She jumped out of bed, eyes wide with realization. "Oh no, what time is it?" she muttered, scrambling for her phone. It was already 10:15 a.m.
She sighed in relief — still time.
Her heart began to race with excitement now that it was truly happening. She crossed over to the corner of the room where her dress hung on a custom stand. It was just as breathtaking as she'd imagined. The champagne-gold satin shimmered softly, and the hand-beaded accents caught the light like scattered stars. She ran her fingers over the bodice, her stomach fluttering with anticipation.
After a quick shower and skincare routine, Celine slipped into a soft robe and sat at her vanity. She wanted to do her own makeup — just a subtle glow, a winged liner, a little shimmer on the eyelids, and a nude gloss. Her curly hair had been treated the day before, now styled in soft, voluminous waves that framed her face perfectly.
Just as she was finishing up, a gentle knock sounded on her door.
"Come in," she called.
It was Loveth, her longtime nanny and now close family assistant, holding a tray with a light breakfast: a simple bread and tea with jam. Loveth always spread the jam on the bread for her. She was just _always to lazy to do so.
"You didn't think we'd let you celebrate without eating first, did you?" Loveth said with a smile.
Celine laughed and stood to give her a brief hug. "Thank you, Loveth. I didn't even realize how hungry I was."
As she eat her simple breakfast , they talked about the guests arriving — friends from school, a few family acquaintances, and, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew.
"Mr. Andrew is here?" Celine asked, trying to sound nonchalant, but the pink in her cheeks gave her away.
Loveth gave her a knowing look. "Yes. He and his wife arrived about twenty minutes ago. They're downstairs talking with your parents. And no," she added, grinning, "he didn't bring his son. I know that's what you were really wondering." love the said in a teasing tone
Celine's face burned, but she laughed and replied sturbornly . "I wasn't asking about him!"
"Of course you weren't," Loveth teased before walking out.
After finishing her breakfast, Celine dressed carefully, stepping into her heels and slipping on the golden dress. She checked herself in the mirror — and for a moment, she simply stared.
She barely recognized the poised, radiant young woman staring back. She looked beautiful. Grown. Confident.
And proud.
Downstairs, as the clock struck noon, the soft jazz music was replaced with a lively yet elegant instrumental medley. Guests had gathered in the decorated hall, sipping chilled drinks and chatting lightly. The room had been transformed — golden fairy lights hung from the ceiling, the tables were adorned with white roses and silver cutlery, and at the center was a multi-tiered birthday cake, elegantly minimalistic with gold leaf accents.
When Celine descended the staircase, all heads turned.
A hush fell over the room.
Then, applause.
She walked down slowly, gracefully, every step radiating quiet confidence. Her parents stood waiting for her at the bottom, both visibly moved.
"You look like a dream," Pauline whispered as she took Celine's hand.
"She *is* a dream," Mr. Kester added, kissing his daughter's forehead. "Our dream."
Celine beamed, emotions stirring again.
As she mingled with guests, she was showered with praise. Compliments on her dress — which she proudly admitted she designed herself — offers to collaborate, and even some quiet conversations about her future in fashion.
When Mr. Andrew finally approached her, he held her sketchbook in his hands.
"I took a look," he said. "You're not just talented, Celine. You're a prodigy. I'd like to mentor you — if you'll let me."
Celine's heart soared. She managed a steady voice. "I'd be honored uncle Andrew ."
"drop the famality girl" Mr Andrew lightly knocked on her forehead which made Celine chuckle
And as the clock slowly ticked towards four, with laughter in the air and soft music in the background, Celine looked around at the life that was slowly blooming around her. Her family. Her dreams. Her future.
It was, without question, the best birthday she had ever had.
And it was just the beginning.
Or So she had thought.