The Willow family residence was bustling with activity as everyone was getting ready for an evening dinner at the Draventon family estate in the United Kingdom. Ever since Anthony has kindly invited them over to have dinner with the Willow family, Silver had been thinking about what to wear and how to behave in front of his family. He had even gone out of his way to teach his family on how to address the Duke and Duchess, Anthony's parents, properly. Silver felt it was important that they learn this particular lesson because the Draventons were a very prominent family, even more prominent than their own monarch.
Silver really wanted to win the Draventon family's heart so in order for him to make a good impression on Anthony's wealthy family, he and his family are going to wear a more simple and plain look just as Anthony stated. Even when the Draventon family will go simpler too, he still wanted to go simple. He doesn't want to appear overdressed more than the Draventon family nor does he didn't want to send a bad message into thinking he's only after their money, title, and wealth. During his decision, he's stressing out whether he wants to wear a suit or a dress. At first, he was going to choose a suit but decided not to as he knows he much prefers a dress than a suit. He has come to realize that dressing up into something he didn't like feels like changing himself to look "normal" in order for him to get their approval rather than dressing up in your true self. The choice is not easy to make but he has to pick one.
He goes back and forth between the two options. But, he ends up choosing a dress instead of a suit.
And so, Silver decided to go with this dress he pulled from his closet, admiring a few minutes before nodding and smiling at himself. "Perfect!" Silver smiled at the mirror while holding the dress in front of him before gently placing the gown onto his bed and sat on his vanity to put his makeup on.
[Song: According to Plan - from Corpse Bride, most of the lyrics have been changed.]
The day began to unfold, Paula stood tall in the bathroom mirror, applying her makeup with precision, her bathrobe draped elegantly around her. Meanwhile, her husband struggled and grew increasingly frustrated with his tie, attempting to fix it just right.
Paula:
It's a beautiful day
Roberto:
It's a rather beauty day
Paula:
A day to meet the Draventons for dinner
Paula was excited to meet her son's boyfriend, even though it is going to be a casual dinner with them together, she wants to look perfect for tonight.
Roberto:
Our first time, mi amor, let's hope it's in good cheer
Paula:
A chance to make a good impression
After completing her makeup routine, Paula gracefully made her way into their walk-in closet to slip into her dress. Meanwhile, her husband, feeling defeated in his attempts to fix his tie, decided to skip it altogether. With a heavy sigh, he reached for his boxed jacket hanging on the door.
Roberto:
Assuming nothing happens that we don't really know
Roberto wore this navy blue wool single-breasted 2-piece suit fully lined and had two exterior flap pockets. A pair of matching pants held up with a brown leather buckle. Inside the suit jacket was an white dress shirt featuring long sleeves and a classic collar and on top of his dress shirt was a navy blue sweatshirt. Finally, a pair of brown leather polish loafers with black socks, his wedding ring, and a brown leather watch.
Paula:
That could make this dinner go terribly wrong
Paula walks out wearing her best simple dress she has in the closet, she walks over to her husband to help her lace up her dress from behind since it's difficult to do it by herself as the laces need one person to laced up, unless the person manages to do it on its own without help.
She wore this fitted long red garnet gown featuring a stretch satin off-shoulder sleeves and sweetheart neckline. She wore this beautiful necklace with a dainty stone and delicate metallic chain that are combined to create this gold pendant necklace in red garnet and her wedding ring on her left ring finger, underneath her gown was an black high heel with pointed end.
Paula & Roberto:
And that's why every thing
Every last little thing
Every single tiny microscopic little thing must go
Once done, she walked out and went towards her daughters rooms to see if the girls were done getting dressed and making sure they were clean and not getting their dress dirty.
Paula:
According to plan
Roberto
We'll make a good impression
The girls, thankfully not dirty, managed themselves not to ruin their hair and dress, walk downstairs and wait for their parents and older brother to get all doll-up. To kill time, they played with the dog Buster. Their identical simple dress in different colors (Amelia in champagne and Valentina in peachy) is made of satin to ensure a smooth drape. The scoop neckline with ribbon wrap around their waist that made a bow in the back. The skirt overlaps at the waist seam to create a fantasy flowing skirt.
Paul:
According to plan
Roberto:
Let impress them with our smile
Paula & Roberto:
Elevated to the heights of dinner tonight
The Willows couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. They were about to dine with the Duke and Duchess, after all - the English aristocrats who had been born into wealth and privilege. But the thought of the finest meals that awaited them is surely making them feel hungry and stomach growling for food and drink.
