GRAND ENTRANCE
The air was alive with excitement, the faint hum of chatter and laughter spilling from the grand hall into the streets outside. For once, I didn't feel invisible. Not tonight. Not ever again.
Seventeen. Reborn. And in this life, I had learned early: power wasn't just inherited it was claimed, showcased, owned.
The invitation had arrived three days ago, tucked neatly into a hand-written envelope. I had opened it with curiosity, expecting some shallow apology. And indeed, that's what it was.
"Kira, I know I haven't contacted you for days. I've been so busy preparing… I hope you'll forgive me and come celebrate with me."
Sara's words dripped with practiced sweetness and green tea, the excuse of being busy just that: an excuse. In my previous life, I had begged my parents to rent one of the city's most prestigious halls for Sara's birthday. Lavish decorations, exquisite catering, invitations sent to elites as if she were the youngest Miss of the Miles family herself. I had spared nothing. And now, here she was, dressing humility in polite phrasing, hoping I would forget how much of this world she once owed to me.
I folded the invitation and slipped it into my purse.
A small smirk curved my lips.
Kira. Let's see how you survive this one. This was the party that became the genesis of my woes. Where I met the conniving Stevan who stole everything from me and destroyed my family. I drew in a breath as I took the view in.
The hall was spectacular. Crystal chandeliers scattered golden light across polished marble floors. Ornate mirrors lined the walls, reflecting elegance in every direction a grandeur that fit the Miles name far more than Sara's.
Guests mingled in gowns and tailored suits, soft laughter mixing with the live quartet's melody. The atmosphere screamed prestige.
I arrived fashionably late. As intended
Sara may have planned a party, but tonight, I would take back what was once mine.
Outside, a sleek black car pulled up.
Nick and Nio stepped out first.
The moment their feet hit the ground, attention followed. Not because they were flashy but because power recognized power. Their posture was relaxed, but their presence was absolute. And between them stood Samuel White, hands in his pockets, calm to the point of indifference, as though the luxury surrounding him barely registered.
Yet his eyes… sharp, observant, quietly amused.
Nick glanced back toward the hall. "You're really coming to a birthday party for Sara?"
Samuel shrugged lazily. "I was invited."
Nio smirked. "You know it's never really about Sara."
Samuel's gaze shifted slow, deliberate toward the entrance behind them, where he knew I would soon appear. "I've figured that out."
Nick chuckled. "Careful. That's our younger sister."
Samuel replied lightly, but his eyes softened just a fraction. "Then I'll behave."
They entered together, the trio instantly drawing attention. Whispers followed.
Samuel White? Here?
How did Sara even manage that?
Inside, Sara stood at the center, smiling shyly, soaking in admiration. But behind her polite expression was triumph until the doors opened again.
I stepped in.
Everything slowed.
Conversations faltered. Music softened. Heads turned.
For a heartbeat, silence ruled.
I stood tall, silver-blue silk gown flowing against my form, the fabric catching chandelier light like moonlit waves. My hair fell in soft cascades, my gaze calm, sharp, untouchable.
Confusion rippled through the crowd.
Who was she?
Why had no one mentioned her?
Why did she look like she belonged at the pinnacle?
Sara froze mid-laugh.
Nick and Nio turned immediately.
Their reactions were instinctive.
Nick straightened, pride unmistakable, his gaze warm, protective.
Nio's lips curved into a knowing smile, eyes gleaming with open affection.
"That's her, the Miss of the Miles family" Nick said casually, loudly enough to carry. "Our little sister."
The effect was explosive.
Little sister?
Miles family?
Kira Miles?
The spoiled princess who was rumored for her bad looks, which was the reason she was always absent at gatherings and always wearing a mask to cover her face rumored to be scared.
The murmurs multiplied.
But I ignored it all.
Samuel's attention locked fully onto me now. Not playful anymore focused. Interested. Something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
Sara's confidence cracked.
She hurried toward me. "Kira! I—I'm so glad you came…"
Her hands fluttered awkwardly. She tried again, softer. "Can we talk?"
I met her gaze.
"No," I said gently.
The word landed like ice.
She stiffened.
"But—"
"I'm here to celebrate," I added calmly. "Not to explain absences."
She flushed, humiliated, yet forced a smile for the watching crowd.
Nick had already reached my side.
He draped an arm over my shoulder without hesitation. "You okay?"
"Always," I replied.
Nio nodded approvingly. "Anyone bother you?"
The message was loud and clear.
Samuel watched, amused but underneath, something stirred. The way they shielded me. The way I stood without needing it. His lips curved faintly.
Steven approached then, confidence radiating.
"Kira, you look—"
"I'm not interested," I said coolly.
Not harsh. Just final.
A pause.
Steven blinked, then laughed lightly, hiding the sting but his eyes lingered. Curious. Bruised. Hooked.
Sara retreated, whispering urgently to a friend.
I noticed.
The plan followed quickly, too quickly for a perfection.
Spilling of wine. A stumble. A quiet attempt at humiliation.
It failed woefully
I moved quicker
Her accomplice fell face flat instead.
Gasps echoed.
Sara's face drained of color.
Samuel murmured from behind, "That was… unfortunate."
Nick laughed outright.
"She hasn't changed," Nio said fondly.
Samuel's gaze flicked to me again. His voice was idle, but the meaning wasn't. "Perhaps not."
The crowd shifted.
Whispers transformed.
The balance tipped.
By the end of the night, Sara stood small beneath the weight of her own plotting. Steven lingered, unsettled. Samuel watched calm, intrigued, attentive.
And me?
I stood at the center, radiant, grounded, untouchable.
The party may have had her name.
But the night remembered mine.
I am Kira Miles.
And this time I would never be overshadowed again.