𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓾𝓼
ᴬᵘʳᵉˡⁱᵉˢ ˢʷᵉᵉᵗ ¹⁶

The Moreau house had been transformed into a glittering wonderland. Gold and blush-colored balloons floated along the ceiling, and delicate fairy lights wrapped around every surface, creating a magical glow. The dining table was laden with an assortment of desserts—macarons, cupcakes, and a three-tiered cake topped with sparkling "16" candles. A playlist of Aurelie's favorite songs hummed softly in the background, and laughter echoed as guests arrived, all dressed to impress for the occasion.

Aurelie stood at the top of the staircase, taking it all in. Her rose-gold dress sparkled under the lights, the fabric flaring elegantly at her waist. Her hair had been styled into soft curls, and her makeup was minimal but perfect—just enough to feel special for her big night.

"Are you going to stand there all night, or are you finally coming down?" Aidan, her twin brother, called from the bottom of the stairs, his arms crossed.

"Let me have my moment!" Aurelie shot back, but she couldn't stop smiling.

Her younger sister, Sienna, stood next to Aidan with a cupcake in her hand. "Don't trip in those heels!" she teased, licking frosting off her fingers.

With an exaggerated roll of her eyes, Aurelie made her way down the stairs. As soon as she reached the bottom, she was enveloped in a hug by her cousin Mia As soon as she reached the bottom, she was enveloped in a hug by her cousin Mia, who was practically bouncing with excitement.

"You look amazing!" Mia squealed, pulling back to twirl Aurelie around. "Seriously, this dress is everything. If I didn't love you, I'd be jealous."

Aurelie laughed. "Thanks, Mia. You're not looking too bad yourself!"

Gracie joined in, giving Aurelie a playful nudge. "Okay, you're officially the princess of the night. This whole setup is gorgeous."

"Mom really outdid herself," Aurelie admitted, glancing around the room with a warm smile.

One by one, her friends approached with hugs and compliments. Leah, Ivy, Ellie, Claire, and Aryan all showered her with affection, while Charlie gave her a mock bow. "Happy Birthday, Your Highness," he said with a grin, earning a playful shove from Aurelie.

Walker hung back, watching her from a distance. He'd seen her dressed up before, but tonight, she looked... different. Radiant. When the crowd around her cleared, he finally stepped forward, holding a small box in his hand.

"Hey, birthday girl," he said softly, his smile warm.

"Hey," Aurelie replied, her heart skipping a beat. "You look nice."

"You look... incredible," he said, handing her the box. "Happy Birthday."

Aurelie opened it to reveal a delicate necklace with a tiny heart pendant. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed pink. "Walker, this is beautiful. Thank you."

"It reminded me of you," he said simply, his gaze steady but a bit nervous.

"Okay, okay, save the mushy stuff for later!" Aidan interrupted, clapping a hand on Walker's shoulder. "It's party time, people!"

The party was everything Aurelie had dreamed of. The living room was filled with laughter and music as her friends danced, played games, and raided the dessert table.

Jack tried to show off his "moves," but they were quickly outshone by Sienna, who had no problem stealing the spotlight.

"Jack, you're embarrassing yourself," Aurelie teased, sitting on the couch with Leah and Mia.

"Hey, I'm just adding some character to this party!" Jack shot back, grinning as he attempted another spin.

"More like adding some cringe," Sienna muttered, making everyone burst out laughing.

Eventually, everyone gathered around as the lights dimmed for the big moment. Aurelie stood in front of her cake, the golden "16" candles flickering brightly. Her family and friends sang "Happy Birthday," their voices filling the room with warmth.

"Make a wish!" Sienna called out.

Aurelie closed her eyes, taking a moment to think about her wish. She was surrounded by the people she loved most—her family, her friends, and Walker—her heart swelling with gratitude.

When she opened her eyes, she grinned and blew out the candles.

The room erupted in applause and cheers, and she could hardly believe how perfect the night had been so far.

"Alright, let's dig in!" Leah exclaimed, grabbing a plate and heading toward the dessert table.

Aurelie watched as her friends filled the room, chatting, laughing, and grabbing sweets.

