The Birthday Revelation
992 Words
Chapter Three: The Birthday Revelation
(Anna's POV)
I never imagined I would be at a party like this.
As I stepped into the grand hall, my breath was taken away. The chandeliers sparkled like stars, the golden light pouring over the sea of well-dressed people. Waiters moved among them, trays in hand, bearing trays of expensive wine and canapés that I had only ever heard of in magazines.
This was all about money and power.
And yet, I felt completely out of place.
Levi had given me a gorgeous dress to wear—a silky navy-blue dress that hugged my body perfectly. But even with how gorgeous it looked, I still felt overshadowed in a room with people who had built empires and owned industries.
I lowered my eyes, trying not to catch anyone's eye. My fingers wrapped around my phone as I tried to look busy. I had no texts, nothing to glance at, but staring at the screen was better than facing the curious glances of the party guests.
Some of the faces looked familiar, but I couldn't quite remember where I'd seen them. Maybe on television? Maybe as employees for Charles' business? I didn't know, and I didn't want to speculate.
All I could do was think about how I needed to melt away.
I sat in a quiet alcove beside one of the grand pillars, far from the center of the party. I let out a breath, my shoulders dipping by a fraction.
That was until I heard a voice that sent me a cold shiver down my spine.
"Anna?"
I looked up, my fingers gripped tightly around my phone.
Charles.
His face twisted into confusion as he approached me. He was different—his usual arrogance missing and replaced with something else. Panic? Frustration? I couldn't exactly tell.
"What are you doing here?" he hissed, casting a look around him like seeing if anyone could see him talking to me.
I said nothing. I only stared at him, my face blank.
"Anna, you shouldn't have come," he continued, his voice lowering. "Did you fall in? If they catch you, you'll be thrown out like a thief. Do you know whose birthday party this is? If you leave now, maybe I can tell them I didn't see you—"
I shifted my head slightly to the side, laughing at his regard for his reputation.
I wasn't going to let him have the satisfaction of a reaction.
One of the maids approached me before I could say anything.
"Miss Anna, it's time for your outfit change."
Charles' face darkened. "Outfit change?"
I ignored him and followed the maid.
I could feel his angry eyes on my back, but I didn't look around.
—
In the decadent dressing room, Levi had laid out yet another gown—this one more dazzling. A beaded silver evening dress, just to make me sparkle.
With the assistance of the maids, I had my dress adjusted to sit where it belonged.
I hardly recognized the lady in the mirror staring back at me.
Was this truly who I was?
The lady Charles had embarrassed? The lady he'd abandoned?
A grudging, determined smile spread across my face.
Maybe it was time to make him remember what he had missed.
—
I went back into the party, and the atmosphere had changed. The music played louder, and the guests laughed as they enjoyed their cocktails. Levi was standing in the middle, talking with some serious men.
Then he turned to the audience and raised his glass.
"Everyone, if I may have your attention for a moment."
The room was quiet.
I was paralysed.
"I'd like you to meet someone very special to me." Levi's eyes fastened onto mine. "Anna."
Whispers circulated through the crowd.
I could feel all eyes on me as Levi extended his hand.
I stepped slowly forward, my heart pounding.
As I reached him, he wrapped an arm around my waist and smiled out at the crowd.
"Meet my girlfriend."
Gasp. Shocked faces. Some uncomfortable smiles. Others murmured softly to each other.
And then—there was dignified applause in the air.
But I wasn't listening to them.
I was looking at Charles.
His face had gone white. His hands were clenched into fists. His eyes—brimming with anger, shock, and something more—regret.
For the first time since our divorce, he looked… terrified.
I smiled.
When the clapping died down, I started to head outside for some air. But Charles followed me.
"Anna, what are you doing? You should be at home by now" His voice was panicked now.
I turned slowly, an eyebrow raised. "Which home? I am at a party. My boyfriend's party."
His Adam's apple bobbed. "Anna, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. You don't belong here."
I laughed. "And you do?"
He swallowed hard, looking over his shoulder. His boss—Levi—was speaking to the guests in the vicinity.
Charles' voice dropped to a whisper.”You moved on so fast” he said, then moved more closer "Please, don't let him fire me."
I tilted my head, pretending to consider. "Hmm. I don't know, Charles. If you knew how Levi would react to the way you're treating me, you might be sorry."
He was desperate now. "Anna, please—
I patted his shoulder reassuringly. "You are so funny, you have the manager’s daughter, now I have the CEO. I won't say a word. As long as you don't screw up, as long as you do not pass your boundary, Because if you do." I leaned in close, my voice barely above a whisper in his ear, ".I won't let it slide."
I stood back, my sugary smile fixed firmly on my face.
Charles' face turned bright red with rage, but he did not say anything.
Because for once, he was powerless.
And I?
I had never felt more dominant.
- Writer
