Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)

Chapter 251 - 250: Argentis

Please check the author’s thought for announcement... Thank you

The woman wore an elegant gown that flowed effortlessly as she moved, confidence in every step. Her smile was warm, almost mischievous, like she knew what everybody else doesn’t.

Beside her, the man adjusted his cufflinks calmly, sharp in a tailored suit, posture relaxed but powerful. There was something effortless about him, the kind of presence that didn’t demand attention, yet owned it completely.

The moment Laila’s eyes landed on them, her face lit up. "Oh My God," She lifted her dress slightly and hurried down the steps toward them, smiling brightly.

"Auntie!" she called out playfully.

Theo’s mother opened her arms immediately. "Look at you!" she exclaimed, pulling Laila into a quick embrace. "You get more beautiful every time I see you. Are you trying to outshine the entire prom that isn’t even yours?"

Laila laughed. "Maybe."

Theo’s father chuckled beside them. "She definitely is," he said, looking her up and down approvingly. "If my son doesn’t behave tonight, I’m blaming you."

Laila’s face heated up, but placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "Uncle, your son has never behaved a day in his life."

Mrs Argentis laughed softly at that, her eyes sparkling. "That sounds accurate."

Alaric approached slowly, offering a respectful nod. Theo’s father’s gaze shifted to him immediately as he felt the dark aura radiating from him instantly.

Mr Argentis stared at him with his eyes darkened and Alaric didn’t so much flinch.

The man laughed. "You are?"

Laila elbowed Alaric with a smile. "He’s Alaric... just Alaric."

Theo’s mother tilted her head playfully. "Where is my son?" she asked, scanning the area. "Don’t tell me he’s late to his own drama."

Laila’s smile. "Oh, he’s coming," she said smoothly.

The woman’s eyes scanned the crowd, playful curiosity dancing in her gaze. She tilted her head slightly, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "And... where’s your mother?" she asked.

Laila smiled, shrugging slightly, trying to hide the slight flutter in her tummy. "She must be on her way," she said, careful to keep her voice steady.

The woman laughed softly, a warm, melodic sound that seemed to fill the space around them.

"Good," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Can’t have my daughter-in-law stealing all the attention before she arrives."

Laila froze for just a moment, awkwardly glancing at Alaric, who was nearby. Their eyes met briefly, before he looked away, his jaw tight. She felt a small heat rise to her cheeks, but she smiled anyway, nodding politely.

It wasn’t lost on her how much Theo’s mother had always adored her. From the moment Laila was born, she had treated her as if she were already family. Even now, she still called her "my daughter-in-law," and it wasn’t just playful teasing.

It carried years of hope, a quiet expectation that Laila would one day officially hold that place in their family. The label had weight, though it came wrapped in warmth and endless encouragement.

Her husband chuckled beside her. He adjusted his hand on his wife’s waist, glancing around at the crowd, the red carpet, and the buzzing excitement in the air. "Looks like the party is already starting," he said.

"Oh, trust me... it’s just about to begin." she said,

Laila clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, you two come on, let’s get some pictures before the crowd sweeps past."

Theo’s mother laughed, looping her arm through her husband’s effortlessly. "Of course, my dear," she said, smiling at Laila with that familiar warmth.

They walked over to where the photo is being taken.

Mr Argentis bent slightly, then pulled her close to his chest. "I don’t care how many years pass," he said quietly, but loud enough that almost everyone nearby caught it. "I still get to show you off like it’s prom night every time."

She rolled her eyes playfully, tilting her head into his shoulder. "Oh, stop it," she teased, laughing, but her hand rested lightly over his chest, fingers tracing patterns on it.

Flash.

Mrs Argentis spun slightly, letting her gown fan out, and he caught her waist effortlessly, tilting her just enough to show off the elegant lines of the dress. Their eyes met, laughter sparkling in both, the kind that comes from decades of shared history and easy intimacy.

Click. Flash.

Next, she leaned up and pressed her forehead against his, hands resting on each other’s shoulders. Even in this simple stance, the playful energy between them shone.

"Perfect," Laila called, barely hiding her grin.

She laughed at them as she leaned toward Alaric, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. "See... even grown-ups know how to make a grand entrance," she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Alaric didn’t look at her, but a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed that he was listening.

"They don’t need to try," Laila continued softly, still leaning closer, "and yet they make it look effortless. You could learn a thing or two from them, you know."

Leo leaned toward them, eyes narrowing slightly. "Who are they? That man looks familiar."

Laila smiled, glancing over at the couple still posing for the photographer. "He’s Theo’s father," she said casually, letting the words hang just long enough to catch Leo’s full attention.

Leo gasped, eyes widening. "Oh... no wonder! That’s why he looks so... commanding. Wow."

...

Once inside the grand ballroom, they were guided to a large round table near the center of the room, a seat of honor where important guests and couples were placed.

Mrs. Argentis reached for an empty chair beside Leo with a playful smile, and Mr. Argentis pulled out a seat for her before sitting himself.

The group glanced at each other in shock that they’re sitting with them.

Not that they had a problem with it, but it would be uncomfortable.

Alaric took his seat next to Laila, expression still composed but glancing around with a measured calm. Laila, however, seemed delighted, leaning in toward him slightly, as though every moment at a table full of faces was another chance to tease him.

Armand slid into the seat beside Felicia, who looked back at him and smiled affectionately.

Leo and Levi sat close together, shoulders bumping occasionally as they whispered something.