Chapter 252
“The proposal has started!” Maggie announced, momentarily distracted from the birthday mix-up, her eyes alight with excitement. She watched the couple intently from afar. “Cathy’s really about to steal the spotlight!”
Turning to Belinda, she shot her a dismissive look. “Just keep out of trouble, will you?”
Madisyn rolled her eyes at Maggie, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “So the jerk and his girl are together now. We can’t be even happier. Who’d even think about stopping them at a time like this?”
Belinda’s expression turned pensive as she unconsciously reached for a glass of juice. She took a sip, held the cup in her hand, and watched the unfolding scene from afar. She was curious about what Kristopher was up to tonight.
Kristopher was quick to notice the sound of camera shutters snapping. A frown marred his features, betraying his annoyance. He had intended to keep this gathering low-key, inviting only close friends and family members of him and Belinda. The presence of so many reporters was unexpected and unwelcome.
“I invited them,” Cathy confessed, aware of his dislike for the press. She sensed his growing irritation and, fearing it might spoil his mood for the upcoming proposal, she hurried to justify herself in a hushed tone. “It’s an important moment, Kristopher. I wanted it caught on camera.”
As she spoke, she clung to Kristopher’s arm, her demeanor playful yet pleading. “You don’t mind it, do you? I’m a star, and it’s helpful to my job, my career… Besides, with my illness, I’ve been out of the spotlight far too long.”
Kristopher’s frown eased as Cathy mentioned her health struggles. He gave her a look that mixed understanding with concern. “Cathy, not every moment needs to be captured. You know, sometimes…”
Before he could complete his words, the entire venue was suddenly swallowed by darkness.
The abrupt blackout took everyone by surprise. Immediately, a blend of women’s screams and men’s comforting voices filled the air, creating a chaotic uproar.
Madisyn quickly clasped Belinda’s hand, her voice a whisper. “Do you think it’s a power outage? How odd.”
Belinda’s expression turned into a frown as she clenched the juice glass in her other hand. The decorations about celebration for a birthday… Then the unexpected blackout. Her bizarre premonition intensified.
Without warning, a memory from two years ago flashed through her mind: Anthony had requested Kristopher to organize a wedding for her, but Kristopher’s response was laced with impatience. “I have no emotional attachment to her. At best, I’ll host a birthday banquet when it’s her birthday — nothing more than a polite gesture.” With a scoff, Belinda dismissed the memory. She had believed Kristopher’s dismissive words would never come true.
Yet, at that moment, a sudden flare of light appeared in the distance. All eyes turned towards it. Marc and the other assistants were navigating through the crowd, pushing a three-tiered cake and singing the birthday song as they approached.
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”
The voices of the assistants blended together as the birthday song blared through the speakers, filling the venue.
Madisyn’s eyes widened in surprise. “What’s happening here?” she asked. “Could this be another mix-up?”