chapter 5: The Birthday Invitation

Ariana Pov

I shoved the door open and stepped inside. The soft sound of a movie drifted in from the living room, making a frown crease my forehead.

Serena was sitting on the couch, wrapped in her favorite blanket with a bowl of popcorn in her lap, completely glued to the television. I blinked in surprise before calling, "Serena!"

My voice echoed through the apartment. She quickly reached for the remote, switched off the television, and looked up at me.

"Hey, you're back," she said, placing a hand over her chest. "You scared the living hell out of me."

I let out a frustrated sigh.

"I've been knocking on the door for the past thirty minutes. I called your phone, but you didn't pick it up."

"When?" she asked, reaching for the phone beside her. She glanced at the screen, then back at me, her eyes widening. "Oh no." She gave me a puppy-dog look. "I'm so sorry. I got distracted by the movie."

I crossed my arms, fighting the smile threatening to tug at my lips.

"I'm not going to fall for that."

But she looked at me again with those wide, pleading eyes.

"Anny, I'm sorry. I know I must have scared you."

With a face as cute as hers, how was I supposed to stay annoyed?

"I forgive you," I said, poking her nose playfully.

"So, how did the proposal go?" she asked, still teasing me like nothing had happened.

I let out a small breath.

"There wasn't a proposal," I said simply.

Serena's smile faded.

"Wait… Adrian didn't propose? After all the plans the two of you made? Tell me you're joking."

"I'm not." My voice came out low. "Today was one of the most painful days of my life. I caught him cheating on me with a woman he claimed was just his friend… and she turned out to be his fiancée."

Serena took my hands in hers.

"I'm so sorry things didn't go the way you expected," she said gently. "The right one will come when the time is right."

I nodded, but the memory came rushing back—Adrian telling his fiancée I was just a bet. My breath hitched as tears spilled down my cheeks.

"I was the side chick," I whispered.

Serena immediately pulled me into a hug.

"He's not worth your tears, Ariana. Anyone who could do that to you is a complete idiot."

I buried my face against her shoulder.

"You don't understand, Serena. I gave him everything."

"I know," she whispered. "But if he could do this to you, then he never deserved you."

A bitter laugh escaped me.

"Three years, Serena."

She squeezed my hand.

"And that's exactly why you shouldn't waste another second crying over someone who never knew your worth."

"Did you give him the gift you bought?" Serena asked.

I shook my head.

"Not after everything he did. All this time, he smiled at me, made promises to me, and betrayed me behind my back."

Serena was quiet for a moment before speaking.

"My dad always told me something. When someone truly loves you, they never make you question your place in their life."

I lowered my gaze.

"I guess your dad was right. I kept making excuses for him."

A lump formed in my throat.

"I barely had a father growing up. He visited whenever he could, but before I had the chance to know him, he died. My mum couldn't survive the news either. Since then… it's been just me and my sister."

Serena's eyes softened.

"Anny… you've really been through a lot."

"I never told you because I didn't want to burden you. Hearing what your dad used to tell you… it reminded me of everything I lost. I just wish I'd seen my dad one last time."

She wrapped her arms around me again.

"You'll never have to go through anything alone again. No matter what happens, you have me."

A small smile tugged at my lips.

"Thank you, Serena. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Absolutely nothing," she teased with a chuckle. "Just kidding. You're beautiful, talented… you're the whole package. Adrian was never good enough for you."

She suddenly snapped her fingers.

"That reminds me. How's Olivia? Did Dr. Kyle call?"

I nodded.

"Yes. She got accepted into the new treatment program, and her medication is covered by insurance."

Serena smiled.

"That's wonderful news. I know how much you've been worried about her. I'm really happy for Olivia."

"I do," I said softly. "She's my only family. I promised my mum on her deathbed that I'd always protect and take care of her. I want Olivia to have the life she's always dreamed of."

A small smile touched my lips.

"I love her so much."

"Aww, I know you do," Serena said with a smile. "And I'm sure she loves you just as much."

We were still talking when Serena's phone rang. She picked it up from the couch, glanced at the screen, and answered.

"Hey, Emma. It's been a while."

While she spoke, I reached for the bowl of popcorn and idly nibbled on a few pieces. A moment later, she ended the call and turned to me with a grin.

I raised an eyebrow.

"What's with that smile? Who was that?"

"Emma," she said excitedly. "We've been friends for two years. She just invited me to her birthday party."

I blinked. All this excitement over a birthday invitation?

Serena leaned closer.

"It's not all about blowing out candles and making wishes, Anny. Emma's birthday celebration is being held at D'Main, one of the biggest clubs in the city."

Her grin widened.

"And guess what? We got access to the VIP section. VIP! And you're coming with me."

I sighed, shaking my head.

"I don't know… I need to get my head around some stuff. I'm not going with you. I just want to stay home and sleep. Besides, you know I'm not really the party type."

"Come on, Anny." Serena leaned back against the couch. "I know how much you love karaoke, dancing, and fun games. So stop overthinking it and just come with me. I promise you'll have a great time."

I rested my hand beneath my chin, pretending to think it over.

"That's a pretty tempting offer. Hmm… all right, I'll give it a try. But if I don't have as much fun as you say I will, we're going home. Deal?"

"Deal," Serena said, placing a hand over her chest "I promise."

I set the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and reached for my purse.

"Oh, we will have plenty of fun," Serena said.

Before I could respond, she grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet.

"Serena! Where are you taking me?" I called after her.

"To my bedroom," she replied. "We need to get you ready for the birthday party."

When we reached her bedroom, she immediately tossed me a towel.

"Go take a shower. We have a lot of makeovers to do."

I laughed softly.

"Serena, I'm not the celebrant."

"Maybe not, but you're going to look like one," she teased.

"Now go!"