Capítulo 1: Chapter 1: The Birthday Gift
"Grandmother, here's a Cheongsam adorned with 506 pure gold pieces. I helped design this dress for your 90th birthday. it's beautiful, and I know you'd like it. I love you, Grandmother. Thank you for accepting me into this family as your future daughter-in-law," Séraphine said, handing the old woman the branded dress, her heart filled with joy and enthusiasm.
The old woman unwrapped the Cheongsam. "Séraphine, you've been so thoughtful. Even if I die today, I would die with so much joy in my heart, knowing Basil has chosen you to be his wife. He has made a wise choice."
Granny Elizabeth looked from Basil to Séraphine as she spoke. Indeed, Séraphine had gone out of her way, using so much of her savings and working hand in hand for months with a designer preparing this dress for Elizabeth's 90th birthday. Thankfully, everyone else saw how thoughtful and brave Séraphine had been.
Séraphine laughed softly. "Please don't say that, Grandmother. I don't envision you dying anytime soon. Don't tease us like that, you're scaring us."
Grandmother held the long shimmering dress over one arm, despite its weight being too much for her old age. With smiles on everyone's faces, Séraphine lowered herself and gently touched the old woman's feet. "Bless my marriage, Grandmother."
Elizabeth held Séraphine's palm as she rose, bringing it to her thin lips and kissing it. "You have all my blessings, Séraphine. Basil, son, come over here. Did you get something for Grandmother?"
Basil, watching everything unfold, felt a twinge of insecurity. His own gift for his grandmother suddenly felt inadequate, as Séraphine's thoughtfulness seemed to outshine them all.
Basil strode over to his grandmother, sliding his hand from his pocket. He kissed his fingers and touched her feet, "Grandmother, I've bought you a gold necklace with a purple crystal pendant because I know you like these things. I hope you'll like it."
With a nervous smile, he placed the bright purple pendant necklace in her palm. "A gold necklace with a crystal purple pendant?"
Grandmother gazed down at the item in her hand with widened eyes. Basil silently hoped she would appreciate his gesture. Séraphine smiled beside him, knowing how proud grandmother would be of her future husband.
Basil never went out of his way for anyone, and he had never bought anything for Grandmother before. This year, however, he had decided to change that after much convincing from Séraphine, hoping to impress her. It had been a challenge, as Grandmother already had so many valuable items. What could possibly impress the rich old woman? It was such a huge burden to him.
Séraphine, on the other hand, always knew how to win the old woman's heart.
"Basil, how thoughtful of you," Elizabeth said, smiling. "You even bought me a gift this year. What brought on the change of heart, son? Did Séraphine influence you?"
Séraphine gave him a blink of support to defend himself and he did. "No, Granny, I did this on my own will. Nobody influenced me in any way."
Elizabeth gasped softly. "It's beautiful, son," she said, ruffling his hair. "You're going to make a wonderful husband. Please treat your treasure right, okay?"
Elodie's heart burned with rage at how eagerly Elizabeth supported Basil's marriage, pushing it forward without hesitation. Determined to disrupt the moment, she rushed to Elizabeth ahead of everyone else and lowered herself at her feet in respect.
"Grandmother, my sister told me about your birthday, and I've been anticipating it ever since. I didn't come empty-handed. I hope you like this gift," Elodie shook her head in excitement, a bright smile lighting up her features as she handed the old woman two pairs of red, branded heels.
Elizabeth glanced at the shoes, her lips curling slightly. "Elodie, I'm too old for these things now. I can't be in them for too long," she said.
Elodie's face momentarily contorted into an unnoticeable frown before Elizabeth added, "But you are brave, just like your sister."
Elodie forced a smile. She hated being compared to Séraphine. Ever since their paths had crossed, she'd worked tirelessly to strip away everything good that came Séraphine's way—including Basil, the grandson of the great Basil family.
With a dismissive wave and a crack in her voice, Elodie replied, "No, no, Grandmother. Please don't compare us. Séraphine is definitely braver than I am. I suppose that's why you chose her for your grandson instead of me, right?"
Séraphine, thinking it a compliment, smiled sheepishly.
Elizabeth surprised Elodie with her response. "You're right, Elodie. You're very observant." She turned to Séraphine. "Future daughter-in-law, you've bought Grandmother this beautiful dress. Will you help me into it for today's celebration? I want to show everyone how thoughtful my daughter in law is by wearing it in front of them."
Séraphine nodded. "Of course I can help you with anything, Grandmother . Let's get you ready and show everyone that even the old can be as beautiful as the young."
Elizabeth let out her usual weak, yet weighty chuckle. Elodie shot an uncomfortable glance at Basil, signaling something only he seemed to understand. He waved her off subtly.
Séraphine linked her arm with the old woman's, holding the dress in her other hand, and helped her up the stairs to her large, bright room.
A few relatives and workers turned away to continue preparing for the birthday celebration. Elodie observed them carefully. She wanted Basil's attention, to remind him of something, but when he moved to leave, she retaliated by grabbing his wrist.
"Basil, I need a word with you," she whispered through gritted teeth.
Basil slumped his shoulders as though weary of her. "What now, Elodie?"
She glared at him. "Your grandmother insulted me in front of everyone, and you didn't even defend me."
Her voice was still low as Basil pulled his wrist free. "Elodie, I don't have the energy for this. I don't need your drama right now. There's too much going on today."
"Drama? Now I'm a drama?" she hissed, her irritation rising. "You say you love me, but you won't defend me? If I'm such a burden to you, I won't go through with the plan. You might as well go ahead and marry her—I don't care!" she scoffed, her voice rising.
Basil's eyes widened. He rushed forward, covering her mouth with his hand, his eyes scanning the room to ensure no one had overheard. When he saw everyone was still occupied, he spoke in a hurried whisper, "Shh! Don't say things like that, Elodie. Be careful."
She slapped his hand away. "Don't press me like that. Consider this a warning, Basil."
"Be smart, Elodie. I love you—there's no question about that. But don't speak so recklessly. The plan still stands and will happen tonight. Just be careful not to draw attention to us. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
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