Chapter 5 Sad Birthday

Two days later, it was Evelyn's birthday. The celebration took place in the castle's grand hall. Golden chandeliers glittered above, casting warm light on marble floors that shone like glass. Every corner, every inch, from the floral arrangements to the towering birthday cake, seemed perfectly placed, as if the entire evening had been meticulously orchestrated. The guests, high society and the elite, marveled at the lavishness of it all. "I heard Mr. White had these flowers airlifted this morning. Ms. Evelyn loves sweets, so Mr. Black even hired the royal pastry chef. Talk about going all out!" one woman whispered. "Only Ms. Evelyn could have this kind of extravagance. Mr. White and Mr. Black treat her like a queen. For her, a simple birthday is more than most people could ever dream of," another voice chimed in. "Unlike some, who don't even know how to dress for an event like this. No gown, nothing. How embarrassing," another muttered, glancing in my direction. I stood quietly in the corner, feeling the sting of their words. I heard every one of them. Nova's strength was slowly returning, sharpening my senses. I lowered my head, glancing at the dress I wore. It was a gift from Margaret, a special coming-of-age present. I had only worn it three times, careful to keep it in perfect condition. Even now, it looked as pristine as when I first received it. But to these people, who valued wealth above everything, it was nothing but insignificant. I didn't feel embarrassed. I sat tall and composed, pretending I hadn't heard a word. As the night wore on, the dinner moved to the gift-giving portion. Alexander gave a private yacht, while Lucas bought an entire galaxy and named it "Evelyn." The room buzzed with admiration, and I glanced over at Evelyn. In the golden light, she looked radiant, demure even, as she gazed lovingly at Lucas. "Lucas, if I ask for one more gift, will you give it to me?" she asked, her voice soft. Lucas's eyes were filled with affection. "Anything you want, I'll give you." Evelyn's finger pointed toward the pendant hanging from his neck. "I want that!" she said, a playful smile on her lips. I followed her gaze, my eyes landing on the wolf tooth pendant dangling from the black string around Lucas's neck. A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Evelyn had her sights set on that pendant. From the moment I became Lucas's mate, I had given him countless gifts. Every single one, without exception, had been rejected. He discarded them as though they were nothing. But this wolf tooth pendant ... It was different. Lucas had been attacked, gravely injured, and fallen into a deep coma.I stayed by his side for three days and nights, never once closing my eyes, praying for him to wake. When he finally did, he looked at me with something resembling warmth—just once. And that was the moment he allowed me to place the wolf tooth pendant around his neck. It wasn't just any pendant. It was a cherished keepsake from my grandmother, the only piece of her that remained. Now, standing before me, Lucas casually removed the pendant from his neck. His expression was filled with affection as he handed it to Evelyn. She took it eagerly, and with a malicious smile, placed it around her pet dog's neck. "I've always thought this thing looked so cheap, not good enough for the world's best guy. But now, it finally belongs where it should! On a dog!" she said. "Curse that bitch!" A surge of rage flooded through me. Nova's fury matched mine, and I could feel her power growing in response. My grandmother's heirloom ... My hands trembled, fingers digging into my palms. I knew the pendant now belonged to Lucas, to do with as he pleased. But that didn't stop the rage from building within me, threatening to explode. I had to hold it back. I had to force it down. Alexander, who had caught sight of my anger, sneered from across the room. "My dear, you've got it all wrong. Our dog cost five figures. This cheap trinket? Who knows where it came from. It's not even worth mentioning. Just for looks." Laughter echoed through the hall. The sound of it felt like a slap to the face. Even Lucas nodded in agreement, his fingers lightly brushing Evelyn's nose in a playful gesture. Did he not realize that was my grandmother's gift? How could he let them mock it like this? How could he let them mock her? If I could, I would tear this entire birthday party to the ground. But I knew I couldn't. Not now. I was too weak. Heart heavy, I turned to leave, but Evelyn's voice froze me in place. "Alicia, didn't you bring me a gift? I know you're poor and can't afford anything nice, but how about a drink in my honor?" The entire room shifted their attention to me, all eyes now on me. "She's definitely up to something," Nova warned. I knew. I knew exactly what she was trying to do. But it was her birthday. Everyone was watching. I couldn't just refuse her outright. Taking a deep breath, I raised my glass. As our glasses clinked, Evelyn made her move. She tugged at my wrist deliberately, pulling my arm downward. In an instant, my drink spilled all over her skirt, soaking a large patch of it.