Chapter 212

Yuri took her glass to get everyone's attention.

"Okay, everyone, may I have your attention please?"

Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to Yuri.

"I assume you're all already here, but I'm still going to say it. Today is Valentine's Day, a day of love and a time to cherish beautiful moments with the ones you love. But today is also a day to celebrate the birthday of a very special and gifted young lady. This young lady is a diamond among diamonds, a star among stars. I've only known her for a short while, yet I've already grown so fond of her that I can call her my own. She's kind, she's caring, she's smart, she's talented, and she's also dynamic. Without further ado, let's welcome the one whom this moment belongs to—Roselina Lambrosa De Valentine."

Music started to play, and the spotlight turned to the top of the stairs.

Roselina walked into the light, revealing her transcendent beauty. Everyone went silent, staring at her in awe.

She wore a white dress, similar to a wedding gown, with white gloves and red frills. Her hair flowed loosely as she descended the stairs, and a Silvian tiara rested on her head, with silver earrings adorning her ears.

She slowly opened her crimson eyes and gazed down at those who stood in her presence. She smiled happily as she walked down the steps.

Her beauty and elegance captivated everyone, rendering them speechless. A man among the crowd dropped his glass of wine in shock.

Kelly and Silvia watched as Roselina descended the stairs.

"This is the moment I've been waiting for," Kelly said, tears of happiness streaming down her face.

Bradley looked at Roselina, paralyzed.

"She's beautiful," he said.

*(I knew she was beautiful, but this is on a whole other level)* he thought to himself.

Veronica, also in the crowd, looked at Roselina and was likewise rendered speechless.

"The princess is rocking it tonight. I bet she'll have a man by this evening," Lufilia jokingly said.

"Shut up," Diane retorted.

Roselina walked up to Kelly and Silvia and gave a polite princess bow.

"You look lovely," Kelly said.

"And it's all thanks to you, big sis," Roselina replied.

"Mistress, allow me to guide you to your throne," Silvia stepped forward. Roselina took her arm, and she was escorted to the platform, where she sat in the throne near the stage.

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Everyone was staring at me like I was some kind of goddess. It was making me uncomfortable. Plus, this dress feels a bit unnerving to walk in. They're all here to celebrate my 16th birthday, when in reality, this is my 629th birthday.

"Okay, now it's time for the gift-giving ceremony," Yuri announced.

Gift-giving?

All the names on the list were lined up alphabetically by last name.

First up was a man named Argento.

"Happy Birthday, Miss Roselina," he said, presenting me with a specially crafted vase worth a million dollars.

"Thank you so much. I shall use it wisely," I replied with a smile, though, honestly, it was useless to me.

The gift-giving continued.

Efreet walked up to me and handed me his gift.

"Efreet."

"Roselina."

We stared at each other for a moment.

"Happy Birthday."

He turned and walked away, shocking everyone. What a jerk. The next person gave me an exclusive six-month free pass to Disneyland.

"Disneyland? I've always wanted to go there," I said.

"Now you can," he smiled at me before leaving.

Diane approached with her gift.

"Even though you've given me wonderful things, Roselina, my gift is minuscule compared to everyone else's."

"Don't worry, Diane. It's not the gift but the thought that counts," I said with a smile.

"Thank you. Here's my gift," Diane handed me her box, and inside was a silver keychain.

"It looks lovely. Thank you," I said.

Next, a blonde-haired boy walked up to me and recited a poem.

"Long snow-white hair that glitters like jewels in the night, eyes that sparkle like a gem under the moonlight, skin as white as snow. There is absolutely no flaw in your beauty, my princess."

He got down on one knee and kissed my hand.

*Ew.*

"My name is Dexter, and I'm here to present you with my gift."

The spotlight shifted to a shiny silver piano.

"It's so gorgeous."

"That's the one-of-a-kind Valerie Piano."

This piano must be special to grab everyone's attention. It caught my eye because it was shiny. Now I understand why girls are attracted to diamonds and shiny objects.

"I've heard your music once, and it's been etched in my mind. Please accept this gift from a fan who worships your beauty and singing voice."

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*(With this, I'm sure I have her in the bag.)*

Dexter thought to himself as he smiled at Roselina. She kept staring at the piano, then stood and bowed to him. Dexter's face lit up with happiness.

"That's an excellent present. With this, I can continue my music," Roselina said.

"Please, anything for you. I'll see you around, Princess."

Dexter turned and walked away.

