Time, a hurried thing, ran fast.
The dark sky over Baswil City and Norpond grew bright, a new day beginning on June 7, 2026.
This was the day of Rachel Shen's 21st birthday and her welcome home party, a day many people around the world had been waiting for.
It had been eight long years since Rachel last had a birthday party in Baswil City. The last one was when she turned twelve, a huge party that felt like a fairytale.
Three months later, the fairytale ended. Her parents, Gabriel and Madonna Ray Shen, were killed in a terrible car crash. The car's brakes failed as they drove home from a family trip. In a moment, everything in her life changed.
After the sad funeral, Rachel left her old life behind.
She flew to the Republic of Gilead with one goal: to find the boy who had saved her.
He was just a boy, but he had rushed her from the car wreck to the hospital, and because of him, she was still alive. She had to pay him back.
To get close to him without scaring him with her family's wealth, she pretended to be someone else. She played the part of a poor orphan in a movie of her own making. She created fake meetings and bumped into him again and again until he finally noticed her. She lived as "Rachel, the poor orphan" in Gilead while people back home looked for her. Her grandmother, Erica, had made a deal with her: Rachel had eight years to pay back her savior, and then she had to come home and take over the Shen Group.
The years flew by. Eight years came and went, and still, there was no news of Rachel.
Then, last year, a story spread like a wildfire. Rachel had been hit by a car in a hit-and-run and was in a coma. News reporters found Erica at the Shen Hospital in River City, and the story went everywhere.
For months, Rachel was famous online, a ghost in a hospital bed. Some people were scared for her life, and others were restless and worried.
Then, just one day ago, Erica's private jet landed in Baswil City. The news was out: Rachel was home. Many people who had looked up to her since she was a child couldn't wait to see her. And they got their wish. The news of her 21st birthday party was a surprise, but it made everyone excited. The few lucky people who got a digital invitation rushed to get ready.
The ten-star Shen Hotel Headquarters, a gold-plated mega-skyscraper with 150 floors, and all the other fancy hotels in the city were fully booked by guests from all over Norpond, all coming for her party.
At 4 p.m., an hour and a half before the party was to start, the city was full of expensive cars and helicopters. They all headed to the Shen Hotel, a huge gold-plated mega-skyscraper with 150 floors, that was a landmark in the city.
The hotel's helipads and parking lots were packed with expensive cars.
When guests got out of their cars or helicopters, they showed their digital invitations to the security guards.
The Norpondian Police And Military Officials were everywhere.
The Norpondian Air Force had fighter jets flying overhead to make sure everything was safe.
After the security checks, guests were led to the "Zephina Banquet Hall," the biggest and most beautiful hall in the hotel.
A long red carpet was set up just for the most important guests, who showed off their wealth as cameras flashed and flashed.
Twenty minutes later, inside the Zephina Banquet Hall, guests sat at round tables, talking and laughing. The hall was decorated with glitz and glam. String lights and disco balls made the room sparkle.
A full orchestra played soft music on a stage. Servers in neat uniforms walked around, serving drinks and food. The food was set up like a buffet with many kinds of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, all made by the best chefs.
A bar was also set up with many kinds of wine, whisky, and special drinks. Bartenders mixed drinks for guests who wanted them.
At the front of the hall, a long, fancy table held Rachel's 21st birthday cakes.
There were 21 large cakes in total. Seven of them were made by famous bakers and chefs who had dropped everything to make them for Rachel. These were the most expensive cakes in the world:
Debbie Hamson's Diamond Cake: Costing $75 million, with over 1000 diamonds, edible pearls, and gold leaves.
Phina's Gem cake: A $52 million cake with over 4,000 gems.
Noah's Platinum Cake: A $132 million cake with edible platinum flakes and rare strawberries.
A customized eight-tiered birthday cake: A $7.8 million cake that looked like Rachel in a dress.
Diamond Chocolate Cake by Masami Miyamoto: A $852 million cake with 223 diamonds, including a pink one in the middle.
The Faberge Egg Cake: A $34 million cake that looked like the famous Faberge eggs and had edible gold leaf.
Vultan's Golden Cake: The most expensive, at $1.5 billion, made with real gold, two-year-old rum-soaked fruit, and 55-karat gold flakes.
