The LM Villa looks like something out of a movie tonight. Everything is shining and perfect. Big golden chandeliers hang from the ceiling, glowing softly and filling the place with warm light. Fairy lights are wrapped around the railings, windows, and even the trees outside, making the whole villa sparkle like a dream.
At the entrance, soft violin music plays in the background. A group of musicians dressed in black are standing near the doorway, their music smooth and calming...setting a fancy mood right from the start.
Waiters walk around with silver trays, offering colorful drinks and fancy mocktails in tall glasses. There's no alcohol...With so many underage students from school on the guest list, Ami's stepmother insisted on keeping things clean. But the lack of liquor doesn't dim the extravagance. The décor alone intoxicates.
From the chandelier crystals to the rose petal trails at the entrance, the LM Villa tonight isn't just a venue---it's a statement.
Ami steps into the LM Villa, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. Her dress shimmers under the lights like it's made of stardust, hugging her frame just right. But it's her earrings that steal the show. Tiny silver crescent moons hang from her ears, covered in glittering stones that catch every light. From each moon, thin chains fall like falling stars, ending in teardrop-shaped crystals that sparkle with every movement. It's like she's wearing little galaxies---one on each ear.
Behind her, her friends follow one by one, each of them dressed like they walked straight out of a fashion magazine. Sneha's elegance, Soha's charm, Saad's effortless cool, and Dylan's clean confidence---all together, they look less like a group of students and more like celebrities arriving at a red-carpet gala.
Heads turn. Conversations pause. Even the servers hesitate for a second, taken aback by the unexpected glow they all bring. For a moment, it doesn't feel like they're attending someone else's party.....it feels like the LM Villa belongs to them.
As Ami and her friends glide deeper into the glowing hall, a pair of watchful eyes track their entrance from across the room.
Maxim Vale, standing near the grand staircase with a glass of citrus water in hand, narrows his eyes thoughtfully. He leans slightly toward Aron and murmurs, "Aren't those the kids from the Everon, Calista, Whitmore, and Asher families?"
Aron follows his father's gaze, raising a brow in mild surprise. "Wait… Ami, who are they?"
Ami glances over her shoulder, a subtle smile playing at her lips. "The friends I told you about," she replies simply.
For a moment, both father and son stand in quiet observation. The group around Ami moves with poise and self-assurance---clearly raised in high-standing households, with names that hold weight in both society and business. It's not just their confidence or charm that makes an impression---but the way they center themselves around Ami, treating her not as a shadow, but as their equal.
Maxim hums in approval, his earlier indifference shifting into something more thoughtful. "She's made connections," he says under his breath. "Strong ones."
Aron, equally impressed, allows a rare smile. For once, their quiet, obedient Ami seemed... important.
In their minds, an idea begins to bloom--if Ami is earning the loyalty of such powerful circles, then maybe… just maybe… she's more useful than they ever gave her credit for.
A potential asset. A silent advantage. And all of it, right under their roof.
Some time later, the buzz in the room shifts. The crowd near the entrance begins to part as Alia steps into the grand hall, dressed like a glittering star expecting the world to revolve around her.
Her hair flows in soft waves, her gown dramatic and expensive, and yet… the moment her eyes land on Ami, standing near the center with her friends laughing under golden lights---something inside her snaps.
Alia's expression twists. She storms forward, heels clacking sharply against the marble, ignoring every curious glance that trails behind her.
"What is she doing here?" she hisses, loud enough to silence nearby chatter. "I banned you. Did you forget this is my birthday?"
Before Ami can reply, Maxim's voice cuts through the tension.
"Alia," he says sharply, his gaze firm. "What's it with you, young lady? Why are you treating your elder sister like this? I gave her permission to come---with her friends."
Alia's jaw tightens. Her fists curl at her sides, knuckles pale with irritation.
"If they ruin anything tonight," she says through clenched teeth, "I swear I'll set this whole place on fire."
"Alia!" Aron's voice is stern now, brows furrowed. "What is wrong with you? This is your birthday. Try acting like it. Behave."
Alia glares at Ami once more, but the moment is interrupted by a low ripple of whispers moving through the crowd.
"Isn't that Ami Vale?"
"She looks… stunning tonight."
"I thought she was the quiet one?"
"Honestly… she's outshining the birthday girl."
Those last few murmurs hit Alia like sharp pins.
Her lips press into a thin line as she turns away, fury simmering behind her eyes.
Tonight was supposed to be her night.
But Ami...Ami was stealing the spotlight... effortlessly.
And that, more than anything else, made Alia burn.