บท 4: Daisy Gilbert

-In Gilbert Mansion-

In a luxurious room, a young woman is sitting before a mirror, dressed in a stunning rose gold dress.

She gazed at her reflection in the mirror and reminded herself, "Rule 17: Don't expect anything, or you will be disappointed."

Her friend Lucy burst into the room excitedly, shouting, "Happy birthday, Daisy!"

Daisy responds with a forced smile, "Thank you."

"Come on, Daisy, don't be sad. Today is your birthday. I'm sure your father cares about you that's why he organized this celebration," Lucy said, trying to lift her best friend's spirits.

"But Lucy, do you think this party is for me? My dad never remembers my birthday, and now suddenly, he's hosting a huge party. I can't help but think it's connected to my brother somehow."

Daisy knows her dad too well. He wouldn't just suddenly decide to throw her a birthday party. There's something else going on behind all of this.

"Daisy, look at the bright side. This could be a great opportunity for you. Maybe you'll meet a rich guy at the party and escape from this hell," Lucy suggested.

Daisy giggled softly. She desperately wanted to escape her current situation. Her father wouldn't care whether she stayed or left the house. He sees her as a burden. The only thing holding her back is that she has no money.

Despite being a part of the Gilbert family, she didn't have the same financial freedom as her brother. Her brother could freely spend the family's money, but she had to ask her father for permission for anything she needed.

She had endured this situation for a long time, but now she just had to wait a few more days. She recently completed her education and looking for a job. Once she finds a good job, she plans to run away and start a new life.

"Come on, let's head down to the main hall," Lucy said excitedly.

They left the bedroom and started walking toward the stairs that led to the grand hall. Daisy noticed her father introducing her brother to various business associates. She was supposed to be the center of attention but felt like a side character.

"There are so many drinks. Let's grab something to drink," Lucy suggested.

An hour had passed, and her father was still focused on introducing her brother to random people, paying no attention to Daisy.

Daisy tried to remind herself not to expect too much, but deep down, she wished her father cared about her. She hoped he had organized this party solely to celebrate her birthday, without any other motives.

She might have hoped a little too much, which ultimately hurt her. If only she had followed the rule and not expected too much, she wouldn't feel this pain.

"Rule 5: Never cry in front of anyone," she whispered, holding back her tears.

"The whole point of this party is to unofficially announce that my brother will take over the business. Great," she said, gulping down the juice in her glass.

Just then, her father excused himself from the crowd and stepped onto the stage.

"Thank you all for being here to celebrate my daughter's birthday," he said, expressing his gratitude to the guests.

"I'd like to introduce the birthday girl to all of you," Mr Gilbert announced. Daisy stood up from her seat and walked to the center with a smile. The room is filled with cheers and applause.

"I have something else to share," Mr Gilbert said. Suddenly, the music changed, and the entire hall held their breath, wondering what would happen next.

Daisy's brother, Michael, approached his girlfriend, Alicia Bradfort, and got down on one knee. "Will you marry me?" he asked.

With tears in her eyes, Alicia replied, "Yes."

Cheers and applause erupted once again from the crowd.

Daisy tried to hold back her tears, "Rule number 5: Never cry…"

Today was her birthday, but nobody in the hall remembered. All eyes were fixed on the couple.

Daisy thought to herself, "My birthday celebration is just for show. He wanted to announce the union of the Gilbert and Bradfort families and hint that his son would take over the business soon. A typical businessman who seizes every opportunity."

Daisy quietly left the hall as no one cared about her presence. She shut the door to her room and began to cry.

Ding!

She unlocked her phone and opened the message.

"I got a job."