Chapter 40: Unexpected Reunion
Chapter 40: Unexpected Reunion
(Olivia’s POV)
Lily waved off my question with a dismissive flick of her wrist and hurried out of the private dining room. The other women exchanged knowing glances, clearly in on whatever surprise was coming.
“What’s going on?” I asked, looking around at their smiling faces.
Shannon shrugged innocently. “Just wait and see.”
Moments later, Lily returned with a young woman I immediately recognized. It was the driver of the luxury SUV who had given me a ride home from the Northern Territory Medical Center after my confrontation with Bella.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet Abigail Reed,” Lily announced proudly. “She’s a new friend who’s been quite helpful to our Livvy.”
Abigail smiled brightly, her youthful face framed by perfectly styled hair. She wore an expensive–looking outfit that somehow managed to be both cute and sophisticated.
“We’ve met before,” I said, studying her with newfound interest.
“Yes, at the medical center,” Abigail confirmed with a cheerful nod. “Though we weren’t properly introduced then.”
Lily placed a hand on Abigail’s shoulder. “Abby here is the reason that horrible video of your failed mating ceremony was taken down from social media. She has connections with several platform executives.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “That was you? I thought the platforms just realized it violated their policies.” Abigail laughed, the sound light and musical. “Let’s just say I helped them reach that conclusion a bit faster than they might have otherwise.”
“Abby recognized you from your work,” Lily explained. “She’s a fan of your ceremonial attire designs.”
I remained skeptical. More likely, she’d seen me online and offered the ride out of curiosity rather than genuine kindness. Still, I couldn’t deny being grateful for her intervention with the video.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “That video was… painful,”
“No one deserves to have their worst moment broadcast for entertainment,” Abigail replied, her expression suddenly serious. “Especially not someone with your talent.”
Lily clapped her hands together. “Now that introductions are out of the way, let’s get this party started properly!”
She guided Abigail to an empty seat at our table, where Sophia immediately engaged her in conversation about the latest social media trends. I watched their interaction, noting how easily Abigail fit into our group despite being a newcomer.
“Let’s exchange contact information,” Camila suggested, pulling out her phone. “Any friend of Lily’s is a friend of ours.”
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42 Points >
We all took out our phones, adding each other’s numbers. When Lily offered Abigail a glass of the expensive moonlight wine, she politely declined.
“My brother would be furious if I came home smelling of alcohol,” she explained with a slight grimace. “I’ll
stick with berry juice, thanks.”
r someone so
I studied her more carefully, noting her confident demeanor and the quality of her clothing
young to have the power to manipulate online trends and information across territories, her family
background must be significant.
“So, Abigail,” I began casually, “what exactly do you do?”
Before she could answer, Lily interrupted with a dramatic clearing of her throat. “Ladies, it’s time to reveal the
real reason for tonight’s gathering!”
She nodded to Shannon, who disappeared briefly before returning with a large box. From it, she pulled a glittering sash that read “I am the Queen!” in bold letters.
“Happy birthday, Livvy!” they all shouted in unison.
I froze in shock. With everything that had happened recently, I’d completely forgotten my own birthday.
“You didn’t think we’d let your special day pass without celebration, did you?” Lily asked, draping the sash
over my shoulder.
Tears pricked at my eyes as I looked around at the decorated room. Banners hung from the walls proclaiming my beauty and strength, declaring me worthy of respect despite recent events.
“I don’t know what to say,” I whispered, genuinely moved by their thoughtfulness.
“You don’t need to say anything,” Sophia assured me, squeezing my hand. “Just enjoy being celebrated for
once.”
Camila brought out a stunning cake decorated with delicate sugar flowers and moonstone–colored frosting. “Make a wish, birthday girl.”
As I prepared to blow out the candles, Lily’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “But wait, there’s one more surprise.”
She nodded toward the door just as it swung open. Three exceptionally handsome men entered the room, each over six feet tall with athletic builds that their tailored clothing did nothing to hide.
“What is this?” I gasped as confetti erupted around me.
The first man approached with a bouquet of flowers, his dazzling smile nearly as bright as the blooms. “Hunter Walsh, at your service, birthday queen.”
The second presented a beautiful garland. “Jackson Reed, This garland symbolizes rebirth – perfect for your new beginning.”
The third placed a small circlet on my hair. “Liam Bennett, cousin to your friend Lily: May this crown tenind you of your worth.”
Together, they performed a traditional birthday serenade their voices harmonizing perfectly. Hunter presented me with a ceremonial scarf symbolizing new beginnings, while Jackson held out the cake Cam had brought carlier.
I hired the best entertainment team in the territory, Lily explained proudly. And they’re all single by the
< Chapter 40 Unexpected R
Take your pick – any one of them would be a better choice than Graham Storm.”
My cheeks burned with embarrassment, but I couldn’t help laughing. After months of pain and humiliation, being celebrated and admired felt like a healing balm.
“Thank you all,” I said, genuinely touched by their efforts. “This means more than you know.”
The party shifted into full swing. Hunter, Jackson, and Liam moved through the room with practiced ease, ensuring everyone’s glasses remained full and the conversation flowed smoothly. Their attentiveness was professional yet personal, making each woman feel special.
I found myself relaxing for the first time in months, allowing the warmth of friendship and celebration to wash over me. When Hunter asked me to dance, I accepted without hesitation, enjoying the simple pleasure
of movement without expectation.
“You’re quite light on your feet, Ms. Oasis,” he commented as he twirled me gracefully.
“And you’re quite skilled at making a woman feel special, Mr. Walsh,” I replied with a smile. “I imagine that’s why you’re so good at your job.”
He laughed, the sound genuine despite its practiced charm. “The job is easy when the woman is genuinely
special.”
As the evening progressed, I noticed Lily checking her phone repeatedly, her expression growing increasingly anxious. When she finally received a message, her face lit up with excitement.
“One more guest is expected,” she announced, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
My curiosity piqued. “Who else is coming?”
Lily merely smiled mysteriously. “You’ll see.”
The party continued around us, music and laughter filling the room. Abigail was engaged in animated conversation with Sophia about the latest fashion trends, while Shannon and Camila debated the merits of different investment strategies with Liam offering occasional insights.
I was in the middle of a conversation with Jackson about traditional werewolf celebrations when a firm knock sounded at the door. Despite its restraint, the sound somehow cut through the music and laughter, commanding attention.
Lily’s smile widened as she gestured for someone to open it. “This,” she whispered to me, “is the true surprise of the evening.”
My heart inexplicably began to race as Hunter moved to answer the door. Lily’s expression suggested this
this was someone significant. wasn’t just another friend or entertainer
The room fell silent as the door swung open, everyone turning to see who had arrived. Lily’s smile suggested this was the moment she’d been waiting for all evening.
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