บท 3: Grand Entrance
Astra emerged from the bathroom and saw that the stylist and her assistants had vanished. Her gaze fell disdainfully upon the pig dress before her.
With swift efficiency, Astra uploaded a video titled "Birthday Vlog One" on Stellarnet before departing from the suite. Preferring the staircase to the elevator, she descended deliberately, savoring the moments.
Upon reaching the first floor, Astra noted that 15 minutes had slipped away, a consequence of her suite's lofty position. Purposefully, she made her way to the ballroom, where an eager crowd awaited her arrival.
The party planner dashed forward, her anxiety palpable as she confessed, "I was worried you might not make it."
After a contemplative pause, Astra affirmed, "Yes, I am Astra."
The party planner's astonishment was evident; Astra's appearance defied the image she had been provided.
She tapped a button on her device and conveyed, "The birthday girl has arrived. Prepare."
Positioned before the grand doors, Astra awaited their unveiling. A brief moment later, the guards swung the doors open, and the room erupted into a chorus of "Happy Birthday."
Amidst the jubilation, Astra projected an air of confidence. Her flowing black hair framed her face, offering a striking contrast to her captivating grey eyes.
Her focused, unyielding gaze commanded attention, captivating those fortunate enough to meet her eye.
Clad in a sensual, form-fitting red dress that accentuated her every contour, Astra's attire showcased her enviable figure.
The dress gracefully defined her waist, crafting an enticing silhouette that left onlookers spellbound.
The bold red hue harmonized with her complexion, imbuing her overall presence with an alluring charm.
Each step she took was a testament to her irresistible allure, leaving observers breathless in her wake.
Astra's self-assuredness emanated through her body language, elevating her magnetic aura.
Complementing her dress, matching red heels exuded authority and grace, ensuring all eyes were on her.
Radiating elegance and poise, Astra stood poised before the centerpiece cake, an enigmatic aura surrounding her.
As the final notes of the birthday song faded, Astra elegantly extinguished the candles, prompting a chorus of applause that swept through the room.
Amidst the flashing cameras, Astra's smile radiated as photographers captured her in this moment. Amid the well-wishes and warm embraces, she maintained her composure.
Sophia, Violet, Silas, and Alexander stood to the side, their gazes fixed on Astra. Her profound transformation left them in awe; she had metamorphosed into an entirely different person.
Alexander's mind raced, questioning why Astra had never embraced such a captivating style before. Her past fashion choices had often erred on the side of conventional, an aspect she had seemingly shed tonight.
Astra's current allure left nothing to the imagination, and Violet noticed Alexander's gaze darkening as it lingered on Astra.
A flicker of anger crossed Violet's eyes as she interpreted Alexander's reaction. Confusion etched Violet's features as she realized Astra hadn't worn the outfit prepared for her, a sentiment mirrored by her mother, Sophia.
Amidst the anticipation, Astra's attention shifted towards the entrance. Cole and Lucian strode in, earning Astra's gentle smile and wave.
The twins, Lucian and Cole, possessed a mesmerizing handsomeness that effortlessly captivated those around them.
Their identical, captivating blue eyes held an enigmatic allure, drawing people in with an irresistible mystery.
Slightly tousled brown hair added to their rugged charm, hinting at their adventurous spirits.
Confidence emanated naturally from their tall, well-built frames, their athletic physiques suggesting an active lifestyle that only enhanced their appeal.
In casual and formal attire, they left an indelible mark with their presence, a lasting impression etched upon anyone who crossed their path.
Subtle distinctions set them apart upon closer examination. Lucian's eyes held a mischievous glint, whereas Cole exuded a serene, almost chilly demeanor.
Despite these nuances, their unbreakable bond was evident as their synchronized movements mirrored one another.
Astra's understanding of Violet's infatuation with the twins was crystal clear. Their external allure might be pleasing, but it masked a dark interior, a facet Astra had come to comprehend intimately.
In the original timeline, their manipulations had disrupted Astra's career. In response, she was determined to dismantle their most cherished possession—their unbreakable bond.
As Lucian and Cole approached, Astra noticed a flurry of movement. Violet darted towards them, enveloping them in a tight embrace.
Violet beamed and exclaimed, "Da-Ge, you came!"
While notifications flooded Astra's Stellarnet account, she couldn't help but smile at the flood of supportive messages.
Lucian's gaze shifted between Astra and Violet, his response confident, "Of course, we told you we would be there."
Their presence caused a stir in the room, given their status as well-known figures in the galaxy. The allure of the twins had every woman present feeling a pang of jealousy upon hearing Violet's affectionate term for them.
As Astra pocketed her cell phone and began making her way to the bar, Violet's voice halted her in her tracks.
"Wait," Violet's plea caught Astra's attention, and she raised an intrigued eyebrow.
With a slight pause, Violet spoke apologetically, "Astra, I'm genuinely sorry for what happened. I honestly didn't mean to break your necklace. I've felt so guilty, knowing you're living alone somewhere else instead of at home."
Astra's reaction wasn't what it might have been before. She replied with a measured tone, "It's fine."
As Astra was preparing to leave again, Sophia interjected, her tone curious yet probing, "Don't you think you should say something to Violet?"
Astra's gaze shifted towards Sophia, her brows furrowing as she inquired, "Such as?"
