"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUCAS !"

The moment those words left my lips, Lucas froze in his tracks. His eyes widened in sheer disbelief, and his jaw dropped as he took in the breathtaking scene before him. The garden was transformed into a dreamlike wonderland. Fairy lights cast a soft, ethereal glow on the surroundings, illuminating the beauty of the decorations.

But it was not just the mesmerizing ambiance that left him stunned; it was the sight of his closest friends and family gathered there, their faces beaming with excitement and love. They stood in a semi-circle, holding balloons and gifts, all there to celebrate him on this special day.

Lucas slowly turned towards me, his eyes shimmering with emotion, and in that very moment, my heart swelled with happiness. Without a word, he pulled me into a tight, warm hug, holding me close as if he never wanted to let go. He buried his face in my shoulder, his voice quivering with gratitude and affection as he whispered,

"Thank you, thank you so much, babe. This is incredible. I can't believe you did all of this for me."

Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I hugged him back, feeling his heartbeat against mine. In that embrace, words became unnecessary. It was a moment where love transcended language, where the depth of our connection was palpable. We stood there, surrounded by the love of friends and family, basking in the magic of the surprise, and the knowledge that this night would be etched in our hearts forever.

I pulled away from the hug with a wide smile on my face.

"Why can't I do as much for you ? After all, you've done so much for me too."

He smiled "I love you so so much"

I grinned.

If he's this happy right now, I wonder what will happen when I will propose him in front of everyone ! He'll be over the moon with joy.

Yess, I am so excited.

I leaned near him.

"This is just the beginning; let's see what the future holds." I winked at him and trust me, his expressions just increased my excitement.

"Happy Birthday Lucasss" His friends jumped on him.

Lucas's laughter filled the room as he was enveloped in a cascade of hugs and birthday wishes. He had a way of lighting up the entire space with his joy, and I couldn't help but stand a little apart from the commotion, admiring his infectious happiness.

His mom and dad were next in line, and their heartfelt birthday greetings warmed my heart. They showered Lucas with love, and he responded with a grateful smile, thanking them for being there.

Uuff, he is so cutee.

I can't help but smile just watching him smile. His smile could light up the whole room.

I watched him with a sense of contentment. His smile was like a beacon, radiating pure happiness. It was one of those moments when I realized how lucky I was to have him in my life.

I must have done some good deeds to have found a partner like Lucas.

I watched how he hugged his Mom and pecked on her forehead, how he hugged his Dad with a wide smile on his face.

I'm so lucky to have him in my life.

I was soon nudged out of my reverie when someone nudged me slightly.

I looked beside me.

Luna.

"Hmm, I see someone is lost in her fantasy world, huh ?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

I blushed and shook my head, snapping out of my trance.

"Nuh-uh nothing like that"

She laughed.

"Yeah, yeah I know. He is really very happy. You literally made him happy huh" She genuinely said.

I couldn't help but smile at the wonderful scene unfolding before me.

"He's the happiest when he's with his friends and family. He deserves all the love and joy in the world. I'm so glad I could make him this happy. I'm proud to be the one who brought this smile to his face. Seeing him smile like that makes all the planning worthwhile. This moment is perfect, and I never want it to end."

I immediately took out my phone and took his snap.

Memory. Memorable Birthday.

I smiled.

"He is also very lucky to have you as his girlfriend" Luna smiled. I grinned.

"I know right, I am beautiful" I flipped my hair and smirked.

"Yeah, hottie" She winked at me and we both laughed wholeheartedly.

"Ok, I guess it's time for cake cutting" I said and Luna nodded her head.

"OK GUYS," I announced gaining every attention in the garden,"It's time for cake cutting !"

Everyone cheered.

The grand birthday cake, Lucas's absolute favorite Black forest, was presented before us, adorned with flickering candles.

I could see Lucas's eyes sparkled.

And, I squealed internally.

We gathered around the cake. Lucas's friends and family formed a circle around him.

With a smile on my face, I handed Lucas a knife. He took it with his own smile.

Lucas leaned forward and blew out the candles, his smile radiant as the room burst into applause and the joyful chorus of "Happy Birthday" filled the air. It was a moment of pure happiness, and I couldn't have been prouder of the surprise we had planned for him.

His smile grew even wider as he cut into the cake, slicing through its moist and delicious layers. He picked that slice and feed her Mom. Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she accepted the slice, and the room echoed with applause and heartfelt birthday wishes. Lucas turned to his father, who stood beside him, beaming with joy. With the same affectionate smile, he cut a slice and feed it to his dad, who accepted it with same affectionate smile.

Now, he will feed me third slice. After that, I will propose him infront of everyone. Yess. I am soo excited.

