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Nicole Jane’s POV
Even though it was already late at night, the surroundings were still bright because of the flashing lights while the loud music that was currently being played could be heard from every corner of the mansion. There are even some people who are shouting and laughing as if there’s no tomorrow, which irritated my ears even more.
My debut party had a fairy tale theme. I was actually against it because I preferred a gothic theme instead. But my parents won’t give in to my plea. As their only child and daughter, they insist that I should look like a princess on this night. That everything around should look magical.
But what I really hate tonight is the fact that they have invited my classmates to come over. Even though they knew that I wasn’t friends with any of them. I even barely talk to any one of them. Unless, it’s school-related. Besides, they also had invited some guests that I didn’t know personally.
Fortunately, they somehow allowed me to remove eighteen roses from the program. I didn’t feel like dancing with anybody anyway.
I’m currently drinking by the pool. Since I’m already eighteen, I’m allowed to drink whatever I want already. I’d rather grumble here than be a hypocrite and socialize with them on the dance floor.
“Happy birthday!”
I was stunned when someone suddenly spoke from behind. Slowly, I looked at the newcomer.
I frowned when I saw a tall man with gray eyes. If I wasn’t mistaken, he’s one of my parents’ friends.
“Thank you,” I said casually.
He was about to speak when suddenly, my parents approached together with a meticulous-looking woman.
“Hey, there you are! We’ve been looking for you,” the meticulous-looking woman said to the man who greeted me earlier before she gazed in my direction. “Hi! Happy birthday! It’s been a while, and you’ve grown into such a beautiful young lady already.”
I raised an eyebrow. She spoke as if she knew me very well.
“Sweetie, we just have something to discuss with. Entertain your visitors, okay?” Mom ordered.
I frowned. “You have nothing to worry about, Mom. They can manage themselves just fine.”
Mom gave me a stern look. So, I stood up lazily and rolled my eyes with my back facing them.
My gaze followed them discreetly. Even though today is my birthday, it looked like my parents still had a business agenda mixed in.
But another thing I noticed about my parents’ friends was the color of their skin. They were too pale.
I just shook my head and took another drink from the tray that the waiter was carrying, then drank it straight.
When the glass was already empty, I couldn’t help but look up at the sky. In particular, at the moon. I didn’t know why, but it seemed to have a hypnotic effect.
“Nicole! What are you doing here? Come on! Let’s party!”
I blinked and was not able to object when someone suddenly pulled me towards the dance floor. However, I knew that the only reason why my classmates were here was to flex their business and their parents to my parents to become their business partners.
But I just let it go. They’re not the only ones capable of putting on a mask. After all, this is my day. That’s why I did nothing but have fun this night. Until I was completely drunk, and my surroundings were slowly swallowed by darkness.
***
I quickly covered my right arm over my eyes when they opened because of the rays of the sun that suddenly came into view. But I winced when my head suddenly hurt. So I waited a few minutes before slowly getting up and leaving the room. One of our maids was standing right in front of the door causing me to step back in shock when I opened it.
“You startled me, Riza! What are you doing here?” I couldn’t stop my voice from rising.
She bowed slightly. “Good morning, Ma’am Nicole. I’m sorry. I was just about to knock to wake you up and ask you if I should bring your breakfast here?” she asked politely, with a slight tinge of fear in her voice.
I yawned. “No need. I’ll just go to the dining room”, I answered gently.
“All right. I will prepare your breakfast right away.” She walked away first.
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