Chapter 9 Old Madam's Birthday

It was the night of old madam’s birthday. The room was filled with warmth and excitement as everyone gathered to celebrate the old madam's birthday. The minister, his wife, and the old madam were seated, surrounded by other family members, while the guards stood at attention around the room. The maids stood discreetly at the back of their mistresses, watching the scene unfold. Lyra and Freya entered the room, their maids following closely behind them. Freya's face lit up with a bright smile as she gazed at their grandmother. "Happy blessed birthday to you, grandmother," she said, her voice filled with affection, as she bowed slightly. The grandmother's face softened, her eyes warm with love, as she smiled at Freya. "Thank you, my beautiful grandchild," she replied, her voice gentle. Lyra's expression was confident and proud as she spoke up. "Happy birthday, grandmother, I wish you well," she said, her voice smooth and polished, as she bowed her head slightly. The grandmother's smile widened, her eyes crinkling at the corners, as she replied, "Thank you, my eldest granddaughter." Freya's face lit up with excitement as she stepped forward. "Grandmother, I have a gift for you," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm, as she signaled her maids to bring the gift. Her maids came forward, carefully carrying a beautifully knitted windbreaker with a fur attached to the neck. Freya's mother looked on with a proud expression, her eyes shining with admiration. Freya's face glowed with pride as she presented the gift. "I knitted it myself, grandmother, this is your birthday gift," she said, her voice filled with love and devotion. The grandmother's eyes widened in surprise, her face lighting up with delight, as she examined the gift. "Wow, it's so beautiful. It's the right thing to put on in this cold weather," she said, her voice filled with appreciation. Freya's expression was one of pride and satisfaction, her face radiating happiness, as she smiled at her grandmother's praise. Lyra's expression, on the other hand, was confident and expectant, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, as she walked forward. "Grandmother, I have a gift for you," she said, her voice smooth and polished. "We should go outside to see it," she added, her expression mysterious and intriguing. The room fell silent, everyone's expression turning curious and confused. They seemed intrigued by what Lyra would bring, their faces filled with anticipation and expectation. The minister's expression was authoritative as he ordered, "Let's go outside to see what Lyra has for Mother." Lady Aurora's face beamed with pride, her eyes shining with admiration for her daughter. As they stepped out into the night, the darkness was illuminated by the soft glow of lights, casting a warm ambiance over the gathering. The stars twinkled above, and the moon cast a silver glow, adding to the magical atmosphere. Lyra's expression was triumphant as she commanded, "Release them!" she shouted, her voice ringing out across the night air. As the sky lanterns were released, they soared into the sky, their gentle glow lighting up the darkness. The lanterns floated gently, their soft lights dancing across the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Everyone gasped in wonder, their faces filled with awe and admiration. "So beautiful," "Wow, it's pretty," they exclaimed, their voices filled with amazement. Lyra's gift was a masterpiece, the sky lanterns beautifying the night sky with their gentle glow. The lanterns seemed to twinkle and shine, like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse of the night sky. Freya's expression was disappointed, her eyes drooping slightly as she gazed at Lyra's gift. Her mother's expression was sympathetic, and she came close to Freya, holding her hand. "It's okay, Lyra always finds a way to take all the attention. It's fine, my child," she said, her voice soft and reassuring. The grandmother's face was filled with wonder, her eyes shining with delight as she gazed up at the lanterns. "Wow, this is so beautiful, look how it complements the dark sky," she said, her voice filled with appreciation. "Thank you, grandmother, happy birthday once more," Lyra said, her expression confident and proud. Lady Aurora's expression turned irritated, her eyes scanning the gathering. "Where is Ember? Did she forget that today was old madam's birthday?" she asked, her voice tinged with annoyance. Her expression was displeased, her eyes narrowing slightly as she searched for Ember. The sound of drums filled the air, and everyone's expressions changed as they turned to the direction of the music. Ember and her maids came into view, carrying drums on their shoulders and playing them with infectious energy, while dancing in perfect sync. The minister's face broke into a wide smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he watched the scene. Lady Aurora's expression, however, was cold and disapproving, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gazed at Ember. In contrast, the grandmother's face lit up with happiness, her eyes shining with delight as she began to move her body to the rhythm of the beats. As Ember and her maids danced and juggled the drums, Thane, Gavin's uncle, happened to be walking towards the scene. He was walking with two guards behind him when he stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes fixed on Ember. His expression was one of surprise and admiration, his gaze lingering on Ember's energetic performance. Freya's mood shifted dramatically as soon as she saw Thane. Her eyes locked onto him, and her expression softened, her gaze filled with adoration. She had always had a crush on him, ever since he saved her from falling when she was a teenager. Her eyes sparkled with love, and her face glowed with happiness as she stared at him. However, Lyra's expression turned calculating as she watched Ember's performance steal the show. She signaled one of her maids, who walked towards Ember with a sly expression. The maid stretched out her leg, and Ember tripped, her body swaying precariously. Thane's eyes snapped towards Ember, and he rushed to her side, his hands wrapping around her waist as he caught her. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Freya's expression changed to one of jealousy, her eyes flashing with resentment as she watched Thane catch Ember. Her face fell, and her eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze lingering on Ember with a mixture of envy and disdain.