"What a lovely day it is today, such a beautiful day indeed…"

Many people gather inside a very luxurious suburban mansion in Monegasque

Today is a special day for a certain someone…

"Oh my, I can't believe that my special day is now today… how time flies" muttered the person in question

Everyone is all dressed up in beautiful, formal attire as they all gathered at mansion's hall

The guests cherish the moment of getting to know each other and being in awe of seeing the beauty of the mansion's interior

"What a lovely place" says one woman, gazing at the beautiful chandeliers "That is a lovely display" she complimented.

Near one corner not so far away from where the guests have gathered is a mysterious looking individual.

Many passed by looking at him, observing and gazing at him

Donning a Renaissance-era mask and just standing all alone with his back against the wall, he looks as if he's there to observe the place or just to hang around for no reason

His presence is creating quite a stir among those passing by him

"Who is he?" whispered one patron

"Is he even invited to this party?" another one does so passing by

"I hope he isn't here to stir any trouble at this party" another also did so, being vigilant

Sometime later, the hosts have arrived, the lovely couple who lives in the mansion, Mr. and Mrs. Rochefort.

"We are so glad you have all come on this beautiful day" he greeted

"Indeed it is darling, we are all happy to see you in this lovely day" his wife added

"We are all here to celebrate the debut of our lovely daughter, Emilie de Rochefort"

"As a mother, my husband and I are proud to have her as our daughter, she's already a full-pledge woman"

"I agree with you dear, and we are all happy that you're all here to see how much our only daughter has changed"

Overhearing her parents outside…

"Oh mother and father, you're in for something that will definitely surprise both of you" says the lovely Monegasque native, combing her hair…

Done stroking her lovely locks "Ahh perfect"

"Oh Sebastian, please inform Lili that everyone outside is waiting for her…"

"Right away Mr. Rochefort" he heads upstairs

*knock knock* "Ms. Lili"

"Yes Sebastian?" putting on her heels

"Oh Ms. Lili, your parents are waiting for you to come out of your room"

"I'm aware of that Sebastian, I'll be out as soon as I finish making myself look good for everyone"

"But time is of the essence dear" he informed her firmly

"Indeed it is, I'll be done as soon as I make sure my appearance is dazzling enough"

"But you look dazzling enough since today is your debut"

"That's one thing you must not forget, Sebastian" *chuckles*

"Yes, I'll be informing your parents that you're almost done"

"Please do so, thank you Sebastian, I'll be done as soon as I can" the butler closed the door

"Mr. and Mrs. Rochefort, she'll be exiting her room now"

"Places everyone, our daughter will be arriving any minute now" her mother informed everyone

"Be at your best dear" her father hoped

"Everyone, our lovely daughter, Emilie de Rochefort"

The door open and out she comes, wearing a beautiful white gown with a veil on her head, making her look like a bride for wedding; soon, everyone applauded her

Everyone gathered, eager to see the debutante come down stairs; all are in awe as they see her come down the stairs with elegance and poise

"Hello to you all" she greeted the guests

Her parents, however, are quite shocked at their daughter's choice of clothing

"Didn't we bought her a very classy dress from her favorite store a month ago?" her father whispered to his wife

"I'm aware of that dear, maybe she forgot to wear it…"

"Forget? How can she forget?"

~2 WEEKS PRIOR TO HER DEBUT~

"Lili dear… look what your mother and I got you"

"Oh my, this is so lovely!" She said with delight

"We're happy you loved it"

"I shall wear this on my 18th birthday!"

"That's an excellent idea, dear!"

~END OF FLASHBACK~

"You're right dear, I indeed remember" the debutante's parents then approached their daughter, regarding her attire

"Emily dear…" both said in unison

"Yes Mother and Father?"

"Do you remember the dress your mother and I bought for you?"

"Of course I do"

"Why are you not wearing it? Instead you're wearing something else"

"Time for me to strike"

"I have a reason why so, mother and father" the debutante then walked to the center of the hall

"I thank you all for coming to my debut, I appreciate it very much" she told everyone

"I also want to thank my dear parents for preparing this event for me and being there for me, no matter what"

Everyone applauded to her parents, though flattered, are still wondering what their daughter's up to

"And now, something that I want to announce to everyone here today" she clears her throat as everyone lend their ears

Among the crowd is the mysterious individual, looking on, with a small grin on his face

His presence during the debutante's announcement caught the attention of others, looking at him with disdain and vilifying him

"Is he on the guest list?"

