The grand Harrison Farm house glowed like a jewel that evening—chandeliers casting warm amber light across the hall, crystal glasses clinking, and soft music humming in the background. Yet, for Bella Harrison, the brightest glow came not from the golden décor, but from the faces around her.
Her heart was full. Her friends—Abby, Julian, Mia, Navya—and now Jake, her beloved cousin, had gathered for her special day. Every laugh, every playful tease, every hug made this birthday unforgettable.
Susan Harrison clasped her hands together, eyes shimmering with motherly joy.
"Come on, everyone, let's cut the cake before it melts!"
The "Crazy Gang" immediately broke into cheers, hoots echoing through the hall as they crowded near the towering, three-tiered chocolate cake laced with gold dust.
Richard Harrison smiled warmly at their antics, but something caught his attention. He scanned the hall, his brow furrowing.
"Alexander, where's Sebastian? I don't see him."
Alexander Whitmore shook his head. "Not sure. I'll call him."
Susan pursed her lips. "We're waiting on him. Where could he have gone?"
Abby scratched his head. "Strange. He was right here a moment ago."
Julian, leaning lazily against the table, sighed in an overly bored tone.
"You know how dull my brother is. He hates parties."
Abby chuckled, nodding in agreement. "True."
Navya frowned. "That's… so weird. He's at his own family's event, and yet—"
Julian suddenly turned to her, his face serious, his dark brows arched in mock interrogation.
"Then what exactly do you mean by weird?"
Navya froze, her lips parting. "I–I didn't mean it like that."
Julian leaned in closer, his expression stern for a moment longer… then burst into laughter, reaching forward to tug her cheeks.
"Relax. You're too easy to tease. And for the record, you're ridiculously cute when you're nervous."
Navya's cheeks flamed crimson as she swatted his hand away.
Bella and Mia exchanged a knowing look, smirks tugging their lips. They had seen the way Julian's gaze lingered on Navya, and Navya's blush was all the confirmation they needed.
At that moment, Alexander returned, calling across the hall.
"Sebastian!"
From the French doors leading to the lawn, Sebastian turned, his tall frame illuminated by the garden lights.
"Yes, Father?"
"Son, what are you doing out there? Everyone's waiting for you."
Sebastian gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable. "I'm coming."
Julian groaned dramatically.
"Finally! The great Sebastian Whitmore decides to grace us with his presence. Come on, brother, my stomach has been crying for cake!"
Laughter rippled through the hall.
Jake snickered, shaking his head. "Patience, Julian. You act like you haven't eaten in days."
Julian placed a hand on his stomach, feigning pain.
"My brain wants patience, but my stomach disagrees."
Everyone laughed again, their joy bouncing off the high ceilings.
Mia spotted Sebastian walking back into the hall and grinned.
"Finally, bro is here. Come, come—don't make Bella wait any longer."
With Sebastian present, Bella was guided toward the cake. Everyone gathered close, their voices joining in chorus as the familiar birthday song filled the air. Bella's hazel eyes shimmered with tears of happiness as she blew out the candles, the room erupting into cheers.
"Happy birthday, Senorita!" her friends shouted in unison.
Cake was cut, laughter spilled as frosting smudged noses, and one by one, Bella fed each of them a slice.
Then Jake's eyes gleamed mischievously. He grabbed his guitar from its case, strumming it once.
"It's been too long since we all did this together. What do you say? Should we make tonight unforgettable?"
Bella's eyes widened, her excitement bubbling over. She threw her arms around Jake and kissed his cheek.
"Yes, yes, please! Let's do it!"
Her joy was infectious. Abby and Julian laughed, clapping Jake on the back. Mia and Navya squealed and kissed Jake's cheeks too, showering him with affection.
From the corner of the bar, Sebastian's storm-grey eyes narrowed. His jaw clenched. His glass of scotch sat untouched, the amber liquid catching the light as he stared across the room. Every kiss on Jake's cheek, every sparkle in Bella's eyes—it gnawed at him. His heart thundered with an anger he couldn't name, an ache he couldn't ignore.
