The Anniversary Dinner

AVA

“Oh, you are definitely wearing the emerald green one,” Riley said, her eyes widening as she pointed a manicured finger at the silk dress hanging on the closet door. “No questions asked. It literally makes your skin glow, Ava.”

“You think so?” I asked, turning to look at the fabric. It was a beautiful, floor-length silk dress with a cowl neckline and a low, open back. It was simple but completely elegant.

“I don’t just think so, I know so,” Amora chimed in from her spot near the mirror, where she was carefully putting on a pair of silver earrings. She looked absolutely stunning herself in a soft, blush-pink off-the-shoulder gown that perfectly matched her gentle personality.

Riley zipped up her own dress, a bold, royal blue satin piece that fit her like a glove and completely screamed her name. “Amora is right. If you don't wear that green dress, I will personally force you into it. Tonight is my parents' 30th anniversary, which means we all need to look like absolute royalty. No exceptions.”

I laughed, shaking my head as I carefully slid the silk over my head. The fabric felt cool and expensive against my skin. As I zipped it up and looked in the full-length mirror, I had to admit they were right. The deep green color made my eyes pop, and the fit hugged my curves perfectly without being too much. I brushed out my hair, letting it fall in loose waves down my back, and applied a soft layer of glossy lipstick.

The three of us spent the next half hour adjusting our hair, sharing perfume, and hyping each other up. Standing there with them, listening to their laughter and chatter, the uncomfortable tension from lunchtime completely faded away.

“Okay, the adults are probably already downstairs waiting,” Riley announced, checking her silver wristlet. “Let’s go show the world how gorgeous the Thompson family look.”

We left the room, our heels clicking softly against the marble tiles of the resort hallway. When we stepped outside into the circular driveway where the private resort cars were waiting, my breath caught in my throat.

The family was already gathered by the vehicles, and everyone looked incredible. Uncle David and Aunt Janet looked so elegant. Uncle David in a sharp black tuxedo and Aunt Janet in a sparkling silver gown that made her look like a literal queen.

And then, my eyes landed on Miles.

He was leaning against the side of the black sedan, talking quietly with his dad. He had completely traded his casual beach clothes for a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath. The top two buttons were left open, no tie, giving him a look that was effortlessly handsome and completely dangerous. His dark hair was brushed back neatly, and the sharp lines of his jaw looked even more defined in the evening light.

As if sensing my gaze, Miles stopped talking and lifted his head. His dark eyes locked straight onto mine.

I froze on the steps.

His eyes slowly traveled down, taking in the emerald green dress, the open neckline, and the way the silk moved against my body. The teasing, arrogant look he usually had completely vanished. For a long, heavy second, he just stared at me, his expression completely unreadable but incredibly intense.The chatter around us faded into the background. My heart did a violent, erratic thud against my ribs, and I had to force myself to keep breathing.

I quickly shifted my gaze away, my cheeks feeling suddenly warm, and walked toward the car. If Miles noticed my blushing, he didn't say a word. He just turned around and opened the passenger door for his mother, his face completely masked, though his eyes lingered on me one last time before we all loaded into the vehicles.

The drive to the private dinner location was short, but the moment we arrived, I realized the resort had gone completely above and beyond.

The dinner was set up on a secluded, private stone terrace that overlooked the ocean. Enormous white stone arches framed the view of the sea, with thick clusters of bright pink and white bougainvillea flowers climbing up the pillars. Strings of warm, golden fairy lights were woven through the flowers and stretched across the sky, twinkling like a ceiling of stars. In the center of the terrace sat a long, beautifully decorated wooden table covered in white roses, glowing candles, and crystal glassware that sparkled under the lights. Below us, the dark turquoise waves of the ocean crashed softly against the sand, creating the most perfect, peaceful background music.

“Oh, David, it’s absolutely breathtaking,” Aunt Janet whispered, her hand flying to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Anything for you, sweetheart,” Uncle David smiled, kissing the side of her head.

We all took our seats around the long table. Chloe and Millie were already there with their parents, looking incredibly fancy in their designer dresses, but for once, there was no drama. The sheer beauty of the scenery seemed to put everyone in a wonderful, celebratory mood. Delicious plates of authentic Greek seafood, fresh salads, and expensive wine were brought out by the private staff, and the terrace was quickly filled with the warm sounds of clinking glasses and happy chatter.

As the main course wrapped up, Uncle David stood up from his seat at the head of the table, tapping his spoon gently against his champagne glass. The table gradually quieted down, everyone turning their attention to him.

He looked down at his wife, his eyes filled with so much genuine love it made my heart ache.

“Thirty years,” Uncle David began, his voice warm and steady. “Thirty years ago, I made the absolute best decision of my entire life when I asked Janet to marry me. Back then, we didn't have much, but we had a dream, and we had each other. Janet, you have been my rock, my biggest supporter, and the beautiful heart of this family. Look around this table. The beautiful life we built, our wonderful children, and the friends who have become family—none of this would exist without you. You are just as stunning tonight as the day I met you. Happy anniversary, my love. Here’s to thirty more.”

A soft collective “Aww” went around the table, and Aunt Janet was openly wiping happy tears from her cheeks.

She stood up beside him, taking his hand tightly in hers as she looked out at everyone gathered under the fairy lights. “Thank you, baby,” she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. “And thank you so much to everyone sitting here tonight. Having our family, our nieces, and Ava here with us in this beautiful place means more to me than words can ever say. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” everyone shouted in unison.

We all raised our crystal glasses into the air, clinking them together as a loud, joyful cheer echoed across the private terrace, blending perfectly with the sound of the ocean waves