Walker stood beside her, a soft smile on his face as he handed her a plate with a slice of cake.

"How's it feel to be 16?" he asked, his voice light, but his eyes full of affection.

"Feels pretty good," Aurelie said, taking the cake. "Feels even better when you're surrounded by people you love."

Walker's smile widened, and for a moment, it felt like everyone else had faded into the background.

As the night carried on, the group of friends hung out in different parts of the house.

Charlie, who had snuck in a few minutes earlier, was laughing with Malachi and Mason over something silly. "You guys are ridiculous," Charlie teased, his usual charm on full display.

Aurelie caught a glimpse of Sienna, who was deep in conversation with Emory, laughing at something Sienna had just said. "Your sister really is something else," Emory said to Aurelie, his grin wide.

Aurelie rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, she thinks she's the boss of everything."

"I can hear you, you know," Sienna shot back, throwing her sister a look.

Aurelie grinned back. "I know you can, you're never quiet."

Nearby, Ivy and Gracie were chatting with Jacob and Brady, talking about everything from movies to their favorite bands. Gracie, ever the enthusiastic talker, was detailing a new show she had discovered. "You guys have to watch it," she insisted. "It's got a great plot and, trust me, you won't be disappointed!"

Aurelie smiled as she caught snippets of the conversation.

It felt good, being surrounded by friends who understood her. She watched them interact, so effortlessly blending in, yet each one brought something unique to the group.

"Having fun?" Walker asked, his voice interrupting her thoughts.

"Definitely," she said, her heart fluttering a little at the sight of him. She reached out, taking his hand, and pulled him toward the dance floor.

"Let's dance," she suggested.

"Are you sure? You know I'm terrible at dancing."

"I don't care," she replied, laughing. "Come on, we're making memories tonight."

Walker hesitated for a second but then gave in with a grin.

He led her to the dance floor, and they swayed to the music, their bodies moving together with a chemistry that felt undeniable.

As they danced, Aurelie caught sight of her cousin Mia, who was sitting on the couch with her friends, Leah and Ivy. Mia waved her over with a grin.

"Are you really dancing with him?" Mia teased as Aurelie walked up.

Aurelie rolled her eyes playfully. "Why, are you jealous?"

Mia shook her head, laughing. "No, I'm just glad you two are finally together."

"You knew the whole time, didn't you?" Aurelie said, arching an eyebrow.

"Yep," Mia said with a smirk. "I've been waiting for you two to figure it out. Finally!"

Aurelie couldn't help but laugh. Her cousin was right—she had known Walker was the one for a long time. But now, here they were, celebrating a night she would never forget.

Later that night, as the party began to wind down, Aurelie and Walker found themselves sitting on the back porch, away from the noise. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the crowded house.

"This was a really great party," Walker said, leaning back on his hands.

"It was perfect," Aurelie replied, pulling her knees to her chest. "Thanks for being here."

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the distant sound of music drifting through the door. Walker glanced at her, his eyes soft.

"You know," he started, a small smile playing on his lips, "I don't think I've ever seen you this happy."

Aurelie tilted her head, smiling back. "It's because everyone I care about is here... including you."

He reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. "You deserve nights like this. You deserve everything."

Her heart fluttered, and she couldn't help but tease, "You're getting really good at this romantic stuff, Walker."

He chuckled. "Only for you."

Without thinking, Aurelie leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Walker kissed her back gently, his free hand coming up to cup her cheek.

"Ew!" Sienna's voice suddenly rang out, breaking the moment. They turned to see her standing in the doorway, her face scrunched up in mock disgust. "Why do I always catch you two kissing?!"

Aurelie and Walker both burst into laughter, and Aurelie called back, "Maybe stop spying, Sienna!"

"Whatever," Sienna muttered, disappearing back inside.

Walker laughed, shaking his head. "Your sister has impeccable timing."

"She really does," Aurelie said, still grinning. "But honestly... I wouldn't change a thing."

As the night drew to a close, Aurelie felt a deep sense of gratitude for the people in her life and the memories they had created. Her Sweet 16 was everything she could have hoped for—and more.

— THE SECRET OF US —