Paula.
To the finest meals
Roberto:
In their grand halls
Paul:
Chuckle each other with the jokes
Roberto
Drinking champagne next to the fireplace
Paula eagerly looked forward to indulging in the finest cuisine, while Roberto envisioned the grand halls where they would dine. Paul hoped to share a laugh or two with their wonderful hosts, while Roberto envisioned sipping champagne by the fireplace. Together, they sang in unison, "We'll be present, we'll be seen, engaging in small talk with the Duke and Duchess. We'll cherish every moment of this enjoyable evening, as everything goes as planned."
Paula & Roberto:
We'll be present, we'll be seen
Engaging in small talk with the Duke and Duchess.
We'll cherish every moment of this
as everything goes as planned
Roberto made his way to the driveway outside, ensuring that the car was fueled up and ready to transport them to the Draventon Estate in London. Meanwhile, Paula deftly removed the glass baking dish filled with Pollo Asado from the oven, piping hot and ready to be savored. She covered the dish with foil to prevent any pesky bugs or insects from spoiling their meal, eager to hit the road and arrive at their destination without delay.
"What is taking Silver so long?" Paula grumbled, her impatience growing by the second as she deftly covered the top dish with foil. "We're going to be late!"
Over at the Draventon Estate in the UK, the staff was bustling about, preparing for the highly anticipated soirée. The floors were being polished to a shine, candles were being lit, floral arrangements were being placed strategically throughout the house, and the chefs were hard at work whipping up delectable dishes fit for royalty. Meanwhile, the family members were upstairs in their chambers, getting dressed for the occasion and eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Willows.
Despite the excitement buzzing throughout the estate, one member of the family was less than enthused about the casual evening event. In the bedchamber belonging to the Duke and Duchess, their personal staff was on hand to assist them in getting ready. The duchess's maid attended to her hair and makeup, while the duke's valet assisted him in donning his finest dress shirt and helped him put on his watch.
Duchess Vivian:
It's a terrible day
Duke Edward:
Oh don't be that way
Duchess Vivian let out a sigh, her body slumped in the vanity chair, adorning her with understated jewelry the maid had pulled on her. She chose a blood-red silk dress that hugged her curves in all the right places with black high pointed heels. This stunning dress features a surplice bodice and a pleated off shoulder design with thin spaghetti straps. Complete with a sweetheart neckline and trumpet skirt that features a high side slit. Her garnet necklace gleamed around her neck, catching the light and drawing attention to her sharp features. Her makeup was neutral and her red hair was tied into a simple bun, perfect for this casual evening's occasion.
Duchess Vivian:
We're going to meet the Willows for dinner
It's a sad, sad state of affair we're all in
Duke Edward:
Our first time, my dear, let's pray it'll goes well
Despite her ill feelings towards the Willows, the Duke remained optimistic, but the Duchess remained with a scowl upon her face, her tone filled with disdain. For their casual evening dinner, Duke Edward opted for a classic, donning a beige-colored linen suit paired and matching dress pants with a crisp white dress shirt. The jacket was tailored to perfection, fitting him snugly at the shoulders and tapering down to his waist, emphasizing his broad chest. He completed the look with a pair of polished beige leather shoes and a classic gold watch on his wrist.
Duchess Vivian:
How could Anthony have come to this?
Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian:
To invited the Willows with dinner invite
Duke Edward:
This will be great!
Duchess Vivian:
Or worst
Duke Edward:
Oh it wouldn't be worse
The Duchess paused in her activities and turned her body to face her husband, her expression clearly conveying her disagreement.
Duchess Vivian:
Wouldn't be worse?
She huffed, before instructing her maid to continue with what she was doing. The maid nodded obediently and proceeded to assist the duchess in zipping up her casual evening gown.
Duchess Vivian:
My dear, I'm afraid I must respectfully disagree
The Willows are not Marquess or Viscount
Without a land to own
Unlike you, and me
Duke Edward:
Oh dear…
Duke Edward let out a weary sigh and shook his head slightly at his wife's words, well aware of her proclivity for looking down upon those without noble titles or aristocratic lineage.
Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian:
And that's why everything
Every last little thing
Every single tiny microscopic little thing must go
Within the dining room, the Duke and Duchess moved gracefully throughout the space, attentively observing the staff as they meticulously arranged plates, cups, chairs, and floral arrangements, ensuring that every detail was flawless for tonight.
Duchess Vivian:
According to plan
Duke Edward:
The foods will be delicious!