The other fourteen cakes were baked by the top chefs from Shen Bakery and all the 21 birthday cakes all looked grand and added to the theme of the party.
The party was planned by Susan and top people from Shen Event Management to make sure it was a great time for Rachel.
All the invited guests were powerful and rich, they were chairmen, CEOs, movie stars, judges, generals, governors, mayors, and even presidents and kings from all over the world.
Everyone invited to Rachel's Birthday/Welcome Home Banquet was someone important and they were all dressed in expensive clothes that cost a lot of money, adding to the glitz and glamour of the hall.
Famous pop stars and the popular Norpondian DJ Coria were also there to perform for the guests.
Numerous Reporters from many TV and news channels were also invited and they were already present to film the event.
Outside, in Norponwood Square, the party was shown live on big screens for everyone to watch.
Thirty minutes later, Erica and Susan arrived.
The rest of the Shen family followed them.
Erica, Susan and the two side branches of The Shen Family walked up to and greeted the President of The Republic of Norpond, President Jason Voughn and his wife, First Lady Josephine Voughn, and before greeting the other guests and exchanging pleasantries with them.
After socializing with guests for a while, Erica went up on the stage.
On the stage, she smiled at everyone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen... my dear guests, I welcome all of you to the birthday and welcome home party of my granddaughter, Rachel Shen."
Right after she finished speaking, a spotlight shone on the grand staircase and Rachel walked down it gracefully.
She was wearing a SHN champagne-colored diamond dress that fit her perfectly, her skin was white and smooth, and her strawberry blonde hair fell down her back.
A diamond crown sat on her head, with diamond earrings and a diamond necklace with her name on it.
Her face was like a goddess, and her blue eyes shone under the light.
Everyone in the hall, and everyone watching on their phones, were all amazed by her beauty.
When she looked at the crowd, her eyes seemed to have a magical effect on them.
Rachel reached the stage and smiled. "Thank you all for coming," she said. "To welcome you all and start a new part of my life, I wrote four songs last night. I'm going to play them for you. I hope you like them as much as I did when I wrote them."
She took a deep breath and walked to the grand piano on the stage.
She sat down and touched the keys. She wasn't just Rachel anymore; she was Ciya Svart, a famous piano player in her past life.
Her fingers moved so fast on the keys they were a blur.
She played a difficult classical song, then five more that were hard for even the best piano players.
Everyone, even the orchestra, was shocked.
After she finished, she played the start of her first song, "Rebirth." After 30 seconds, she started to sing.
REBIRTH LYRICS:
Verse 1: In the darkest hour, I lay so still. A heartbeat away from forever's chill. The world held its breath as I fought to live. And with my eyes wet with tears, my loved one's back was the last thing I saw before my eyes closed.
A deep quiet fell over the room. The guests felt the pain in her voice. The image of fighting to live and a loved one walking away made them feel sad. A few people wiped tears from their eyes.
Chorus: Rebirth!! A miracle from Heaven above!! A second chance at life, a gift of endless love from God!! From the ashes, I rise, like a phoenix reborn. Rebirth, a life I got back, a life I'll treasure this time... Rebirth!!
A feeling of hope filled the hall. People smiled, their tears turning into happy ones. They felt the miracle of her second chance. The idea of rising from ashes made them clap softly. They no longer saw a rich girl, but someone who had been given a rare gift.
Verse 2: The painful memories of that life-or-death night still haunt me. The tubes and wires on my body, my fight to live, seemed to be for nothing. But now, I'm breathing; with a soft smile on my face, I shout, "Rebirth." Because I'm so happy, and with joy and tears in my eyes, I'm so thankful to be alive.
The smiles on the guests' faces grew. They could see the hospital room. They felt her pain, her fear, and then her great happiness. Her voice was honest and real. Older guests looked at their own kids, tears in their eyes. They knew the feeling of almost losing someone and getting them back.
Chorus: Rebirth!! A miracle from Heaven above!! A second chance at life, a gift of endless love from God!! From the ashes, I rise, like a phoenix reborn. Rebirth, a life I got back, a life I'll treasure this time... Rebirth!!
The chorus came back strong, and the guests felt every word. They were on her side. The sound of their hearts seemed to beat with the music.
