Present
Karma applied another layer to the red lipstick and watched her reflection, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
Her hair was styled into a ponytail reaching just beneath her nape.
The black corseted gown fitted her well, it scooped and exposed a bit of her creamy flesh, cinching at the waist to flare at the bottom.
With her red bottoms and black purse, a single diamond pendant dangling from her neck, she was dressed for war.
It was time to announce her marriage to the world. Stage one of her plan was going to be in motion now.
She exited her room and met Alphonse waiting for her.
She gasped in shock, surprised at his presence.
He was immaculately dressed in a dark charcoal suit and a snowy tie, his thick hair slicked back to expose his forehead.
"Where do you think you're going, wife?" He drawled, twirling his tie absentmindedly.
"To my family house." She answered, breathless and a bit dazed. His presence does that to her.
"Exactly. It's time they meet your husband, don't you think?" His eyes were cold and fathomless as always.
Karma steeled her back and nodded. She was done being a pushover.
Suddenly Alphonse's head came to her and he sniffed. Karma took a tentative step back, her heart hammering inside her throat.
"My blood smells good on you." He said simply. He smiled, looking a bit crazed.
Karma discreetly sniffed herself but all she could perceive was the expensive cologne she'd gotten especially for today.
The drive to her family house was filled with tense silence, with Alphonse sitting unnaturally still, his eyes opened wide without blinking.
Karma constantly glanced at him, her mind boggling at the intense power radiating off him.
She couldn't believe her plan had worked and now she had the world's most powerful man behind her back.
They finally got to her house and her mouth twisted with distaste when she saw Ethan's car parked in the garage.
Alphonse got down and opened the car for her. She got down, took a deep breath and squared her shoulder.
"Wait," Alphonse commanded. She turned to look at him.
He was holding a necklace and a ring. It wasn't like anything she'd ever seen. It was Jade, encrusted with gold. It dangled, attached to a golden filigree. It looked ancient and precious.
"Here," he clasped the chain to her neck. It settled heavily over her breath, warm on her skin.
It seems to fairly buzz in his presence.
She slid the ring into her finger without questioning his motive, even if his self satisfied smirk was a bit disconcerting.
The mansion was decorated, for which occasion Karma wasn't sure. The marble floor gleamed, the wall held pink and blue balloons.
It was Chinese New year, but never has their new year's decorations looked like this.
They arrived at the living room where the excited chatter ensued, animated fingers flying, Chinese words and laughter boomed from different angles.
Conversation stilted, hiccuped and finally a befuddled silence fell on the gathering. The gathering consisted of Karma's father, looking grim.
"Why are you here? You insolent girl, why are you even here? Haven't you done enough now?!" His jowls quivered horribly.
"Good day to you too, father. I see you're looking especially well today, aren't you?" Her father spluttered, his eyes bulging with anger.
Karma entwined her arms with Alphonse and smiled widely at everyone.
"This is my husband." She said loudly.
Sharp gasps of disbelief, eye rolls and muttered curses rented the air.
Seraphina's face paled to an unbecoming shade of paper, Mr Huang coughed violently.
Alphonse stood beside her, his presence exuding coldness and calm. He smiled winsomely at her father.
"Mr Huang. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Alphonse Li." He introduced, his hands stretched for a shake.
Mr Huang, ever the diplomat, his eyes bulged as he shook Alphonse's hand with both of his own.
His was a name that was widely respected and even more feared. Not only was he the CEO of several companies and conglomerates, he was a powerful demon.
"Mr Li..it's an honor." He said reverently.
"Just call me Alphonse. We're family now after all." The way he said it indicated they were not.
Karma felt the ripple of words rather than hear it, they could barely conceal their shock.
How and when did this happen? Everyone was waiting for the full story, so they could pick it apart.
The richest CEO? A respected demon? It wasn't the combination they'd expected from the black sheep of the family.
Karma smirked at their shocked faces. This should be interesting.
"Take a seat. Take a seat." Different voices ushered.
Seraphina's face was filled with contempt, her smile coming off as a sneer.
The room buzzed with excited murmurs, extended cousin's, aunties all looking forward to the unfolding drama.
"Sister!! How I've missed you. You came just at the right time. I have an announcement." Seraphina's soft voice filled the air, as she glanced at everyone.
"Ethan and I are getting married." She looked at Karma as she said the words, her eyes filled with disdain.
Karma feigned surprise, her eyes widening with amusement.
"Congratulations! I can't believe how fate works, can you? Who would have thought you'd marry my ex fiance?" Karma's voice was sweet.
"Karma!" Her father's voice was full of warning. Hard and unforgiving.
He looked sharply at his precious daughter, wanting to make sure she wasn't hurt.
Seraphina's cheek burned but she laughed lightly, her fingers twirling her ring.
"Love is a funny thing. After all, he left you for me." She replied gleefully.
"I say. All these talks of love are making me hungry. Let's eat something." Cousin Veronica said.
She was a petite woman,the same age as Karma. She lives overseas and only comes home for festivals and important ceremonies.
She was the only family member sympathetic to Karma's cause.
"His loss, miss Seraphina. His sore loss." Alphonse said solemnly, getting into the role of a devoted husband.
He speared Karma with a hot gaze that made her blush, and made several Aunt cough delicately into their first.
Aunt Emily, a decrepit old thing of eighty five cackled gleefully.