The birthday party
Cathy's pov
Night had fallen and the party was already in full swing, but Cathy was still in her room, carefully dressing up.
She stood before the mirror, her eyes was fixed on her reflection. The red satin gown clung to her curves, with its silky fabric catching the light and shimmering softly, making her look both elegant and striking.
Her curls tumbled over her shoulders, and the diamond necklace her mother had given her sparkled at her neck. For the first time, she truly felt like an adult.
The door opened quietly, and her mother walked in with a smile. “My baby looks breathtaking,” she said, with her eyes softening.
“Mum,” Cathy laughed, “I’m not a baby anymore. You said it yourself in the morning.”
“You’ll always be my baby,” her mother replied, coming closer to fix the straps of her dress. She smoothed the fabric with delicate hands, then adjusted the necklace so it sat perfectly on her daughter’s skin.
As she worked, Cathy hesitated before asking the question that had been on her mind. “Mum… why didn’t you or Dad ever tell me I had a cousin?”
At that, her mother’s hands paused for a moment, then she sighed softly. “It’s not something serious, sweetheart. Adrain and his mother lived overseas for most of his life. That’s why you never got the chance to know him.”
Cathy tilted her head. “And now he’s here?”
Her mother nodded, brushing a curl away from her face. “Yes, his mother passed away recently. Your uncle thought it was best to bring him back to home so he can manage some of the family business. That’s why he’s staying with us for a while.”
At the statement, Cathy’s chest tightened a little at the thought of Adrian's loss. Suddenly, the mystery around him made a bit more sense. He wasn’t just distant, he was carrying something heavy.
“I understand,” she whispered, and her mother kissed her forehead.
Just then, the door cracked open, and Isabella poked her head inside with a grin. “Can I come in, birthday girl?”
Her mother chuckled and gave Cathy a gentle hug. “I’ll leave you two. Enjoy your night, sweetheart.” She squeezed Isabella’s hand warmly before slipping out.
“Finally!” Isabelle squealed, stepping fully inside with a small shiny box in her hand. “I thought your mother would never leave.”
Cathy rolled her eyes fondly. “Isabella, behave. She adores you.”
Isabella grinned wider and pressed the box into Cathy’s hand and said. “Open it.”
Then Cathy untied the ribbon carefully and gasped. Inside was a silver bracelet with tiny charms dangling, a star and a delicate little key.
“Isabella, this is beautiful!” Cathy cried, hugging her tightly.
Her best friend squeezed her back. “Now we’re officially adults. Remember, I turned eighteen just last month. You’re only catching up now.”
Cathy laughed, shaking her head. “So now we’re both officially grown women.”
“Exactly. And we’re going to rule campus together.” issabella replied.
Her eyes darted to the necklace at Cathy’s throat, then to the sleek car key resting on the dresser. “So… do you want to gist me about anything? Is there something I have to catch up on?”
She asked, whopping her eyes.
Cathy smiled, still not fully believing it herself. “Yes… look at that black sedan. She said and pointed at the key on the dresser "Can you imagine? Dad gifted me the car! I will finally be driving to campus instead of waiting for rides.”
At that, Isabelle squealed and hugged her again. “That’s amazing, Cathy! Guess I need to tell my father to get me one too.”
Then Cathy laughed. “Yes, tell him to keep up.”
They both giggled like schoolgirls, their laughter filling the room. Isabelle gave her hand a playful tug. “Come on, let’s not keep the party waiting.”
With smiles still lingering on their faces, they rose and walked out of the room together.
The ballroom glowed when they entered the party room. It was filled with music, chatter, and the sparkle of crystal chandeliers. Guests were in elegant gowns and tuxedos mingling across the hall, holding gifts wrapped in silver and gold.
Some were already dancing to the band on stage, while others stood around enjoying the performances.
Cathy paused at the top of the staircase, with her heart swelling at the sight. This was her night.
Beside her, Isabelle leaned close. “Wow… your parents really went all out.”
Cathy nodded, then her eyes moved around the hall and found Adrian standing near her father at the front. His tall frame cut sharply against the lights. He wore a fitted black suit, it was simple, but yet perfect. His dark hair was neatly combed, and he wasn’t saying much. He was only wearing a faint smile as he watched the performers on stage.
Isabella followed her line of sight, and her jaw dropped the moment she saw Adrian. ‘Cathy,’ she whispered, ‘who is that handsome guy? Damn… he’s really something."
Cathy bit her lip, lowering her voice. “He’s… my cousin. My all-of-a-sudden cousin. He just got to the house.”
“Seriously?” Isabelle’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, your cousin is really hot... Are you sure he’s your cousin?” She leaned closer, looking straight into Cathy’s eyes.
Cathy ignored her teasing, though her cheeks burned. She glanced around the hall to see if her mother was there, but she didn’t find her, so she decided to ask her father instead. ‘Please excuse me, I need to talk to my dad quickly,’ she said.”
Then she stepped away from her friend, gathering the hem of her gown as she moved across the hall. But halfway there, her heel caught on the polished floor. She gasped, her body tilting forward as she lost balance.
Before she could hit the ground, strong hands grabbed her firmly by the waist.
Immediately, she froze. Her breath caught as she looked up and found Adrian's dark eyes locked on hers.
For a moment, the world around them disappeared. His grip was steady, strong, protective, yet his expression was unreadable. Then the music, the laughter, the lights all faded into silence.
Cathy swallowed hard, and heat rushed through her. “I… I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Adrian's lips curved slightly, almost into a smile. “Careful, Cathy,” he said in a low, whispering voice that sent a shiver down her spine.
Then he released her gently, stepping back as if nothing had happened.
Her heart pounded so hard she thought it would burst. She straightened her gown quickly and avoided his gaze.
Just then, her father’s voice reached her from the side. “Cathy, are you alright?”
“Yes, Dad… I’m fine,” she managed, though her voice trembled.
Deep down, she knew she wasn’t fine at all. The slip, the brief moment, it had changed everything.
Her heart was somersaulting, and she noticed Adrian staring at her.
Then a sudden weakness washed through her…
but little did she know the night was just about to expose what she wasn’t ready to face.
