Chapter 3: Engagement
Inside the presidential palace, Ashton Lincoln sat before her ornate dressing mirror, its gilded frame reflecting the grandeur of her position. The room was alive with quiet activity—more than half a dozen makeup artists moved around her with precision, each attending to a different detail of her appearance. One knelt at her feet, carefully painting her toenails a shimmering shade of blue. Another focused on her fingers, shaping and polishing them until they gleamed. Others worked on her hair, brushing and curling it into elegant waves, while two more applied layers of foundation, blush, and powder to her flawless skin. One assistant busied herself with cleansing and moisturizing, ensuring Ashton's complexion radiated perfection, while another laid out the accessories that would complete her ensemble for the day's grand occasion.
The atmosphere was ceremonial, almost reverent. Every brushstroke, every adjustment of fabric or jewel carried the weight of significance. Ashton, poised and regal, allowed herself to bask in the attention. She was not merely preparing for an event—she was preparing to embody power itself.
At last, the team stepped back, their work complete. They helped her into a custom-made gown of deep sapphire blue, a masterpiece tailored to her figure. The fabric clung to her curves in all the right places, flowing gracefully to the floor with a train that whispered of majesty. Her jewelry shimmered with gold and blue diamonds, each piece carefully chosen to match her anklet, bracelet, and heels. When Ashton looked into the mirror, she saw not just beauty but authority, a woman sculpted by destiny. A satisfied smile curved her lips.
Her reverie was broken when the door swung open with sudden force. Nolan entered without knocking, his presence commanding the room. His voice was sharp, cold, and absolute:
"Leave us now."
The staff froze, their eyes darting to Ashton for confirmation. She raised her hand with calm authority and said, "Leave." Without hesitation, they bowed slightly and filed out, their footsteps fading into silence.
Now alone, Ashton turned to face her son. Nolan was the living image of Logan Howard, her late lover—the man who had once been her heart's obsession. Nolan's resemblance was uncanny: the same sharp jawline, the same piercing eyes, the same aura of charisma. He stood tall and striking in a designer blue suit, his slanted white-and-black necktie adding a touch of boldness. His polished black leather shoes gleamed under the chandelier's light. Ashton had deliberately chosen her gown to complement his attire, for walking beside Nolan always reminded her of Logan—the man she had loved, lost, and vowed to avenge.
Her smile softened as she studied him, her eyes lingering with maternal pride. She raised a questioning brow, inviting him to speak.
Nolan sighed, leaning against the dressing table with the casual grace of a celebrity posing for a photograph. His tone carried both concern and defiance.
"Are you sure nothing will go wrong? With that old brute around, he might not go through with it."
Ashton reached out, her hand brushing his with deliberate tenderness. "Don't you trust your mother anymore?"
"How could I not?" Nolan replied, his voice steady, his confidence unshaken.
She nodded, pleased. "Leave everything to me. Just wait patiently to be summoned for the swearing-in. Sebastian wouldn't dare defy my wishes."
Nolan's lips curled into a smug smile. He understood her implication. Already, his mind raced ahead to the moment he would crush Diamond beneath his feet, stripping him of dignity and claiming everything Nolan believed was rightfully his—including Claire Wyatt.
Yes, she's stunning, he thought. After Mom, Claire is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. A mischievous smile tugged at his lips as he imagined her standing beside him, the perfect ornament to his rise.
"I was thinking," he said aloud, his tone playful yet calculated, "we should add something more thrilling to today's event—something that would make it truly unforgettable."
Ashton tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "And what might that be?"
Nolan clicked his tongue, his grin widening. "I'll announce my engagement right after I'm declared the general in charge of the armed forces and the future president of Beguisra."
Ashton blinked, taken aback. She studied him carefully, unsure if he was serious. Nolan had never taken his past flings seriously; they had all been fleeting amusements, discarded without thought. She sighed, uncertain, but chose to humor him.
Sensing her doubt, Nolan leaned closer, his smile disarming. "Mom, I just think that announcing an engagement will make me seem more grounded, more responsible."
Her eyes softened, catching a flicker of sincerity. "So who's the lucky girl?"
"Claire Wyatt," he said with unwavering confidence.
Ashton's heart skipped. She stared at him, stunned, before letting out a soft laugh to steady herself. "But she's Diamond's girlfriend. I even heard his father mention that Diamond plans to propose to her soon."
Nolan shrugged, arrogance dripping from his posture. "Diamond can wait. He'll find someone else. I need Claire by my side now."
Ashton narrowed her eyes, studying him. Nolan raised a brow, chuckling. "What? I really like her. No woman has ever made me feel the way she does."
Relieved to hear genuine emotion, Ashton smiled faintly. "Honestly, I would've liked that girl if she weren't with that jinx of a boy."
The mention of Diamond ignited her fury. She despised him—not merely for existing, but for the way his presence reminded her of betrayal, of dishonesty, of Logan's humiliation. She had loved Logan fiercely, even after his mistakes. Later, she discovered he hadn't left her willingly—Sebastian had threatened him, forced him away.
Her marriage to Sebastian Rutherford had been a calculated decision. She married him to protect her son, to secure her position, and to build a name for herself. But beneath it all, her true motive was vengeance. She would avenge Logan, and she would ensure his son—her son—rose to power.
Logan had dreamed of greatness, and Ashton had sworn to fulfill that dream. Nolan was her weapon, her legacy, her promise to the man she had lost. But Diamond's existence had been a cruel twist of fate. Despite precautions, despite birth control, she had become pregnant. The child had arrived without warning, without symptoms. Sebastian had been the first to notice.
She had raged, demanded an abortion. But Sebastian and old Mr. Rutherford refused. Instead, they induced labor and placed the baby in incubation. Ashton never held Diamond, never wanted to. To her, he was a mistake, a shadow, a curse.
She sighed now, pushing the bitterness aside, and looked at Nolan with a gentle, doting smile. "I like her too. And if you truly want her, leave everything to me. I'll make sure you get what you want."
Nolan's grin widened. He stood tall, helping Ashton to her feet. He pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her cheek softly. "I love you, Mom. You're the best."
Ashton chuckled warmly, returning the gesture. "I love you too, son. You're my heavenly treasure—the greatest gift of my life."
Hand in hand, they descended the grand staircase, their steps echoing through the palace halls. Together, they radiated confidence, power, and unity.
Everyone who saw the mother and son duo could tell at first glance that their bond was enviable. They laughed as they spoke, their voices carrying lightness. Their eyes sparkled with joy, like teenagers caught in the thrill of first love. Their smiles seemed unbreakable.
But then, as their gaze shifted toward a particular direction, everything changed.
Their steps faltered. The laughter died. The warmth vanished, replaced by coldness and calculation. The air around them thickened, heavy with tension.
The seemingly perfect moment dissolved, leaving only the sharp edge of ambition and the silent promise of conflict.