Jayden considered his outstretched hand for a moment before taking it with a smirk.
‘Lead the way.’
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Back in the ballroom, it was almost time for the announcement. Victoria was in the drawing-room on the second floor talking to several first ladies when a maid came to whisper hurriedly in her ear.
‘If you’ll excuse me, ladies, some urgent business just cropped up.’
The ladies nodded and went back to their conversation whiles Victoria stood and walked several feet away from their listening ears.
‘Where is my husband?’ she asked the maid in a hushed voice.
‘He’s on his way, ma’am.’
Victoria nodded, dismissing the maid with a wave. She was about to turn away when something caught her eye from the window. She frowned curiously as she stepped closer to investigate.
Looking out the large window, she saw two figures dart across the yard, making their way toward the edge of the estate.
‘Victoria!’ Her husband rushed in, his face a mixture of composure and controlled fury. ‘He’s gone!’
Victoria’s diamond earrings glittered in the gold light as she turned her elegant neck to her husband.
Roger began pacing in front of her as she studied him with cool eyes. ‘Don’t worry Tori, I have the entire manor on lockdown and I’ve called for the police chief. We’ll place the entire city on red alert. We’ll-‘
‘Call off the search.’
Roger stopped. ‘What?’
‘Call of the search.’ Victoria turned back to the window. ‘And Ro, I have changed my mind about the engagement. It’s too soon, I don’t think Jayden is ready yet. Why don’t we postpone it to sometime in the future?’
‘But-‘
‘Please.’
Roger nodded. ‘Whatever you want darling.’
He reached over to place a kiss on her cheeks before walking out but Victoria barely felt it. Her eyes followed Jayden as he disappeared hand-in-hand with Samuel into the night.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I have great news everyone! I have finally created an official Instagram account where I will be posting pictures, videos and updates of Under the Same Sky characters. I have already begun to post reels of the characters doing whatever trend or social media challenges. The account is @alex_akhenate so go check it out!
As usual please don’t forget to vote and comment if you enjoyed the book.
Until next time my lovely readers!
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