THE REBIRTH OF THE DEAD HEIRESS

1. ENID'S POV “A closing toast to my wonderful fiance. She is a graceful woman with a big heart. Join me tonight to celebrate, Enid Silverstone.” My fiancé uttered, happiness etched on his face. He stared at his glass, his eyes fixed on it for a moment before he raised his glass of wine into the air and a few other friends I had invited did likewise. My heart thumped louder for joy. Today was my birthday and tonight was going to be a fantasy come true. Not only was I going to celebrate my twentieth birthday with the love of my life, we were going to seal it later tonight with a passionate lovemaking. He winked at me, brought his glass close to his lips and took a sip. My lips stretched to a thin smile. His eyes lingered on me for a moment, a smirk playing on his lips. A smirk that sent a hot sensation rushing through my body. Looking at him, it felt like it was back in the days. Four years ago when we first met in college. He was the sweetest man I knew. Though we always had misunderstandings, our love for each other grew stronger and stronger after every misunderstanding. There were trials that kept us united. “Congratulations, Enid. Happy twentieth birthday.” My bosom friend, Alexia Clark said genuinely. She pulled me to herself, her warm embrace comforting. I pulled away, my arms wrapped around her waist. Tears began to cloud my eyes, my gaze blurring. “Thank you, Alexia. I am so glad you made it here tonight. It means a lot to me.” A tear broke away and cascaded my cheek. Alexia cupped my face, brushing the tear away with her thumb. “If you cry, I won't hand your birthday present to you.” Alexia threatened with a stern love, her tone cautious. A soft chuckle escaped my lips and I hugged her, inhaling the fragrance radiating. “Thank you Alexia for being a shoulder I can lean on anytime the world is against me.” Alexia pulled away from me and behind her on a table was a box wrapped colorfully. “Here's a little present for you, Enid. The box might be little but of what I have in there that was purchased and packaged with my love.” She handed the box to me and indeed it was light. So light you would think there was nothing in it. I proceeded to open it but Alexia stopped me. “No, Enid. You don't get to open it until you are back in the comfort of your house. It's special. Don't open the gift here.” She ordered, adjusted a strand of her hair behind her ear and adjusted her purse. She leaned in, whispering cheesily. “Make sure to tell me about the after party.” My brows furrowed, intrigued. “After-party?”. I inquired, obliviously. “Yes….. the after-party. Don't act innocent. You know what I am talking about, Enid. The after-party where you and Damon have s*x together.” she shouted, loud enough for anyone standing by to hear. Embarrassment clothed me like a garment. “Jeez.” I muttered, using my palm to cover her mouth.“You are so loud.” Alexia removed my hand from her mouth, rolling her eyes, her shoulders squared. “You were the one pretending not to understand what I am talking about.” I scoffed. “I wasn't understanding your question at that moment. You made it sound like I was going to have another party after this.” “Whatever….make sure to fill me in. I'll get going now.” I nodded slowly, smiling as we hugged for the last time. “See you at our usual spot tomorrow, 5:00 prompt.” Alexia said and left after picking up a glass of cocktail from one of ushers and downing it. I watched her leave, sadness settling in my heart. One by one they came to wish me a happy birthday and then they drifted into the night. Soon the laughter faded and I was all alone in the room “Your friend really cares about you.” Damon uttered behind me, almost startling me as he walked. I nodded, my arms aching. “Alexia?.” Damon nodded and smiled. He takes a step closer to me, his arms finding their way around my petite waist. He leaned closer and kissed me. Vodka. I could taste fine vodka in his lips and I didn't want to stop. Damon pulled away from me gently, his eyes locked onto mine. “Yes, baby. Alexia. She is such a good friend. She really looks out for you and she's intelligent and smart and I have to admit that she is also a good persuader.” I bursted into laughter and Damon joined as well. I stopped laughing, my face stern. “You were eavesdropping on our conversation, weren't you. I inquired, pinching his nose slightly. Alex winced in pain as I held onto the tip of his nose. “No, ma'am. I was just passing by, actually headed towards the door when I heard you both arguing.” I let go of his nose, smiling gleefully, my heart racing quickly. “That’s what you get for being nosey.” I muttered underneath my breath. We burst into laughter again, our laughter fading into silence. The faint smell of champagne still lingered in the air. Damon leaned in just about to give me a kiss when the sound of approaching heels against the marble floor reached my ears. I titled my head to the side and right In front of my eyes was Jem Silverstone, my elder stepsister, taking long majestic strides towards me, a sly grin curled on her bright red, plump lips. I widened my eyes in shock. What is she doing? She wasn't invited? My chest rose and fell as reality stood right in front of me. She was here to see me on the night of my birthday. Is she here for a fight? Does she want to ruin my perfect day by bringing havoc? I swallowed a hard lump that had formed in my throat, took a deep breath, my shoulders squared. “What are you doing here? I don't remember sending you an invitation card?.” Jem flicked her hair backwards, chuckling devilishly, her eyes flashing with vain happiness. “That is no way to welcome your sister. Your elder sister.” She muttered, looking for me in Damon. My gaze darted to him, expecting anger, but instead, he was just watching her calmly, almost… fondly. Damon's gaze was fixed on her not with so much fierceness. Maybe he had a plan. Whatever it was, I was glad he was here with me to protect and defend me from my malicious sister. “Don't try to claim rights, Jem. I asked a question and I will ask again. What are you doing here? I don't remember inviting you to my birthday party. Why bother coming where you are not invited?”. I questioned, my voice filled with indignation. “I invited her.” Damon said behind me, shattering my barriers. I quickly spun around, my eyes widened in awe, my jaw dropped to the floor. “What!!?.” I thundered. “What did you just say?”. Damon stared at my awestruck face, a fond smile playing on his lips. “You heard me right, Bae. I invited you over.” I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. I ran my fingers through my hair, my fist clenched. “That's not possible, Damon. You know Jem and I are not talking terms. You know she hates me. Why would you invite her without letting me know about it first?”. Damon walked over and stood by Jem's side, his right arm placed on the small of her back. My eyes followed his eyes movement, confusion etched on my face. I tried to fit the puzzle but I couldn't. A train of thoughts wrestled in my head and all I could feel was rage. “Because I love her, Enid.” Those words were like landmines in my ears and four imaginary bullets to my fragile heart. “What….. Damon….. What.. what are you talking about?” I asked, watching as he adjusted his arm properly on her waist while Jem snuggled closer. Though Jem was the adopted daughter, my parents ... .late parents have always loved and cherished her line of their own. She was our mom's favorite. Smart, loving and considerate. Everything changed after our parents died. Her love grew cold, her consideration withered and all she was to me was a monster. Tears filled my eyes, my breath coming in rags. “No… this can't be happening. Damon, what are you doing? You are drunk, huh? What are you going with my sister? What's going on here? Have you been cheating? Silence followed in. Damon kept mute, his gaze never leaving me. His deafening silence was an answer to my questions but I wouldn't believe it until he spoke to me. “Answer. Me! Have you been cheating on me, huh? Have you been seeing my sister?” At this point, tears flowed uncontrollably as I clutched my chest. The pain was unbearable. “Ta-da!”. Damon exclaimed, his arms spread out. He walked up to me, embracing me while giving me comforting taps on my back. “It's all a prank, Bae. This is all a joke. Don't take my words for it. I don't love Jem. Actually, we planned all this.” He muttered, holding me closer to himself, his embrace getting a little tighter. A joke? At this point, nothing was clicking. I wasn't getting it. What is he up to? Why is Jem in the picture? “Planned what?”. The tip of a cold sharp metal pierced through me. Jabbed so fast and unexpected, my breath hitched.