"I was called to the water scene, where the students and school management of The White's High School were present. When the news struck Grandma, she ended up on the wheelchair. Diana called me on the phone. I just feel guilty because.....Marissa never knew us before she died....Grandma raised her because my mom gave her to Grandma long ago when she was a baby...Mom couldn't raise two kids because of the financial problem. After Marissa's death, Dad's business suddenly blew up and when they found out how Marissa ended her life in The White's High School, I stopped my parents from suing the school because of how nice Diana and her brother was to Marissa, according to the stories I heard. The school shouldn't be blamed but Claudia for what she did to my sister."
The girls were speechless. Carissa gave that small knife to Gabriela.
"This was also found. Defend yourself with it."
~~~~~~
The sun had set, casting a warm orange glow over Carissa's backyard as the party preparations neared completion. The pool sparkled, illuminated by underwater lights, and the sound system pulsed with upbeat music. Carissa, resplendent in a fruity bikini, beamed with excitement as she welcomed her guests.
As the clock struck 6 pm, students began arriving, dressed in their finest swimsuits and bikinis. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter and chatter filling the air. Diana, sporting a flowery summer bikini, took selfies with friends and posted them on Instagram. She also snapped a photo with her brother Damien, Carissa, and other friends.
The party was in full swing, with students diving into the pool, playing with the water splash, and making videos to post on social media. Summer drinks like lemonade, punch, and fruit-flavored beverages flowed freely, accompanied by an array of snacks, including cake and cupcakes.
Gabriela's car pulled up, followed by Michelle's. Gabriela emerged, looking radiant in a red rose bikini and a white summer hat, her expensive clear slip-ons gleaming in the fading light. Michelle, feeling a bit self-conscious in her bikini, wrapped a rainbow towel around her waist. The two friends hugged and screamed excitedly.
As they made their way to the party, all eyes turned to them. The atmosphere was lively, with pop music playing and the sound of splashing water filling the air.
Miguel, Rafael and Damien were lounging on fancy hammocks and sipping fruit drinks.
They were wearing tank tops and summer shorts.
"Hey! Michelle's here."
"Michelle??" Damien looked around and his eyes finally captured her.
He was amazed.
"Just look at her." He said to Rafael and he chuckled.
"What are you guys saying about Michelle?" Miguel was curious, his eyes on Gabriela's summer charm.
"She never wanted to come to this party."
"It was a good idea to wear these tops...I wanted her to see me shirtless first..." Damien bit his lips and Rafael giggled.
"Looks like I thought the same..."
"I don't know where your dirty imagination with Michelle's gonna take you."
"It's not a dirty imagination." They argued.
Daniela, accompanied by her twin friends Tara and Lara, joined the party, adding to the excitement.
It was 8pm and the party was even more beautiful with lights.
Claudia's grew angrier at the mere sight of Gabriela and Miguel's interaction sitting next to each other.
She decided to create a scene.
"Look, Claudia, what's up with everyone trying to bond with Michelle?" Nadia nudged Claudia.
A smirk appeared on Claudia's face.
"Watch me."
She walked towards them and girls moved aside when they saw Claudia.
Michelle stood up to face her.
"What do you want?"
"What do I want? This isn't your party, Michelle Jackson. You can't choose guests in someone else's party. Wanna kick me out? Try." Michelle was confused. Attention turned to them.
"I...I never said I wanted you out of the party. Please leave me alone..." Michelle wanted to leave but Claudia pulled her back roughly.
Michelle's hand was on her towel, stopping it from falling. Nadia and Sandra went there too with grins on their faces. Their phones were clutched in their hand. Michelle wondered what they wanted from her.
"Wow...you've got some confidence."
"She's got Gabriela, and thinks she's got the world."
"Remember this?" Nadia and Sandra turned their phone screens to Michelle suddenly.
Her eyes widened in fear and tears welled up.
They still had those pictures of her in high school.
Naked and humiliated.
"Those boobs must have enlarged, right?" Claudia teased with an evil smirk on her face. She suddenly dug her fingers into Michelle's bra top and pulled it down forcefully before she could cover. The bra tore.
The students nearby had a glimpse before Michelle covered with her hands.
Tears rolled down her cheeks. She wanted the ground to just open and swallow her. She fell on her knees.
The bullies were laughing, joined by other girls.
Claudia bent and tried to pull Michelle's hand down but it was difficult.
Claudia gritted her teeth.
"Hold her down!" She ordered. Nadia went behind Michelle and pulled her arm.
Michelle cried out in pain, still covering her femininity as the students mocked and made videos.
Suddenly, a swift movement was made.
Damien pushed Nadia roughly and she rolled away on the ground.
"Ah!" Nadia cried out.
The students fell quiet. Even the music was stopped.
He knelt behind her and wrapped a bigger towel around her. Michelle was shaken, her eyeballs froze.
"Stop those videos or you'll be expelled!" His shout made them scared. The students put away their phones in obedience.
Michelle couldn't hear anything.
All she knew was - she was safe.
"Are you okay?" He whispered into her ears and she nodded.
"Cover yourself...hold this tightly..."
Damien got up. Nadia couldn't believe what just happened. Angry tears were in her eyes.
"Do you think you can threaten everyone with expulsion just because you're Mr. White's son?"
"What is wrong with you, Claudia? Why do you enjoy bullying? Especially those who, you think, you're lower than. But this is Michelle Jackson. And you're....Claudia nobody. Claudia freak."
"Claudia freak? I'm Claudia Flores and she's just a maid's daughter! A poor helpless, ugly maid's daughter. Her dad doesn't even like her because of how worthless she is!"
