Welcome to the Hart Mansion

The journey to the Hart mansion was a mix of excitement and nervousness. Although Olivia had prepared us for what we were about to see, nothing could have truly prepared me for the monumental scale of her home. As we passed through the electric gate and drove down the long road leading to the house, I couldn't help but widen my eyes in astonishment. The fountain in front of the entrance was impossible to ignore: a giant replica of Lord Whiskers, Olivia's favorite Persian cat, stood majestically in the middle of a pond surrounded by exotic flowers.

"It used to be a fish," Olivia commented casually as she pointed at the fountain. "But I asked my parents to change it because… well, who wants a fish fountain when you can have something more aesthetically impressive? Besides, Lord Whiskers is my feline soulmate."

Sack and I exchanged an amused glance. Only Olivia would ask her parents to replace a traditional fountain with a statue of her cat. It was so typical of her.

When the car stopped in front of the marble staircase, the chauffeur quickly opened the doors and began unloading our luggage. I tried to intervene, assuring him it wasn't necessary, but he simply smiled and said something about how "Miss Olivia insisted." We climbed the stairs behind Olivia, who walked with the confidence of someone who knew this place was her territory.

The front door opened before we could even knock, revealing several staff members waiting with a small table full of snacks and a cake decorated with medical motifs: a stethoscope made of fondant and letters that read "Welcome, Future Geniuses."

"Oh, this is adorable!" I exclaimed, stepping closer to admire the cake.

Olivia waved her hand casually, as if this was the least anyone could expect.

"It's just a way to make you feel comfortable. You know, sweets to calm the nerves before meeting my amazing parents."

We didn't have much time to enjoy the snacks before James and Sophia Hart appeared. Olivia's father entered first, radiating energy and charisma. He dressed simply but elegantly: beige pants, a white shirt rolled up to the elbows, and shiny brown shoes. His smile was as radiant as Olivia's when she was excited, and his eyes sparkled with curiosity as he observed us.

"Welcome, welcome!" James said, opening his arms as if we were old friends. "Olivia has told us so much about you two that I practically feel like I already know you. She says you'll be the next geniuses of medicine. What an honor to have you here!"

Sack and I briefly glanced at each other, surprised by Olivia's exaggeration. She, of course, smiled proudly, as if it were completely deserved.

Then came Sophia, Olivia's mother. She was tall and elegant, with fiery red hair cascading in perfect waves over her shoulders. She wore a navy-blue dress that accentuated her figure and a pearl necklace that seemed worth more than the furniture in any ordinary living room. While my family also enjoys its luxuries, we've always preferred to keep a low profile, avoiding flaunting wealth as if it were second nature. However, Sophia Hart exuded that classic elegance that only someone accustomed to living surrounded by luxury could possess. Unlike James, her presence was more reserved but equally impactful. She smiled gently and extended a hand toward me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lindsay," she said in a soft but firm voice. "And you too, Sack. Olivia has been very excited about your visit."

I handed her the bonsai we had brought as a gift. Sophia examined it carefully, tilting her head slightly.

"What a charming detail," she remarked, turning the small tree in her hands. "It's beautiful and symbolic. It reminds me that even small things can have a great impact if they're cared for properly."

Sack then handed over the Château Lafite-Rothschild. James received it with an expression of almost reverential awe. He held it with both hands, as if afraid someone might take it away, and then looked at Sophia with a hint of apprehension.

"Ah, yes, the wine," Sophia said with a mischievous smile. "Remember, James, when you start with this, you don't stop until you fall asleep in the armchair."

James pretended to be indignant, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.

"That's not true! Well, maybe once or twice… but this wine deserves an exception! Look at this beauty. A Château Lafite-Rothschild. This is no ordinary thing, my dear."

Sophia rolled her eyes, though she kept smiling.

"Sure, sure. Just make sure there's coffee available tomorrow morning."

As they discussed (amicably) the wine, Olivia, who had been standing to the side with her arms crossed, suddenly stepped forward and looked at us expectantly.

"And my gift? What about my present?" she asked bluntly.

Sack and I froze, looking at each other uncomfortably. We had completely forgotten that we should bring something for Olivia. Or rather, we had assumed it wasn't necessary since we were mainly here at her invitation.

"A gift?" I repeated, trying to buy time.

Olivia placed a hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow, pretending to be deeply offended.

