Chapter 9

By the time I reached the top steps of the staircase, I can see many people were already gathered around the hallway; talking and drinking the refreshments served by the servants.

Master Lim and Aunt Helen were busy welcoming all the guests. Most of the guests were Master Lim and Aunt Helen's close friends and business associates.

I invited some of my close friends as well as the strings of Josh girlfriends who begged me to invite them. I can see him very well from where I stood surrounded by a group of his admirers. I wonder which girl will win his heart tonight.

I started walking down the staircase with Aom. The noisy hallway soften down as the guest turned their head one by one at my direction. I didn't realized it until I was at the bottom of the stairs.

I looked up, smiled and bowed at all the guests with both my hand clasp together in respect.

"Sawadee ka." I greeted everyone.

The guests bowed back in response.

After that, the guests continued on with their conversations.

There were two men standing at the main door; one was Chen while the other must be Henry.

Aunt Helen and Master Lim was hugging him and his back was facing me; I could not get a good look at him.

I quickly walked over to greet Chen. I was so excited to see him. It had been awhile since I had seen him.

"Happy birthday, Sabrina." wished Chen when he saw me.

He then passed a nicely wrapped box with a pink bow to me.

"Here is a present for you. Hope you will like it," said Chen.

"Thank you, Chen. I will like anything you give me. It's the heart that counts," I replied with a smile.

At last Henry turned around to face me.

He smiled at me and said, "Happy birthday, Sabrina. You look beautiful tonight."

"I almost cannot recognize you. You had grown so much. When I left you were still a child."

"Thank you, Henry," I replied with a blushed on my face just like the very first time when he caught me glancing at him on my first night in Bangkok so many years ago.

He looked more matured, fairer and thinner. He had also changed his spectacles. We were looking and smiling at each other until Josh came over.

"It has been a long time, brother. I am glad that you are back," said Josh while giving Henry a big hug.

Josh then turned to me and said "Happy birthday, Sabrina."

He then came near to my left ear and whispered, "I need your help. There is some emergency which I need you to handle."

He then took hold of my hand and started pulling me towards the garden before I can say anything to Henry.

He took me to a quiet spot in the middle of the garden.

"Josh, please not on my birthday. Who is it now? Esther or Lamai? I thought you were so in love with them," I said irritatingly at Josh when we stopped walking.

"None of them," replied Josh.

"What!" I exclaimed.

"You have more than two girlfriends now?" I asked Josh in disbelief.

"No, I don't mean that," replied Josh.

Then he took out something from his pocket. It was a beautiful dragonfly brooch made of gold.

"I just wanted to give you this. Happy birthday, Sabrina," wished Josh while inching closer to me.

"This brooch will look beautiful with your dress tonight." he continued.

Before I could replied, he lifted his hand and pin the brooch onto my dress. Once he was done pinning the brooch I look up at him and without warning he gave me a kiss on my forehead.

Then he quickly walked off leaving me stunned at my position.

After a few steps he turned around and said, "Let's get back in. The party is starting soon."

I looked at him in a daze and followed his footsteps back into the house.

It was the first time Josh showed such gentleness to me. How weird. Was he feeling guilty for treating me so badly? Anyway the brooch was beautiful and I liked it.

One by one all the guests were seated at their tables.

I took my place beside Aunt Helen. We were seated on a round table. Opposite of me was Henry and Josh. Henry was busy talking to Master Lim and Aunt Helen while Josh was talking to Chen. I just sat there enjoying my dinner while listening to their conversations. The dinner was delicious.

Henry looked up a few times and caught me looking at him. He just smiled at me. He seemed to know when I am looking at him.

After dinner all the guests moved into the big hall at the end of the west wing to enjoy some performances. Aunt Helen invited some of the best traditional dancers and singers in Bangkok to perform tonight.

At the end of the performances, Henry came and sat beside me.

He looked at me and said," I have something special for you which I brought back from England. I will give it to you tomorrow after I unpacked."

"Thank you," I replied with a smile.

"Sorry for not writing to you. I was busy with my studies but mother kept me updated with your news."

"Have a good rest tonight. I will see you in the morning. We can catch up then."

"Good night, Sabrina. Sweet dreams" said Henry.

"Good night, Henry" I replied.

He stood up and walked out of the hall.