chapter 5

ANDRA

Sunday. Today is my birthday.

My eyes suddenly flew open at the thought and I sat up, glancing around my quiet room. Wait, what time is it?

I searched for my cellphone under the pillow, and when I checked, it was already 9:00 AM. I immediately got up and headed to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. While doing so, I suddenly remembered my godfather, Frank. Will he come? Of course he'll come, he is my godfather.

I smiled, already thinking about what I should wear. I need to be the most beautiful woman there.

I finished what I was doing and stepped out of my room. I noticed that the maids were busy and all of them were greeting me. It just felt so good waking up today. I went out to the pool area where my 19th birthday party will be held.

"Good morning, Mom," I said as I approached my mother, who was talking on her cellphone. She returned my greeting with a kiss.

I didn't really want a fussy setup because I don't want anything too grand. I got exhausted during my 18th birthday last year, so I just want something simple like this, without too many decorations. But what I really wanted the most are the photo booth and the cocktail bar.

There was a table for my cakes, keeping with the simple design. I saw three different cakes there. One was from Mom and Dad, and the other one... I froze when I saw the design. It featured a pair of red high heels, with one tipped over and a necktie. Wait, does this mean something? Did my godfather really take the time to have this made?

Wait...

I bit my lower lip as my mind suddenly filled with naughty thoughts.

"Do you already have something to wear? We can still go out and buy one."

I jumped a little at the sound of Mom's sudden voice.

"No, Mom. I still have a dress from last year that I haven't worn yet, the purple one," I said, referring to a dress I absolutely loved but was just way too sexy.

"Oh, I remember. I think that will suit you much better now, honey, because you're truly a full-grown woman."

I smiled at what Mom said. Yes, Mom, and someone is already feasting on your daughter's kitty.

"Why are you smiling?" she noticed with a laugh.

"Nothing, Mom," I answered, still grinning because of where my thoughts were wandering.

"Go get some rest so you'll look beautiful later, and finish whatever you need to do. Are your classmates coming?"

"Yes, Mom. Is my godfather, Frank, coming?" I asked.

"Of course, as if he would ever miss this," Mom said, shaking her head with a laugh.

I just smiled and left Mom, heading upstairs to look for what I was going to wear.

_____

I smiled as I looked in the large mirror, feeling incredibly hot and sexy right now. I was already wearing a deep purple dress, paired with my high heels.

It's crafted from corded lace and backed in a special power mesh down to the mid-thigh for just enough coverage and a perfectly cinched fit. The frilly ruffles along the v-neckline are ultra-flattering, held up by adjustable satin straps to ensure a comfortable fit.

I tied my long hair neatly and brought the ends forward to drape over my chest. Do I look more gorgeous and sexy now, Godfather Frank?

I looked down and smiled at my own naughty thoughts. My cleavage is on full display; I'm sure you're going to drool.

"WOW! Oh my god!"

I turned around to see Mom completely stunned by my appearance. She even circled around me to get a better look.

"It's like I'm seeing my younger self in you, honey. You look so beautiful and it suits you perfectly. Your dad might not even recognize you."

I laughed at what Mom said because Dad isn't used to seeing me dressed this sexily. He always says it hurts his eyes, but Mom would always tell him that it's normal and I would eventually reach a point where I'd wear even sexier clothes.

"Michael, come here."

I turned my head as Mom called out to Dad.

"I just saw him pass by," Mom said softly.

When Dad saw me, he just stared at me. I suddenly felt nervous because his expression was so serious. But after a moment, he broke into a smile, which made me smile too. He walked over to me and kissed my cheek.

"Happy birthday, my beautiful daughter. You take exactly after your mom. Anyone who sees you will definitely be left speechless," Dad joked.

"Thanks, Dad," I answered.

"Andra."

"Yes, Dad?" I said, noticing his tone turn serious again.

"I want you to always be careful, and whatever is in your heart, follow it. Your mom and I are always right here for you."

"Huh? Is there a problem?" I felt like there was a hidden meaning behind what Dad said because he was being so serious.

"Come on, you already have a lot of guests."

They guided me out; Mom just looked at me, but my mind was still lingering on what Dad had said because it was the first time he had ever spoken to me like that.

Dad escorted me down the stairs together with Mom. The guests and my close friends were already there, and they started singing to me as we made our way outside. Dad and I went over to my cakes, and I noticed even more had been added to the table.

After the song, I blew out the candles, and everyone came up to greet me one by one.

"Wow, bestie, so fierce, you look incredibly sexy," Carol greeted.

"Crazy, she looks like she's already seduced someone," Sheena teased.

The two of them high-fived, and I just laughed. This is just how we normally talk to each other, blunt, vulgar, and sometimes full of dirty talk.

But my eyes were searching for someone. He wasn't around; I still hadn't seen him.

"OMG! Who's that?"

"Wow, the woman is so sexy, and the guy is incredibly handsome."

I turned to look at who Carol and Sheena were talking about.

"Who are they? They look like billionaires. Damn, that woman totally upstaged you, bestie."

"Shit! The guy is so hot."

I felt a sharp pinch in my heart at the sight of the woman clinging to my godfather's arm. What's even more infuriating is that she's dressed even sexier in that silver gown she's wearing. Her full breasts are completely on display, and the dress has two high slits on both thighs that go so far up they practically show her crotch.

"He's my godfather, Frank, and the woman beside him... Fuck her! She ruined my birthday!"

Carol and Sheena looked at me, both of them in complete disbelief.

"Really, he's your godfather? And who's that girl, his girlfriend?" Sheena asked.

"I don't care! But I hate her! Why did he bring her here?" I snapped, absolutely seething with anger.

"Wait, do you have feelings for your godfather?" Carol asked.

I didn't answer, but I knew the two of them could already sense it.

"They're coming over, oh my gosh," Sheena said.

"Happy birthday."

He handed me a bouquet of flowers, but I just stared at it. My gaze shifted to the woman, who seemed taken aback upon seeing me.

"I'll hold those for you," Carol offered, taking the flowers from my godfather, who was watching me with a serious expression.

"Oh, so the birthday celebrant is a girl. I thought—"

"You thought what? Who are you? And why are you with my godfather?"

I asked the woman directly, and she seemed to pale at my question. She glanced at my godfather as if silently pleading for help, but I didn't even give her a chance to speak.

"Thanks guys! Let's party!" I shouted loudly, my mood already completely ruined.

I intentionally bumped my shoulder against my godfather's as I walked past him, heading straight to a waiter to grab a drink of alcohol.

"Andra."

When I looked back, it was Godfather Frank. I just gave him a brief, cold look before turning my back on him again.

"Andra Ventura!"

That made me stop mid-sip. I slowly turned around to face him.

"What's your problem?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowed in stern annoyance.

"Problem? Nothing. Why are you going to give me one?" I was provoked, and I saw his jaw clench.

I swallowed slightly but quickly brushed the feeling off.

"Frank."

I saw Dad approaching, so I walked away from him just as the woman he brought along started walking over to him, too.

Who the hell is that woman? The nerve of her, getting all dolled up like she’s the one celebrating a birthday. Is my godfather your boyfriend? No, that can't be.