Chapter 27

A Birthday Banquet with Ulterior Motives

Kit arrived at the school infirmary as usual to get her medication. She pushed open the door and walked into the familiar pharmacy. Inside, Ryan was organizing the medicines. Seeing her come in, he took out a pill from the cabinet and handed it to her.

"Thanks," Kit said, her voice calm but filled with deep meaning.

Ryan smiled faintly, the smile only lifting the corners of his eyes, so subtle it was almost invisible. He knew her "thanks" was not just for the pill but also for what happened with Jenny. Ryan didn't say much, only looked at her with a slightly approving gaze.

Kit smiled back, a knowing look flashing in her eyes, noticeable only to the observant. The atmosphere between them was like that of old friends, understanding each other without needing to say much. This mutual understanding made their relationship seem especially close and natural.

When Ryan finished tidying up the desk and picked up his car keys, Kit softly said, "I can go back by myself, you don't need to trouble yourself."

Ryan didn't say much, only gave her a firm look, as if telling her this wasn't up for discussion. Kit looked at him and eventually obediently followed behind him.

Walking behind Ryan, Kit felt like a little girl being protected, a warm feeling rising in her heart. Ryan, seeing this obedient side of Kit, felt that she also had a cute side that matched her age, but he didn't show it on the surface, maintaining his calm and composed demeanor.

They walked to the parking lot in silence, no words needed.

The car slowly stopped at John's house. Ryan turned off the engine and took out a bag from the car, handing it to Kit. Kit took the bag, looked at Ryan with a hint of curiosity, then opened the bag to see the delicate box inside. She immediately understood. These were pastries made by Uncle Dan.

Kit looked up at Ryan, who only smiled faintly.

"Thanks," Kit said softly.

"It's nothing," Ryan nodded slightly. "As long as you like them."

Kit got out of the car holding the bag. Back in her room, she carefully placed the box on the table and opened the lid. Inside were several exquisite pastries, each one intricately crafted, vibrant in color, and in various shapes, some like flowers, some like small animals, each emitting an enticing fragrance.

Kit felt a slight stir in her heart. She remembered last time at Uncle Dan's place, she thought the pastries tasted particularly good and had unknowingly eaten a few more pieces. She didn't expect Ryan to notice and specially prepare these for her.

She sighed lightly, initially intending to cover the box and not think about it, but eventually couldn't resist opening it again, taking out a piece of pastry and taking a small bite. It melted in her mouth, sweet but not greasy, as if each bite carried Uncle Dan's care and affection.

Downstairs, Mary, John, and Anna were sitting in the living room chatting. Their atmosphere was harmonious, like a family. The warm light of the living room fell on their faces, making them look particularly cozy.

"By the way, Anna's birthday is coming up. It's her 18th birthday this year. We need to discuss how to celebrate," Mary said, hugging Anna with a look of affection in her eyes.

"Mom, there's no need. Just having cake with you and Dad is enough to make me happy," Anna said, shaking her head with a hint of coquettishness in her voice.

"How can that be? Our precious daughter's birthday deserves a proper celebration," Mary gently patted her hand, determination flashing in her eyes.

"Your mom is right, we should celebrate properly," John agreed. "We'll have a birthday party at home. You can prepare a list of classmates to invite."

Kit, coming downstairs, overheard their discussion about the birthday party. She stopped at the staircase, a shadow passing over her heart as she recalled what happened in her previous life. She clenched her fingers into her palm, trying to remain calm.

In her past life, it was also Anna's 18th birthday. They said they would throw a great party. Kit's birthday was close to Anna's, and she hoped Mary would celebrate her birthday as well. When Anna found out, she pretended to be a good sister, saying she would prepare a beautiful princess dress for Kit and that they would celebrate together. Kit believed her. On the day of the party, she eagerly wore the dress Anna had prepared, only to find it was a fake. That night, she became the laughingstock of the party, mocked for wearing a fake dress, a joke to everyone.

The most humiliating part was when she was about to go on stage, and the dress suddenly ripped. Because evening gowns couldn't be worn with underwear, her upper body was exposed. The gazes and laughter from everyone almost broke her. Just when she was about to cry out of shame, Anna slowly came over, pretending to protect her but deliberately hindering her attempts to cover herself, letting everyone see everything. Some even took photos of the scene.

Recalling all this, Kit felt a surge of anger and humiliation but controlled her emotions, not letting them show.

Seeing Kit coming downstairs, Anna immediately put on a sweet smile, pretending to be affectionate. "Sister, you have to come too. We'll both wear beautiful dresses."

Kit looked at Anna, a cold smile in her heart, but her face maintained a calm smile, readily agreeing, "Sure, I'm looking forward to it."

Anna paused slightly at Kit's quick agreement, a flash of doubt in her eyes. She felt something was off but couldn't pinpoint it. However, she didn't think much of it, focusing on her plan to embarrass Kit at the party.

"Then it's settled," Anna smiled sweeter. "We'll both dazzle everyone."

Kit smiled and nodded, a fleeting coldness in her eyes unnoticed by others. She knew what Anna's actions and words really meant, but this time, she wouldn't repeat her past mistakes.

Mary, seeing Anna and Kit's affectionate interaction, smiled in satisfaction, feeling that her efforts were worth it. She remarked, "Seeing you two get along so well makes me so happy. My efforts weren't in vain."

Kit, hearing this, sneered internally but maintained her smile. She knew Mary only saw herself, her so-called "efforts," never truly caring about Kit's feelings.

Anna chimed in, "Yes, Mom, don't worry. I'll take good care of sister."

Mary nodded in satisfaction, her heart filled with a sense of achievement. She felt her mediation and efforts had finally paid off.

Mary turned to prepare dinner, Kit and Anna exchanged a glance, both knowing the real battle was yet to come. Anna's eyes gleamed with pride, as if already seeing Kit humiliated at the party.

Kit, seeing Anna's expression, sneered inwardly: You want to humiliate me, but this time, who wins and who loses is not certain.