"Happy birthday to you!" Robert sang enthusiastically, handing Luna a vibrant bouquet of fresh flowers. Luna's face brightened as she accepted the gift with a grateful smile. "Thank you!"
Tiara grinned, teasing, "Just one bouquet? Where are the real gifts?" The group erupted in laughter.
Daniel chimed in, "Okay, okay! Cake first—then we're all set for a special Tiara performance!"
"I'll dance just for you, Luna!" Tiara winked, pulling Luna into a playful hug. The group gathered around the cake as Luna picked up the knife, its polished silver catching the room's soft light.
Tiara carefully lit the candles while the others sang in chorus, "Happy birthday to you… happy birthday dear Luna…" Their voices blended in harmony, warmth filling the air.
As Luna sliced the first piece of cake, Tiara leaned forward, expecting a bite. But her eyes suddenly widened, and she froze. Luna, confused, followed her gaze—and her heart dropped.
Xander.
Tall and poised, he strode through the crowd with unwavering eyes locked on Luna. A hush fell over the group as they all turned to look.
Luna's voice sharpened. "What are you doing here?"
Without a word, Xander reached for the knife in Luna's hand, his fingers brushing against hers. Her expression soured. "Give it back," she demanded, pulling slightly away.
Instead, Xander gently grasped her wrist and pulled her a step closer. Luna's friends exchanged glances, tension thickening the air.
Robert stepped forward, protective and unyielding. "Hello," he said firmly, placing himself between them. "Who are you, and what exactly do you want?"
Xander's gaze flicked toward Robert, calm but unmistakably challenging. "Should I tell him," he asked Luna with a smirk, "or will you?"
Luna struggled subtly against Xander's grip. "He's a… friend," she muttered.
Robert's eyes narrowed. "Doesn't seem like it. Why are you pulling away from your friend, Luna?"
Tiara tried to calm him. "Robert, chill. It's fine—"
But Robert shook her off, stepping forward. "You came uninvited. Now you're causing trouble. Leave."
Xander's smile didn't falter, but his voice dropped an octave. "Or what?"
Luna quickly stepped between them. "Robert, please. It's okay. I'll talk to him."
Robert hesitated, but Tiara pulled him back gently. "Let it go."
Luna turned to Xander, frustration boiling over. "Let's talk. Outside."
Xander allowed her to lead him out, though his gaze never left Robert's.
Once outside, Luna yanked her hand free. "What are you doing here?" she snapped.
"My family is throwing you a birthday party," Xander replied coldly. "And you're over here playing with… them?"
"I already had plans. I don't need another forced celebration."
Xander's temper flared. "Don't challenge me, Luna."
"Why? Scared I'll embarrass your precious family? God, does your family ever stop meddling?"
That was it. Xander's composure cracked. In a flash, he swept Luna off her feet—literally. She gasped, struggling, but his grip was firm.
Onlookers turned, startled, but uncertain. Before anyone could intervene, he carried her to his car and shut the door with a hard slam.
"Don't make a sound," he warned, voice like steel.
"Where are you taking me?" Luna demanded, anger and fear swirling in her voice.
He didn't answer. The ride to the Blackwood mansion was heavy with unspoken emotion. Luna sat with arms crossed, staring out the window.
When they arrived, Xander opened the door and offered a cold command. "Come down."
She didn't move.
"Everyone's inside. Your parents. Elders. Don't make a scene."
His words stung, and with a clenched jaw, Luna stepped out.
Inside the grand mansion, the birthday hall was stunning—soft lights, gold accents, balloons, flowers. Laughter floated through the air, but Luna couldn't enjoy it.
Mother Mary noticed her daughter's stiff posture and exchanged a worried glance with Father Albert.
Then, from the crowd, Mother Miley emerged, all smiles. "Happy birthday, dear Luna!" She enveloped her in a warm hug. "Let's cut the cake, shall we?"
Luna forced a smile as she was led toward another celebration—this time, not her own.
Luna's parents beamed with pride as they watched Miley, Xander's mother, shower their daughter with warmth and affection. As Miley welcomed Luna as her future daughter-in-law, the rest of the Blackwood family followed suit, offering their blessings and admiration.
But not everyone was smiling.
Dimple stood at the back of the room, her expression tightening with every kind gesture directed at Luna. Her eyes, once hopeful, now flickered with frustration and despair.
Miley's voice rose above the soft hum of conversation. "Happy birthday, dear Luna." She stepped forward, holding a small velvet box. Inside was a stunning diamond necklace, which she carefully fastened around Luna's neck.
Luna stood motionless, her expression unreadable. The applause that followed felt distant, like echoes underwater.
"And now," Miley said, smiling broadly, "on this special occasion—Luna's 23rd birthday—I have a little surprise."
She paused for effect. All eyes turned toward her.
"Luna and my youngest son, Xander, will be getting married next month."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Luna's breath caught in her throat. Her hands, still holding the cake knife, began to tremble. Her eyes darted to her parents, who clapped enthusiastically, though her mother's expression betrayed a flicker of concern.
At the back of the room, Dimple's heart sank. Her gaze locked on Xander, whose face revealed nothing. Without a word, she turned and fled into the mansion, her long skirt sweeping behind her like a storm cloud.
"Dimple!" Perry called after her, worry creeping into her voice. She followed her sister through the crowd, eventually finding her in the garden, slumped on a bench, tears silently falling.
Back inside, Luna stared at the cake, the knife still clutched in her hand. Then, without a word, she turned and left the room, the guests parting silently to let her through.
Miley, anticipating the reaction, nodded toward Mary, urging her to follow.
Mary immediately rushed after her daughter, her face lined with worry. Albert followed at a distance, his expression hardening with every step.
Luna hailed a cab, her mind spinning. Moments later, her parents arrived at the house just as she stormed inside and ran upstairs. In her bedroom, she tore the necklace from her neck and flung it onto the bed.
Her parents entered, just in time to see her pacing like a caged animal.
"You knew," Luna snapped. "You both knew about this, didn't you?"
Albert sighed, picking up the necklace from the bed. "Luna, calm down. Let's talk like adults."
Mary approached her gently. "Sweetheart, the marriage will happen. Why are you so upset? Don't you remember your promise to Grandpa?"
Luna's voice broke. "Mom, I told you to wait—just two years. I got into X University today. I was going to tell you tonight."
Albert's jaw tightened. "You're not going abroad. If you want to study, study here. You can continue after the wedding."
"No, I don't want to!" Luna shouted. "I want to live on my own terms, just for once!"
Albert's fist slammed onto the bedside table. "Don't go against the wishes of your family. Is that what you want—to disappoint your grandfather in his grave?"
Luna flinched. "I want to study. Is that too much to ask?"
He turned to Mary. "Talk to your daughter. Don't force me to lose my temper."
Mary reached for Luna again, but the girl stepped back, her tears flowing freely now.
Meanwhile, back at the Blackwood mansion…
Xander returned from his morning jog, sweat dripping from his brow, only to find Dimple in his room, neatly folding his clothes.
His expression darkened. "What did I tell you about coming here?"
Dimple didn't look up. "Where else should I go?"
Xander snatched the shirt from her hands. "What are you trying to prove? I told you—I hate this kind of senseless behavior."
Her voice trembled. "Is she better than me? Prettier? Does she listen to you more?"