As I walked down the stairs, I felt the soft rustle of my cocktail gown brushing against the polished wooden steps. I had spent hours getting ready for this moment - carefully applying makeup, curling my hair, and choosing the perfect dress - all to impress Lucas, who was waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase.


    He looked up as I approached, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You look stunning," he said, his eyes drinking in the sight of me. "Absolutely breathtaking."


    I couldn''t help but blush at his words, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation fill me. "Thank you," I mumbled.


    Lucas took my hand and led me towards the door, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice low and husky.


    I nodded, feeling a sudden burst of confidence. This was it - the moment I had been waiting for. With Lucas by my side, I knew anything was possible.


    As we stepped out into the night air, I felt his hand slip around my waist, pulling me close. "You know," he said, his lips brushing against my ear, "I''ve been thinking about reaping that gown from you. I bet you''ll look even better without it." He yfully added.


    I shivered at his touch, feeling a delicious warmth spread through me. "Really?" .


    He nodded, his eyes darkening with desire. "It may sound selfish but I don''t want any man looking at you tonight."


    I felt my heart skip a beat at his words, feeling a little heady all of a sudden.


    "Stop it, Lucas. We have an important birthday party to attend."


    Something that resembled a groan emerged from him but he didn''t say anything more. He just took my hand and led me to the waiting limousine.


    He opened the door for me, "Madam," he spoked, gesturing for me to enter first.


    "Thank you."


    Lucas then stepped into the luxurious limousine and sat next to me. I could feel the excitement building up inside me. I had been looking forward to this party. Finally, it was happening. I couldn''t wait to talk to Ms. Hamilton.


    The car ride was a blur as I couldn''t stop thinking about what the night had in store for me. I turned to look at Lucas and caught him staring at me with a look of awe in his eyes. His gaze was so intense that I thought I would melt by how he looked at me.


    "What?"


    "Nothing." He replied, smiling. " I just can''t tear my eyes off you.


    Finally we arrived at the impressive Hamilton residence. I could hear the music andughter from outside. My heart raced with anticipation as we stepped out of the car and walked towards the entrance.


    The room was filled with people, all dressed in their finest clothes. The atmosphere was electric and I could feel the excitement in the air.


    As soon as we stepped into the grand ballroom, the entire room fell silent. It was as if time had stopped, and all eyes were on us. I could feel my heart racing in my chest, and I knew I wasn''t the only one feeling the tension.


    "Wow," I whispered to Lucas, unable to think of anything else to say. "I didn''t expect this kind of reaction."


    Lucas nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd nervously. "Me neither," he said. "I guess we''re the talk of the town."


    "Ignore them." He said. "Shall we dance?"


    I was  relieved at the suggestion, and we made our way to the dance floor.


    Even as we danced, I couldn''t help but notice the way people kept looking at us. Some were staring with envy, while others looked disapproving. I pretend like I didn''t care.


    "Are you okay?" Lucas asked, sensing my difort.


    I nodded, smiling up at him. "I''m fine,"


    "You don''t look like it. Just don''t think of it too much and everything''s going to be fine."


    "I''ll do that."


    Lucas smiled back at me, and I smiled back - this time it was genuine. I could feel tension inside me eased a bit.


    Lucas and I swayed to the music, the soft notes of the piano filling the room. I couldn''t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me, being in his arms.


    "Have you seen Ms. Hamilton yet?" I asked. "I brought her a gift and I want to make sure I give it to her before I forget,"


    "No, I haven''t." He told me. "Don''t worry about it, we''ll find her afterwards. Just enjoy the dance for now."


    "Look who I found." He spoke after a moment of silence. "Peterson''s here."


    I followed where he was looking and saw Peterson on the table, alone and sipping a ss of red wine.


    "I''m d he showed up.


    Finally, as the song came to a close.


    Lucas left me on our table to find a non-alcoholic drink for me. As I sat alone, surveying the crowd with my gaze I finally found the birthday celebrant.


    Ms. Hamilton was surrounded by her friends and family, allughing and chatting. I waited patiently for a break in the conversation before deciding to approach her.


    I could feel the tension immediately as I made my way towards her. And when she finally spotted me approaching, it was clear she was unhappy to see me. I could see distaste written all over her face.


    I tried to put on a brave face and approached her with a smile, but her scowl did not waver.


    "Happy birthday!" I said, trying to keep the cheerfulness in my voice, trying to act like she wasn''t looking at me with murder in her eyes.


    She simply grunted in response and turned away from me, continuing to chat with their other guests.


    I could feel the awkwardness in the air as I stood there, not quite sure what to do. Finally, I decided to try and break the ice and approach her again when I have the chance.


    "Ms. Hamilton." I spoke.


    She whirled at me and snapped. "I can''t believe you had the audacity to show up here after what you did."


    I felt my heart sink. Talking to her isn''t as easy as I thought.


    "I''m really sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know I messed up and I regret it every day."


    Ms. Hamilton red at me, clearly not satisfied with my apology. "Sorry isn''t good enough," they said. "You destroyed my life, Alexandria. I don''t think I can forgive you."


    I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I realized the depth of the hurt my twin had caused. "Please," I begged. "I know I can''t change the past, but I want to make things right. Can we at least talk about it?"


    She smiled at me and whispered. "Go to hell, Alexandria. I want you out of my house before I lose it and drag you out."