100 Days to Seduce the Devil

Day Eighty-One…

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Alexander and Hanabi's arrival immediately caught the attention of the people gathering in the banquet hall. Several pairs of eyes turned to them with awe and intrigue, whispers fluttering around. Hanabi's beauty captivated the gaze of every onlooker.

The banquet hall was filled with murmurs as they marveled at the unexpected sight of Alexander with a date. Some exchanged surprised glances, while others leaned in to catch morsels of gossip.

"Hey, who is that lovely woman? Is she Alexander's girlfriend?"

"I thought he didn't have a girlfriend. Tonight's gathering is all about the selection of his wife. His grandfather, Arthur, will choose among the ladies here."

"Maybe she is just his date tonight. No commitment involved."

"Let's wait for Lord Arthur's announcement later."

Alexander, seemingly unperturbed by the sudden scrutiny, guided Hanabi through the sea of curious faces with practiced ease. He wore a faint smile as he searched for his grandfather. He was holding her hand, making her feel comfortable.

"Don't mind them," Alexander whispered in her ear. Hanabi was aware of the curious gazes coming from the onlookers. She tried to ignore them. "Let's greet my grandpa. Just be yourself. Don't get nervous," he softly said, squeezing her hand.

Hanabi just nodded in understanding.

Alexander navigated the crowd, his heart pounding with anticipation. Beside him, Hanabi exuded a quiet confidence, following him obediently.

Approaching a distinguished figure seated at a table adorned with fine linens and flickering candlelight, Alexander's steps faltered slightly before he steeled himself and extended a respectful nod to his grandfather.

"Grandfather," Alexander said, his voice steady as he met his father's gaze. "May I introduce you to Hanabi?" He presented Hanabi in front of Arthur Wayne.

The old man, his eyes sharp despite his advanced age, regarded Hanabi with a keen gaze, a hint of curiosity dancing in his eyes. "Ah, This beautiful lady is Hanabi. What is your relationship with my grandson?" Arthur frankly asked Hanabi, not beating around the bush.

Luckily, Alexander already briefed Hanabi about her role. She wasn't surprised to encounter this direct question from the old man.

Hanabi offered a graceful bow, her demeanor composed and respectful. "It's my pleasure to meet you, sir," she replied, her voice soft yet confident. "I'm Hanabi, Alexander's girlfriend."

Alexander grinned broadly as he observed her. She appeared to be relaxed in front of his overbearing grandfather. She wasn't intimidated by him at all.

'I knew it. She could easily handle my old man. She is bolder than I thought.' Alexander started praising her in his mind. He even winked at her, acknowledging her confidence.

On the other hand, Arthur Wayne darted his gaze back and forth between Hanabi and his grandson, Alexander. He didn't expect to meet Alexander's 'girlfriend' at this gathering. He was always updated about his grandson's whereabouts. He never received any reports about Alexander dating someone.

'Hmm, who are they trying to fool?' Arthur smirked dangerously as he eyed the couple suspiciously. 'I can only think of one reason for this. My grandson wants to avoid the wife selection process tonight.'

"Interesting," Arthur uttered while looking at Hanabi meaningfully. "Come, Hanabi. I would like to talk to you about my grandson." The old man shifted his gaze back to Alexander. His eyes shone with warning.

Alexander could only feign innocence as he smiled at his grandfather. The 'couple' sat down next to Arthur Wayne. Hanabi ended up sitting in the middle of the two men.

While the host was busy entertaining the other guests, Arthur began his interrogation with the couple.

"How and where did you meet my grandson?" the old man's eyes were fixed on Hanabi, assessing and observing her facial expression. Arthur was confident that he could see through someone's lie so he was testing Hanabi whether she would tell the truth or make up some lie.

"I met him at a hospital in Country M. He was stalking my friend back then," Hanabi stated matter-of-factly.

Alexander's smile faltered at her words, his recollection of their initial meeting flooding back to him. "Hey, don't say that. I'm not stalking Abigail. We are close friends."

Hanabi just shrugged her shoulders. Alexander frowned and pouted his lips. "You treated me like a criminal," he complained.

Arthur just watched the interaction between Hanabi and Alexander with curiosity. He could sense that these two didn't have a good first encounter. But for some unknown reason, he found it very amusing. 'Eh, why does my grandson look a little bit embarrassed?'

"I had to do it because you might ruin the marriage proposal of my friend. I have to handcuff you," she explained.

"Hmm. So you don't like my grandson during your first meeting? Then how did you fall for him?" Arthur made a follow-up question.

Alexander reflexively averted his gaze to Hanabi. He didn't know how she would answer that question. His heart started to beat rapidly inside his chest as he anticipated her response. Arthur was also staring at Hanabi intently.

Meanwhile, Hanabi turned to Alexander, her hand reaching out to hold his chin. She studied him for a moment longer before a warm smile spread across her charming face.

After a few seconds, Hanabi shifted her gaze back to Alexander's grandfather. "Honestly, Mr. Wayne… until now, I'm asking myself the same question. Aside from his good looks, why would I fall for him? And I haven't found the answer yet." Alexander: "..."

Arthur: "..."

"Perhaps, it's because of your grandson's persistence. He kept on pursuing me, following me wherever I went… asking me out on a date. And just one day… I just get tired of rejecting him over and over again. And that's how I ended up saying yes to his proposal, making me his girlfriend." Alexander didn't know whether to cry or laugh after hearing her response. 'Damn it. I just realized that this woman has no romantic bone in her body. No wonder she suggested a very terrible marriage proposal to Abigail's boyfriend. How could I expect her to act like a woman who is in love with me?'

Before Alexander could utter a word, the sound of Arthur's laughter filled the hall. His chuckle, rich and infectious, caught the attention of everyone present. With unrestrained mirth, Arthur burst into laughter at Hanabi's last remarks, his amusement spilling over and infusing the atmosphere with a contagious energy.

"Haha! Oh my god! I like your honesty, Hanabi! You are making me laugh so hard! Hahaha!"