Chapter 2: Wish Upon The Moon
1073 Words
Their exchange was tense, with the stranger's confidence and expensive suit hinting at his high rank. As he walked away, Cia wondered who this enigmatic, annoying, and captivating man .She could hear her Maria and Laura murmur something among theirselves that has to do with him but she didn't care to know what it was.
She continued down the stairs, her heart still racing from the encounter. The grand ballroom awaited, filled with guests and familiar faces. But Cia's thoughts lingered on the stranger.
As she entered the ballroom, applause erupted. Cia's father, Captain Skywalker, beamed with pride. Her stepmother wore forced smiles while her stepsisters were still excited about something.
They weren't excited that it's her birthday, they were only excited because there will be a special guest tonight. Damien Glen. Who could he be?
Not just them but the maids also talk of this man .Who was this man and why does his presence stir such. Was he a celebrity, a business man or something more?
She could recall her stepsisters, Grace and Monica buzzing with excitement, their whispers and giggles filling the air.
" Damien Glen is coming tonight! ", Grace squealed.
Monica's eyes sparkled. "We can't wait to meet him! He's gorgeous!"
Cia ignored them, accustomed to their superficial chatter. She had more pressing concerns than her stepsisters' celebrity crush.
As she entered the grand ballroom, Cia's nerves intensified. Tonight marked more than just her 20th birthday; it signaled a turning point in her life.
Here's the continuation of the story:
As the applause and cheers enveloped her, she forced a bright smile, scanning the room filled with familiar faces from Hollywood, her family's business associates, and socialites.
Captain Skywalker, her father, beamed with pride beside her stepmother, Victoria, and stepsisters, Monica and Grace.Cia's heart ached, missing her late mother.
"Happy birthday, Cia!" Max Collard, her co-star, called out, handing her a champagne flute.
"Thanks, Max!" Cia replied, taking a sip.
Max collard wasn't just her co-star but have been her friend right from her elementary school. He's a family friend and her bestfriend too.
As she mingled with guests, Cia's thoughts drifted back to the mysterious stranger. Who was he? Why did his amber eyes leave her breathless?
Suddenly, Maria whispered, "Milady, your father requests your presence."
Cia excused herself and approached her father.
"Time for the birthday speech," Captain Skywalker announced, his voice booming through the ballroom.
Cia's stomach twisted, knowing what came next.
"Ladies and gentlemen," her father began, "today marks a significant milestone for our family. Cia, my dear daughter, has come of age. And as tradition dictates, she will soon take her rightful place in our family's legacy."
The room erupted in applause, but Cia's heart sank. Marriage. Heritage. Responsibilities.
As she scanned the crowd, her gaze met the stranger's piercing amber eyes across the room. He stood at the edge, observing her with an unreadable expression.
Who was this enigmatic figure, and why did he seem to hold secrets about her future?
Cia's father handed her the microphone, and she took a deep breath.
"Thank you, everyone, for celebrating this milestone with me," Cia began, her voice steady. "I'm grateful for the love and support you've shown me over the years."
She glanced at her father, stepmother, and stepsisters, her expression neutral.
"I understand the significance of today, not just as a birthday, but as a transition into a new phase of life. I'm ready to take on the responsibilities that come with our family's legacy."
The room applauded again, but Cia's words felt hollow. She knew what was expected of her: marriage, producing an heir, and securing the family's business empire.
As she handed the microphone back to her father, Cia's gaze met the stranger's again. He raised an eyebrow, as if challenging her words.
Captain Skywalker continued, "And now, it's time for the traditional birthday dance."
The orchestra began playing a waltz, and Cia's father offered his hand. They glided across the dance floor, surrounded by applauding guests.
As they danced Cia felt trapped. Her life was unfolding according to plan but her heart yearned for freedom.
After the dance, the cake was cut with Cia's father thanking everyone for celebrating her special day. Guests mingled and the party continued throughout the evening.
When it clocked eleven in the night, Cia decided to go somewhere peaceful and calm.
Cia's sleek, black SUV navigated the winding coastal road, the ocean's rhythmic waves growing louder with each turn. Her driver, James, and two bodyguards, Mark and Alex, accompanied her, their discreet presence a constant reminder of her celebrity status.
As they arrived at the beachside cliff, Cia instructed James to park at a distance, ensuring her solitude. The three men nodded, familiar with her need for occasional escapes.
Cia stepped out, the salty air filling her lungs as she walked toward the cliff's edge. The vast expanse of turquoise water stretched before her, meeting the horizon at a perfect line. She sat on a weathered rock, wrapping her arms around her knees.
James, Mark, and Alex positioned themselves at a respectful distance, keeping watch without intruding on her peace.
As Cia gazed out at the ocean, memories of last year's birthday floated to the surface. She had stood by this very cliff, making a wish upon the waves. It was a heartfelt desire, born from a place of vulnerability.
To her surprise, that wish had come true.
Now, she've decided to make another wish for this year's birthday.
Cia's sigh echoed through the tranquil night air as she stood at the cliff's edge, the moonlit ocean stretching before her. Her gaze remained fixed on the calm waters, her voice barely above a whisper.
"My last wish was granted, and I'm grateful for that. I'm here for another wish."
The ocean's stillness seemed to absorb her words. She paused, collecting her thoughts.
"My wish for this year's birthday is... I wish to marry the right man, my soulmate, my real mate."
Her eyes lifted to the full, glowing moon.
"Please... grant this wish for me."
A shiver ran down her spine as she felt the weight of her desire. Emotion welled within her, and her eyes grew misty. But the stubborn tears refused to fall.
Just as she raised her hand to wipe away the unshed tears, a strong hand clamped tightly around her neck. She struggled to break free from the tight grip.
- Writer
