Ch 292: Peeking At the Gifts

All of Kai's friends, including him, started wandering away in different directions, which was fine because Nora and I hung out together. Of course, we grabbed a plate of food before we started to check out my presents. Tons of beautifully wrapped gifts were stacked along the table in the back. People I didn't even know bought me a gift.

"I wonder what you got." Nora pondered aloud, shaking this box that was wrapped in birthday wrapping paper that had a ribbon tied over it.

"I'm not sure," I replied, hearing something shuffling inside it. "Help me find Kai's gift."

She put the gift down before she started to help me search. Neither of us could find anything that had his name on it.

"Maybe he didn't buy me one," I stated once I found Rome bought me something that was in a small box. Everyone, including Kai's friends and family, got me a present, but I didn't see one from him. Not that it matters. I was just curious about what he bought me, that was all.

"I doubt that," Nora disagreed. "There's no way he'd forget. I can tell he truly loves you by how he looks at you."

An inward smile shone inside my heart whenever I heard her say that.

"I'd say the birthday girl is getting impatient."

An unfamiliar voice spoke from behind us, which nearly had us both jumping toward the high ceiling. We turned around to find Mr. Collin with a tall man that was nicely fitted for a much older man. I knew he wasn't a vampire because I recognized this man. Even though he was dressed like Flash, the superhero. Mr. Collin and his business associates all dressed like superheroes, along with their wives. Mr. Collin was Superman and Mrs. Collin was a pregnant Wonder Woman, which is funny and cute. But I had no room to talk, seeing as how I am a pregnant corpse bride.

"Victoria, I'd like you to meet Mr. Whitlock." Mr. Collin introduced us, which pulled me from my inward amusement.

"You're Rebecca's father." I greeted him politely, not surprised to see him. Although, I was more surprised to see Rebecca strutting to her dad. To no shocker, she was wearing a sleazy cowgirl's Halloween costume. I'm bewildered how her father would allow his daughter to expose her body in such a degrading manner. With the power Mr. Whitlock held, you'd think he'd want his only daughter to dress and act like a lady.

"That would be correct." Mr. Whitlock gave a friendlier smile before he walked over to the gifts at the table. After maybe a second, he came back with a shortly narrow present in his hand.

"I'd be honored to see you open the gift Rebecca and I agreed on." He coaxed, handing me the golden-wrapped gift.

Rebecca rolled her eyes whenever I briefly peeked her way. All I could do was ignore her before I took the present with a polite smile directed solely at her father. I unwrapped the box while Nora was kind enough to take the torn wrapping paper from me. Sparkles glow into my eyes to find a beautifully cut diamond bracelet, inside it after I opened the lid.

"It's beautiful," I raved with how exquisite it is.

Mr. Whitlock gloats, smiling in his self-reliant pride. "It's been freshly cut from the highest quality diamonds that recently arrived at my shop."

"Thank you. It's quite lovely and so thoughtful of you." I admired it as he held out his hand.

"May I?" he offered to clasp it on my wrist, so I gave a gesture to confirm my consent that he could. As he did, I noticed Rebecca had rolled her eyes, seemingly jealous for no explanation,

once again. "I wanted to be sure Mr. Collin's daughter-in-law got the best for her birthday," Mr. Whitlock implied earnestly.

"Victoria has been such a blessing for my family and me." Mr. Collin appraises with a smile. Of course, his extolled remark made me blush, which drew me speechless.

"I'm sure it's quite the blessing to be adding a set of triplets to your family tree," Mr. Whitlock commented with a chuckle.

Mr. Collin beamed ever so brightly. "Indeed, everyone was extremely exhilarated to hear the news."

As they were happily chuckling, Rebecca babbled, seemingly shocked. "You're pregnant?"

"Yes, I will be nineteen weeks pregnant on Monday," I told her as she briefly scanned my belly.

"Oh, well, that is shocking!" Rebecca chuckled. "And here I thought you were just gaining weight over these past few weeks."

My eyes narrowed at her impertinent belief. Mr. Collin caught it, but it seemed to get past her dad.

"That's right! I've heard you and Rebecca have been working extremely hard together on your map project," Rebecca's father brought up.

"We—"

"We sure have!" Rebecca spoke over me with a bogus giggle.

"How's that been going?" he asked, moving his head back and forth between us.

"We're almost done," Rebecca innocently replied like an angel. No wonder why she's never corrected. Her father is completely blind to her true ignorance.

"That's good to hear," said Mr. Collin as Mr. Whitlock nodded in agreement. Now I'm hoping Mr. Collin isn't blind by her pretend conviviality. Nevertheless, I pushed her rudeness aside.

"Thank you for letting us borrow the gemstone shards." I smiled at Mr. Whitlock to show my gratitude.

"You are very welcome," he praised. "Well, I won't keep you, ladies. I do hope you enjoy your party," Mr. Whitlock said, being amiable before he walked away with Mr. Collin. Unfortunately, it left Nora and me to deal with Rebecca.

The first thing she did was snort from her flared nostrils before she rudely snarled. "Just so you're aware, you don't deserve that bracelet!"

"Take it then!" I spat, getting it off my wrist to hand it to her. If she wants to be like this, then she can take back her gift.

But Rebecca stuck her nose up as her arms crossed underneath her breasts. She snarked, disdaining me. "As if I care to have anything you wore. You and your sheep aren't worth my time."

I glared as she walked away.

"Do you wanna get some cake?" Nora took my attention with her yummy suggestion, and I smiled at her.

"That sounds good to me."