Bella, oblivious to the turmoil in the corner, clapped her hands like a child, urging Jake to play.
Suddenly, the hall plunged into darkness.
Gasps echoed, followed by a hush.
Then—one golden spotlight flicked on, bathing Jake in a halo of light as his fingers strummed the first tender chords.
The hall stilled. The night grew quiet.
And Bella's smile widened.
Tonight, her world was whole again.
Then the music kicked in—an upbeat, infectious tune that had everyone clapping and cheering before the first verse even ended.
Jake's guitar strummed bright and lively, and his voice filled the hall with a rhythm that made it impossible to stay still.
Bella, Navya, Mia, and Abby linked hands, twirling each other in the center of the hall. Their laughter was louder than the music, their joy brighter than the spotlight.
Julian grabbed the mic dramatically, his mischievous grin flashing.
"This one's for us—the loudest, craziest gang in Sydney!"
The beat dropped, and the gang exploded into movement. Julian sang first, his smooth voice laced with mischief:
🎶 "We're fire, we're free, we're unstoppable tonight…" 🎶
The crowd cheered, and Bella threw her head back, laughing, before wrapping her arms around Abby, Mia, and Navya. Together, they sang the chorus with playful off-key voices, but no one cared—it was about the bond, not the tune.
Abby's turn came, his deep voice echoing through the hall as he twirled Mia into his arms. Their chemistry was undeniable—her silk gown flaring as she spun, their gazes locked as though the world around them had disappeared.
Julian pulled Navya close, dipping her dramatically, earning a squeal and a blush from her.
"Careful, Julian!" she scolded, her cheeks crimson.
He just grinned. "Not a chance, darling."
Jake strummed faster, shifting the tempo. Bella's voice joined his, pure and joyful, as she sang with her heart. She hugged her crazy gang tight, swaying with them, singing like they'd never have another night like this again.
🎶 "We're bound together, no matter the miles… laughter, fire, and reckless smiles…" 🎶
The elders—Richard, Susan, Alexander, and Yonika—watched from the sidelines. Their eyes gleamed with pride and love, whispering quietly to one another about how rare, how beautiful this friendship truly was.
But Sebastian… Sebastian wasn't smiling.
From his corner at the bar, he leaned back in his tailored black suit, his drink untouched. His storm-grey eyes followed Bella's every move. The way she twirled under Jake's arm. The way she laughed with Abby. The way her hair swayed as she danced, carefree and glowing under the lights.
She didn't even know what she was doing to him.
His jaw tightened. His fingers curled around the glass until his knuckles whitened. His heart screamed the words his lips couldn't say:
You're mine. Only mine, Bella.
When the song ended, the hall erupted into wild cheers. The gang collapsed into a tangled group hug, laughing breathlessly, cheeks flushed from dancing.
Bella, glowing with sweat and happiness, raised her voice.
"Alright, guys! Let's change into something comfortable and meet by the pool."
"Yes!" Jake cheered, raising his guitar like a victory flag. "I'll bring the drinks!"
"I'll grab the snacks!" Mia chimed, still catching her breath.
"I'll set up the music system outside!" Navya added, already planning her playlist.
"I'll drag the couches and pillows out," Abby said.
Julian smirked, tossing his hair dramatically. "And I'll bring the most important thing—myself."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Bella tilted her head. "And what about me? What do I bring?"
Abby grinned and kissed her forehead. "It's your night, princess. Just bring yourself."
Bella's smile softened. "Fine, but don't start without me."
She turned, her heels clicking against the marble as she headed upstairs to her room. She had just reached for the door handle when a hand shot out from the shadows, grabbing her wrist.
Before she could gasp, she was pulled roughly against the wall.
Her back hit the surface with a soft thud, her eyes widening as she stared up—straight into the storm-grey eyes of Sebastian Whitmore.
.