Trapped By Freedom

Wrapped in Deception

Sophia

It was currently 5:45 p.m., and my hairstylist was putting the finishing touches on my hair.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

I'd celebrated birthdays before, but this one was different. It was the biggest celebration I'd ever had, and Dad had invited almost all of his business associates and close friends. That was probably why my stomach had been in knots all day.

Today was finally my twenty-first birthday.

The day had started beautifully.

Vanessa and I had stayed up talking almost all night. One conversation with her always turned into ten. She was so cheerful that it was impossible to get bored around her.

She wasn't my sister by blood, but she might as well have been. Looking back, I couldn't even remember how we became so close. We'd met at school, started talking, and somehow never stopped.

That morning, Mum had woken me up in the funniest way possible.

She walked into my room carrying a tiny bento cake while singing Happy Birthday at the top of her lungs.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," she beamed. "Sophia, you're still asleep? It's already ten o'clock. Wake up, sleepyhead."

I stretched lazily and smiled.

"Good morning, Mum. Thank you. You're the first person to wish me a happy birthday."

I climbed out of bed and kissed her cheek.

"My little Sophia has grown into such a beautiful young woman," she said warmly. "It feels like yesterday you were only ten."

"Mum, don't cry."

"I'm not crying."

I laughed.

"Good. Besides, I'll always be your little Sophia... even if I disobey you once in a while."

That earned me a playful glare before we both laughed.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

I recognised the voice immediately.

Victoria.

"Happy birthday, little sis."

She handed me a neatly wrapped gift.

"I figured we'd both be busy later, so I decided to give this to you now."

I looked from the gift to her face.

Victoria... buying me a birthday present?

That definitely wasn't on my birthday bingo card.

She was smiling.

It looked genuine.

Still...

Something about it didn't sit right with me.

Maybe I was overthinking.

Or maybe I wasn't.

"Sophia," Mum interrupted gently, "your dad is waiting downstairs."

Dad.

My mood brightened instantly.

Before I could leave, my phone rang.

Vanessa.

"Happy birthday, Sophie!" she screamed so loudly I nearly dropped my phone.

"Congratulations," I laughed. "You've officially made me deaf."

"It's your birthday! I'm excited!"

"I'm even more excited. When are you getting here? You still need to help me with..."

I lowered my voice.

"...the club dress."

I definitely didn't want Mum overhearing that.

"Sophia, relax. It's only 11:30. I'm at my hair appointment. I'll see you later."

Before I could answer...

She hung up.

Typical Vanessa.

The hours disappeared before I knew it.

Now it was 5:45 p.m.

My makeup was almost finished, and my hair looked even better than I'd imagined.

Vanessa had arrived over an hour ago, and having her around helped calm my nerves.

Well...

A little.

I still felt anxious.

Most of Dad's business associates were people I'd only seen in magazines or online. Victoria already knew many of them because she worked at Smith Company.

The only family I truly knew well was Grandpa Ethan Lopez's. Grandpa Ethan and Dad had been close friends for years.

"Ma'am, we're done."

The stylist's voice pulled me back to reality.

I looked into the mirror.

Wow.

The soft curls framed my face perfectly, and every strand sat exactly where it belonged.

I couldn't stop smiling.

Then the designer wheeled my birthday gown into the room.

The moment I saw it...

I forgot how to breathe.

It was breathtaking.

Layers of satin and soft tulle flowed elegantly to the floor. Tiny hand-sewn crystals shimmered across the fitted corset, while delicate embroidery climbed gracefully toward the neckline. The long train trailed behind it like something from a fairytale.

It didn't even look real.

It looked like art.

For several seconds, I simply stared.

How could something so beautiful belong to me?

I gently ran my fingers across the fabric.

It was unbelievably soft.

Everything about it was perfect.

My heart raced as I carefully stepped into the gown while the stylist tightened the corset.

"Ma'am, is it too tight? I can loosen it."

I shook my head.

"No."

"It's perfect."

Standing before the full-length mirror, I admired the way the gown hugged my figure.

For the first time that day...

I truly felt like the birthday girl.

My hand instinctively moved to my neck.

Something was missing.

Just then, the door opened.

Vanessa froze.

Her mouth slowly fell open.

I burst into laughter.

"You should close your mouth before a fly decides to move in."

She blinked.

"Sophia..."

"I don't think you realise how gorgeous you look."

"You actually look perfect."

She even pretended to wipe away a tear.

I laughed harder.

"Thank you, Nessa."

Her eyes shifted to my neck.

"Wait... where's your jewellery?"

"I thought someone would've brought it already."

"I'll get it."

She walked to the dressing table and picked up the jewellery box.

"They probably assumed you'd get dressed in here."

A few minutes later, she returned carrying both my jewellery...

...and Victoria's gift.

"Hmm..."

She held up the neatly wrapped box.

"So..."

"Who gives the birthday girl a present this early?"

"Oh."

"Victoria."

"She gave it to me this morning."

As my stylist fastened my necklace and earrings, Vanessa examined the package.

"Should we open it?"

I nodded.

"I was planning to open it after getting dressed anyway."

She rubbed her hands dramatically.

"Let's see what your lovely cousin bought for you."

She carefully tore away the wrapping paper.

The smile on her face disappeared.

Her eyes widened.

Then—

"Arghhhhhhhhhhh!"