17 My gift to you
The next day, Alice went to sign her contract when she met the female actress from the same agency as hers. The girl had a lively charm around her as she smiled brightly. After signing her contract, the girl approached her, "You're Alice Buds, right?"
"Yeah", Alice replied as they shook their hands.
"I'm Catherine Brittany."
"Nice to meet you, Catherine."
"Uh huh!", Catherine shook her head, "Call me Cath."
"Sure."
They parted ways after the celebration dinner.
---
Pink Villa
When Alice reached home, she prepared her gift for Rose. But when she saw the recorder in her handbag, she pulled it out & smirked, "This's my gift to you."
She put it back inside, prepared a dress for tomorrow's birthday party & peacefully went to sleep.
,,,
The next morning
Alice got up early & was in a great mood. Of course, she should be! After all. her best friend's doom was a few hours away. But, nevertheless, she called Rose to wish her, "Happy B'day, Rose!"
"Thank you", out came Rose's weak voice. She was currently sitting at the hospital for a quick check-up.
"How are you?", Alice asked perfunctorily.
"I'm fine."
"Okay, then. Lots to chat when I meet you."
"Bye."
An evil smirk appeared on her face. Huh! Lots to gossip about you!
A car halted outside her door. She rushed outside & saw Daniel descending from inside the car, followed by two figures behind them. Ah! She recognized them. Eddie & Jake! They looked at each other lovingly like a loving couple. Wait! Couple? Is that true? Her eyes were glued to the lovey-dovey couple that she didn't realize Daniel beside her. His deep voice startled her, "Hey!"
She looked at him & tiptoed to kiss him. He responded with a short kiss.
"What's goin' on between those two?", Alice pointed two fingers at them.
"They're like us", Daniel whispered seductively.
"A couple?", she asked with a curious-cum-serious look. He nodded. Eh? That was quick! No to be precise, swift & cool!
"Hey!", Eddie called out as she hooked her arm with Jake. Even Jake flashed a brilliant smile. 😊
As they approached her, Alice dragged Eddie away to a corner. Both the guys had a face like the bottom of a pot.
"How did you manage that quick?",Alice scrunched her brows together.
"Of course, by milady's grace", Eddie gave her a 90-degree bow.
Alice laughed while raising her collar with both hands, "What a genius!"
"Aiyo! That's overconfidence."
"Huh! How many steps did you execute?"
Eddie raised two fingers indicating that she'd used two steps. ✌🏼
"Heh? Really?", Alice smirked. 😏
"Now let's go", Eddie pointed her chin indicating that their boys were waiting.
,,,,,
The day passed by spending their time together. They all came to cheer on her. Evening approached & Eddie helped her to get ready. Soon, Alice was wearing an off-shoulder sky blue long gown which made her look like she came out from the books of Cinderella. Her short hair was tied into a messy bun & loose curls hung over her shoulders. Nevertheless, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
---
Brigand Mansion
Daniel dropped her outside the gate. He felt sorry for himself that he couldn't accompany his girl to the party. She gracefully walked ahead before turning to look at him. He nodded which made Alice feel confident. She walked into a flood of cameras. She furrowed her brows. Her initial plan was to leak the news of Rose's birthday to the media once she entered here. But they were already here. So, she shrugged & moved forward.
The banquet was arranged in the spacious garden at the rightmost corner. She walked in & saw Rose wearing a gloomy expression. She wore a really simple dress. She even had eye bags that were still visible in spite of the makeup. Alice approached her, "What's wrong with you?" Rose raised her head in a daze & stood up. Then she flung her arms around Alice's neck & hugged her tight, that almost strangulated her.
"Thanks", Rose finally spoke in a low whisper.
"For what", Alice asked back.
"For coming to my last...my birthday", she almost said her last birthday.
Very soon, Madam Brigand called for her to cut her birthday cake. Alice looked at her & saw how gorgeous she was. She let out a sigh. The lady almost looked like an elder sister to Rose. No wonder, she was a supermodel in her youth. She maintained herself accordingly.
Rose slowly walked with Alice to the center. There was a large cake, just about their height. The candles '25' sparkled brightly under the night sky. Rose gave it a lifeless stare before blowing at them. Her life will simply blow away like those candle flames. Everyone clapped & started singing the birthday song.
The first one she fed was Alice. This startled all the elite guests, including her parents & Alice. Nevertheless, she opened her mouth to accept it. Turn by turn, she fed her parents & some of her friends. Soon, a slow beat was played & everyone swayed around gently. But, Rose stared lifelessly into the dark.
"This's the perfect time to expose her!", Alice thought to herself. She excused herself from Rose, who was sitting beside quietly. But when she stood up to perfect her dress, the music stopped playing and a soft voice was heard. "Hello, everyone", the voice spoke gently, "This's Rose Brigand. I, hereby, put a confession that I was behind Alice Buds' scandal a year ago & she's the rightful owner. I created fake pieces of evidence & released it myself in a moment of heat. I used to be her best friend but I'd turned evil. I apologize, Alice for her defamation. You can sue me if you want. She'd been a great lyricist from her young age. You can call her a lyrics prodigy. If she shines in the future, don't forget to support her. Thank you."
The guests were silent. Even Alice was frozen in her place. Someone exposed Rose before her! Who did this?
Soon, everyone started gossiping. Even the reporters were startled. Their cameras focused on the delicate face of Rose. Soon, they saw her stood up & snatched a mic nearby.
"Hello everyone. What you heard just now was the truth. 101% truth. I won't speak any more & please focus the camera on her", she pointed to Alice, " she's the actual star. I, hereby, make my & BLISS' official retreat. I betrayed my dearest best friend for my personal gains. I did an unforgivable mistake. I'll say no more. Thanks for your patience."
She bade goodbye & left the scene. Her words shook Alice to the core. Rose's confession made the biggest headlines the next day.
