18 - Birthday or proposal?

Abigail's POV.

Arriving at the place wearing a blue shining dress made me stand out from the crowd. I was not planning to steal the celebrant's day, but I needed to be beautiful in order to annoy my dear step-sister.

Oh, I love annoying her.

"There you are," Gerald greeted me and he's wearing a blue tuxedo paired with blue pants and blue leather shoes. The way he stood at me made me think everything he was wearing was expensive. "I didn't know you were coming because my ex-wife didn't mention that you were coming. I mean, I invited you. But I'm not expecting you to come."

"Why would I miss this celebration? Besides, I still consider Hilary as my sister even if we're not blood-related."

"In that case," he offered me his arm. I looked at it, but it didn't take me an hour to accept his arm and we headed inside the venue. The place was pleasant and I could see that she put so much effort, which made me think that my step-sister was scheming a terrible plan.

Knowing my sister she would do everything just to annoy me on her special day, but little did she know I was born ready. Hilary has always been envious of me, ever since her mother and her came into our lives. Now, that I have Gerald's attention and she was neglected by the man she loves the most, I will make her feel what I felt 5 years ago.

"Hey, sis!" Her thin voice caught my attention and before I turned to face her, I smirked. But the moment we face each other, I'm surprised to see Baron on her side.

Baron didn't mention to me that he's coming to Hilary's birthday party. My eyes looked down at his arm which Hilary's arm was clinging to, I was furious because she used Baron tonight.

"Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" I was instantly brought back from reality after I heard Hilary talking to me. I smile forcedly to avoid giving her some bad thoughts. I don't want this woman to think that I'm affected.

"Oh, no. I was just surprised that you're with my husband, or so I thought of a husband."

She pushes herself towards him and giggles, "Well, I need a date. Also, I forgot to ask your permission before borrowing your husband. I know this is kind of off and embarrassing, but Baron is a good date for tonight."

"You don't have my permission to get a date with my man. Besides, you can do whatever you want. Baron has his own life and he was old enough to make a decision, so you don't have to worry about me. He is free to date," I sarcastically answered before smiling at them and seeing how surprised Baron was.

I thought we already talked about this but he was making a move that is not part of what I told him to do. Anyway, he's playing his part. That's what's more important. I hope so.

"Can you stay until the party ends? I mean, I have a speech ready for you and that was my biggest surprise I prepared just for you," she's joyous and I know what that is.

"I can't wait to know what surprise you have for me, Hilary."

We part ways and before Baron and I can part ways, I gave him the look that he did to me. I sighed, calming myself not to make a scene. I was about to recover from that annoying girl when suddenly another annoying person I've ever known stopped me.

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up after 5 years of hiding from her father. I'm sure your father is not proud of you since his daughter decided to live with a man instead of winning his heart again." That is Priscilla. I never forget her old, wrinkled, ugly, and most of all annoying face. She was smiling at me as if we used to be friends and I wanted to remove that smile to satisfy myself.

I cross my arms, smiling at her forcefully. "I'm glad to see you too, step-mother. Well, spend. I didn't know my father made you look young after 5 years. Did you spend all of my father's money on your old face?"

"You!" She clenched her jaw in annoyance. "I pity you, Abigail. Your dad chose us instead of his daughter, and he made the right choice because we take care of him while you are so busy making money for yourself."

I rolled my eyes, showing her that I was not affected. "Whatever you say, stepmother."

She looked at me from head to toe and said, "You look expensive tonight. Did you already make Gerald spend his money on you? What a desperate woman!" She laughed.

"Oh, yes. Why? Are you jealous because these clothes still fit me even though I have a child, and you don't?"

"You! Are you calling me old and fat?"

I shrugged, "Aren't you old and fat?"

"Why did you invite this woman, Gerald?"

"Not me, Priscilla. It was your daughter."

"Argh! This is a long night, Abigail. I know my daughter didn't invite you because you are gate-crushing her party!" She answered with rage and defeat.

"If that's what you want to believe, go ahead. I'm not stopping you from thinking that way, old lady."

"Argh!" She walked away with big steps, and I couldn't help but laugh in victory. But I soon realized that I was still with Gerald. "I'm sorry. I was carried away."

"No problem, she deserved it. Why don't we head to the front and wait for Hilary's grand surprise? I'm intrigued," he muttered.

"Sure." We went to the front as we heard the mic and everyone gathered around, waiting for the announcement prepared by Hilary.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you because you came to my birthday party tonight and I'm so glad that no one missed it. I would like to thank my mom for helping me organize this party, and also my son who made me happy every day."

I want to focus on Hilary but my eyes keep turning to Baron who is standing beside her. I don't know what is going on, but something smells fishy. Hilary will make this party memorable, especially since I'm here.

"This is a very special night for me and I am so thankful for having a healthy life throughout the year. We face so many challenges, and sometimes those challenges are enough for us to get tired and give up. I was one of those people who almost gave up and let fate choose my path, but I decided it's not the end of the world and I have to make my life more interesting." She wrap her arm to Baron and I can see the excitement on her face that made me want to erase it with my sharp pointy nails.

"My marriage didn't work out very well and I began looking for a man who could give me the happiness I wanted. So, Gerald and I decided to walk on a different path without forgetting our responsibilities to our son."

Her eyes landed on me and I knew the next speech was for me. So, I get myself ready. She was grinning at me like a kid who finally got what she desired, and it made me anxious.

"Before I forget, I would like to thank my dear step-sister for coming to my birthday party. I invited her but I'm not expecting her to come since we have a little misunderstanding, and our past is not good. However, I still want her to come on my special night. Everyone I want you to meet my sister, Abigail McAdams."

The guest turned their heads at me and they started applauding. I show them my sweetest smile and show them my gratitude for welcoming me to this party. Furthermore, it's still not enough to divert my attention since I know Hilary has a plan.

"Abigail," Hilary called my name, I looked at her and replied "Yes?"

"Remember the surprise I mentioned to you?"

"Yes, I do remember."

"Well, this is the surprise I prepared for you." In a flash, Hilary shows me her finger with the dazzling diamond ring. My eyes widened in surprise because I wasn't expecting that and I'm not expecting Baron to propose to her.

What is going on? Why did he propose to that woman without even asking me? This is not part of our plan!

"Don't worry, Abigail. This is not a proposal ring," she clarified and it made me relieved for a moment. "This is a ring he gave me for my birthday. Isn't it beautiful, Abigail?"

I nodded, agreeing with what she said. "Yes, the ring is beautiful but not the owner."

She laughed forced and replied, "I know you will say that, Abigail. That's why I prepared this surprise to show you what can I do."

After she said that, Hilary showed her another finger where a gold ring with a huge diamond on it was. Everyone gasped in shock including me because that was a ring not just a normal ring but an engagement ring.

Why?

I immediately looked at Baron and he nodded. I knew that was part of his plan after giving me that sign, but... What am I feeling this? I felt like my heart shattered into pieces and it was aching even though that was just part of his plan.

"Abby," Hilary called my name again, causing me to stop thinking and draw my gaze to her. "I am inviting you to our wedding and I want you to be my bridesmaid."