The Duchess even noticed one fork that was slightly askew and promptly signaled for one of their staff members to fix it.
Duchess Vivian:
According to plan
Duke Edward:
Everything must be perfect!
Duke Edward, beaming with pride, then proceeded to compliment everyone for their hard work, eager to ensure that the table was set to perfection for the Willow family.
Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian:
With vintage drinks from our finest collection
The couple then made their way down another hallway adorned with portraits of previous Duke and Duchess of the Draventon lineage from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
Duchess Vivian:
To the noble realms
Duke Edward:
Of our ancestry
The two stop near a painting of their son Anthony at the tender age of ten, the reactions of the Duke and Duchess could not have been more disparate. While Duchess Vivian shook her head in disdain, her expression twisted in disgust, Duke Edward's face lit up with a proud smile.
Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian:
And who'd have guessed in a million years
That our son with a personality
Duke Edward:
Of an courageous fox
Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian:
Would create a new path that would lead us to the new place!
In Anthony's opulent bedchamber, his devoted butler James meticulously ironed his master's blazer jacket, pants, and polished his black shoes to a mirror shine in preparation for tonight's highly anticipated dinner with the Willow family. Anthony was beside himself with excitement. He had been looking forward to introducing his family to Silver for weeks. He knew that his parents and siblings would be enamored with his charm and kindness, and he couldn't wait to see him shine in their company.
But beneath the surface of his excitement, Anthony couldn't shake a feeling of nervousness that gnawed at him like a persistent itch. What if his family and the Willows didn't get along? What if there was tension or awkwardness at the dinner table?
"Oh James," Anthony said softly in concern, looking at his reflection at the ornate tri-way mirrors, "What if his family and my family don't… like each other?"
"My Lord," Butler James replied with a reassuring smile, cinching the belt around Anthony's waist. "I have every confidence that the Willow family and your family will find common ground and enjoy each other's company."
Anthony heard a scoff and turned to see his parents entering the room. The Duke and Duchess Draventon, who had arrived to escort their children to the dinner.
"As if a mere meal could bridge the chasm between our families," Duchess Vivian sniffed disdainfully. "Do you suppose your father's kin and my own actually enjoy each other's company?"
"Surely they must… a little…" Anthony's hope faltered momentarily, questioning whether his fond memories of both families' harmonious relations were only a figment of his imagination.
At least… that's how he remembered growing up.
"Of cour-""Of course not!"
The duchess retorted sharply, her impatience palpable, directing her attention to her son's attire. "Get these belts properly fastened for heaven sake, I can hear you speak without gasping" she scolded, before sweeping out of the room with her husband trailing behind and walking down the hall of their estate together. As they were about to enter the foyer, Vivian suddenly turned around.
Right when they entered the grand foyer of their estate, the duchess suddenly halted. "Edward, I forgot something in my chamber," she announced, much to her husband's chagrin. "I shall return shortly. Carry on meeting the Willow family without me." Duke Edward sighs and walks into the foyer where their children are waiting for them.
Meanwhile, in her and her husband's chambers, the conniving Duchess hastily summoned her maid to assist her in changing into a more formal attire, determined to outshine the Willow family and ensure that her family remained in the upper echelons of society.
Over at the Willow residence, Silver emerged from the house in a stunning dress, accompanied by his faithful companion Buster, and climbed into the car with his dad behind the wheel. As they set off towards Draventon home, Silver deftly wielded his magic paintbrush to create a massive portal wide enough for their vehicle to pass through.
"Now Silver, I understand you may be feeling anxious about tonight's dinner and the prospect of forging a strong bond with your partner's esteemed family, but don't worry," Paula reassured Silver with a warm smile, speaking to him through the mirror on the front passenger seat. "I remember when my parents first met your Papa's parents, and it was really good!"
"That's right, just be yourself and everything will be fine," Roberto chimed in with a reassuring smile.
"I'm doing my best, Papa," Silver replied with a hint of trepidation. "But do you really think they'll like me?"
"Of course they will, hijo. Don't be ridiculous," Paula giggled, nodding in agreement. "If all goes according to plan, we may very well end up building a strong relationship with them."
Meanwhile, back at the grand foyer of Draventon home, Duke Edward surveyed his children, including their loyal Rottweiler companion Max, all dressed in their finest attire and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Willows.
"Dinner is like a partnership, children. A little tit-for-tat, as they say," Duke Edward remarked sagely. "After all, you've had a lifetime of watching us navigate these social waters with grace and finesse."