"The likes of this individual should be in another event or so"

"He's a rather odd-looking fellow is he?"

"I'm happy not only that today's a special day for me and it's because…I finally found true love!" she said the last part with enthusiasm, swaying her arms in the air gracefully

The crowd was quite pleased by her announcement; her parents however were more than surprised about it though

"First, a wedding dress and now a boyfriend?"

"What is happening to our dear daughter?" her mother scratched her head

"He must be one lucky man" one guest said

"Oh how I so envy you, Lili" says another

"What is his name, if we may ask?" a woman with her 2 daughters asked

"Never thought you asked…" she giggled "And as to let everybody know, he is here today; everybody, the name of the man I've fallen in love with is…Lee Chaolan!"

Everyone, including her parents, searched everywhere for him…until he revealed himself to everybody; he turns out to be the mysterious individual wearing a Renaissance-era mask and with a Capone hat on

Gasps filled the area, as they all gaze on to him, speechless and having a hard time believing that the person they loathed was the debutante's newfound flame

"I never thought that HE would be her lover…"

"I will never judge the book by its cover ever again…"

"Unbelievable, it's like we've been fooled or something"

Even her parents' reactions are a bit mixed as they see him walking towards their daughter

"My Lili…" he kneeled down, holding her hand…then kissing it

"Oh my Lee…" *giggles*

*turns toward her parents* "Mother, Father, meet my fiancé, Lee Chaolan"

"Good day to you both" he politely bowed in front of them "Lee Chaolan"

Likewise, his lover's parents returned a favor

"It's an honor, and a privilege, being at your daughter's debut"

Not wanting to ruin their moment, Lili's bewildered parents have no choice but to play along

After introducing himself to her parents, Lee and Lili then gathered around to the other guests, enjoying some fun chitchat

"I must say, he is quite the perfect match for Ms. Rochefort, don't you agree?" Sebastian thought, seeing the two lovebirds interact with the guests

"Well… he's, how can I put this, different from other boys" the debutante's mother pointed out

"Indeed dear, not to mention a rare one to be exact… I just hope he's the right boy for our only daughter" added the debutante's father, a bit concern for her safety

"Well, since she's now old enough to decide on her own, she can handle things herself and if she's happy with him, then so be it"

"I suppose you're right about that dear…"

"I so agree with Mrs. Rochefort, Ms. Lili is now a matured woman ready to face the world as it is" the family butler adjusted his glasses as he and Lili's parents watched as she and Lee enjoy chatting with the other party

~MOMENTS LATER~

Continuing the fun on the occasion, everyone has gathered at the back of the mansion's beautiful garden filled with lovely decorations; Many guests lauded the unique selection of catered food for everyone to try for the special occasion

"This looks delicious"

"Appetizing, splendid choice of food"

The presence of an expensive fountain, a swimming pool and many other dazzling decorations are enough to put anyone in envy

"Look at that fountain dear, so elegant is it not?"

"Elegant it is, my darling"

Aside from guests, there are also caterers serving food and musicians to soothe the atmosphere and keep everyone entertained and relaxed.

"Such beautiful soothing music to fit the mood for tonight"

On one table, it consists of Lili, her parents, Lee, and other close relatives and friends enjoying the elegant meals

"Turkey with asparagus? How mouth watering" Lee praised the fine choice of fowl

"Thank you dear, it's my family's delicacy ever since"

"Ever since…?"

"The beginning of time…" both love birds laughed, while the former's parents and relatives laughed along too, though not as much as them, still questioning why she would fall in love with such a person

"Umm, if I may ask Mr. Chaolan-"

"Please, call me Lee…" he insists

"If you insist; If I may ask, on behalf of my wife and myself, how did you and our daughter Lili get to know each other?" Lili's dad asked

"Yes, as a mother, I am curious how our dear Emily became your significant other" so did her mother, taking a sip of from her wine glass

"Oh, I never thought you'd ask" flicking his hair, he somehow anticipated such a question "Lili, my sweetheart…"

"Yes, my darling?"

"Your parents are quite eager to know how the two of us became lovebirds"

"Is that true? Mother and Father?" they both nodded in unison

"Splendid!" the debutante clapped her hands in joy "Now how should I start?"

"Mind if I help you refresh your memory?"

"That won't be necessary my love, I still remember how'd it all go"