CHAPTER 2: THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

The Night Earlier…

Unlike the nightmare that awaited her, Alisha Hart woke that morning believing life couldn’t get any better. Tonight was Joe’s birthday. And if her heart was right… It would also be the night he finally proposed.

“Baby girl, how does my makeup look?” Alisha struck a playful pose, beaming into her phone screen. “Did I choose the right color of lipstick?”

On the other end of the video call, Ella rolled her eyes dramatically. “Girl, you’ve asked me that at least a hundred times already!” She took a deep breath, giggling like a kid.

“You look absolutely stunning with or without makeup. But tonight… you look unreal.” “That’s it, girl!” Alisha snapped her fingers in a dramatic flare. “That’s the exact energy I need right now. And you’re always the best to give it.”

“But honey pie… all this intuition of yours is sending chills down my spine.” “Oh, come on!” Alisha laughed. “You have no idea how he’s been acting for the past few weeks!”

Sweetheart, I want your dress to be the talk of the town.

Love, just tell me how much you need for this occasion and I’ll have it wired straight to your account.

Baby, do you need me to hire a makeup artist? A hairstylist? Anyone at all? I don’t want you looking stressed. Not even a tiny bit.

My love, have you booked an appointment with your nail and lash technician? You know what? Book the whole day. I’ll pay for it. I want them paying full attention to my baby girl.

Alisha kept yapping, imitating every single action and word of Joe’s with a bright blush on her cheeks.

“Oh God, my bestie is a full-blown lover girl now,” Ella said, closing her eyes and bringing her hands together in mock prayer. “I just hope she doesn’t forget her poor bestie when she becomes Mrs. Coke.” Alisha laughed so hard she nearly smudged her lip liner.

“Chill, baby girl. I ain’t ever leaving you for anything in the whole wide world.” She blew a kiss toward the camera. “You know that.” “I know, I know. But seriously, I’m legit jealous of you two. You’ve had him wrapped around your finger ever since high school.”

“I know right?” Alisha’s hazel eyes lit up with a soft, childish glow. “He’s always so good to me. He considers me in everything he does. I’m just… so lucky.”

“He’s lucky to have you, too,” Ella smiled warmly. “Anyway, I gotta run! I’ve got actual stuff to do, unlike you lovebirds. Bye!”

The call disconnected with Ella’s sarcastic laugh echoing through the speakers.

Left in the quiet of her room, Alisha turned to the full-length mirror. She ran her fingers gently over the fabric of her rich purple gown as if it were a delicate, living creature. It hugged her waist perfectly before cascading down softly to her knees in a graceful wave.

A shy smile parted her lips.

The bold red matte lipstick was a flawless match. The sweetheart neckline made her collarbones stand out, while the off-shoulder sleeves added an effortless touch of romance. From every angle, she felt confident. Elegant. Radiant.

The deep rumble of a high-performance engine pulled her from her thoughts.

Joe.

Her heart did a happy little flutter. She grabbed her champagne-gold structured clutch from the vanity table—its satin finish adorned with tiny crystals that caught the light—and hurried toward the front door.

Parked beneath the warm glow of the streetlight was Joe’s Rosso Mars Lamborghini Temerario.

Leaning casually against the hood, one hand tucked lazily into his pocket, stood Joe Coke.

The perfectly tailored black suit hugged his athletic frame, and the faint, affectionate smile on his lips made him look devastatingly handsome.

Alisha stepped out into the night, her matching champagne-gold stilettos clicking against the pavement. The slender ankle straps kept her grounded, while the glitter effect gave her just enough sparkle to complete the ensemble.

Joe turned his head. The moment his eyes landed on her, the rest of the world seemed to fade away.

He stepped forward, pulling her into an embrace. The soft scents of lavender and vanilla swept over him. She melted into his chest, wrapping her arms around him tight.

When he pulled back, he held both of her hands, looking straight into her eyes with an intensity that made her breath catch.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met,” he murmured softly. “In all my years on this earth.”

Alisha blushed, biting her lower lip.

He led her to the passenger side, opening the door like a true gentleman. After she settled inside, he jogged around to the driver's side and climbed in.

He couldn't take his eyes off her. Her honey-brown hair fell over her shoulders in loose, cascading waves, clipped gracefully on one side with a golden pin.

Joe leaned over her to fasten her seatbelt, his signature cologne instantly wrapping around her senses. Her heart raced against her ribs.

Even after three years together… he still had that effect on her.

His warm breath brushed against the skin of her neck as the seatbelt clicked into place. He leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“You look absolutely stunning tonight, my love.”

“It’s your birthday,” she teased, beaming at him. “I can’t be caught looking like a mess. Besides, don’t you trust me? I am the queen of fashion.”

“Of course I do,” Joe smiled softly. “And that’s just one reason why I keep falling in love with you over and over again.”