Duke Edward:
Might have taught you all that
Might have taught you all that
With a contented smile, Duke Edward gazed upon each of his impeccably attired children, poised and ready to make a favorable impression upon the Willows.
Duke Edward:
Everything must be perfect
As a unit, they began to make their way forward, with their faithful canine companion leading the way.
Anthony:
Everything must be perfect
Anthony walked alongside his father, his heart racing with excitement as he flashed a broad smile, with his siblings following closely behind. Together, they made their way towards the grand foyer, eager to meet the illustrious Willows family and embark upon this thrilling new chapter of their lives.
Willows:
Everything must be perfect
Outside, the Willows had finally arrived, doing the same as the Draventons in preparing for the dinner.
Draventons
Everything must be perfect perfect
Willows and Draventons:
That's why everything
As they stepped out of their vehicle, Silver felt a twinge of embarrassment as his Mama fussed over him, adjusting his appearance and straightening his glasses.
Willows and Draventons:
Every last little thing
Willows and Draventons:
Every single tiny microscopic little thing must go
With a sense of anticipation, Paula Willow rang the doorbell of the grand estate.
Willows and Draventons:
According to plan
Once the Willow family arrived at the Draventon Estate, one of the butlers graciously opened the doors for them, announcing their arrival to Duke Draventon.
"Presenting! Mr. Roberto and Mrs. Paula Willow, and their children: Mister Silver Willow, young Miss Valentina, and Miss Amelia Willow!" the butler proclaimed, warmly welcoming the family inside.
"Welcome, Willow family!" Duke Edward chuckled, extending his hand to Roberto Willow. "My son had nothing but wonderful things to say about you!"
The rounded man chuckled in response. "Ah, he did, did he? Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir!"
"I hope you don't mind but we brought our food to share for dinner from our home." Paula said while holding the glass baking dish with Apollo Asado.
"Oh I don't mind at all!" Duke Edward smiled. "I am sure your food will taste delicious!"
As the Willow sisters looked around the grand estate in awe, soft gasps escaped their lips.
"I love your home!" Amelia exclaimed with admiration.
"It's like a palace!" Valentina added, equally impressed.
Dennise, one of the members of the Draventon family, responded with a hint of pride, "Yes, indeed it is. Our home is very much like a palace." She was a vision to behold in her sapphire-blue gown. The dress was made of a flowing silk fabric with intricate pleats wrapping the bodice, this dress flourishes a v-notch mingling with an off shoulder neckline. Spaghetti straps support the bodice and its corset scoop back style. A satin band wraps the waist, while the chiffon skirt flutters down to a full-length hemline.
Her brunette hair was styled in an elegant updo, with loose tendrils framing her face and accentuating her high cheekbones. The simplicity of her hairstyle allowed her natural beauty to shine through, while her delicate sapphire earrings added a touch of sophistication to her overall look. Lady Dennise completed her outfit with a pair of sapphire-blue heels and a matching sapphire bracelet that sparkled in the light. Her makeup was neutral, making it simple but with an elegant flair.
Anthony couldn't contain his joy at the sight of Silver. He approached him with a wide smile, his eyes filled with affection. "Silver! I'm so glad you're here. You look absolutely beautiful." He reached out to gently take Silver's hand, their fingers intertwining. He lifted his hand up to his lip and placed a kiss on the knuckle.
For dinner tonight, Silver opted to go with this silk chiffon royal blue dress featuring a sweetheart neckline with two draped off the shoulder sleeves and a tea length skirt in an a-line silhouette and matching silk chiffon petticoats underneath as well as the matching low heel. The waist is encircled with a belt that wraps around his waist. He wore his signature curls with a side curl bang and a simple matching headband on his head. A bit childish when he dressed up but he wanted to look perfect.
Silver's face lit up with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He returned Anthony's smile, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Thank you, Anthony. You look incredible too." His voice carried a soft, melodic tone, mirroring the enchanting atmosphere of the room.
Anthony then led Silver to meet all of his seven siblings, "Guys, this is my partner who has stolen my heart. Silver Willow. Possibly known as "The Boy in White".
Anthony introduced Silver to all of his seven siblings, eager to help her feel welcome and become part of their family. First, he introduced Dennise, the eldest sibling at 26 years old. Dennise warmly greeted Silver, expressing her excitement to meet him. "Nice to meet you, Silver. Anthony has told us a lot about you, he couldn't stop smiling whenever he spoke about you through the phone."
