SWNOVELS Chapter Chapter Ninety-six
Maxine's Point of View
I'm looking at my reflection in the mirror, admiring my looks. I'm wearing a fairy shoulder white chiffon. I practiced a smile and how to greet everyone that would come later. Everyone is busy while I'm here alone in my room. Dad and Mom won't let me step outside my room. They said that I should just stay here until they called me, so I just did what they wanted me to do. There is nothing to lose if I follow their instructions. But I feel bored, and scared. Why? Because, when I'm alone all I could think about was Alyn. Nevermind.
I'm nervous! I will play the piano later in front of various people. What if I make a mistake? Sigh... It would be embarrassing, especially to my relatives. I hope I won't make a mistake, I'll do my best! I don't want to embarrass my family in front of numerous people.
Because I don't want to think about anything and to avoid it, I just lay down on my bed and sleep. I just woke up when I heard a knock on the door.
I yawned and stretched my arms before I got down on my bed. When I opened the door, I saw Mom. I smiled and gave her a peck kiss on her cheek.
She smiled. She caressed my cheek and pinched my nose, "You're so gorgeous, Max. Are you ready?"
I giggled, "Thanks, Mom. And yeah, I'm ready."
Of course, I'm not ready yet! I'm still not ready to embarrass myself. Oh, my gosh!
"Did you sleep?" She asked.
"Uhm, yeah. Is it that obvious?" I chuckled.
She shook her head, "No. I just guessed it. Anyway, let's go. Your father is waiting for you in the living room."
I just nodded and followed her from behind. I don't know but while we're walking I feel nervous, is it because my father is strict? Haa, gosh. He's nice but he's super strict. That's why every time I face him, I feel nervous. And in two years I have only seen him smile a few times.
I smiled when I saw Dad waiting on the sofa, while his legs were crossed and he was holding a newspaper. In front of him was Jimmy playing with his phone. I sat next to him while Mom sat next to Dad. Jimmy turned to me and scanned my whole body. He smiled and kissed my cheek after.
"Gorgeous!" He complimented me.
I smiled at him and pinched his cheek, "And my brother is handsome. Do you have numerous admirers?"
He pouted and turned his attention back to his phone, "I don't like them! I only want to marry you."
I giggled. However, before I could speak, Dad had spoken.
"She's your sister, Jimmy. How many times do we have to say it?" He put down his newspaper and looked at Jimmy, "You can't marry your own sister."
"You always say that! It irritates me!" Jimmy stood up and walked away.
My smile faded. I looked at Dad. He sighed and touched his eyeglasses. Mom caressed Dad's back, she's trying to calm him down.
"Sorry, dad," I bowed my head and played with my fingers.
Maybe I shouldn't become so friendly towards Jimmy. I didn't know that he would develop feelings towards me because I'm his sister. But I think it's not a big deal because he's still young. Maybe he just mistook his own feelings. His feeling towards me is just a love for a sister and not a romantic one. He's still young, he will realize it someday.
"Why are you the one apologizing?" He sighed again. "I don't know what to do with your brother anymore. Anyways, the visitors are waiting for you. Let's go."
When he stood up, Mom and I stood up too.
Our backyard is broad so they decided to do it there to celebrate my birthday because only their business partners, friends, and relatives are going. I also invited Shin to go and I'm glad that she accepted it. I think she's one of the visitors waiting for me.
Mom and Dad put me in the middle of them. I put my arms in both of their arms as we walked. I smiled instantly when I saw the visitors. Damn. My lips are shaking due to nervousness!
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I saw Shin when she waved her hand in the air. And when I roamed my eyes I saw familiar faces. The tension in my heart faded away when I saw GH smiling and clapping his hands with his grandsons: Louis, Sid, Byron and Giles. My smile faded as well when I didn't see Alyn beside them. What are you expecting? Idiot. Do you really think he would come? He must be happy now with Elaine.
I bit my lower lip and forced myself to smile again. I sat down on a chair designed for a queen. Dad and Mom went to the visitors and clapped their hands as well.
"Let me introduce to you the birthday girl, Maxine Wertheimer!" Said the MC next to me. "Guess what? She provided a surprise for all of us! She will play the piano for us~ Let's give her a round of applause!"
One of my bodyguards held out his hand. I reached it and stood up. He guided me to walk towards the piano. I sat down and took a deep breath.
I looked at Mom. She nodded and gave me a thumbs up. She even mouthed, "You can do it! Do your best!"
I smiled and turned to the piano again. I counted 1 to 3 in my head before I started to play. At first, I felt nervous but eventually it faded. I even closed my eyes to feel and enjoy the sound and what I am doing even more. When I finished playing, I heard a loud clap from the audience. I stood up and bent down to thank them for watching me.
After that, Mom and Dad introduce me to their business partners, friends and other relatives who haven't known about me yet. When we were done with them, I went to Shin first.
"You look like an angel!" She chuckled. "So pretty~"
I smiled, "Don't joke. Hmm... by the way, who are those guys behind you?" I asked.
"Uh..." She scratched her head. "I'll tell you some other time. Okay? Enjoy your party first. I'm okay here, go greet your other visitors."
I pouted, "You sure, huh? Okay, I'll go now. I'll be back." I waved my hand before I turned back.
I went to GH and his grandsons. They hugged me tightly. Wow, I missed them so much! I feel like I want to go back to their mansion and live with them again. But you know... I can't do that.
"Someone is getting even prettier," Giles said while looking at me.
I smacked his chest and giggled, "Crazy."
"Happy birthday, Missy~" Sid hugged me again. This time, it's even tighter.
"Are you trying to suffocate me?" I chuckled.
He let go, "Oh, sorry. I just really missed you."
"I missed you too, guys," I said. Without warning, my tears fell down. Oh, gosh. I immediately covered my face with my palm.
"Damn, don't cry," Louis uttered.
"You should have a vacation to the mansion if you really missed us that much, Tardy," said Byron.
GH heaved a sigh, "Come here, our little princess." Then I felt his arms embrace me.
"Happy birthday!" They greeted me in unison.
After a few moments, the MC called me. I walked back to the couch in front and sat down there. I smiled and acted like I didn't cry just a moment ago.
"Now... To get the night even hotter I would like to introduce to you her fiancée!"
What? My fiancée? Pfft- what is this, a joke? I don't even have a boyfriend and now I have a fiancée? The heck? This MC gotta be kidding me.
I turned to the MC and poked her side to get her attention, "Uhm... Excuse me, I was not told about it."
She just smiled and ignored me. She turned back to the people and said, "Let's welcome her handsome and hot fiancée..." she turned to me like she was teasing me before she continued what she was going to say, "Alyn Crawford!" After hearing that name, it seemed like my heart and world stopped. What... Is happening?