Today was Lukas' sixth birthday. He should have felt happy. However, Lukas became sullen due to his father's recent oppressive behavior.
The child wasn't even enthusiastic about celebrating his birthday. It was unlike the previous years. Lukas felt like he was transported back to the past, to the time when he first lost his beloved mother, Paula.
"Young Master, aren't you going to change your clothes?" asked a servant politely. The servant had knocked on the door and inquired several times about the same matter. However, the little master seemed reluctant to respond.
After a while, a response could be heard from the room. "Leave! Tell my father I have no intention of appearing at the party. Unless he lets me meet Ava."
Finally, those words escaped young Lukas' mouth. It was an act of rebellion, a way for him to express his frustration towards his father. The young child felt like he had grown up and no longer deserved to be treated like a child.
Shortly after, the servant returned to convey Lukas' response to William. As expected, William was greatly angered by Lukas' foolishness.
"What did that brat say?" William asked angrily. "He doesn't want to receive any gifts from me?"
The servant nodded hesitantly. She knew that the young master, despite his cute appearance, would have to bear severe consequences for his behavior.
However, a small voice rushing into the room eased William's anger. A sweet little girl ran towards the man on the brink of exploding angrily, chattering away happily.
"How are you, William?" greeted the sweet green-eyed girl, her delicate fingers dancing on the edge of William's hand. Her rosy cheeks and dimpled smile radiated innocence and joy.
William, who had previously worn a stern expression, softened his features, his eyes sparkling with affection. "I'm doing very well. How about you, my dear Katie?"
Katie's face lit up with excitement as she twirled in her pink gown, the fabric billowing around her petite frame. The dress, adorned with delicate lace and satin ribbons, seemed to be made just for her. The vibrant hue complemented her fair complexion, while the ruffled skirt accentuated her cute charm.
"Today, I dressed up just for Lukas' birthday party," she giggled, her voice as melodic as a songbird's. "Do you think I look pretty, William?"
William's heart swelled with adoration as he took in the sight of the enchanting little girl. Her golden curls cascaded down her shoulders, framing her cherubic face. The twinkling tiara perched atop her head added a touch of princess-like elegance.
"Oh, my dear Katie, you look absolutely stunning!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "Lukas is a lucky boy to have such a beautiful and talented dance partner."
Katie's eyes sparkled with delight, her tiny hands fidgeting with excitement. The anticipation of dancing with Lukas filled her with contagious energy, adding an extra bounce to her step.
"So, where's the birthday boy now?" Katie asked.
With deep regret, William replied, "Unfortunately, it seems like we'll be celebrating without Lukas this time."
Instantly, Katie screamed. She ran out, searching for Samuel, her older brother who had raised her since she was little, taking care of the little girl as if she were his own.
With a panicked look in her eyes, Katie told Samuel, "William said Lukas won't show up at the party!"
Samuel pretended to be annoyed. "That kid has the nerve to ruin Princess Katherine's effort to dress up."
Samuel intended to support Katie, but his approach only made Katie feel desperate and on the verge of tears.
Just before Katie's tears could spill, Samuel's adopted daughter Bella whispered something in Katie's ear. "Cry, and your makeup will run. You'll turn into a scary ghost, and Lukas will choose me as his dance partner."
Instantly, Katie stopped. She decided not to cry. The little girl wouldn't let Bella, a girl who was only two months younger than her, snatch Lukas away from her.
"I will make Lukas attend his party," Katie vowed. She rushed to Lukas' room and would do whatever it took to make her prince dance with her.
Bella chuckled. Despite being younger, her demeanor was more mature than Katie's.
"Thank you, Pumpkin! You always manage to ignite Katie's fighting spirit," Samuel said, stroking Bella's head. The girl was just as beautiful as Katie. However, her tomboy appearance made her look more like a boy. Currently, she was even wearing jeans and a T-shirt with Captain America's emblem on it.
"No problem, Dad! I promised Mom and you that I'll always take care of Katie," Bella said, and Samuel laughed, promising to buy her ice cream over the weekend.
Samuel and his wife didn't have biological children. They raised Katherine (Katie), Samuel's younger sister, and adopted Bella. Katie and Bella grew up like twin sisters.
Bella and Samuel were heading to the garden, where the party would take place. However, Katie returned to them with a disappointed expression.
"Lukas said he doesn't want to dance with me," Katie said, disappointed, trying hard not to cry so her beautiful face wouldn't turn into a hideous one.
Bella had to step in. Like a superhero, she combed her short black hair back. Her gray eyes gleamed with anger because Lukas had hurt Katie's feelings.
The tomboyish girl knocked on Lukas' door and said, "I don't know what's gotten into you for you to act like a coward."
Lukas jerked when he heard Bella's loud voice. "Be-Bella?"
"One thing's for sure, my mom is currently bringing the Captain America figure you wanted a while ago," Bella exclaimed. "And if you don't show up at the party, that gift will be canceled. And don't expect me to play with you again."
In a flash, Lukas rushed out of his room. "No! I-I'll get dressed and welcome my guests!"
William, Samuel, and Katie could only watch the scene with astonishment. They should have let Bella handle Lukas from the beginning.
***
Meanwhile, in another room, Ava appeared nervous in front of the mirror. "Come on, Ava! This is your first assignment. Do it as best as you can!"