With a calm but assertive demeanor, Sophia pointed out, "Despite how you treated her, she did apologize. Don't you believe it's only fair for you to do the same?"
Defensively, Astra retorted, her voice tinged with lingering frustration, "She only apologized because she knew she was wrong. I made it clear that the necklace was the sole heirloom I had left from my mother, especially after you all disposed of her belongings while I was at work. Yet, despite this, she not only let it slip through her fingers but managed to step on it as well. Frankly, she's fortunate that my response was limited to calling her irresponsible for obliterating the one tangible connection I had with my late mother."
Silas's expression turned contemplative, and he turned to Violet, inquiring, "Is this indeed what transpired?"
The unexpected sight of Astra standing up for herself caught both Violet and Sophia off guard, their astonishment evident. It was a side of Astra they rarely witnessed, given her usual inclination towards silence.
In an attempt to provide context, Violet conceded, "Astra, that wasn't the entirety of your words, though."
Astra's gaze swept around the room, landing on a massive screen. Taking her cell phone, she seamlessly connected it to the display, initiating the video playback.
A hushed silence fell over the ballroom as the video played. Violet's heart raced as she heard herself repeatedly asking Astra to offer her her necklace.
Violet's eyes shifted to her mother, Sophia, who met her gaze momentarily before attempting to interject, "Astra, there's no necessity to escalate this..."
Before Sophia could conclude her sentence, Astra decisively cranked up the volume, effectively drowning her words. Observing Silas's focus on the video, Sophia leaned toward him and voiced her concern, "We must intervene. This isn't a matter to be aired publicly."
Silas turned his attention back to Sophia, perceiving her discomfort. He took a step towards Astra, his hand reaching out to stop her. Astra recoiled, a tremor of fear in her voice, "Don't touch me."
Baffled gazes shifted towards Astra, puzzled by her evident fear of her father. Their confusion gave way to shock as they witnessed Astra being forcibly pushed against the wall and slapped in the video.
Astra promptly disconnected her cell phone, her gaze fixing on Sophia as she proclaimed, "If anything, it is all of you who owe me apologies."
An air of discomfort settled over Silas, Violet, and Sophia, prompted by accusatory glances from the assembled onlookers.
Sophia inquired, her voice laced with bewilderment, "Why were you even recording?"
Astra's response was swift and direct, "Before Violet visited my room, I was creating a vlog for my followers."
As Astra stood on the brink of departure, Violet's voice reached out to her, carrying an apologetic tone, "I genuinely apologize, Astra. My recollection of your words was harsher than reality. Confusion clouded my judgment, fueled by my own overwhelming guilt. Could you please find it in your heart to forgive me?"
Violet's tear-filled eyes bespoke her anxiety, her apprehension tangible as she awaited Astra's response. Lucian's consoling touch traced her back gently, drawing Astra's gaze towards him.
Contempt for the mere prospect of conversing with the idiot twins simmered within Astra. Even after witnessing the truth, Lucian's belief in her innocence remained unshaken.
When Astra's gaze met Cole's, she encountered a frigid stare devoid of emotion. Her scrutiny lingered, and she sensed Lucian looking between her and Cole.
Alexander, positioned at the periphery, knitted his brows in disapproval. Addressing Violet, Astra declared, "I forgive you, but be warned. If you fabricate lies about me once more and entangle the very people I believed were true friends, I won't forgive you again."
Astra was on the cusp of departing when Silas's voice interjected, seeking privacy, "Can we converse privately?"
Meeting Silas's gaze, Astra retorted, "Alone in a room with you? That's not a situation where I feel safe."
A wave of emotional impact crashed upon Silas, akin to the sensation of being slapped once again on the same day.
Witnessing Astra, his very own daughter, flinch away from him, driven by fear, cut deeply. And now, her words reverberated in the air, echoing a stark reality—he was not a source of safety for her.
Swallowing hard, Silas grappled with his emotions. Sophia's gaze shifted from Silas to Astra, her concern evident. "Perhaps I should join you?" Sophia suggested, her voice laced with a mixture of worry and consideration.
Before Astra could respond, Silas interjected, his tone firm, "I believe this conversation should remain private."
Sophia persisted, seeking inclusion, "But surely my presence won't pose an issue? It could provide a more balanced discussion."
"No," Silas asserted, a resolute note in his voice, "Just Astra and me."
Sophia was taken aback by the abruptness of Silas's decision. While she sensed his guilt over the situation, she hadn't anticipated being excluded from the conversation.
Astra's response hung in the air, her condition for engagement surprising those present, "I will speak only if my two guards are present."
Inquisitively, Violet interjected, "Astra, isn't this an overreaction?"
Astra's gaze locked onto Violet, a mirthless chuckle escaping her lips, "The irony, Violet. You distorted the truth, painting me as the aggressor while you and the others were the culprits. I endured insults and an assault, yet you question my reaction?"
Violet's attempt at a retort faltered, leaving her momentarily speechless. This transformation in Astra, shedding her customary reticence, left Violet in uncharted territory.
Silas conceded, "Very well, your guards can be present."
With a sense of purpose, Astra left the ballroom, flanked by her two guards and Silas trailing behind.
Sophia's gaze followed them, a sense of unease settling over her. The prospect of a private conversation between Astra and Silas didn't sit well with her at all.
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