Flawed Love

Best Birthday Present

TIME [7:30 PM]

At the city's most reputed first class hotel, Anna, Kayara and Sophie were serenading to the entrance hall, a red powerful and beautiful aura following every step they took together, making heads turn. The three bees were in long elegant party gowns and looking effortlessly pretty as always, but this time, they were just stunning.

Kayara was draped in black, her favourite colour, which complimented her fair skin highlighting the contrast of her tone. The gown hugged her curves perfectly. She had naturally glowing skin that didn't need a heavy layer of make-up or any expensive jewellery to outshine others.

Sophie wore a baby pink knee length gown that glittered under the golden lights as if she was a precious diamond encased in a glass box in the Louvre. Her eyes were rimmed with perfectly winged eyeliner and you knew she was dangerous at sight. Dangerously attractive.

Anna had pulled on a deep ochre colored velvet formal wear paired with high heels. Long earrings dangled from her ears and together they were three simple but breathtaking angels stepping out of heaven.

Seeing the magnificent preparations and the gold and glitter of the party they all gasped in wonder. They had never seen such mind-blowing arrangements. The ceiling of the hall was full of small and big real crystal chandeliers. Red carpets lead their way to the main hall and well-dressed ushers were welcoming the guests happily. The round tables in the center were covered with white motifs and expensive cutleries shone on them.

It was the private birthday party of an old but respected ex-businessman Mr. Adam Smith, who built a huge empire in his prime time. Although it had been a long time since he had resigned, his business was still touching new heights and presently world famous as AK Corporations. The business was still afloat and prospering because of his beloved grandson's hard work.

Gasping in surprise, the golden trio finally found themselves amid the cold heat of the party hall and adjusted themselves according to the atmosphere. Anna soon got engaged with her dad's friend, who usually talked to her when he came to her house for some business matters. Meanwhile Sophie and Kayara excused themselves and went to the bar for some drinks.

...

Back outside, at the entrance, a black Maybach SUV steered in and a young man clad in black tuxedo, stepped out in all the style in the world.

"Mr. Smith, please, this way," His big guard led him to the hall with extreme caution, care and respect.

The young man walked straight to the main old man of the party and greeted him with a slight bow.

"Grandpa, wish you a very happy birthday. Here's your birthday present," He handed a black box to Mr. Adam Smith.

"Thank you very much, my son. But you aren't supposed to be this late on my special day," the old man gave a sullen look.

"Umm... I'm sorry grandpa. I had to deal with a few issues on the way here," The young man explained, pressing his lips into a thin line.

"What kind of trouble?" the old man asked anxiously.

"It was nothing, just a small accident with a waiter in a restaurant."

"Oh.. Waiters, I see. Okay," the old man said, relieved it wasn't anything bad, "Now go enjoy the party and don't forget to get me a grand daughter-in-law tonight," the old one cackled as he teased his beloved grandson, "If you choose one here then it would be my best birthday present."

"Ah…Grandpa," he looked the other way, nothing less than embarrassed, "Please don't ge-" he started to say with slight frustration but before he could complete his sentence, he spotted two girls standing at the bar, gossiping with each other. And at the sight of one particular person, his eyes brightened. Stopping his gaze on that girl, Alex smiled faintly.

The grandson stopped short and changed his plans instantly. "Don't...don't worry about it grandpa. I'll not disappoint you," He winked at his grandfather with a playful smile and walked away, leaving the grandfather confused with the strange answer.

Mr. Adam Smith tilted his head and said to himself, "He does know I was joking, right? Or he just played my own game against me." The old man thought, "Is he really planning to get me a grand daughter-in-law for real? Anyways both things are good for me."

He shrugged and went to some old friends of his.

...

"It's beautiful, right?" Sophie said, taking in the beauty of the entire hall.

"Yes, it is," Kayara agreed and turned back to the bartender, "Excuse me, one more glass of this same wine, please."

Sophie glared at her, "Oh Kayara....don't drink more, you can't handle any more of this heavy alcohol," She tried to snatch the wine glass from the table before Kayara could take it. She knew that Kayara had very low tolerance against alcohol. When Sophie snatched the glass in a hurry, the wine from the glass flew out and spilled on her own dress.

"Ahh…Oh God," Sophie whined, disgusted with herself. "I'm going to the restroom to clean up. Wait for me here and don't move and don't drink more."

Kayara nodded with a sad puppy smile. Sophie requested the bartender not to give any more alcohol to her friend before she left.

...