CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Sparks in the summer

A large wooden surfboard positioned beside the gate of the West residence greeted Brando and Zane. It had "Welcome visitors! Please come in" written on it. The gate's wave effect really made you feel the summer vibe. Upon entering, a smiling woman and man were waiting, holding different flowers that formed a natural large circled flower necklaces, which they hung around the guests' necks as they entered. There was a massive pool on one side and tall round tables set up for drinks. The loud music from the sound system rented by Mrs. West could be heard. All the neighbors were invited, so it was perfectly fine for the music to be loud since no one would complain.

Zane briefly went inside the house to inform Adriella that he and Brando had arrived. After that, he returned outside where the guests were, not wanting to feel special and choosing to stay in Adriella's house instead.

"Zane! Over here!" Brando waved to catch his attention. He was with Wei, Anton's boyfriend. Even though the party hadn't started yet, they were already in the pool, soaked, with two bottles of Alfonso wine nearby.

"The party hasn't even started, and you're already drinking?" Zane chided as he sat on the edge of the pool near them.

"What do you mean, Zane? It's bound to turn into a drinking party sooner or later, so we might as well start now," Brando defended. He could get away with this because he knew Mrs. West well; his mother and Mrs. West had been friends since college, and Brando had always considered this place his second home.

"By the way, Zane, meet Wei, Adriella's nephew," Brando introduced Wei to Zane. "Wei, this is Zane, my frenny. The best friend you can find"

"Nice to meet you," Wei smiled and extended his hand to Zane, who accepted it with a grin, saying, "Same here."

The three chatted while waiting for the other guests. Brando didn't miss the chance to embarrass Wei by recalling some awkward moments they shared since they were both the same classmates in secondary grade. Zane also joined in the laughter, mostly listening to Brando's stories.

"Attention, everyone! The party will start in five minutes. Please find a good spot so you won't get tired as the party starts, but if you're satisfied with your spot, that's okay too," the MC announced then turns off the microphone after since he's just informing the crowd.

The three didn't move from their spot when they heard the MC because they were comfortable there. If the other two felt cold, there were towels laid out beside Zane for them to use. The birthday celebrant, Mr. Berny West was on his way home—actually quite close now, as he had been traveling for a while. He knew there would be a gathering, but he had no idea how many people Adriella had invited—neighbors, employees, relatives, and all her acquaintances—because she wanted her husband's birthday to be special.

"Happy birthday to you!~" the MC cheerfully sang as Berny entered his house, completely surprised when he realized the whole neighbourhood, his family, and even new faces is inside his residence.

Zane, Brando, Wei, and the other guests looked at the newcomer. Upon realizing it was the birthday celebrant, they joined in singing the birthday song with smiles. They greeted him as he got closer to the crowd, and Mrs. West suddenly appeared, smiling while holding a double dutch cake, carefully protecting the candle from going out, followed by her three helpers also carrying cakes.

"Happy birthday... to youuuuuu~" Mrs. West sang the final lyrics.

"Make a wish!!" she exclaimed as she brought the cake closer to her husband, who smiled back. Berny handed over what he was holding to the housekeeper to make his wish properly.

After blowing out the candles, they sang happy birthday again, this time faster and livelier. That's when the party really started; the DJ turned up the volume and played "All Night" by Icona Pop.

The partygoers immediately jumped into the chorus of the song, especially Brando, who started twerking in the corner, even though that wasn't really the vibe. Zane, on the other hand, was just going with the flow in a cool way. Even though it was morning, if you were a party animal, any time was good as long as there was drinking and music. The DJ followed up with summer songs to match the theme.

The next few hours were fantastic. A wide array of food was laid out on a long table, overflowing with fruits like mangoes, pineapples, various berries, grapes, and more. Alcohol and desserts were served continuously, so you could really indulge. The main dishes were inside, so if you wanted to eat, you could easily head over. The backyard was so spacious that there was plenty of room to run around or play games.

Suddenly, there was the sound of someone tripping, followed by someone shouting outside. The loud ruckus and clanging noises caught the attention of some guests, who looked outside curiously but soon returned to their activities as the commotion quieted down.

People who are inside the party ,thinking the celebration was winding down, exchanged glances, wondering if anyone else would show up. Just then, the door swung open, showing Max, a huge grin plastered on his face, flanked by Anton, who looked more like a fashion consultant than a butler with his stylish glasses perched on his nose and arms crossed in a way that screamed, "I'm with him, but don't ask me to carry his bags." And old zheng, on their behind as he look down, embarrass at the two people in front of him who strike a weird posed, not budging.

"PARDON FOR THE LATE ARRIVAL!"

Max announced, his voice booming now finally entering like a rock star stepping onto a stage, clearly relishing the spotlight. He almost tripped over his own feet but managed to recover with a dramatic flourish, nearly sending Anton's glasses flying. He approached Berny, presenting a lavish gift bag from Chanel as if it were a trophy, and leaned in to plant a quick peck on Adriella's cheek, his confidence radiating like sunlight.

It was hard not to admire the heir's way of communicating, especially with his captivating smile that could easily draw attention. His outfit, which perfectly showcased his physique, added to his appeal. Just like he had worn at the mall the day before, he sported a summer ensemble in white adorned with golden pine prints, leather slippers, and his black glasses resting on his head while holding a beach hat that they just rush earlier that's why they're late and The flower pinned to him further enhanced his summer look.

Meanwhile, Zane, happily chatting with Wei, couldn't help but glance over at the trio. He rolled his eyes, "There he goes again," he muttered under his breath, watching Max flaunt his muscles like a contestant in a beauty pageant while Anton merely showed off to his boyfriend.

"Anton!" Wei shouted upon seeing her handsome boyfriend. He excused herself from Zane to finally meet Anton, whom he had been waiting for.

"OUCHHHH!" Anton yelped as Wei pinched his ear. He was happy that her boyfriend had arrived but remembered he needed to be angry for making him wait.

"Why did you take so long? Were you with another girl?" Wei asked before releasing Anton's now-red ear.

"No! Never! Wei Wei, my baby. Young Master made me bring him back to the mall because he forgot to buy something," he explained, rubbing his ear. Wei, being soft-hearted, quickly forgave Anton after just a little explanation. Seeing how soft wei is to Anton, we are sure there's going to be a flop flop and inserting of rods thats going to happen later.

"So hot," Max complained, as he was sweating, even though it wasn't that hot. He started unbuttoning his button-up shirt, revealing his eight-pack abs and the pink of his nipples, completely unaware of the eyes on him.

"Look at that. He's such a perv," Zane said, shaking his head while sipping his drink, clearly observing Max's mini-show, perhaps hoping to see his abs closer rather than just observing it from afar.

At that moment, Max caught Zane staring intently at his abs and smirked.

"Caught you," the heir mumbled, instantly coming up with ideas on how to grab Zane's attention for the rest of the day.

And that's exactly what he did—he took off completely his top and jumped into the pool, where Zane was also present, throwing in some playful winks whenever they made eye contact. Max also joined in on the games Adriella had prepared, dancing and singing offbeat but keeping his focus on Zane like a moth to a flame.

On that day, we lost a great warrior.

You've done well for the past twenty-one years living like a prince, single and not easily attracted to just anyone. Cheers to the last days of being stone and not inlove our sole and magnificent heir, Maximus Evander MacGregor.

It's been great monitoring your growth.

Now, fly high, our little butterfly.