A delicate reunion

The anticipation of the day filled the mansion like a heavy fog. Eliana's grand welcome party had been all anyone could talk about for the past week. Invitations had been sent, preparations made, and everyone seemed thrilled about the occasion—everyone except me. It wasn't jealousy, far from it. I'd grown numb to the way Eliana effortlessly claimed the spotlight. But today felt different. I wasn't just going to fade into the background; I planned to disappear altogether.

The guest list was intimate yet extravagant: Aunt Luisa, who was known for her sharp tongue and sharper fashion sense; Aunt Kiana, always laughing a bit too loudly; Ruby, the overly bubbly cousin; Zack, the quiet one who stuck to his phone; Uncle Mark, with his booming voice; Grandpa, ever the family patriarch; and, of course, Adrian, who always seemed to show up late but made his presence known the moment he arrived.

It was going to be a wonderful occasion—for Eliana. She would soak in all the attention, the compliments, the flattery, while I remained a shadow in her glow. I didn't plan to stay long enough to endure it. I had my own plans: sneak out, meet Ryan, and spend the evening away from the chaos.

The morning of the party arrived. I'd intentionally set my alarm later than usual, wanting to be well-rested for what would undoubtedly be a long day. By the time I made it downstairs, the house was already alive with activity. The kitchen was a hive of motion—chefs and helpers darting between counters, pots simmering, and trays being stacked with hors d'oeuvres. The mix of aromas—sweet, savory, and spiced—made my stomach rumble, and I couldn't resist helping myself to a plate of breakfast before anyone could scold me for getting in the way.

After eating, Martha, our housekeeper and unofficial stylist, was waiting to help me prepare. She pulled my hair back into a sleek doughnut bun, securing it with delicate, glimmering hairpins. Her hands moved quickly but gently, and when she finished, I admired her handiwork in the mirror. "Beautiful," she said with a satisfied nod before laying out my outfit: a royal blue floral gown with a cinched waist and a flowing skirt that grazed my ankles. She paired it with silver heels and matching jewelry—simple but elegant.

"Perfect," I said, giving her a grateful smile as I slipped into the gown and fastened the clasp of the necklace. It wasn't for the party; it was for me. If I had to endure being here, I at least wanted to look good while doing it.

I was halfway down the grand staircase, adjusting one of my earrings, when I saw her. Of course, Eliana had been waiting. She stood at the bottom of the stairs as if she owned the entire scene, her lips curled in a knowing smirk.

"Oops, didn't see you coming. You were almost invisible," she said with mock innocence, tilting her head slightly. Her eyes swept over my outfit, and I knew she was mentally comparing it to her own.

My gaze followed hers. She was wearing a tight, pepper-red gown that clung to her curves like a second skin. The slit along the side rose scandalously high, revealing long stretches of her fair, unblemished legs. Her golden hair cascaded over one shoulder in loose waves, and her makeup was flawlessly applied to highlight her striking features.

I couldn't help it—I scoffed. Loudly. Of course, she'd chosen an outfit that screamed for attention. She wasn't just out to outshine me; she wanted to make me disappear entirely.

Her smirk deepened as if she could read my thoughts. "Well," she said, brushing past me, "don't just stand there. It's a big day, after all."

I clenched my fists briefly but forced a smile. "Of course. Enjoy being the center of attention," I said sweetly, before stepping aside to let her pass.

As she walked away, I took a deep breath, already feeling the weight of the day ahead pressing on my shoulders. But I wouldn't let her get to me. Not today. I had a plan, and soon enough, I'd be far from this place, with someone who didn't make me feel invisible.

But first, I decided to visit Adrian—my childhood best friend. I pressed the doorbell, and within seconds, there he was, standing at the door, shirtless as always. His sculpted chest and well-toned frame were impossible to miss, his familiar wide grin spreading across his face as he threw his arms open.

Without hesitation, I rushed into his embrace, a wave of nostalgia and excitement flooding me.

"You've grown so much! Your arms...and that chest," I teased, pointing at him with a playful smirk. "I never thought you'd ever look like this."

Adrian chuckled and lightly poked my forehead with his index finger. "You?" he said with mock disbelief.

"Ouch!" I protested, giving him my best attempt at an adorable pout.

"Alright, what has my little cutie brought for me today?" he asked, his grin only growing wider.

"Me? Little?" I shot back, playfully hitting him twice on the chest.

His eyes sparkled mischievously as he gestured toward himself. "Do you fancy it?" he teased, glancing at his chest with a sly grin.

"You... you," I stammered, biting back a grin. "Pervert," I muttered, shaking my head in mock exasperation.

Rolling my eyes, I stepped into his room and sank into the plush cushion by the window. The place was immaculately designed, effortlessly blending style and comfort. The deep blues and grays of his decor paired perfectly with the soft lighting, making it feel entirely like him—calm, grounded, yet undeniably impressive.

"So, what brings you here today? Missed me already?" Adrian asked, leaning casually against the doorframe, his teasing tone making my cheeks flush ever so slightly.

"Hmmm… probably, I guess," I began, my tone light yet edged with curiosity. "By the way, how's your girlfriend? And why isn't she here with you?" I couldn't help but notice her absence.

Adrian's smile faltered for just a second before he replied, "Don't wanna talk about it. What about Nathan?"

I shook my head. "Don't wanna talk about that either. You know what? Let's change the subject." I could tell he was holding back a laugh, and soon enough, he asked, "What do you have in mind?"

With a teasing glint in his eye, he added, "Your twin sis took him… didn't she?"

I opened my mouth to retort, "Oh! Didn't we agree to drop that…" but he interrupted playfully, "I know, I know—but I'm just tempted to annoy you. You know, you look really cute when you're annoyed."

"Really?" I managed a forced smile, though the remark stung. It brought back memories I'd rather forget—old scars resurfacing with every careless word.

After a brief pause, Adrian's expression softened as he recalled the past. "You know, it's been ages since we last really talked—back when we were probably just seven. I guess we both have a lot to catch up on… over grapes, perhaps?"

Before I could answer, he got up and retrieved a glass bowl filled with perfectly polished grapes, as if he'd been expecting my visit all along.

I couldn't resist a teasing jab. "Yeah, seven? You mean when you turned me down for Betty?"

"Come on," he said, rolling his eyes with a grin. "It was just an oversight, and I've realized my mistake."

I chuckled despite the lingering tension. "Well, I'd love to stay and reminisce, but I've got to visit the rest of the family. But I'll still take the grapes—thanks."

I grabbed the bowl from him, and with a final exchange of playful glances, I made my way toward the exit. The promise of a quiet moment with Ryan, away from all this chaos, beckoned in my mind as I stepped out.