Bridge: Every scar on my body tells a story of a life I went through before I was reborn. Every breath is a blessing, a new chance to love life again. The pain will fade, but the thankfulness will stay. For this rebirth, which gave me back my life, a chance to live out my dreams, and a chance to live my life to the fullest, I'm thankful... to God!
The room was quiet. People sat, their hands together. They felt the power of her words. The idea of scars telling a story and being thankful after pain was a strong message. It wasn't just a song, it was a moment of deep truth. Goosebumps ran through the room as they all understood.
Chorus: Rebirth!! A miracle from Heaven above!! A second chance at life, a gift of endless love from God!! From the ashes, I rise, like a phoenix reborn. Rebirth, a life I got back, a life I'll treasure this time... Rebirth!!
The song ended, and the silence was thick but before anyone could clap, Rachel's fingers moved again.
The sad, slow melody of "Sad Arrow" began. The guests, still caught in the last song, were pulled into a new feeling of sadness.
SAD ARROW LYRICS:
Verse 1: Like a sad arrow, piercing my heart Your words cut deep, leaving me torn apart. I thought our love was true, but now I'm left to wonder. If you'll ever see the pain you've caused me from the thunder you sent all the way into my heart, leaving my heart to break and burn as you said those hurtful words to me and turned your back to leave with her in your arms.
The sadness was like a cold blanket. The faces in the crowd changed. The joy was gone, replaced by a deep sorrow. They felt the sting of the words, the stab of the "sad arrow." They pictured someone turning their back and leaving with another person. Some people looked down, remembering their own moments of hurt. The air was heavy with heartbreak.
Chorus: Sad arrow, flying straight to my soul Leaving me broken, with a heart that's lost control I'm trying to move on, but your memory remains. Sad arrow, a love that's lost, the pain still reigns.
Tears began to fall on some faces. A famous woman known for being cold let a tear roll down her cheek. The pain was something everyone understood. This was a song about all their heartbreaks. The feeling of a lost love and a memory that won't go away was something every person in that room knew.
Verse 2: Many times, I've replayed our moments in my head, moments I once held dear, wishing I could turn back time. To unsay the sweet words I said to you, to undo the promises I made to you, to make sure I don't fall for your sweet words, and to warn my heart—tell her to never beat for you. But the past is gone, and I'm left with this ache. A sad arrow that echoes, like a heart that's awake but isn't far from death's door.
This part of the song was very powerful. The wish to go back and undo a love. The thought of telling your own heart not to love someone. It was a painful, desperate wish. The guests felt her ache, a cold sadness they knew well. The image of a heart so close to death was chilling.
Chorus: Sad arrow, flying straight to my soul Leaving me broken, with a heart that's lost control I'm trying to move on, but your memory remains. Sad arrow, a love that's lost, the pain still reigns.
Bridge: Maybe someday, I'll find a way to heal the broken heart you left me with. Maybe someday, I'll let go of this sadness, learn to love again, and learn to feel again. But for now, this sad arrow still remains stuck in my heart. As a reminder of the love we once shared and the pain that still remains.
The bridge was a moment of small hope. But the last line, "the pain that still remains," was a sad, honest truth. The guests nodded slowly, some of them feeling the weight of their own sad memories. It was a silent understanding between the singer and the crowd.
Chorus: Sad arrow, flying straight to my soul Leaving me broken, with a heart that's lost control I'm trying to move on, but your memory remains. Sad arrow, a love that's lost, the pain still reigns.
When she finished, she took a deep breath and wiped a tear from her eye. The audience had seen her pain, and they felt it with her.
Without a word, she began to play the start of her third song, "Sad Tension." The music was slow and heavy, like a heart trying to beat after it was broken.
SAD TENSION LYRICS:
Verse 1: In the silence, I feel a void, like an empty space. A sad tension fills my heart, a love that's lost its place. Memories of the past haunt me, like a ghost song. Longing for love, my heart is lost and feels so wrong.
The guests felt the "empty space." It was the feeling after a bad breakup. The world was quiet, but inside, they were screaming. The words "ghost song" felt perfect. It was like a memory that wouldn't leave, a song that played in their minds over and over.
Chorus: Sad tension, weighing me down, like a heavy chain Trying to move on, but the memory remains. In this emptiness, I look for a way to break free. Sad tension, a love that's lost, haunting me.
