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Part 28 – The Birthday
The night finally arrived—Anna's eighteenth birthday. Ethan had rented out one of the biggest rooftop venues in the city, lights glittering like stars against the dark sky. Everything screamed extravagance—red roses lined the tables, golden balloons floated above the crowd, and a massive three-tier cake sat on display, waiting for Anna.
When she walked in wearing a silver evening dress, the whole crowd turned. Ethan, in his sharp black suit, kissed her hand and announced proudly,
"Tonight, she's mine. My queen is finally eighteen."
The crowd cheered, music blasted, and Anna smiled, though deep inside, she felt like she was standing on stage, performing a role she didn't choose.
And then—Nick walked in.
Ethan had invited him, just like he planned, thinking Anna's old crush would look small in front of the grand setup. But the moment Nick entered, all eyes shifted. He didn't need the expensive suit or the spotlight. Dressed in a simple white shirt and dark jeans, with his messy hair and easy grin, Nick carried something Ethan's wealth couldn't buy—effortless charm.
"Nick Carter!" someone squealed, and within seconds, girls swarmed around him. Two clung to his arms, another tugged him onto the dance floor, and more followed, laughing, pushing each other just to get closer to him.
Anna tried not to look, but she couldn't help it.
Everywhere she turned, Nick was there—dancing, laughing, spinning one girl while another begged for his attention. His popularity filled the room like wildfire.
Ethan's jaw tightened. His arm tightened around Anna's waist, his voice low.
"Look at him… acting like a rockstar at your birthday. Typical."
Anna forced a laugh. "It doesn't matter. Tonight's not about him."
But it did matter. Because every time Nick's gaze accidentally met hers across the crowd, Anna's heart skipped. He didn't smile, didn't wink—just looked for a heartbeat, then turned back to the girls. And somehow, that stung more than anything.
Ethan tried to ignore it. He leaned close to whisper in Anna's ear, "I'll make this night unforgettable. He'll see you're mine."
But when he pulled her onto the dance floor, a few girls slipped past and began giggling around him too. They weren't as wild as Nick's admirers, but the way two girls whispered to each other while eyeing Ethan made Anna's stomach twist.
She never thought she'd feel this way—jealous, not of Ethan, but of Nick.
Across the floor, Nick spun a girl around, his laugh echoing. He looked untouchable, carefree, like none of this touched him anymore. And maybe it didn't.
Anna's smile faltered as Ethan dipped her dramatically, showing her off. She could feel the weight of his hand, his eyes burning with a strange mix of love and pride—but her own eyes drifted back to Nick.
He didn't notice her now. He didn't need to.
And that—hurt more than she wanted to admit.
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