Trapped By Freedom

A Birthday to Remember

Sophia

I turned sharply at the sound of Vanessa's scream.

Luckily, my stylist had just finished fastening my earrings. Otherwise, I would've ended up with a torn earlobe.

I stumbled backward in shock, nearly losing my balance, but my designer caught me just in time.

"What happened?" I gasped, rushing toward Vanessa.

Then I froze.

She was covered from head to toe in thick red paint.

A foul, nauseating smell instantly filled the room.

"What... what is that smell?"

I instinctively reached for her.

"Hey! Stop!" Vanessa quickly stepped back, raising both hands. "Don't come any closer. You're already dressed, and I don't want your gown getting stained too."

I stared at her in disbelief.

"What do you mean?"

She glanced at the opened gift box before looking back at me.

"Sophia..."

"This was your cousin's plan."

My heart dropped.

Everything suddenly made sense.

Victoria's gift.

Her constant questions about my dress.

Her insistence on seeing it.

She had planned everything.

She knew I'd most likely open her present after getting dressed.

If Vanessa hadn't volunteered to open it...

I would've been the one standing there.

My gown would've been ruined before I even made my entrance.

"Nessa..." I whispered.

"I'm so sorry."

Vanessa rolled her eyes dramatically before laughing.

"Don't apologise. It isn't your fault."

She looked down at herself.

"Besides, the witch's plan failed."

"Your dress is still perfect."

"I'm the one who looks like I just escaped a crime scene."

Despite her attempt to joke, guilt settled heavily in my chest.

I couldn't stop imagining myself in her place.

Victoria really wanted to destroy my birthday.

"I'll go wash this off," Vanessa said with a dismissive wave. "You finish getting ready. Your guests will be arriving any minute."

I nodded quietly.

"Thank you."

She smiled.

"What are best friends for?"

After she left, the room became strangely quiet.

The stylists exchanged uneasy glances but wisely kept silent.

One maid carried away the ruined gift box while another opened the windows to let the horrible smell escape.

I stared at my reflection.

Today was supposed to be perfect.

I refused to let Victoria ruin it.

Almost an hour later, Vanessa returned looking as though nothing had happened.

Her makeup had been redone, her dress was spotless, and the only sign of the earlier incident was the amused smile on her face.

Relief washed over me.

"You know," she said, folding her arms, "I'm only letting this slide because today is your birthday."

She narrowed her eyes playfully.

"But Victoria is definitely going to explain herself later."

Before I could answer, Mum walked into the room.

"Oh, my beautiful girls."

She smiled proudly before pausing.

"What happened? Something feels... off."

Vanessa answered before I could.

"Nothing really. I accidentally kicked over a bucket of water."

She laughed awkwardly.

Right on cue, one of the maids hurried past carrying a bucket and mop.

Thankfully, Mum didn't suspect a thing.

She was too busy admiring us.

"You both look gorgeous."

She hugged Vanessa warmly before giving me a careful side hug.

"You look like an angel, sweetheart."

Heat crept into my cheeks.

"Thank you, Mum."

She smiled.

"Come on."

"It's time."

Just then, Uncle Edward entered carrying a beautifully wrapped gift.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart."

"Uncle!"

I hugged him tightly.

"When did you get here?"

"Just a few minutes ago."

He smiled warmly.

"You look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you... and thank you for the gift."

He gently pinched my cheek.

"My little princess is all grown up."

"Excuse me," Aunt Celine interrupted dramatically as she stepped inside. "Does your aunt simply not exist anymore?"

Everyone laughed.

"Auntie!"

I hugged her tightly.

"Happy birthday, darling," she said.

"Twenty-one already? Time really does fly."

"It really does."

Seeing them somehow eased my nerves.

I glanced around the room, searching for Henry.

He still hadn't arrived.

Maybe he'd gotten caught in traffic.

Mum, Uncle Edward and Aunt Celine soon headed downstairs, leaving me alone with my stylist.

I took one final deep breath.

There was no turning back now.

A few moments later, the host's voice echoed throughout the mansion.

"Ladies and gentlemen..."

"Our beautiful birthday princess..."

"Miss Sophia Amanda Smith."

Thunderous applause erupted from downstairs.

My assistant carefully lifted the long train of my gown as I slowly approached the grand staircase.

The moment I took my first step...

The music softened into a beautiful orchestral melody.

A warm spotlight followed me.

Photographers surged forward.

Camera flashes illuminated the ballroom almost nonstop.

Every conversation faded away as hundreds of eyes settled on me.

I could hear whispers drifting through the crowd.

"So beautiful..."

"She's breathtaking."

"No wonder the Smith family kept her away from the public."

My heart pounded so hard I thought everyone could hear it.

But I kept smiling.

Across the ballroom, Mum and Dad stood waiting for me.

Dad gave me a reassuring nod.

Mum's eyes shimmered with tears.

Seeing them calmed my racing heart.

One step at a time...

I continued my descent, unaware that this unforgettable birthday celebration was only just beginning.