I grinned thinking everything.

But, smile disappeared from my face as soon as Lucas turned to that James.

Of course, James is here.

Lucas gave the slice to James with a grin, and the room resounded with applause once again.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance and disappointment. It was a moment I had been looking forward to, sharing a piece of cake with Lucas on his special day.

Not now, Olivia. Today is his special day. Don't ruin it with your immaturity. Get a grip on yourself.

I sighed controlling my emotions.

I can't propose him, right now. I will propose him after some time.

I don't want to let my feelings overshadow his happiness. I shrugged off my thoughts, reminding myself that his friends and family meant the world to him, and he was simply sharing the joy of the day with them.

He turns towards me and feed me next slice with a grin on his face.

"Thank you for such a wonderful and beautiful surprise. I really like it" He whispered making my smile grew wider.

<<°>>~<<°>>

"Come Olivia, I will introduce you to my friends, come" Lucas dragged me from the crowd.

Everything is going well. His Family members are enjoying their meals talking with each other. His friends are enjoying games. Some couples are busy in dancing while some are enjoying each other's presence.

Meanwhile, Our birthday boy, Lucas is brimming with excitement at his birthday party, and his energy was infectious. He had been mingling with friends and family, ensuring that everyone felt welcome.

And now he had something in mind. He wants to introduce me to his some friends. He hold my wrist gently and started pulling me with him towards his friends.

I couldn't help but smile at his excitement.

He led me through the lively crowd, his friends engaged in animated conversations and laughter. As we approached a group of his friends, he announced, "Everyone, this is Olivia, my amazing girlfriend."

His friends turned toward us, their faces lighting up with warm smiles. I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves as I greeted them with a friendly wave.

"Hey, Olivia," one of his friends chimed in, extending a hand. "I've heard so much about you. Lucas won't stop talking about you !"

I chuckled and blushed slightly.

"It's great to finally meet you all." I shook his hand with a gentle smile on my face.

"Olivia, This is Zen. My childhood friend" He introduced me to a brown haired boy. I smiled at him as we shook our hands.

"This is Benny. My basketball buddy" I smiled at him too.

As the conversations flowed, I quickly got to know everyone's names in his group.

"And guys, this is Olivia. Olivia Hernandez. One and only daughter of Hernandez Family. The most beautiful girl of our school. You won't believe how talented she is. She's like a superstar in everything she does. She's the president of the club. Olivia is literally the fashion icon of the school. She is also smart in studies. My perfect girl" Lucas introduced me with a grin on his face.

I couldn't help but feel my cheeks flush with a deep shade of red. The warmth of his words and the admiration in his voice had an undeniable effect on me. I shifted slightly, trying to hide my blush, but it was impossible to escape their knowing smiles.

"Ok Lucas, Enough now" I whispered to him, trying to hide my smile.

He chuckled.

"Ok ok, enough introductions now" He laughed along with his friends.

"Let's play a game" One of his friend, Sam, suggested.

"But which game ?"

"Truth or Dare ?" Lucas suggested.

A chorus of Ok's are heard.

Before I could say anything, my phone rang.

Dad ? Now ?

"Lucas, you guys play. My Dad is calling. I will be back" Lucas frowned but nodded his head.

I excused myself from there.

As I moved away from the circle, I picked up my phone.

"Yes Dad ?"

Dad : Olivia, where are you right now ?

What ? Why is he asking this ?

But nonetheless, I answered him truthfully.

Olivia : I am at Lucas's birthday party, Dad. Today is his birthday.

Dad : When are you going to come ?

Olivia : Umm I don't know, Dad, but what happened ?

Dad : Nothing. Just make sure not to do anything that could tarnish our family's reputation in our society.

Olivia : Of course Dad.

Dad : And in all these parties, don't forget about Exams. Your Exams are in 2 months, right ? Start it's preparation. Don't disappoint me. Understand ?

Olivia : Of course, Dad, I will make you proud. But why are you thinking like this suddenly ?

Dad : Nothing, Olivia. I just want to make sure that your future is secure. Nothing else.

I smiled.

Olivia : Thanks Dad. But don't worry, I will never disappoint you.

Dad : I know that. I am really very proud of you. You are better than Michael and Jack atleast.

Olivia : Thanks Dad. Dad, send some money in my account. I need it.

I said as soon as I remembered that I spent all my money on throwing this party.

Dad : Ok. I will send it in your account.

Olivia : Thanks Dad. Byee.

Dad : Byee. Take care.

He said as I hanged up.

I sighed and came towards the circle.

A smile crept on my face as I saw Lucas saying something to his friends with a proud look on his face.

