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Scene Rewrite
"Okay, let's go."
"Wait!" Cherry shouted. "Leo, come here."
The little cat leapt into her hands, and she smiled. "Okay, let's go."
They started walking toward the party. As soon as they entered, people surrounded them with greetings and warm happy birthday wishes.
Mirabel bent down and whispered in their ears, her lips curling with mischief. "You must be wondering if I'm still keeping it a secret. My answer? Yes."
Tonight, Mirabel was unrecognizable—her short pink wig and heavy makeup transformed her into someone entirely different.
"What—" Cherry gasped, eyes wide with excitement as the stage suddenly lit up.
Standing under the dazzling lights was none other than Maroon 5.
"No way… it can't be them," Charlie said, grinning in disbelief.
"It is." Tracy smiled knowingly. "This is my gift to you, Charlie—your favorite band."
"I must be dreaming. Maroon 5… they're actually here!" Charlie exclaimed, his face glowing with joy.
Mirabel chuckled to herself as she watched him. I've never seen him make that face before.
Onstage, Adam Levine smirked. "I heard the birthday boy is one of our biggest fans. Is that true?"
"Yes!" Charlie shouted back.
"Then this one's for you. Happy birthday, Charlie and Cherry!"
The crowd cheered as the band struck their first chords. Charlie's eyes shone brighter than the lights as the music filled the room.
Tracy leaned close. "So, how's my gift, Charlie?"
"It's the best gift I've ever received in my life," he said, his voice trembling with happiness.
"I'm so glad you love it. Don't worry—you'll get to meet them in person later."
Charlie nodded eagerly, still starstruck.
Meanwhile, Cherry slipped away to the food section. She grabbed a drink but her smile faltered. Something weighed heavy in her chest.
Meow.
She looked down at Leo. "I know I shouldn't be sad on my birthday, but… I just miss my dad."
The cat meowed again, then leapt from her arms and padded off.
"Leo, where are you going?" Cherry set her cup down and hurried after him.
Charlie noticed and quietly followed.
"Leo, Leo, come back!" Cherry called. Suddenly, a hand scooped the cat up.
"Cherry," a deep voice said. "It's not safe letting your cat run around with all these strangers."
Cherry froze, her heart lurching. "Daddy!"
Lucian held her close as she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. The word Daddy softened his hardened features, if only for a moment.
"Cherry, where are you?" Charlie's voice echoed from behind.
"I'm here, Charlie," she called back.
He rushed over, then exhaled in relief when he saw them. "Oh… you're with him. Alright then. I should get back, I'm already missing Maroon 5." He left quickly, almost too quickly.
Lucian crouched down, handing Leo back to Cherry. "Be careful, okay?"
"Okay, Dad. Are you staying for the party?"
"Yes."
Cherry smiled, clutching her cat as she ran back inside.
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Angelica's POV
From the shadows, Angelica's group secretly snapped photos and videos. Her eyes burned with obsession as she whispered, "Even if you have children, I'll still love you, Lucian. I'm still in love with you."
Her lips twisted into a sinister smile. "I'll show Mirabel's true colors. I'll ruin her perfect little life. Everyone who cares about her will go down with her. Lucian, only I am allowed to love you. Only I am meant to bear your children. I'll kill her bastard child, destroy her happiness, and make her life a living hell. You'll mourn for your family before I finally kill you too."
She raised her glass of wine, eyes glittering. "And then, Lucian… you and I will live as one happy family, with our children. The way it was always meant to be."
"Madam, we've taken their photo," Bella whispered.
"Good." Angelica smirked, sipping her wine.
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Mina's POV
"Everything is falling into place," Mina hissed under her breath. "Mirabel, you are nothing but trash—just like your mother. You were never meant for happiness. You were never meant to be loved."
Her eyes gleamed with poisonous pride. "I am the one true daughter of the Theodore family. Changing your name to King means nothing. I'll destroy the King family too. Because I am Mina Theodore—the only one the world will ever love."
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