Birthday party
City D did not celebrate just anyone.
It celebrated power.
When the Scott family announced Fallon Scott's twenty-first birthday, the news traveled swiftly through the uppermost circles not because Fallon was cherished, but because the Scotts were calculated. And calculations always attracted attention.
Gold-embossed invitations were sent out personally, bearing the Scott crest, delivered to only the most influential families in City D.
The Alphas, who controlled finance and international trade, their decisions capable of shaking entire markets.
The Kens, old money entwined with politics, whose words carried weight in city halls and courts.
The Lyns, discreet and dangerous, masters of information and shadows.
The Zees, innovators who had risen fast and mercilessly in technology and industry.
The Kays, aristocratic and untouchable, their legacy older than the city itself.
And finally
The Lees.
Unlike the others, their invitation was not merely ceremonial.
The Lee family was powerful in a different way dominant in business, feared in negotiation, and known for never involving themselves without intent. Their arrival alone shifted the tone of the event from celebration to strategy.
To the outside world, the party looked like a grand debut.
A coming-of-age.
A daughter stepping into society.
But Fallon knew better.
She stood at the top of the grand staircase, fingers resting lightly on the banister as she watched servants hurry below her, adjusting flowers, aligning chairs, rehearsing greetings. Everything was flawless too flawless.
This birthday wasn't for Fallon Scott.
It was for alliances.
Her stepmother stood at the center of it all, issuing instructions with calm authority, her lips curved in a satisfied smile. Every detail had been planned meticulously especially the seating arrangements.
The Lees would sit closest.
Her stepsister drifted nearby, radiant and excited, already dressed in finery, basking in attention that was never meant to belong to her. She laughed freely, unawarenor perhaps uncaring that this night was built on Fallon's sacrifice.
Fallon felt none of the excitement expected of a birthday girl.
Only dread.
Twenty-one years old.
Old enough to drink.
Old enough to sign documents.
Old enough to be presented as a suitable match.
She turned away from the staircase and retreated to her room, closing the door quietly behind her. The dress laid out on the bed was stunning custom-made, elegant, chosen without her consent.
They never asked her.
They never had.
She stared at her reflection, searching for traces of the girl who once hoped birthdays meant something. All she saw now was a woman being prepared displayed for judgment.
Downstairs, her father reviewed the guest list with a quiet nod as names were read aloud.
"The Alphas have confirmed."
"The Kens will arrive shortly after eight."
"The Lees are on their way."
At the mention of that name, his hand paused briefly on the page.
But he said nothing.
This is my birthday, Fallon thought bitterly, pressing her palm against the mirror. Yet I feel like an item waiting to be claimed.
As evening fell, the mansion glowed with light, music filling the halls, luxury masking intention. Guests would arrive smiling, glasses would clink, and beneath polite conversation
Futures would be discussed.
Deals would be hinted at.
And Fallon Scott would be evaluated.
She inhaled slowly, steadying herself.
She would smile.
She would endure.
But deep inside, she knew the truth with painful clarity
This birthday was not meant to celebrate her life.
It was meant to introduce her to the Lee family.
And decide who she would belong to next.
At exactly 7:00 p.m., the grand doors of the Scott mansion were opened.
Golden lights spilled across the marble driveway, chandeliers glowing like silent witnesses as the first cars rolled in one after another. Servants stood in perfect lines, backs straight, expressions respectful every movement rehearsed.
Tonight was not just a birthday.
It was a gathering of power.
The first sleek black car came to a halt.
"The Ken family has arrived," a servant announced softly.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken stepped out first Foluk Ken, dignified and calm, followed by Angelle Ken, elegant in a fitted gown, her smile sharp and practiced. Behind them came their two sons.
Felix Ken, tall and composed, eyes observant as he scanned the mansion like a strategist.
And Fredrick Ken, slightly younger, charming, a polite smile playing on his lips.
"Welcome to the Scott residence," servants greeted in unison, bowing slightly as they were escorted inside.
From the staircase above, Fallon watched silently.
The next arrival followed quickly.
The Kay family.
Their car door opened to reveal Robin Kay, authoritative and refined, with Winnie Kay at his side, her presence calm yet commanding. Between them walked their only son
Wilson Kay.
Handsome, confident, and clearly accustomed to attention, Wilson adjusted his cufflinks as he entered, already receiving admiring glances from guests and servants alike.
Then came another arrival.
The Zee family.
Zodiak Zee exited first, broad-shouldered and sharp-eyed, followed by Vic Zee, whose gaze missed nothing. Their daughters stepped out together
Zoey Zee, graceful and poised.
Zaire Zee, bolder, her smile carrying quiet defiance.
Whispers followed them inside.
Moments later, a softer presence arrived.
The Lyn family.
Green Lyn walked beside Lolly Lyn, both calm yet reserved. Between them stood their daughter, Lily Lyn, delicate and composed, her eyes curious as she took in the grandeur of the mansion.
The air shifted when the next convoy arrived.
Multiple black vehicles.
The servants stiffened.
"The Alpha family," someone whispered.
And suddenly, everything felt heavier.
Andrew Alpha, head of the feared AA Empire, stepped out first. His presence alone silenced nearby conversations. He didn't need to speak his reputation spoke for him.
Behind him came his children.
Alexander Alpha, commanding and unreadable.
Adams Alpha, sharp-eyed and calculating.
Abigail Alpha, elegant with a dangerous calm.
Anderson Alpha, quiet but intense.
Trailing them were their cousins
Ally, Anu, and Anit each carrying the unmistakable confidence of those born into power.
Guests straightened. Smiles widened. Respect turned into caution.
From the corner of the staircase, Fallon felt her chest tighten.
And then
The final car arrived.
The one everyone was waiting for.
"The Lee family has arrived."
Fallon's fingers curled around the banister.
Susan Lee stepped out first, graceful but reserved, her black attire reflecting both dignity and loss. Beside her walked her only son
John Lee.
Tall. Composed. His expression unreadable as his gaze lifted to the mansion, as if already measuring what was being offered to him.
His father was gone but his family's power remained.
This was the man.
The one they wanted Fallon to marry.
Behind Fallon, a soft laugh rang out.
Her stepsister, Ferry, descended the stairs, radiant and confident, dressed like she was the one being celebrated. She leaned close to Fallon, her voice low and sweet.
"Smile," Ferry whispered. "Tonight is important."
Fallon didn't respond.
She watched the Lees enter, watched her future walk through the doors without asking her permission.
The guests had arrived.
The game had begun.
And Fallon Scott stood at the center of it all unwilling, unseen, and already claimed.