Chapter 178 - BIRTHDAY PLANS
Days passed by so quickly, like a subtle wind passing by that I lost track of the days only to be surprised after discovering that it's been two weeks weeks since Ace's successful operation. It's been two weeks since discovering that Ace and I weren't divorce which basically means I'm legally his wife and he…. My husband.
There wasn't a day in my life I didn't think of him. He was like a shadow following me wherever I went. Even when I closed my eyes at night he was there telling me to wait until he came back. I believe he would come because I feel he would and I trust him so much that he wouldn't give up knowing his family was waiting for him.
Life wasn't easy without Ace. But with every passing day, my new found strength taught me to move forward and patiently wait until he comes back home. That's the only wish I have for my birthday which I didn't realize would be four days from now.
"Phoenix? Are you awake?"
The soft knock on the door shattered my wandering thoughts.. A soft stream of sunlight permeating through the partially opened blinds I forgot to close last night told me it's about past seven in the morning, this time everyone was already up and I'm the only one who's still in bed.
I didn't sleep well last night. Faith's tantrums keep me awake all night. It was around three in the morning when she finally slept peacefully and so I did.
The soft knock continued, urging me to open the door. With a soft groan, I rolled out of the bed, careful not to wake up Vien beside me who was peacefully sleeping and padded to the door.
"Good morning!" Claire greeted cheerfully, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips."Did I wake you up?" She added apologetically. Her gaze wandered past me until it reached the bed and an instant fondness sprung to her eyes after seeing that her grandchildren were still asleep.
"You didn't. I was already awake when you knocked." I replied, mirroring the smile she gave me.
"I know there's many things bothering you now. Just in case it slips from your thoughts, I just remind you that we're going to a boutique today for the gown you will wear this friday, on your birthday."
I made an inward groan, wondering why I forgot something so crucial. Perhaps Claire was right, there's too many things going through my thoughts that I forgot today's important appointment.
A sigh broke to my lips, "Thanks for reminding me, I honestly forgot about it." I replied apologetically. She gave me an understanding smile and patted my shoulders reassuringly with motherly affection.
"It would be around ten…. Don't worry about?Faith and Vien, Elisa and Ethan would take good care of them while we are?in the boutique.
When Claire was gone, I slowly closed the door and padded back to the bed. I didn't lie down, just sat on the edge of the bed wondering if I could tell both Papa and Claire that I'm not looking forward to the party. I only wanted to spend it alone with the family without visitors. A simple lunch party exclusive for the family would suit my taste more but I was afraid father wouldn't agree to that idea and he would shrug it of by telling me that he haven't been on my birthday since I was a little girl and he wanted to make up with the time we'd lost by throwing a grandiose birthday celebration.
It?was around 8:30 when I walked downstairs for breakfast.
Everyone was already seated across the long table and the only vacant seat was mine and Vien's. I pulled the seat for my daughter and allowed her to sit first before greeting everyone good morning. While everyone ate, father talked about the business and then mentioned Hotel De Amore which was still under construction. He talked about different topics until the conversation drifted to my birthday.
"I decided to invite all my business associates and family friends. It's going to be a big party." Father said, making me groan inwardly in protest. The Crawford Mansion would be swarming with guests if he's going to invite them all.
They continued to discuss everything about my birthday and when it was over, all the details regarding the celebration were discussed. Not a single detail was left unsettled.
The party is Masquerade themed. It would be very exciting and I would definitely look forward to it if the situation is different. Unfortunately, I wouldn't fully enjoy my own party because Ace wasn't there to share the precious moment with me.
The event will be held in the Grand Hall and since it could only cater to nearly five-hundred guests in maximum, the garden would be opened to cater for more. There would be an orchestra to spice the dance floor.
"Have you decided on the color of your gown yet?" It was Melissa, she was seated on the chair opposite me.
"I haven't chosen yet, My." I replied, shaking my head.
"Cobalt blue would compliment you, my dear." Melissa exclaimed cheerfully after lifting a glass of water to her lips.
"Vien wanted that color for her gown. I have to choose another color." By the mention of her favorite color, Vien's face lit up, and she stopped drinking her orange juice to look at us with wide, expectant eyes.
"C-can I have the c-cobalt blue dress mama?" She asked shyly, her eyes alternately darting towards Claire, Melissa and me.
"Of course Vien!" It was Claire who agreed cheerfully.
Melissa's lips broke into a smile and she nodded her head in approval. "Yes, you can have the cobalt blue for your gown, Vien. It would suit your porcelain skin. We'll just find another attractive color for you mama's gown."
Vien smiled and resumed finishing the remaining orange juice in her glass.
In the end, it was decided that I should wear a scarlet or maroon dress. Just like what Melissa and Claire agreed upon, red would be a startling color to my skin color.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m