Xander stormed into his room, fury radiating from every step. A maid approaching with a glass of water froze mid-step, catching the storm in his eyes, then quietly turned and disappeared down the hallway.
From the kitchen, Dimple watched the retreat with narrowed eyes. She scoffed under her breath, "Every time that girl shows up, Xander loses it. She's so full of herself."
Perry, drying a dish, glanced over at her sister. "What's wrong now?"
Dimple set the glass down with a little too much force. "That arrogant Luna always riles him up."
"Shh," Perry whispered sharply, stepping closer. "Don't say that. She's going to be his wife someday. What if Madam hears you?"
Dimple turned, eyes blazing. Without a word, she stormed off, Perry close behind. Once inside their small bedroom, Perry shut the door behind them, muffling the chaos of the house.
"Dimple," Perry said firmly, "you have to let this go. You've had a crush on Xander since we were kids, but it's not right. He's like a brother to us."
Dimple whirled on her, pain etched across her face. "No, he's not. He's not our real brother, Perry. He never was. And you know it."
Her voice cracked as she sat heavily on the edge of the bed. "Mother Miley used to love me. Xander used to talk to me like I mattered. But then that girl came out of nowhere and now—now he only looks at her."
Perry's patience snapped. "Be realistic, Dimple. We're guests in this house. If Mother were alive, she'd be ashamed of you for thinking this way."
Dimple didn't respond, just stared out the window, jaw clenched and eyes glassy.
Perry sighed, standing. "Know your place, Dimple," she said coldly before leaving the room and shutting the door behind her.
Luna awoke before dawn, her stomach fluttering with nerves and excitement. Today wasn't just her birthday—it was the day her university results would be released. She checked her phone, replying to the flood of birthday wishes with a grateful smile, then sat down in front of her laptop, heart pounding.
At exactly 9:00 AM, she opened her email.
Her breath caught.
Accepted.
The word shimmered on the screen like a dream come true. She let out a scream of pure joy and bolted down the stairs, waving her laptop in the air.
"Mom! I got in!" she cried.
Mother Mary looked up from the kitchen, her smile tight, eyes unreadable. "That's wonderful, sweetheart."
But something was off. Luna paused. "Mom? Aren't you happy?"
Mary forced a warmer smile. "Of course. I'm just… overwhelmed."
Shrugging it off, Luna dashed back upstairs to call Tiara.
"You got in?! Happy birthday and congratulations!" Tiara shrieked. "We have to celebrate. I'm throwing you a party!"
"Yes!" Luna grinned. "Let's make it special. Just us and close friends."
She twirled in front of her mirror, choosing a soft yellow dress, her excitement bubbling over.
Downstairs, Mary noticed the dress and stopped her. "Where are you off to, Luna?"
"Tiara's throwing me a birthday party," Luna beamed. "We're meeting at the coffee shop downtown."
Mary's smile faded. "Actually… we'll need to postpone that."
Luna froze. "What?"
"The Blackwood family is hosting a birthday celebration for you today. We'll be attending."
Luna's face fell. "Mom, no. I already made plans. Tiara's invited everyone."
"I understand," Mary said gently, "but your father already gave his word. It would be rude not to attend."
"What about my word?" Luna snapped. "Did anyone ask what I want? Or is that not important?"
Mary's tone became firmer. "Luna, this isn't just about you. It's about respect. You must come."
"No," Luna said, stepping back. "You and Dad made this decision. You go."
"Luna—!"
But Luna was already walking out the door, the birthday joy from earlier now twisted with bitterness. Behind her, Mary frantically pulled out her phone and dialed her husband.
"She refused to go," she whispered, panic rising in her throat. "She left. I couldn't stop her."
Her husband's voice on the other end was cold, furious. "Fix this, Mary. Do whatever it takes. We will not insult the Blackwoods."
With trembling fingers, Mary scrolled through her contacts and called Tiara.
"Hello, Mrs. Mary?" Tiara answered cheerfully.
"Tiara, dear… I was wondering—where are you planning to celebrate Luna's birthday today?"
Tiara blinked, confused. "At the coffee shop downtown. Why?"
Mary forced a laugh. "No reason. I just wanted to send a surprise gift."
But her voice carried a tension Tiara couldn't quite place.