<b>hapter </b><b>497 </b>
“She’s my friend.”
Thomas didn’t scold Reese in front of everyone. Though anger simmered beneath the surface, he decided to wait until the birthday party was over <b>to </b>
deal with it.
ncing around at the others still standing in the lobby, he asked, “Didn’t I already get the hall ready? Why aren’t any of you inside?<b>” </b>
“I thought I was getting Vienna Hall! Why did it end up being Florence Hall instead?” Reese pouted with obvious discontent.
“You really need to start using your brain.”
Thomas threw the words over his shoulder and strode off toward Florence Hall without another word.
Reese was left standing there, humiliated. Did her uncle seriously just say that to her–in public?
Still fuming, she had no choice but to follow with her friends to Florence Hall.
Meanwhile, in Vienna Hall.
With James by her side, Caitlin stepped through the grand entrance. Her eyes widened the moment she took in the stunning scene before her.
The entire ballroom was transformed into a fantasy realmvender–hued crystals and roses adorned the walls and ceiling, bathing <b>the </b>room in a magical glow. It felt like walking straight into a fairy tale.
“This is… breathtaking.”
Caitlin lifted the hem of her dress and stepped forward like a princess taking a graceful stroll through an enchanted kingdom.
As she approached a pair of crystal doors, a small fairy with translucent wings suddenly popped out from behind a wall of flowers.
Caitlin blinked in surprise. “Patricia?”
Patricia had transformed into a tiny, winged fairy. Wielding a glittering wand, she ran up, giggling, and took her mother’s hand.
“Wee to the Fairy Kingdom, Mommy!”
“Oh? The Fairy Kingdom?” Caitlin chuckled–it really did feel like a fantasy world.
“Mommy, bend down!”
When Caitlin lowered her head, Patricia ced a delicate floral crown on her.
“Wow, Mommy! You look just <i>like </i>a princess!”
“Thank you!” Caitlin’s heart swelled with joy.
was obvious that Sebastian had put in a lot of effort for her birthday.
She followed Patricia further into the hall, where her three sons awaited–each dressed like tiny elves with pointy ears, fluttering wings, <b>and </b><b>adorable </b>
costumes.
“Mommy!” they chirped in unison, handing her a flower each.
“Thank you<b>, </b>my little fairies<b>,</b><b>” </b>Caitlin said, smiling as she epted the blossoms.
Led by the children, Caitlin walked down a shimmering, light–studded path. At each step<b>, </b>more friends appeared.
First were Molly and her brother Simon Wendy, both dressed as citizens of the Fairy Kingdom.
<b>“</b>Caitlin, you look absolutely stunning. Happy birthday!”
“Happy birthday!”
“Thank you!” she replied, epting their flowers before continuing forward.
Next came Felix, Madison, and their son Kyle, all dressed in whimsical attire–full–on cosy mode.
“Happy birthday, Caitlin!”
“Best wishes!”
Each guest handed her a flower, and Caitlin took them with a grateful smile.
Further down the path, she was greeted by Yates and the boys from VX, all equally dashing in their themed outfits.
“Happy birthday, Caitlin!”
“Happy birthday, fairy queen!”
“Thank you! And Yates–thank you for the song and dance earlier!”
Following them were Nn Benjamin and Jillian.
“Happy birthday, Caitlin!”
“Happy birthday!”
Jillian, masked and slightly bashful, handed over her flower. Though they hadn’t parted on the best of terms, the Majestic Elegance project had made Jillian realize who her real friends were. Compared to Zora, Caitlin had proven to be genuinely kind. Since then, Jillian had been slowly distancing herself from the toxic crowd.
More friends arrived–Hayden, James and Zinnia, Vincent and Hazel<b>, </b>even Raymond, Eliza, Jasper, and Beatrice. Each offered a warm smile and a blossom for Caitlin.
The <i>men’s </i>eyes shimmered with admiration. The women radiated joy.
“Happy birthday, Caitlin!”
In <i>no </i>time<b>, </b>Caitlin’s arms overflowed with flowers.
“Thank you, everyone. Truly. Thank you!”
Her heart was full. With so many friends and family gathered, the night felt perfect. And yet, one person was still missing.
“Where’s Sebastian?” she asked.
Patricia and her fairy brothers came bounding up, tugging at her skirt.
“Mommy,e quick!”
They led her up a small staircase. At the top, crystal doors slowly <b>swung </b>open, revealing a luxurious vintage–style sofa–and lying <b>on </b><b>it </b><b>was </b>Sebastian.
“What… is this?” Caitlin blinked, confused.
Patricia grinned from the side of the sofa,“Mommy! Our <i>dadd </i>
is the Sleeping Elf Prince<b>. </b>He needs a kiss from <b>a </b>beautiful princess to wake <b>him </b><b><i>up</i></b>!
<b>20:13 </b>Tue, <b>19 </b><b>Aug </b>
Oh no.
Only Sebastian woulde up with something this absurd.
ying the sleeping beauty prince? Really?
Caitlin couldn’t helpughing. She nced back at the crowd–everyone was smiling, urging her on.
“Come on! Wake the prince with a kiss!”
“Save the prince! He’s been asleep for a thousand years!”
<b>“</b>Our prince is about to grow moss from all that waiting!”
Caitlin was exasperated but amused. Setting her bouquet down<b>, </b>she walked over and sat beside him.
Sebastian looked like something out of a storybook–chiseled features, regal costume, his face utterly serene.
With everyone watching, Caitlin leaned in slowly.
Behind her<b>, </b><i>her </i>sons quickly covered Patricia’s eyes and turned their backs.
She pressed a gentle kiss to Sebastian’s lips. When he didn’t stir, she pulled back with a smirk.
“If you don’t wake up now, I’m going to smack you.”
Her <i>tone </i>was soft–teasing, not threatening.
Sebastian’s eyes flew open. They glinted with mischief and heat.
“Would you really hit me?” he murmured.
Their gazes locked, and in that moment<i>, </i>it felt as if magic truly surrounded them. Glowing purple lights sparkled around the couple, casting a dreamlike glow over the scene.
“Whoa! Daddy the prince is awake<i>!</i>”
“Daddy’s awake!”
The children jumped with delight.
Sebastian stared deep into Caitlin’s eyes. She helped him sit up,ughing.
“Shameless. The Sleeping Elf Prince? Only you coulde up with <i>this</i><i>.</i>”
“I racked my brains for this!” he said, pulling <i>her </i>into his arms. “That kiss wasn’t enough–I need another dose.”
The little fairies squealed, covering their eyes again.
<b>AD </b>
2013 Tue, 19 Aug