Silver shook Dennise's hand, returning the warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Dennise. Anthony has shared wonderful stories about his amazing family."
Next, Anthony introduced Beatrice, who was 18 years old. Beatrice greeted Silver with a friendly smile and offered to show him around the house, sharing stories about their childhood and adventures they had together.
Cora, at 16 years old, was introduced next. She was a bit shy at first but quickly opened up to Silver, sharing her hobbies and interests. They discovered common ground in their love for art and promised to spend time painting together.
Erick, the 13-year-old sibling, greeted Silver with enthusiasm. He eagerly shared his favorite video games and invited him to join him in a multiplayer session. Silver happily accepted, grateful for the warm welcome.
Frederick, at 10 years old, was introduced next. He had a playful and energetic personality and immediately struck up a conversation with Silver, talking about his favorite superheroes and asking if he had any pets.
Henrietta, the 6-year-old sibling and the same age as Silver's sisters, greeted Silver with a big smile and eager to know about him since she remembered the incident back at the Draventon Ball. Silver happily obliged, promising to tell her all about himself during dinner.
Finally, Anthony introduced George, the youngest sibling at 4 years old. George was full of energy and excitement, and he instantly took a liking to Silver. Even complimenting his gown.
"Please excuse me for making you all wait!" The sound of the woman's voice called. All heads turned to the voice and couldn't believe their eyes.
The Duchess wore this splendid long evening maroon red dress with sparkling all-over hand embroidery featuring long sleeves and sweetheart necklace. Her fiery ginger hair is tied in a high bun with ringlets. She wore this dazzling necklace featuring 17 clusters of emerald centered within a border of circular and cushion-cut diamonds. She even wore matching pair earrings on her ears.
"I do want to look my best." She chuckled, walking inside before standing next to her husband. "I hope my family has been amusing you?" she said.
"They have been very interesting," said Mr. Willow.
Anthony's expression darkened at the sight of his mother's dress. "Mother, we agreed to dress simply for dinner," he hissed under his breath.
The Duchess merely chuckled, her eyes and smile glinting with wickedness. "Oh, my dear Anthony, I simply changed my mind," she replied, patting his cheek with a gloved hand.
The staff announced that dinner will be served, and Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian began to lead the guests to the dining room, where a grand feast awaited them. As they entered the room, the Willow family was struck by the opulence of the baroque-style decor. The walls were adorned with intricate gold leaf designs, and the ceiling was a masterpiece of frescoes depicting scenes from ancient mythology.
The table itself was a work of art that incorporated simple elements. The tablecloth was a crisp white linen, with delicate floral arrangements in silver vases adorning the center. The plates were simple white porcelain, with silver cutlery and crystal glassware.
The dining chairs were upholstered in a rich burgundy velvet, with gold tassels and fringes adding an extra touch of luxury. The chandeliers overhead were made of sparkling crystals, casting a warm glow over the entire room.
As the guests took their seats, while the dogs stood far off so they wouldn't try to eat the food on the table, the butlers and maids began to serve the first course, which was a light and refreshing salad made with fresh greens and a citrus vinaigrette. The flavors were delicate and perfectly balanced, a testament to the chef's skill.
[TRIGGER WARNING: THIS PART INCLUDE A HINT OF RACISM AND HOMOPHOBIC, DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE.]
Throughout the meal, the conversation flowed freely, with Anthony and Silver stealing glances at each other whenever they thought no one was looking, to everyone enjoying eating Pollo Asado that Paula has cooked back home and the dogs playing with each other with an rope tug toy. The rest of the Draventon family was warm and welcoming, with each sibling sharing stories and laughter while Duchess Vivian remained quiet but secretly stared at Silver and was disgusted by the way he…. looked.
Duke Edward, ever the gracious host, took a moment to engage in conversation with Roberto and Paula Willow. He was genuinely interested in getting to know them and making them feel comfortable in his home.
"So, Mr. Willow, tell me about your background," Duke Edward began, taking a sip of his wine. "What do you do for a living?"
Roberto leaned back in his chair, a hint of pride shining in his eyes. "Well, Sir, I'm a construction worker, and my wife Paula used to be a kindergarten teacher before she retired to take care of our little ones. We've been living in Santa Barbara for many years, but we moved to Orlando, Florida back in 2010."
"Isn't that where Walt Disney World is?" Beatrice questioned. "I remember going there when I was two years old."
Anthony chuckled. "Well, it's also where I happened to see the Willow family in 2011, never would I think that one day, fate will bring us two together." He beams.