*(Now she's mine.)*

The next gift was a performance by a famous artist, Neon, who worked under Lufilia.

After that, a few more people presented gifts until it was Mr. Patrom's turn. He presented Roselina with the keys to a villa located near the beach.

The greatest gift so far.

"This gift is too much. I couldn't possibly accept," Roselina said.

"Please accept it. Your gift at my birthday party was more than enough compared to mine," Mr. Patrom insisted.

Roselina accepted the gift with a smile.

"I humbly accept."

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Up next were gifts from close friends and family. The first to come up was Amy. I didn't think she would be here—she looked so adorable.

"Big sis, I made this for you."

She showed me a drawing of Amy and me playing under a tree.

"Do you like it?"

"Of course, it's lovely."

I rubbed her head, and she smiled happily before returning to Mrs. July.

Next was Regina.

"Hey," she said as she was pushed toward me in a wheelchair.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the hospital?" I asked.

"And miss my friend's birthday party? Come on," she grinned. "Hey, uh, it's kind of embarrassing, but I got a gift for you."

She handed me a small bag, and inside was a necklace with a pendant that had a missing piece.

"What is it?" I asked.

"It's a friendship necklace. Here, I have the other half. It's proof of undying friendship," Regina smiled at me.

"Friend for life?" I asked.

"Yep, friends for life."

I smiled happily.

"Thank you for this gift. I shall treasure it till the end of my days," I said.

"Wow, don't talk like that, it's scary... Anyway, I have to go back to the hospital. Save some of the cake for me."

"I will. I'll see you soon, my friend."

And with that, she disappeared into the crowd.

"Hey, princess," Lufilia walked up to me. "Fufudufufu."

"Guess what I've got you?" she asked.

"I don't know," I replied.

"Fufudufufu."

At the corner of the room, there was something under a cover. When it was removed, I gasped—it was a white Koenigsegg Agera RS with red interior.

I was surprised to see it.

"A little birdie told me you like these cars, so I went and bought one for you," Lufilia said.

"Lufilia, but I can't drive, and I'm too young to even drive that legally," I said.

"Don't worry, I can get someone to drive it for you. Think of it as an escorted car," she replied.

But that car cost about a million dollars, and from where I was sitting, it looked like it had been customized.

"That's not all."

What now?

She whispered something in my ear that grabbed my attention.

"Oh, really?"

*Score!?*

That concluded the gift-giving ceremony. Music started to play, and everyone continued to gossip and mingle. Kelly hugged me from behind.

"How were the gifts?" she asked.

"Mild. What about your gifts?" I asked.

"You'll soon receive it. By the way, Mr. Glachman says you can take tomorrow and Friday off from school. Maybe you can use this time to visit Mary's grave," Kelly suggested.

"You're right, I hadn't thought about that."

Mary died 589 years ago, and I should use this time to look for her, even if it's just to put flowers on her grave. I should at least do this for my friend.

"Let's enjoy the party," I said.

We were going to celebrate a little before cutting the cake. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Diane and Lufilia were dancing. Debra, Kelly, and the twins were checking on some things, and Silvia was by my side.

Efreet, as usual, was surrounded by women who seemed to be interested in getting in his pants, and his cub was fuming with anger and bitterness.

Veronica walked up to me, and we stared at each other.

"You... You look very beautiful," she said.

"Why, thank you. You look handsome," I replied.

She was dressed as a boy, as expected of a tomboy.

"Here," she shyly looked away and handed me a paper with a heart-shaped seal on it. This was the first time I'd seen her act so girly.

"Huh, what is it?" I asked as I tried to open it.

"Don't open it here," Veronica shouted, turning away from me.

"I'll see you at school," she added.

"Wait, why don't you stay for the party?" I asked.

"Hey."

I turned around to see Bradley approaching me.

"Oh, hello," I said, bowing slightly.

"You look lovely," he said.

"Oh my, aren't you adept at flattery?" I giggled a little.

"Here, I got something for you." He handed me a box filled with chocolates.

"I know how much you like chocolate, so I got you some. It may not be much, but I hope you like it."

"Yes, thank you," I smiled at him, and he blushed.

"Princess Roselina!"

I turned toward the voice calling to me. It was Dexter.

"The night is still young. Do you care to dance with me?" Dexter asked with a charming smile. But for some reason, that smile felt sickening.

"Sister, I have something for you," Kelly appeared, just in time.

"Perfect timing," I said, relieved.

"I'm sorry, but I have to leave," I said to Dexter.