Suddenly, Joe’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen for barely a second before locking it. “Business?” Alisha asked. He smiled. “Just work”, tucking the phone into his suit pocket. He started the engine, their fingers still intertwined as the Lamborghini glided smoothly onto the quiet road. Soft music filled the silence while Alisha rested her head against the window, stealing glances at the man she hoped would soon become her husband.

They arrived at the venue short moments later.

The Glass Citadel sat atop the cliffside like an iceberg sculpted out of pure diamond. The walls were made of thirty-foot flawless glass panels that dynamically shifted color to match the heartbeat of the music inside. Underfoot, a seamless floor of white quartz stretched into infinity edges, making the guests feel as though they were walking atop a floating cloud above the sea. Matte black carbon-fiber columns absorbed the soft glow of floating magnetic LED candles.

It was breathtaking.

Alisha’s pear-shaped amethyst drop earrings glinted beneath the magnificent chandeliers, perfectly complementing the teardrop crystal pendant resting against her collarbone and the delicate tennis bracelet on her wrist.

The grand hall was alive with energy. High-society elites chatted over crystal flutes of champagne, their designer attire gleaming under the ambient lights.

Joe led her to their reserved table near the front. Not long after, the MC took the stage with a microphone in hand.

“Welcome, everyone!” the MC called out cheerfully. “We hope—no, I know—we are all thrilled to be here tonight!”

The crowd cheered, raising their glasses in a collective toast.

“Now, let’s bring up the birthday man himself to give us a few words. Mr. Joe Coke, please come to the stage!”

Applause erupted across the room as Joe smoothed his jacket and stepped up onto the stage. Beside him sat a massive, three-tiered black-and-white cake on a velvet-draped table.

“I genuinely appreciate everyone being here tonight,” Joe began, his voice smooth and commanding through the speakers. “And a huge thank you to those who sent their wishes from afar. Tonight isn't just about my birthday. It’s also a celebration of progress. Standing on this stage, I raise a toast to a massive deal collaboration we just finalized with the Romano Group!”

The room erupted into another round of cheers, flutes raised high.

Alisha sat at her table, her heart thumping wildly against her chest—not from nervousness, but from sheer pride.

“Well, look who we have here.” A sharp, cruel voice cut through her joy. Felicia stood beside the table, twirling a strand of hair around her manicured finger. Mockery was written all over her face. “The class nerd who used to drool shamelessly at the sight of hot guys. You want to be me so bad, don’t you?”

Alisha didn't even flinch. She leaned in slightly, a calm, razor-thin smile gracing her lips. “Just admit you’re jealous that I’ve got all the looks, the body, and the attention you so desperately crave.”

Felicia’s jaw tightened, her face flushing with pure humiliation. Before she could snap back, Alisha turned her back on her, focusing completely on the stage.

Joe was still speaking.

“There’s someone here tonight,” he said, his voice softening as his gaze locked onto Alisha. “She’s been by my side since day one. Through every high and every low. I honestly can’t imagine what my life would even look like without her in it.”

The spotlight shifted instantly, casting a blinding, brilliant white glow over Alisha.

“The love of my life… Alisha. Please, come on stage.”

Alisha’s breath caught. She stood up, her heart pounding in her ears as she walked up the steps with pure grace.

The moment her feet hit the center of the stage, Joe dropped to one knee.

He pulled a velvet box from his pocket, snapping it open to reveal a diamond ring that caught every light in the room.

“Alisha Hart… will you marry me?”

Tears blurred her vision. Her lips trembled into the brightest smile she’d ever worn. There wasn’t a single doubt in her heart.

“Yes,” she whispered. Then louder, for the whole room to hear—

“Yes… I’ll marry you.”

The crowd went wild. Joe slid the ring onto her finger, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her passionately under the blinding spotlight.

Thunderous applause echoed through the hall as dozens of guests rose to their feet, cheering for the newly engaged couple.

It was magical. A fairytale come true.

Later that evening, the party was in full swing.

Alisha and Joe were sitting at a private lounge table surrounded by close friends, laughing and chatting over drinks. The ring on her finger sparkled under the dim lounge lights.

Every few seconds, her gaze drifted back to the ring. She turned her hand beneath the chandelier, watching the diamond scatter tiny rainbows across her fingers. She still couldn’t believe it. Joe was finally going to become her husband.

For the first time in years…

Life felt perfect. She took a picture of the ring on her finger and sent it to Ella.

Behind the bar, a hand moved with quiet, practiced speed.

Two glass flutes sat side by side on the tray. A small vial opened, and a few drops of a clear, colorless liquid disappeared into one of them.

At the table, Joe smiled warmly, sliding his arm around Alisha’s waist and pulling her close against his side.

The bartender adjusted the silver tray before handing it to a waiter.

Two crystal flutes rested side by side, identical in every way.

The waiter disappeared into the sea of elegantly dressed guests.

Hidden in the shadows of the VIP lounge, a voice whispered into a phone,

“By tomorrow morning… her life will be over.”