Paula smiles before taking out a folden picture out of her clutch. "Thankfully, I brought the picture with me for dinner to see for yourself." Paula passed the photo around to everyone in the table, they were shocked to see the photo.
Duke Edward nodded attentively. "Ah, Orlando. Quite a change from Santa Barbara, I imagine. What made you decide to move?"
Roberto chuckled, exchanging a glance with Paula. "Well, we wanted to give our children a fresh start, and we heard great things about the opportunities and community in Orlando. Plus, the weather is quite nice there," he replied with a lighthearted tone.
Duchess Vivian, who had been observing the conversation with an air of disapproval, decided to interject with a comment. "Oh, so you're from Santa Barbara? I must say, we don't often receive guests from that part of the world. How fascinating."
Paula's smile faltered slightly, but she maintained her composure. "Yes, Santa Barbara is a beautiful place. We have a rich Mexican heritage that we're proud of. It's a diverse and vibrant community."
Duke Edward, sensing the tension, swiftly changed the topic. "Indeed, diversity is something to be celebrated. I believe it enriches our lives and broadens our perspectives. Roberto, Paula, I hope you find Orlando to be just as welcoming and inclusive as Santa Barbara."
Roberto and Paula exchanged a grateful glance, appreciating Duke Edward's tactful response. "Thank you. We're optimistic about our new chapter in Orlando, and we're grateful for the warm reception we've received here," Roberto replied sincerely.
Duchess Vivian, with a malicious glint in her eyes, decided to target Silver, hoping to make him feel uncomfortable and unease. She leaned forward slightly, a faux smile gracing her lips.
"Now, Roberto and Paula, I must say, your son Silver is quite a unique individual, isn't he? I've heard from my son that he has some... unconventional interests," she said, her tone dripping with insinuation.
Silver, who had been engaging in a pleasant conversation with Dennise from across the table, felt a knot forming in his stomach. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay calm and composed.
Roberto, ever the protective rounded father, responded firmly but respectfully. "Yes, Vivian. Silver is indeed a unique and talented young man. He has a passion for the arts, love of children, being a member of the Dream Defenders group and has always expressed himself freely. We couldn't be more proud of him and fully support his individuality."
Duchess Vivian raised an eyebrow, her expression turning colder. "Individuality is all well and good, but there are certain expectations in society, aren't there?" She sipped her glass. "Proper behavior, appropriate attire. It seems your son has quite a disregard for those."
Paula, sensing the tension and unwilling to let her son be subjected to derogatory remarks, spoke up. "Vivian, we believe that everyone should be free to express themselves authentically. Silver's choices are his own, and we love and support him just the way he is."
Duchess Vivian's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Oh, I see. So, you support his... lifestyle choices, mmh? How interesting."
Silver glanced at Anthony, seeking support and seeking reassurance in the loving look he received in return. Anthony took his hand and gently squeezed his hand to offer comfort.
"Your Grace," Silver began, his voice steady but filled with resolve, "my 'lifestyle choices,' as you put it, are simply a part of who I am. I believe in embracing diversity and accepting people for who they are. It's a shame that not everyone shares the same perspective."
Duchess Vivian's smile faltered for a moment, her eyes narrowing with displeasure. But before she could respond, Duke Edward intervened, cutting through the tension in the room.
"Now, now, let's not dwell on such matters during our dinner. This is a time for celebration and unity," he said, his voice firm yet gentle but trying to prevent this dinner goes disaster as they plan. "We are all here as family, and I expect everyone to treat each other with respect and kindness."
The Duke's words hung in the air, effectively diffusing the tension that had built up. The conversation gradually shifted towards more pleasant topics, with the Duchess remaining mostly silent, her disapproval still evident.
Silver, though shaken by the encounter, drew strength from the support of his own family and the love he shared with Anthony. He vowed to rise above the judgment and prejudice, determined to enjoy the rest of the evening and show the Duchess the power of acceptance and understanding.
"So, Roberto and Paula, how long do you think it will take for Silver to be... fixed?" she asked, a smirk playing on her lips, never backing down without a fight. "I mean, surely there are professionals or therapies who can help him overcome his... inclinations… with special treatments of course."
The room fell silent, a heavy tension filling the air. All eyes turned towards the Duchess, shock and disbelief evident on the faces of those gathered around the table. Duke Edward's face contorted with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, desperately trying to shush his wife, but her words continued to pour forth like poison.
