it felt more like the final moments before my life changed forever.
And maybe…
it was.
“It’s okay, darling,” Aunt Rose reassured gently, patting my arm.
“You’re doing well.
Just keep walking.” We continued toward the front row, where she helped me settle into a chair beside the main table before excusing herself to welcome more guests.
Almost immediately, others began approaching to congratulate me.
I was a bundle of nerves.
Even after taking my seat, I could feel countless pairs of eyes fixed on me.
Most of the faces were unfamiliar.
Only a few business associates of my parents, some family friends, and a handful of my college friends stood out among the crowd.
Guests continued coming over one after another to congratulate me, and I kept a polite smile on my face, pretending to recognize everyone because, according to Aunt Rose, they were all my guests.
To be honest, I still didn’t understand why so many people needed to attend a birthday party.
Yet my adoptive parents had invited almost the entire elite society of B-City.
“Oh my goodness, babe!” A familiar voice called from behind me.
Instinctively, I turned around to see Amanda making her way toward me.
“You look so pretty, babe.” Amanda bent down and wrapped me in a tight hug.
“Happy birthday, Alice.” I smiled, returning the hug as best as I could.
“Thanks, Amanda.” She still refused to let go.
“Okay, now let her go before you suffocate her,” Aiden said dryly from the side.
Amanda finally released me, sending him a glare that he completely ignored.
Instead, he stepped forward and gave me a brief hug.
“Happy birthday.” “Thanks, Aiden.” Giovanni came over next with a warm smile and wished me the same.
“I wanted to give you my present personally,” Amanda complained, glaring daggers at the two men, “but these idiots wouldn’t let me.” I couldn’t help smiling.
“It’s okay.
We can look at it after the party, right?” She nodded enthusiastically.
“By the way…” I looked around.
“Where’s Mike?” Only then did I realize he wasn’t with them.
Amanda, Giovanni, Aiden, Mike, and I had all studied in the same department and graduated together.
“He called earlier,” Amanda replied.
“He said he’d be a little late.” “Oh…” “I hope everything’s alright.” “He mentioned something about his mom not being ready on time.” Mike’s family also owned a successful company and belonged to B-City’s upper class, so his parents had naturally been invited as well.
My friends stayed by my side, chatting with me and teasing one another until, before I realized it, my nervousness had eased considerably.
Somehow, being around them made everything feel normal again.
A short while later, the MC stepped onto the stage, officially marking the beginning of the celebration.
Throughout the speeches, the cake-cutting ceremony, and dinner, however, my eyes kept wandering almost unconsciously.
Searching for someone.
Though I didn’t even know why.
After dinner, I stood beside my adoptive parents as they introduced me to influential figures from B-City’s upper society.
“Mr.
and Mrs.
Livingston…
Miss Johnson.” One of our company’s shareholders, Mr.
Vaughn, approached us with a pleasant smile, a crystal wine glass resting comfortably in his hand.
“Thank you for coming, Mr.
Vaughn,” Uncle shedrak, my adoptive father greeted warmly as they shook hands.
Mr.
Vaughn then turned his attention to me.
My fingers tightened unconsciously around my purse as I forced another polite smile.
“Happy birthday, Miss Johnson.
Congratulations on your graduation.” “Thank you very much, Mr.
Vaughn.” He smiled before looking at Aunt Rose.
“You’ve done a remarkable job.
Just look at how grown-up and beautiful Alice has become.” Aunt Rose smiled gracefully.
“Alice has always been exceptional.
We simply guided her along the way.” “Indeed.” Mr.
Vaughn nodded thoughtfully.
“Sebastian and Lily would have been very proud to see her today.
I only hope she’s able to carry on their legacy properly.” There was an unmistakable hidden meaning behind his words.
Every one of us understood exactly what he meant.
Yet no one responded.
“Well, I won’t keep you any longer.” He politely raised his wine glass before excusing himself.
Just then….
“Alice.” I turned at the familiar voice.
Mike stood a few steps away, looking as handsome as ever in an impeccably tailored suit, his blonde hair smoothly combed to perfection and his face carrying that charming smile.
A smile spread across my face as I walked over.
He immediately pulled me into a gentle hug.
“Happy birthday.” “I thought you weren’t coming,” I admitted softly after we pulled apart.
“Sorry I’m late.” “When did you arrive?” “A while ago…” he replied.
“Before the cake cutting.” “I see.” I tilted my head slightly.
“Why didn’t you come find me then?” He scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile.
Instead of answering, his gaze drifted around the crowded ballroom before he let out a quiet sigh.
“Your party really is grand.” I smiled faintly.
Then he looked back at me.
“Do you want to get some fresh air outside?” Instinctively, I glanced around the hall.
“Is that alright?” “Aunty might be looking for me.” “We’ll only be gone for a few minutes.” He looked around once again before lowering his voice slightly.
“It’s getting a little stuffy in here.” A small smile tugged at his lips.
“And I have a feeling you’d appreciate a little peace and quiet.” “There’s a garden at the back….”