The "heavy chain" felt real on their shoulders, the weight of a bad memory. It was the feeling of being stuck in the past. Some guests who had been through a tough time looked down, their eyes wet. They knew that chain all too well.
Verse 2: I replay the moments, wishing I could turn back time. To fix the mistakes and make love shine. But the past is gone, and I'm left with this ache. A sad tension that echoes, like a heart that's awake.
The feeling of going over old moments, of wishing you could go back and change one thing. It was a common pain. They felt her ache, an old sadness that lived deep inside them.
Chorus: Sad tension, weighing me down, like a heavy chain Trying to move on, but the memory remains. In this emptiness, I look for a way to break free. Sad tension, a love that's lost, haunting me.
Bridge: Maybe someday, I'll find a way to heal. To let go of this sadness, and learn to love again, and feel. But for now, this sad tension remains. A reminder of the love that's lost and the pain that still remains.
The bridge was a moment of small hope. But the last line, "the pain that still remains," was a sad, honest truth. The guests nodded slowly, some of them feeling the weight of their own sad memories. It was a silent understanding between the singer and the crowd.
Chorus: Sad tension, weighing me down, like a heavy chain Trying to move on, but the memory remains. In this emptiness, I look for a way to break free. Sad tension, a love that's lost, haunting me.
When she finished, she looked up, her blue eyes bright with a new light.
She took a deep breath, and a bright smile lit up her face.
The sadness she was feeling earlier were gone as she began to play the start of her last song, "Dancing with a Butterfly." The music was light, happy, and full of life. It was a huge change from the last two songs.
DANCING WITH A BUTTERFLY LYRICS:
Verse 1: In the garden of the heart, I found a gentle soul. A butterfly danced near, with a spirit that made me whole. Her wings were delicate, her spirit free and bright. I felt like I was flying in the warm and golden light.
The room felt lighter.
The guests smiled, and the sadness melted away.
They saw a butterfly, a sign of freedom and beauty.
They felt the "warm and golden light" in their hearts.
The song was about a new start, a new love, and a new happiness.
Chorus: Dancing with a butterfly, feeling alive and free Twirling and spinning, wild and carefree In this moment, I am lost in the beauty of her flight. Dancing with a butterfly through the morning light.
The energy in the room changed.
A wave of happiness spread from the stage.
People started to tap their feet. The music was so happy, and the simple words made it easy to feel the joy.
The idea of "dancing with a butterfly" was a perfect picture of pure, simple happiness.
Verse 2: Her path was winding, like a journey through the heart. I followed her lead, with a heart that opened wide. Together we soared on the currents of love and air. Feeling weightless, without a single care.
The journey of the butterfly was also the journey of finding love and peace. The guests felt the "currents of love." The feeling of being "weightless, without a single care" was a dream everyone wanted to live. The song was a guide to a new, better place.
Chorus: Dancing with a butterfly, feeling alive and free Twirling and spinning, wild and carefree In this moment, I am lost in the beauty of her flight. Dancing with a butterfly through the morning light.
Bridge: Like the butterfly, I want to be free to roam and wild and sweet. Embracing every moment, with a heart that skips a beat. In this dance, I find my peace with the beauty of her wings. Dancing with a butterfly, my heart takes me on its wings. Taking flight to a place too good to be true.
The bridge was a powerful message of freedom and happiness. It was a promise to live life to the fullest. The guests felt their own hearts skip a beat. They felt their own wings, ready to fly. It was a party for life, a beautiful end to her performance.
Chorus: Dancing with a butterfly, feeling alive and free Twirling and spinning, wild and carefree In this moment, I am lost in the beauty of her flight. Dancing with a butterfly through the morning light.
When the last note ended, the room was quiet for just a moment. Then, one person stood up. Then another. Soon, everyone was on their feet. The clapping started softly and grew louder, a huge sound that filled the hall. Whistles and chants of "Rachel! Rachel!" filled the air. The reporters' cameras flashed over and over, catching the moment.
Rachel stood up from the stool, a beautiful, happy smile on her face. She waved at the crowd. Erica stood in the spotlight, a proud smile on her face. Her dark eyes shone with love. Her granddaughter was home, and she had shown everyone that she was more than just a famous name. She was a talent, a fighter, and a survivor. She was home to stay.