Anthony, feeling his heart sink, quickly looked at his mother, his face flushed with anger and hurt. He stared at him, his voice firm yet laced with disappointment. "Mother, that's enough!" He hissed softly.
Duchess Vivian, unyielding, smirked in response. "Oh, Anthony, you're so young and naive. You'll come to understand your duty and your responsibilities when the time comes. A proper heir should marry someone who can carry on the family legacy and its name."
Paula, Silver's mother, was the first to speak up, her voice shaking with anger. "Excuse me? What did you just say?" she demanded.
The Duchess smirked, clearly enjoying the chaos she was causing. "Oh, nothing, my dear. Just wondering if your dear Silver here needs some… special attention."
The chaos escalated as Paula, unable to contain her anger any longer, her voice trembling with emotion as she stared at her. "Duchess Vivian, I demand that you show some respect! Your words are hurtful and unacceptable. Love knows no boundaries, and our son deserves happiness just like anyone else."
Duchess Vivian's face contorted with rage, and her voice sharp and biting at Paula from across. "Respect? How dare you lecture me on respect! You have no right to challenge our traditions and expectations." She turns her head to Anthony. "Anthony, listen to me. You have a duty, a responsibility to our family name more than that… that boy!!!"
"Mother!" Anthony pleaded, but he was ignored.
"How dare you insult my son like that!" Paula exclaimed, her voice rising with each word. "He is a wonderful person and doesn't deserve this kind of treatment."
The Duchess rolled her eyes. "Oh please, don't act like you're better than us. Your family may have money, but you have no class."
Paula bristled at the insult. "We may not have been born into nobility like your family, but we have worked hard to achieve what we have. And unlike you, we don't look down on people just because of their background."
Duke Edward and Roberto tried to intervene, but their attempts to calm the situation were futile. The argument had taken on a life of its own, with both women determined to have the last word.
"You should be grateful that we even invited you to dinner," Duchess Vivian spat. "We did it as a courtesy to Anthony, but clearly we made a mistake."
Paula stood up from her seat, her face red with anger. "We don't need your charity," she declared. "We are perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves, and we don't need your approval to live our lives."
Roberto tried to intervene, his voice calm but firm. "Ladies, please. Let's not ruin this evening with such unpleasantness."
Duke Edward also intervened, attempting to calm his wife down, but she was beyond reason. "Vivian, enough," he pleaded. "You're causing a mess."
But the Duchess was not to be deterred. "I have every right to voice my opinion, Edward," she snapped. "And my opinion is that our son should be with someone more… suitable."
Anthony, who had been sitting in stunned silence, finally spoke up. "Mother, enough," he said, his voice shaking with emotion and frustration. "This is not the time or place for this conversation."
But the Duchess ignored her son, continuing to attack Silver. "And what kind of future do you see for yourself, Silver?" she asked, her eyes cold and calculating. "Do you really think you can be with someone like Anthony?"
Paula could feel the anger boiling inside her. "My son's future is none of your concern," she spat. "He is a wonderful person who deserves to be loved for who he is, not judged for his station in life."
Paula and Duchess Vivian fought with their food to get their rage from each other out of their systems, sending pieces of food flying over the table and floor.
Beatrice let out a heavy sigh. "It's so nice to have the family together for dinner..." She said, sounding like she was going to need some drink from all this.
Paula and Duchess Vivian soon stood up from their seats, glaring at each other from across before grabbing a roasted chicken that was sitting in front of them, sending it flying into the air. Everyone exclaimed at this dramatic moment.
"Vivian!" Edward scowled at his wife.
"Mama!" Silver gasped at his mom.
"Silver!" Paula complained to her son.
"Paula!" Roberto even added in.
"Mother!" Anthony complained.
"Anthony!" Duchess Vivian exclaimed to her son.
"Look out!" Erick called out, just as the chicken crashed down onto the table, nearly making everything fall off.
Heavily in the air, causing a stunned silence to descend upon the messing table. This silence went on for a few seconds.
Silver was the first to stand up, glancing at his mother and at Duchess Vivian. "Please excuse me," Silver pardoned himself before walking out of the dining room, feeling very emotional right now.
Duke Edward glared at his wife, while Paula looked saddened to her son, she let her anger get the best of her and to protect her boy.
"You!" Roberto snapped, slamming his fist down on the table causing everyone to jump and foods and drinks to shake. "How dare you!"
"How dare… how dare I!?" Duchess Vivian asked out of bewilderment.
"Children, out of the room!" Duke Edward's voice roared with a tingle of disappointment and upset.
