Instrumental love

WITH ANN VALLEJOS' POV

I SMILED when I touched the piano keyboard. It feels good when my fingers touch it. Especially if I already hear a tone, which I myself create a sweet melody.

I remember when I was young. I was only five years old when I watched a girl play the piano. The beauty of that music calms my mood and lightens the weight in my chest.

Yes, I was so young to feel that. Especially, my parents and I don't have a good relationship.

So because of that I wanted to learn how to play the piano. Nothing stood in the way of what I wanted. I begged, I begged that girl to teach me and she was not mean to me. She's one of a kind that I will never forget either.

She taught me with all her heart and I never thought that she was... That she was my real mother. That Dad didn't introduce to me. Because...

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. My fingers began to move to create sounds that my heart also wanted.

This instrument became my... friend. Yes, this thing seems funny, that the piano became my friend and not a person. Because of this, it has been the witness of my whole being, it has been the witness of my sorrows, of painful experiences and also one of the witnesses of my happiness.

A new song started that I was the only one who could hear it because it was one... It was one of my secrets that no one else should know. Because...

Everyone knows, that the Vallejos family has never had an interest in music. Because they also know, that we only want to run the company and do business, that is in our hearts.

My fingers stopped and I opened my eyes. Even though my parents didn't want me to do it, I was still stubborn. I still did something against their will. I always disobey them when it comes to my friend.

"Why did you stop?" I was surprised when I heard a voice. It even echoed in the quiet music room.

I slowly turned around to see that person. A tall old man, he looked like a businessman. Just based on his clothes. He is old but his face still has the manly beauty of his youth.

"Alright, continue that," he insisted to me.

"I don't know how to play," I refused. I heard his weak laugh.

"Eh, I heard you from the beginning. Go ahead. I want to hear the music you've been creating lately. That's new to my ears," he said to me and slowly approached my seat. That's why I looked more closely at his clothes.

He's wearing a black suit, obviously those are going to be loved. Both his hands are hidden behind his back.

"Maybe it came from the hall," I said.

"Which?" he asked.

"The music you heard," I answered quickly and his laughter only got louder.

"The party is not here and is in the hall. So, what are you doing here? Instead you have fun there. Are you one of the guests of the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs. Vallejos? The architect and owner of this mansion?" he asked. He was referring to my father.

"It's only one person and why are your questions so detailed?" I politely asked him.

"To be sure," he answered. I nodded and smiled.

"Is it you? Why are you here? The party is in the hall so... What are you doing here? Are you also a guest?" I asked him again.

"Yes, you're right. I was one of the guests and...just nothing. I just want to breathe fresh air. I was actually about to go out but I heard a beautiful and soft piano music. So, my feet took me right here," he continued.

"Are you interested in music? So...did you let your foot take you to this place?" I asked the old man amused. He nodded one after the other.

"Yes. I remember my youth, and especially when I first met my late wife," he answered and I felt something in my chest when I heard what he said about his late wife.

He doesn't look sad because his smile is sweet. He just remembers his past, the times when he was even with the girl he loved. His late wife.

"I'm not very good at playing the piano, but do you want me to present you with a...music that for the first time you will hear for the rest of your life?" I asked him smiling and he seemed to become a child because he nodded quickly.

He remained standing by the piano and just watched me. At that time it was also for the first time that I felt my importance in this world.

I'm used to... I'm used to being ignored by people. I'm used to always being behind my family. I'm used to just walking past crowds. Because it seems like I don't belong in this world and never deserve to live, a person who doesn't exist because I'm just the fruit of a mistake. My father...

After my mini performance, I guess. He even managed to applaud me and he's so happy.

"Bravo... You're good at it." My eyes widened when I heard what he said.

"You... Are you a Filipino, Sir?" I asked him in a surprised tone. He nodded.

"Yes. I'm from the Philippines, actually," he replied.

"Wow... That's good..."

"You?"

"We come from the same place, Sir," I promised.

"So... What's the title of that music?" he asked and he wanted me to give a title to my playing earlier. It made me think because I was the one who offered it to him and he said he remembered his ex-husband. Maybe the...

"The unforgettable love, Sir. Love of the past that still lives in the present. Are you like that, am I right?" I asked and he nodded.

"That's right. You're right about that," he said and his smile didn't even disappear. "Aren't you going to the party? Are you just going to stay here?" he asked with a voice mixed with curiosity.

"Pupunta rin po and you need to go too, Sir," I uttered and stood up from my seat. I extended my hand towards the door and he walked first.

"The Vallejos family's mansion is too big. Aren't you lost here?" he asked.

"No. I'm used to it. You will not get lost in your own home, Sir," I stated and he stopped to face me again. He looked at me with astonishment and was still observing my face carefully.

"You... You resemble Mr. Vallejos," he said doubtfully and I nodded with a smile.

"He's my father, Sir," I told him and his eyes widened in shock.

"No offense, daughter. But your parents hate to hide you from us. He only introduced one to us and I thought... Ms. was an only child. Arveliah, it turns out she has a brother who is just as beautiful as her but looks more so." I just accepted that the last thing he said was a compliment.

"Because I don't like parties and meeting people," I promised.

"Tell me your name, please," he said. To everyone, this old man was just a stranger but I felt good about him. Because he makes me smile effortlessly.

"May Ann Vallejos, that's my name, Sir."

"May Ann... Wait, I heard that name before. Ah... I remember, you are the manager of V. Estate Company II?" he asked in amazement.

"Yes."

"I thought it was just the brother of Mr. Bercede, because your clients say... he's as good as you... You're his son."

"Yes," I said.

