3#03
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Isla scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Ha! You expect me to buy that?"
"Someone of your status? That's as absurd as a beggar proposing to royalty."
"Get real. You're not even fit to polish my footwear!"
Orion interjected, feigning the role of peacemaker.
"Isla, I requested him to be my best man. It's in line with our old promise."
"Vincent, please don't take offense. I still value our friendship from the past."
"Despite our lack of contact over the years, I've always considered you my closest friend and brother."
Upon hearing Orion's intention to have me as best man, Isla's expression softened a bit.
"Only Orion would be compassionate enough to show you such kindness!"
"But I'll caution you one final time. Don't disrupt my wedding!"
With that, she lifted the lid of the cake box and the festivities continued. Everyone gathered once more to commemorate Orion's unforgettable birthday.
Yet, it seemed no one recalled.
Today was also my birthday.
In the past, it was our shared birth date that prompted Evelyn to swap us at the hospital.
She condemned me to a life of struggle while gifting him a life of opulence.
One child was raised in paradise, cherished and admired by all.
The other was thrust into misery, suffering years of family mistreatment.
Partway through the celebration, Orion paused, turning his gaze to me.
"Godmother, how could it slip your mind? Today is Vincent's birthday too!"
"In that case, I'll promptly order another cake so we can properly celebrate Vincent's birthday and welcome him back."
I must admit, Orion had mastered the art of exacerbating my pain.
His proposition was met with applause from the others, especially Evelyn, who looked at him with maternal pride.
"Orion, you're so considerate. Even though this thankless child of mine doesn't merit it, you still remember him."
"Truly, I wonder what fortune he has to have such a remarkable friend like you."
"But he's the only one undeserving of a birthday celebration! I can hardly bear to call this wretch my son!"
Isla added her voice, her eyes brimming with scorn as they fixed on me.
"Vincent Hayes, don't even dream of commemorating your birthday!"
"You don't deserve to share a birth date with Orion. What an embarrassment!"
I remained quiet, enduring their verbal assault as I always had.
Then, Orion took the remaining half of the cake and stuck a few candles in it.
"How could we let this pass uncelebrated? Vincent has never had a proper birthday all this time."
"Vincent, how about using the leftover cake?"
Before I could respond, he swiftly continued, "Oh no, that's too shabby."
"I'll go purchase a new one downstairs. Just give me a moment!"
However, he moved towards the exit while glancing back repeatedly, as if anticipating someone's intervention.
As expected, Isla quickly grasped his arm.
"Orion, why are you being so kind to him?"
"Even this leftover cake is more than he merits!"
"Vincent, you don't appreciate it? Let me help you have a 'memorable' birthday, then!"
Before I could react, she scooped up a piece of cake and smashed it into my face. The fork embedded in the slice stabbed my eye, causing a sharp pain.
"Haha! Cake smashing is such a delight on birthdays!"
Inspired by her actions, Orion joined in, grabbing another piece and hurling it at me with an amused laugh.
Evelyn was even more elated watching her beloved son laugh so heartily.
"Go on, enjoy yourselves! As long as Orion is happy, that's all that matters!"
One after another, pieces of cake flew at me.
They struck my face repeatedly.