"Girls, you two!" Roberto looked at his twin daughters.
All of the children, including the dogs, ran out of the room though not wasting the opportunity to glance at the Duchess, Anthony hesitated but went scowling when he walked out of the dining room.
"Duchess Vivian, I cannot believe the level of disrespect and cruelty you have shown towards my family and my son," Roberto seethed. "Your behavior is unacceptable, and it reflects poorly on the values and integrity of our family. We came here tonight as your guests, hoping for a pleasant evening together, and you have shown nothing but disrespect and bigotry towards our family."
Duchess Vivian, taken aback by Roberto's forceful confrontation. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner?" she retorted, her voice laced with arrogance.
"How dare I?" Roberto's voice thundered, causing the Duchess to recoil slightly. "I dare because I am a father who loves and supports his child unconditionally. I dare because I refuse to stand idly by while you spew your bigotry and hatred."
Paula, though still seething with anger, stepped forward, her voice calm but laced with frustration. "Duchess Vivian, we came here tonight with the hope of building bridges, of finding common ground, but your words have shattered any possibility of that. I implore you to reconsider your stance and open your heart to acceptance and understanding."
The Duchess scoffed, her face twisted with disdain. "Acceptance and understanding? Those are just words to justify weakness and deviation from tradition. I will not condone such behavior."
The Duke, though hesitant to intervene, couldn't help but acknowledge the gravity of the situation. He stepped forward, his voice strained with disappointment. "Vivian, you have gone too far. This behavior is beneath you, beneath all of us. I cannot condone or accept such treatment of our guests."
Roberto straightens himself up. "You'd best change that tone of yours real fast, or else someone you loved will leave you." He looked at Paula, his gaze filled with determination. "Let's gather our children and leave," he said softly. "We don't need to subject ourselves to this toxicity any longer."
Paula nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resolve. "Si, Roberto. Our family deserves better than this."
After that, Roberto stormed off with his wife to go find their son Silver, leaving Duke Edward and his Duchess in the remains of the messing dining room alone.
Duke Edward, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Vivian, I am deeply disappointed in your behavior tonight. This is not the woman I married, nor the mother I hoped you would be to our eight children. Your words and actions have caused significant harm, and it is clear that we need to have a serious conversation about our future."Like them, he stormed off before Duchess Vivian huffed and stormed off in the opposite direction to head to her and her husband's bedchamber.
Silver strode through the estate's garden, his visage marred by a deep melancholy, wrought by the evening's proceedings. The dinner between his family and Anthony's had been riddled with discord and strife, a far cry from the joyous union he had envisioned. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Silver sought refuge on a stone bench, seeking solace in the serene beauty of the garden.
Alas, his attempts at composure were in vain, as a single tear escaped his control, cascading down his cheek and staining his skirt. He struggled to contain his sorrow, his heart heavy with disappointment and regret.
This is not according to plan he has hoped for. This is not according to plan at all.
But then, a sudden sound pierced through the stillness of the night - a sharp pop, followed by a cascade of bubbles in the color of champagne, slowly descending from the velvety night sky. Silver was taken aback, his confusion mounting as he watched the bubbles dance through the air.
There came a sweet sounding lullaby like melody in the air.
Welp, it seems that the drama and chaos of the doesn't seem to be according to plan. At a recent dinner party held by the Duke and Duchess, tensions reached a boiling point when the Duchess let her narrow-mindedness and bigotry show towards Silver. The resulting argument was nothing short of explosive, with food flying and insults hurled left and right. It is a reminder that even in the most privileged circles, ignorance and prejudice can rear their ugly heads.
And yet, just when all hope seemed lost, something truly remarkable happened. Bubbles of a champagne color began to fall from the sky, accompanied by a sweet lullaby-like melody that filled the air. What could it mean? Who could be responsible for such a magical display? But I cannot help but hope that perhaps, just perhaps, this unexpected turn of events may be a sign of hope and redemption for our troubled young hero, Silver.
As we navigate the complexities and challenges of our world, let us remember to seek out moments of beauty and wonder, no matter how small they may seem. And let us also remember the importance of standing up against ignorance and prejudice, even when it comes from those in positions of privilege and power. For it is only through compassion, understanding, and a willingness to learn and grow that we can create a world that is truly just and equitable for all.
But for now, we must remain in the dark and let the bubbles and melody work their mysterious magic.
Next chapter: Silver finds comfort in a most unexpected way. Something magical is offering him a hand of comfort and reassurance.