"Yes, exactly! My gift. You brought precious things for my parents, but what about me? Where's my present?"

Sack scratched the back of his neck, visibly uncomfortable.

"Well, we thought… you know, coming here with you would be enough."

Olivia let out a dramatic sigh, though her lips trembled with a suppressed smile.

"I suppose I'll have to settle for that. Spending these vacations together will be my gift. After all, I'm generous."

We all laughed, including James and Sophia, who were clearly used to their daughter's eccentricities.

Then James gestured for us to follow him.

"Come, come! I'll show you to your rooms. Ah, by the way, we originally prepared separate rooms, but Olivia mentioned that you're a couple, so we decided to give you one room. I hope it's to your liking."

Sophia added with a discreet smile:

"Though, if you prefer separate rooms, we can make the necessary arrangements."

Olivia quickly interjected.

"Oh no, Mom. I'm sure they're happy sharing a room. Besides, this way they'll have less space to 'argue.'"

Sack and I blushed but couldn't help laughing at her comment. That was Olivia: always finding a way to keep things interesting.

When James and Sophia retired after the warm welcome, leaving Sack, Olivia, and me alone in the spacious hallway, the atmosphere relaxed considerably. Olivia, ever unstoppable, took the opportunity to start planning what would be the rest of our vacation.

"Well, listen up," she said in that tone we all knew so well. "We'll stay here for a few days, but then we're heading to the family estate. There's way more space there, and besides…" She paused dramatically, grinning widely. "…I've already decided that we're going to celebrate your birthday there, Lindsay. It's going to be epic."

I looked at her, surprised, though I shouldn't have been shocked that Olivia already had everything planned.

"My birthday? Really? It's still over a month away," I replied, trying to process her enthusiasm.

"Exactly," she retorted, as if it were obvious. "A month is the perfect amount of time to organize something unforgettable. The estate has acres of land, pools, gardens, horses… We could throw an outdoor-themed party. Imagine: string lights hanging between the trees, live music, gourmet food served on long tables under the stars… We could even set up a floating dance floor in the middle of the lake!"

Sack raised an eyebrow, incredulous.

"A floating dance floor? Olivia, what kind of budget are you thinking of for this?"

She waved her hand dismissively.

"Details, details. Besides, my parents love this kind of event. They'll adore helping organize it. And don't worry, Lindsay, it'll be elegant but also fun. Nothing too pretentious, though maybe a little extravagant. You know, something worthy of you."

I laughed, unable to avoid feeling flattered by her dedication.

"I don't know what to say… Thanks, I guess. But I don't want it to be too over-the-top."

"Oh, come on," Sack interrupted, crossing his arms with a teasing smile. "You know Olivia won't do anything 'low-key.' She's probably already hired fireworks and a famous DJ without consulting us."

Olivia pretended to be offended, placing a hand over her heart.

"Of course not! Well, maybe I did think about fireworks… but only because it'd be romantic to see them reflected on the lake. And as for the DJ, I was actually thinking more along the lines of a classical orchestra. Something sophisticated, but with modern touches."

Sack shook his head, though he couldn't hide his amusement.

"Only you could combine a classical orchestra with a college birthday party."

"Exactly," Olivia responded, winking at me. "Because I'm awesome like that."

We kept chatting for a while longer about the plans for the estate. Olivia enthusiastically described how amazing the place would be: a countryside mansion surrounded by green meadows, tree-lined paths, and a huge stable where we could go horseback riding if we wanted. She also mentioned that there would be staff available to help with anything we needed, from daily activities to impromptu dinners under the stars.

"And don't worry about transportation," Olivia added. "My parents have a private jet we can use to come and go. That way, no one will have an excuse not to attend your big day."

Sack and I exchanged an amused glance. It was so typical of Olivia to think of every detail, even those we hadn't considered. While part of me still felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of her plans, another part couldn't deny how exciting it all sounded.

"Alright, Olivia," I finally conceded, smiling. "If you're going to organize my birthday at the estate, I promise to cooperate. But nothing too extravagant, okay? I want it to be special, not… excessive."

Olivia placed a hand over her heart, pretending to be solemn.

"I promise. It'll be exactly what you deserve: a celebration that combines your intelligence, your style, and, of course, your incredible friend who's organizing it."

Sack snorted but didn't say anything. We both knew that, in the end, Olivia always got what she wanted. And honestly, I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or just inevitable.