"Fucking....stop that!" Damien yelled. Claudia was still confident.
"What are you gonna do if I call her that again?"
"You're gonna regret it."
"Regret it? Damien, it's so sad you're doing this much for a girl who doesn't give a damn about you. She isn't in love with you. And here's Nadia, wanting your love and attention. You're just blind and...."
"Shut up!" He growled.
His fists were clenched and he tried hard to stop himself from slapping her.
"What's going on here?" Carissa walked towards them, with Gabriela and Diana.
"Claudia, this party isn't yours. What's with the drama?"
"Michelle, let's go." Damien helped her up and they left.
"You're calling someone a maid's daughter? Hilarious. Let's talk about you. Your late dad who couldn't sustain himself with eight jobs, served a jail term thrice, was an alcoholic freak, hit your mom everyday of the marriage, threw you out of the shack house, you once slept in a garbage truck, your mom went to pick you up and all you had to eat the whole day was a two-dollar chocolate bar and ..." Claudia wanted to slap Gabriela but Diana held her wrist in the air.
Claudia freed herself from Diana's grip.
Her eyes were filled with tears.
"Aw, she's crying....Too bad the way you make others cry, right?" Carissa sneered.
"Yeah, broke ass. Remember that?" Gabriela winked. Claudia couldn't shake off the memories.
Her fuming made other students snicker.
"I'm gonna kill you, bitch...." Her movement was stopped by Miguel's appearance.
"Miguel! Can you see what she's doing to me?" Claudia cried.
The next thing amused everyone.
A loud slap from Miguel sent Claudia to the ground.
Her face was red with shock and embarrassment.
Students couldn't control their laughter.
Gabriela chuckled.
Daniela and her friends who were relaxing laughed mockingly at the scene.
"How dare you try to do that to my sister - again? Saying all those hurtful words!" He roared. Claudia looked up at him, shedding tears.
"Correction....you said our dad doesn't love Michelle. That's a lie. You said...she's got just Gabriela. That's a lie too. She has me, too. She has her friends and family. This is a warning. If you touch Michelle or say anything to her again, I'll ruin you." Miguel threatened.
"Michelle - and Gabriela. Don't you ever touch them."
"Let me help you up." Miguel offered her a hand and she tried to stand but Miguel let go of her making her fall harder.
Laughter filled the air.
They left her presence, leaving her to sulk.
~~~~~~ TWO MONTHS LATER~~~~~~
Gabriela's 18th birthday was just a few days away, and while she wasn't planning a traditional birthday party, she was eagerly anticipating a momentous occasion. On her birthday, she would officially become the heiress of Flores Corp, and the company would unveil her own office. The ceremony would be attended by well-wishers, business partners, friends, and family, and Gabriela couldn't wait to take on her new role.
In the days leading up to her birthday, Gabriela spent her time with her close friends Miguel, Isabella, Diana, Carissa, and Michelle. They had a blast together, and Gabriela felt grateful for their friendship. Meanwhile, the planning for the ceremony was in full swing, but Claudia remained unaware of the significant event that was about to unfold.
When Claudia finally received the invitation, she was shocked and furious. "Why does everyone think it's Gabriela's party?" she fumed, her anger and resentment simmering just below the surface.
Professor Jennie, Claudia's mother, was over the moon with excitement. She splurged on luxury jewelry, hoping that Claudia's new role as heiress would bring them financial security. However, Alejandro, Gabriela's father, knew the truth. He had already knew that Gabriela would be the one to inherit Flores Corp, fulfilling the wish of his late wife.
Alejandro called Gabriela to the mansion and spoke to her about the heiress issue. Gabriela's heart swelled with relief and happiness as she realized her dreams were finally coming true. She thanked her father and expressed her gratitude.
Alejandro also apologized for the issues surrounding Daniela, which had caused tension between them. Gabriela forgave her father instantly and made a heartfelt wish: she wanted Daniela to come live in the Flores mansion again as a daughter of the family. Alejandro agreed, and they shared a warm hug.
As Alejandro looked at Gabriela, he felt grateful to have a precious daughter like her. He knew that she would take Flores Corp to new heights and make him proud.
~~~~~~~
The day of the ceremony had finally arrived, and Flores Corp was abuzz with excitement. The venue was lavishly decorated, reflecting the company's wealth and prestige. As Gabriela prepared for the big day, she was whisked away by the staff her father had specially hired from Spain. They pampered her with a sumptuous breakfast in bed, complete with a small birthday cake, and then took her to a luxurious spa for a day of beauty treatments.
After being treated to manicures, pedicures, hair styling, and facials, Gabriela was taken on a shopping spree where millions were spent on girly treats and accessories. When they returned to the mansion, she was helped into a breathtaking red strapless ball gown adorned with glittering designs that shone like diamonds in the light. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, and the staff couldn't help but admire her beauty.
Her bun hairstyle added a touch of maturity, while her bold Latina makeup made her look glamorous. A rare silver hairpin, worth a billion, was hooked onto her bun, and her lipstick was a subtle yet striking shade of red. She slipped into a pair of white glassy heels and wore a bracelet worth $500 million, a precious heirloom owned by her late mother.
As she finished getting ready, the car door was opened for her, and she stepped out onto the red carpet. The guests had already arrived at the venue, including well-wishers, business partners, friends, and even students from her high school and The White's Academy. A line of luxurious cars followed, drawing attention and admiration from the crowd.
The atmosphere was electric, with people talking about the Flores family's wealth and prestige.