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Lavender.

I glanced at myself in the mirror before me as a small smile crept on my lips, confidence spreading in me like wildfire.

I never knew beauty also boosts confidence until this moment.

I tilted slightly for the makeover lady to carve my brow just like the other one.

Deep inside my confidence, uneasiness lingered, throbbing at a corner of my mind.

I couldn't seem to stop wondering what all this fuss was all about.

All my life, I have never attempted applying this much makeover but today, my own mother persuaded me to do it as if today wasn't like any of my other birthdays.

“All done!” The lady squealed, sleeking my hair back tenderly.

She soon stepped forward to strap my heels on for me as I pulled my dress up for her to reach my legs.

As soon as she was done, my legs felt firm and comfortable in the white heels with silver pearls on the delicate straps.

The straps hugged my legs, defining the elegant curves of my ankle as the silver color of the pearls complemented my ivory skin tone.

The lady placed her hand on her hips, standing before me with admiration in her eyes.

My eyes traveled to her face as I flashed her a smile.

“You look so stunning," she said, her Amber eyes mirroring the sun's warmth.

Her words were the best birthday gift I have received today.

“Thank you," I whispered, grinning as I rose from the chair, looking at myself more in the mirror.

The gorgeous white dress cascaded down my slender figure, kissing my tiny waist with my collar bone framed by the delicate white lace that had a few pearls attached to it.

My eyes explored further to my ginger hair that was carved into a tight stylish bun, defining my slim long neck– one of my beauty standards.

My face was perfect on its own with my cheeks highlighted with a warm pink blush. My full lips were painted red and my lashes were on point, wavering at each blink of my eyes.

A car honk from outside jerked me out of my thoughts, my neck snapping to the direction of the window.

“That must be your car!".

I nodded, immediately grabbing my dress by the knee.

"The housekeeper will sort you out. I've handed your payment to her." I blurted out as fast as my tongue could roll, not giving her a chance to speak before exiting the room, my heels clinking against the white marble floors.

I rummaged down the grand stairs, making my way to the bright living room. I didn't wait one second before dashing out of the house to get into the car.

I was shocked as soon as my eyes met the car and I had to halt.

A black shiny limo was parked there with two men at the front. They gestured for me to come.

I stepped towards them reluctantly.

“Get in miss. Let's get to the venue," one of them said.

It was just a birthday. Why would Mom think of renting such a fancy limo and even went as far as hiring chauffeurs?

I opened the door hesitantly, stepping into the cozy car.

The ride was all tranquil and calm, I managed to collect my thoughts and clear my mind.

“We're here!" One of the men said.

I opened the door to step out and was met with a man dressed in a suit, outside the car, stretching his hand for me.

“Let's go in, miss," he said. I took his hand, watching out for my legs as I stepped on the Ed carpet that paved way straight into the huge building.

I never thought Mom would even go as far as renting such a luxurious event space just for my 23rd birthday.

What was so special about my birthday? I didn't know if I should be impressed or feel otherwise.

I stepped all the way down the red carpet with the man holding my hand tenderly.

We got to the grand golden door in the front of the building and he let go of my hand to push the door open for me.

He cracked the door open, revealing the amazing event space with chandeliers that scattered light through the whole place. The white marbles took in the lights, glowing.

My eyes scrolled through the crowd who had their eyes on me.

The weight of their stares was too much for me to carry and my legs shook but I kept stepping forward slowly, putting one leg in front of the other and waiting for them to chorus the two words.

They only smiled, not saying anything to me. My breath became shaky as my chest thumped in my chest in rhythm to the piano that was playing in the background.

I managed to gather the courage to speak but instead, all my courage was shattered when my gaze landed on my Aunt, Aunt Kathy.

Why was she here on my birthday? Why was she even invited in the first place when everyone in the family, including her, knew I hated her with everything I had.

She smiled at me, clinging to an arm. My eyes traveled to the person's arm and immediately, I recognized who it was.

It was Mom. She also was grinning at me.

I clenched my fist, unable to understand everything that was going on.

Just as my neck cocked to the front to concentrate on where I was walking to, my heart stopped and my breath got trapped in my throat, unable to go in or out.

I swallowed hard, my heart starting to swell and it felt as if it could burst at any moment.

Forcing my breath out of my lungs, a lame low whimper escaped my lips.

I prayed it wasn't what it looked like.

Three men were standing there in front of the event space with two wearing black suits and the other one in a wine suit.

The ones in black were obviously twins. The Brille twins, the hottest CEOs in the country.

Aside from their straight long legs, they had several other beauty standards.

Their jet black hair was a stark contrast to their piercing eyes that penetrated through the amazing glow of the room.

Their eyes pinned mine, sending cold shivers down my spine as my eyes never left one's perfectly sculpted face.

Their jawline was sharply chiseled, defining their high cheeks.

My breath became shallow and forced as I tore my eyes away from their faces to look back at Mom.