"- Of course, I am proud of myself-"

Before he could complete his sentence, One boy, who hadn't been there before, interuptted him.

"You are feeling proud ? For what ? You didn't even win a single match, bro."

Everyone laughed and smile disappeared from Lucas's face.

I frowned as I heard their conversation.

"He is not wrong, Lucas. Everyone knows Michael is the Best player of the school. If he is infront of you, you won't even get a chance to make a single basket" Another boy chimed.

"He is just a cheater" Lucas gritted his teeth.

"No, Lucas, this is wrong now. He is not a cheater. He is the superstar of our school" One girl said dreamily. I looked at scene infront of me in disbelief.

"Fuck superstar-"

"Actually Lucas, your girlfriend is Michael's sister, isn't she ?" I stiffened at that.

"No guys, now I get it, he don't like to lose, but he have to. Because of his family connections, right ?" I clenched my fist at that.

"STOP IT" I yelled at them with a fury in my voice.

All eyes turned towards me.

I came near them and faced that boy.

"What the fuck does that mean ?" I gritted my teeth.

He chuckled.

"Oh girl, do you think nobody will figure out what's going on between all of you ? You're Lucas's girlfriend, and Michael is your brother. You must be telling Lucas to lose on purpose so your brother can win, right ? Because of you, Lucas and James lose, don't they ? You both siblings are doing it intentionally to my friends, aren't you ? You will tell Lucas to lose and he will accept it because you are his girlfriend. And your brother wons. Lucas is right, Michael is just a cheater. By the way, in return, what do you give Lucas? One nightstand or two-"

My cheeks flushed with a mix of emotions, and without a moment's hesitation, my hand moved instinctively. In that electrifying moment, my palm connected with the boy's cheek in a resounding slap.

The room fell eerily silent as gasps and shocked whispers rippled through the crowd. All eyes were on me, and I felt a rush of adrenaline.

My heart raced, and my voice quivered with fiery determination as I confronted the accuser, "How dare you say that ? You know nothing about me, Lucas, or Michael. Don't ever make baseless accusations like that again !"

He looked at me with widened eyes.

"She is right. You can't just say anything against Michael. He is literally the great basketball player of our school. It's James and Lucas who are losers here" Another boy said sharply.

"Yeah actually, I agree. They don't stand a chance infront of Michael and you are saying Michael is Cheater ? Seriously ?" Another girl scoffed.

"Yes, He is the best player. No one can defeat him."

"Actually Lucas, you should accept that you are nothing infront of Michael-"

"SHUT UP" I yelled at the boy before he could complete his sentence.

"You guys are no one to say anything against Lucas. You don't even know how to play basketball, and here you are- Ridiculous." I scoffed.

"She is just insulting us infront of all these people. I don't want to stay in party anymore. Let's go, Babes" One girl said and pulled a boy with her towards exit.

"Weston. WESTON WAIT-" Lucas called but they already left from there.

As the awkwardness lingered and conversations grew increasingly strained, others decided it was time to leave. With mumbled goodbyes and hopeful glances that things would eventually improve, they began to filter out, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with unresolved issues.

The place slowly emptied, and I found myself standing there, arms folded tightly across my chest. My anger still smoldered, and my heart felt heavy with frustration.

Everything is ruined.

Lucas's birthday is ruined.

I looked towards Lucas, who was just standing there looking down.

My heart broke for him.

Those people literally ruined his birthday.

He is looking so sad.

I kept my hand on his shoulder.

"Lucas" I called him softly.

He didn't react.

I understand, he needs time.

"Lucas, don't take their words to heart. The're just bunch of stupid people. They don't know what they're even saying. They don't know about your struggles, they don't know about your hard work behind your basketball. Those people just knows how to spread hate, nothing else. Don't be sad on your special day, Lucas. I am sorry your birthday is r-ruined-"

"You should be" His cold voice boomed.

"Huh ?" I frowned. But My heart shattered when I heard what came next from his mouth.

"You should be sorry. All this happened just because of you"

To Be Continued...

Hope you guys like the chapter.

Share your thoughts 💭.

Nothing to say today, I will just give you preview for next chapter.

Xxx : YOU KNOW WHAT, I CHALLENGE YOU.
______________

Yyy : You are a Loser
_______________

Zzz : STOP BEING A DISAPPOINTMENT TO THE FAMILY.
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Xyz : Go and Die. No one cares.
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Guess 😉.

Please Comment and vote. My motivation is running on thin line, right now. Please. Need Motivation as soon as possible. (Lol 😂).

I will meet you guys soon till then stay safe, take care and Love yourself ❤️.

Byee Byee ... Luv ya 😘.

Published : 14 September 2023.

Total words : 2795 words 😁.