Lyla took a few seconds to get used to the bright light before her eyes widened in shock.A mannequin stood before her, dressed in a grand yet elegant red and black gown, its flowing train blooming like that of a dark rose. "It … it's beautiful," Lyla exclaimed, dazed."Lyse had that internationally-renowned designer, Sharon, make this just for you, Lyla!" Mandy cooed, holding onto Lyla's shoulders. "My goodness, and here I thought I had seen it all. I still feel like squealing in joy seeing Sharon's design before my eyes! It's absolutely gorgeous!"Alyssa had long been used to the world's praise for her designs under her alias, Sharon. Still, it couldn't beat the joy and pride she felt upon hearing praise from her own family.She silently basked in her joy, grinning."Sharon? This is too precious, Lyse!" Lyla cried, holding Alyssa's hand. Her cheeks were flushed with joy and bashfulness. "You must have put in a lot of money and effort to get this made, right? You really did
It was as if the sea itself had been crystallized into a single piece of jewelry."Thank you, Lyse …" Lyla croaked out tearfully. "I love it! Thank you so much …""I didn't want to use a more precious stone, lest Winston's gift pale in comparison, and I thought a lighter shade of crystal like this one was far more suitable for you." Alyssa beamed at her. "I enjoy crafting my designs according to the wearer's personality and aura. The fact that I designed it makes it exceed in value far more than the value of the crystal itself."Mandy and Colene then led Lyla to unveil the presents they had gotten for her.When Alyssa's phone began ringing, she stepped out into the hallway to check on it."Hello?" She answered in a flat tone."I called to report my status to you, Ms. Alyssa. I'm feeling much better now." Jasper's voice was especially tender tonight and irresistibly sensual. "Next time you would like to know how I'm doing, please don't hesitate to call me instead of going thro
Both Lyla and Sophia's birthdays happened to be on the same weekend.Sophia was so excited the night before that she barely got any sleep. All she could think of was how stunning she would be during her birthday celebration, with all eyes on her. She had even had photo reels of her from her glory days as an actress made, which would be played on loop onstage during the celebration for everyone to admire.Sophia ended up looking like the undead the next morning, with sunken hair, bloodshot eyes, and eyebags so dark and heavy that it looked like she had prosthetics on. Makeup was sorely needed, lest she looked like some ravenous ghoul.She was nearly 50 years old, after all. Unlike in her youth, when she would spend days shooting continuously, one sleepless night was enough to make all her wrinkles stand out in the spotlight."What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get my makeup artist!" she roared, pacing back and forth in her room. She even shattered an expensive crystal glass ou
Still, one couldn't help but find him to be much less enthusiastic than before.Lauren and Betty sat in front of their parents, with Lauren hunched tight around the teddy bear Alyssa had given her so as to comfort herself.Betty wore a cocktail dress that had just been released to the market recently, looking quite the model big sister beside Lauren."Tonight is Mom's big day, Lauren. Why didn't you put on any makeup?" Betty asked, a faux grin on her face as she gently caressed Lauren's long, sleek hair. "Do you not know how to? You should have told me earlier. I would have loved to help."Lauren tensed up instantly, her lips pressing tightly together."That perm I gave you before was such a good look on you. I could have given you one today, too," Betty snickered.All of a sudden, Lauren slapped Betty's hand away. Both Sophia and Javier were shocked by this. They had never seen their youngest daughter behave like this."Ow! What was that for, Lauren? It hurts!" Betty cried,
Betty was silently trembling with rage beside Lauren, her lips twitching. She wanted nothing more than to tear at Lauren's face right now.This fucking bitch! Did she really think that she could do as she pleased just because Landon was protecting her? Betty thought menacingly, "I'm going to kill you if it's the last thing I do!"…Though Sophia had insisted on a low-profile celebration, she had still allowed the media to get word of it. After all, she needed it like a fish needed water.The reporters were pacing around the hotel prior to Sophia's arrival. They quickly surrounded her when she arrived, though she remained behind a circle of bodyguards as she walked into the hotel, looking like some kind of big shot."Mrs. Beckett!""Madam Sophia!"The reporters cried, snapping all the photos they could get of her and her family.Javier was displeased with this turn of events but remained indifferent before the reporters."Your family has arrived for your wife's birthday celeb
The ballroom was a pitiful sight with how empty it was. The few men who had attended were Javier's business partners instead of anyone Sophia knew. The only women in the room besides Sophia and her daughters were the hotel staff and the pianist they hired! All the rich men's wives and mistresses who appeared to be on good terms with Sophia were nowhere to be found!Damn it! Damn it to hell!If the reporters hadn't been present right now, Sophia would have thrown a tantrum right then and there.Javier's brows furrowed just the slightest, but besides that, he didn't show much emotion.Meanwhile, Betty was shocked. She had known how bad her mother's relationships in their social circle were, but not to this extent!"Hurry up and take those photos! This is going to make the headlines!" a reporter cried, followed by frantic snapshots of the virtually empty ballroom."We can title this 'Madam Sophia Beckett's Birthday Bash—Truly Bashed! No Longer the Starlet of Yesterday'!" "This i
Just like that, a red crescent appeared on Lauren's cheek."Mom is already so angry because of that bitch Alyssa's meddling! Why must you still come to her defense? You're already useless as it is!" Betty shrieked."Alyssa isn't a bitch!" Lauren grew angrier, meeting Betty's yells."Then who is?" Betty roared, making the guests shoot her inquisitive looks."Not her!" Lauren cried, standing up to glare right into Betty's eyes, which were now shocked.Lauren could tolerate Betty scolding her and hurting her, but she wouldn't let her humiliation of Alyssa stand!"How dare you conniving little beast yell at me? You think you're so powerful now that Landon has your back, do you?" Betty yelled, reaching out to grab Lauren's arm. She'd had enough of Lauren's jabs tonight.Just then, the ballroom doors opened.All eyes turned as a man walked in steadily."L-Landon … " Lauren murmured, her eyes tearing up as she called out to him.Landon met her gaze, his own fervent with passion and
"Ow!" Betty winced, nearly falling backward."Lauren." Landon stood before Lauren, gazing lovingly at her as she blushed. "You look beautiful tonight.""Huh?" Lauren mumbled, her heart pounding in her chest."It's so boring here. Do you want to go somewhere with me?" Landon extended his hand to her."Go where?" "Wherever you want. Just name it, and I'll take you there." Sincerity filled Landon's eyes.For some reason, Lauren wanted to cry. She had always been the slowest yet most obedient child in her family. She never learned what it was like to be doted on or have what she wanted fulfilled. This was a first for her."I … I want to find Alyssa and my brother," she mumbled, her voice small."Alright. I'll take you to them." Landon held her hand and turned to leave with her.The hall was dead silent.When the two reached the entrance, Landon stopped in his tracks suddenly, nearly making Lauren slam right into his back.He turned around and nodded respectfully to Javier b