Author's note: It is my first story. Plz go easy on me :) Thank you for the support. It is very encouraging.
A/n: I apologize for the typos. I had to update the chapter because of the same. NO change in the plot.(just the typos corrected)
Chapter 1
It was Caroline's 26th birthday. As expected, the party was as snobbish as it could get. Every article screamed 'money', from the merlot sparkling in the fine Spiegelau down to the most ostentatious chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. As for Caroline herself, let's just say that if makeup were to add pounds to the body, she'd weigh pretty heavy. It certainly made up for her lack of …umm.. cloth on her dress. It left nothing to the imagination. Charles had to stop himself numerous times from offering his jacket to her. He wondered how to compliment her without giving any offense. Was is only him or did the sparkles on her dress blind others as well? Melissa tugged at his arm. He smiled at the beauty next to him. She pointed at Caroline and went ahead to congratulate her friend. Mel Brayton was Caro's best friend or should we say a portal to the upper world? Thankfully, she did not look up to his sister's fashion sense. She was beautiful. The typical New York socialite- blond,blue eyed, tall and stick thin. Totally Charles' type. As for her personality, let's just say she had the temper of a 5 year old brat but was a saint compared to Caro. But who isn't? She was not bad, just a little caustic. The two of them had been set up by Caro eight months ago, in the hopes that Charles marry into the Brayton family. Since then, they had been coming strong though if he was to believe Darcy, "apologizing for no mistake and bending to that woman's whims did NOT qualify as a progressing relationship". However, if it maintained peace in his home and warmed his bed, he won't complain.
"Jeez, this ballroom is constricting. I need some fresh air" the gingerhead muttered and spotted a garden just outside the entrance. Much to his surprise, the lack of Melissa on his arm did not bother him much. On the contrary the lack of the stifling smell of her perfume provided a much needed relief. Oops! said to soon. His moment of peace and deliberation was over as the object of his thoughts joined him.
"I hope you are enjoying the party. Caro has truly outdone herself this time." Charles merely gave a strained smile in response.
"Did you notice Mr. Goulding's daughter? That dress is so last season. As for Jeffy Cox, why did she even bother wearing anything at all if she wanted to parade her body so shamelessly? "
'Because you dress very modestly' Bingley thought sarcastically staring at her breasts that could be barely contained in her gown. Though thankfully, unlike Caro or Cox, she did not bare it all. As if sensing his thoughts, Melissa sneered. Not wanting to cause a scene, Charles quickly changed the topic. He felt around in his pocket and brought out a black velvet box. "I decided to grant Caro her …" but before he could finish, he dropped it clumsily onto the ground, in the typical Charles Bingley fashion. Yet, it was not before Melissa spotted the object snuggled within the folds of the box. Had he thought for even a moment before pursuing the next course of action or allowed that Darcy voice to invade his head, he would have balked and immediately stopped. However, that event was primal to the plot of the story and so my dear readers, the fates decide to have a good laugh at Bingley and paved way for the catastrophe that would soon follow. Afterall, it was Caro's birthday and Eris decided to grant her favorite pupil her biggest wish…well her second biggest wish!