Chapter 01: Birthday's Party

Her 21st birthday party was organized in a luxury 6stars hotel by her boyfriend, Marcus Huang. Mervyn Huang and Mabel Huang, Marcus's older brother and younger sister were there too. Ruby Tang was all dressed up and awaiting for Marcus's driver to pick her and her cousin, Lillian Tang at her home. Earlier, Marcus had called and informed her that the driver will pick them up to JW Marriot Hotel where the party was held. The driver arrived shortly and upon reaching the hotel, she and Lillian went straight to the VIP banquet hall situated on the 1st floor. As she stepped inside, the Huang's siblings, Marcus and her school and college friends greeted and wishes her 'Happy Birthday' and handed over their presents. She was taken by surprised as she never imaging to be such a big crowds. She thoughts her birthday was celebrated with a small group of closed friends and relatives.

The banquet hall was big enough to catered all of her friends. Her parents were overseas for holidays and couldn't celebrate this happy occasion with her so they informed Lillian to accompany her but unknowning to them, she had a lavishly birthday party under the expense of Huang's Corp.

Marcus walked up, kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. He then whispered "Happy Birthday sweetheart". "Thank you dear" Ruby said and pecked a light kiss on his cheek. Lillian who's standing beside Ruby had a silent crush on Marcus for a long times, was jealous and unhappy seeing her cousin's couple so intimately clinging together. Lillian, now aged 18yrs was an orphan since young and staying with Ruby's family. Her parents passed away in a car accident when she's 10yrs old. Ruby's parents treated her like their own 2nd daughter and Ruby adored her like her little sister.

Marcus leads Ruby to a 3+2 sofa settees right at the end of the corner. Mabel, Mervyn and Lilian follows suits. Upon reaching the settees, Ruby could feel the coziness of the place with the slightly dimmed lights. All of them sat down. Marcus signaled the waiter to bring their drinks. The drinks arrived shortly and were served. The wine inside the offered glass went down smoothly when she took a sip. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so relaxed, she thought with a luxurious smile. "This feels so nice."

Lillian couldn't sits still with the music playing loudly and suggested dancing. "Ruby sis, want go move your body a little?" Lillian asked. "No! You go ahead and enjoyed yourself. I rather sit here and enjoy the show." Ruby said, towards the quiet personality. She preferred listening to the music rather than dancing. "Oh! What a waste? We should have a good enjoyable time here. See Mabel and Mervyn were already up there moving their bodies." Lillian said.

Ruby brushed her off. "Shoos.. go, don't waste your time sitting here." Lillian stared at her in dazed. "What! I don't have a partner and even didn't know anyone here. They are partly your and Marcus's friends." Lillian didn't go to the same school as Ruby, instead Ruby's parents let her continued at her old school back then. If they transfers her to Ruby's school, Lillian might feel lonely, she's better off with all her own friends.

Upon seeing her little sister poker face, she turned to Marcus. "Dear, would you mind to accompany Lillian there." She pointed to the dancing floor. Marcus hesitated. "But, I want to stay here with you." He said. "Just for a dance or two, please. See little sis here is bored." Ruby put on a poker face. "Ok! just a dance or two." He glared at both Ruby and Lillian, they both nodded. But unknown to Ruby this might be the biggest mistake she's gonna make in life. Then Marcus lead Lillian to the dance floor.

Ruby was scanning the banquet hall, the party was getting hotter and hotter. Everyone's enjoying themselves. Foods and drinks were served non-stopped. Marcus and her friends scattered everywhere, those dancing were on the dance floor and those don't, just chattered their times away. Its seem the night's still young. Ruby just remain seated at her place and enjoying herself.

After 2 hours or so, suddenly the hall lights were dimmed and birthday song played. Marcus walked, pushing a trolley with him. On top of the trolley, there's a cake, 3-tiers cake nicely decorated. Mabel dragged Ruby out from her seat and pushed her towards Marcus. Marcus pulled her to his side and whispered. "Happy birthday again. I love you." And placed a kiss on her lips. Ruby blushed red and hugged Marcus to avoid embarrassment. Everyone surrounded them, cheering happily. Some even brought out the party poppers given to them earlier and starts popping. After the cake cutting and everyone had tasted one, two or three pieces, the party continued again till after midnight.