"Your parents are so lucky to have you as their daughter, hija... So that we can both be fair. I will introduce you. I'm Don Bril. Just call me, Don Bril," he introduced himself. I've never heard his name so I'm not familiar either.

"Nice meeting you, Don Bril," I said.

"Looks like... I already know my next grandchild," he said which I didn't quite understand. He says he will meet his next...what? Will be his grandson? Who is that?

"Why? Are you missing any of your grandchildren?" I asked with interest.

"Not like that. My oldest son is three years old and I know that he can be a child too," he said and my brow furrowed even more. I don't really understand him anymore. What is he saying?

"Excuse me, sir?"

"Kidding aside, daughter. I'm going back to the hall, and I hope... I can meet you there with your parents. I want them to introduce you to us," he said and I just looked at his back.

I shook my head and smiled. Don Bril also has some weirdness. Wow, it's the first time I've met someone from the Philippines.

I closed the lid of the piano. Even though Dad was against it, he did not completely close the music room and did not remove the instrument from it.

When I came out, one of our Filipina maids came up to me. "Miss Ann. Your daddy is looking for you. Get ready and go to the hall," he said and I nodded.

"Okay," I simply answered and he left in a hurry.

I took a deep breath. Dad wasn't the one looking for me and I know he's another partner or friend in the business world so... That's why he summoned me.

On the way to my room, I will pass the hall where the 24th birthday of my only sister, Arveliah, was held.

July 11, this special day of Arveliah is the death anniversary of my biological mother.

That's why I was in the music room because my chest was heavy because I remembered him, I remembered that I was only with him for a short time. That I wasn't even given much time to be with him while he was still alive in the world.

Yes, I am Dad's only child and the woman who taught me to play the piano is my biological mother. I am also one of the oldest and my youngest sister is Arveliah, who is often favored by daddy and my acknowledged mother. I don't know how it all happened.

My brother and I have a good relationship. She is not like our mommy who is very strict and just one mistake you make will get you scolded. They also discipline us differently but I know that they are like that only to me. Not Arveliah's.

"Miss May Ann, hurry up. Your daddy's friends have been waiting for a while!" he said confused and he actually looked back at me.

"Yes. Alright, you can go back to your work," I said and my smile disappeared when I saw Mommy. "M-Mom," I called her.

"What are you still doing here, May Ann? Go to your room and go dress up. Don't wait for your daddy," she said. I just nodded and then I left him there.

When I entered my room, I immediately saw my dress that Mommy had prepared.

I don't know if I'll be happy because on Arveliah's birthday Mommy prepares clothes for me to wear to the party or sad because... Because she really wants me to forget my Mom's death anniversary and so I don't remember it anymore yet the woman who gave birth to me in this world.

"It's not bad that I disobey him now, is it?" I asked myself and looked at my clothes. I'm still wearing purple office attire.

I just took my wallet and my keys and then I completely left my room. I went to the front door and I was about to leave but...

"Where are you going, Sister May Ann? It's my birthday today. Are you leaving again?" I faced my brother. He always keeps an eye on the front door because he knows. He knows that I always leave on his birthday. "Sister? There's a party there."

"Arveliah..."

"Please, Sister. Even today is my birthday. Don't leave yet, Ate May Ann..." he pleaded and hugged my arm but I was able to remove it.

"I'm sorry," I just said and left.

"Sister May Ann..."

I'm May Ann Vallejos, the eldest daughter of the Vallejos family. 28 years old and until now... I'm still unwanted daughter of my father and my Arveliah's Mom doesn't care about my existence, my father as well.

" May Ann..." I closed my eyes with so much irritation. This is one of the things I hate about my brother. The one who forces the person who doesn't want to do what he wants and even begs him.

Dad's reminder to us is that we should never try to plead with people or beg. Just because we want it to happen. Just because of our personal interest.

"Go to the hall, Arveliah. It's your day, just enjoy your birthday. You have guests that you have to deal with today," I told her but she shook her head because she refused to go. "Arveliah..." I uttered her name with a warning.

"You always run away from my birthday party, Ate. Why? Is it because Dad and Mom don't want to introduce you to their guests? Because you always hide behind me? Because I just made you my shadow? Sister, they are not what I need for today! What I want... all I want is to be with you even for a moment... Even just now, Sister May Ann," he said full of resentment.

My brother and sister have a good relationship, but there's just one thing he doesn't understand. To be close to each other. Since I was still young, our parents kept us apart. So if I treat him as well, it's only civil and we've never experienced bonding with just the two of us. We don't do those freaking things.

"Don't beg for me, Arveliah. Just go and leave me alone," I told him coldly and then I started walking away from him.

I stopped when I heard her sniff and she let out a weak sob. Yes, I'm a strict sister too. There are also things that I forbid him to do and he is an obedient brother, he does not become reprimanded even though there are times when I treat him coldly.

If only other people could witness the way I treated him, they would think I was a bad brother and heartless.

I turned back to him and stared at his face. There were tears on his cheeks. She's already 25 years old, but she acted like a child. She's spoiled when it comes to me.

"You know that I hate this day... Arveliah," I promised firmly and her sobbing only got louder. Because of his stooping, it looks like his neck is about to break.

I always say this to her, I told her several times that this is one of the days I hate and hate the most. Because this is also the day when my mother disappeared. So I wouldn't want to be happy just because it's his birthday. It is still more important that I visit Mama at her grave. Than to accompany my brother on his special day.

"You hate me that much, Sister? That you don't even want my birthday?" I grabbed my white handkerchief from my pants pocket and gave it to him.

"I never. Wipe your tears and get back there. As your older brother, you have to obey me," I said coldly. She lifted her face and met my eyes.

"A-Sister..."

"I told you not to beg. Don't do that, Arveliah," I said calmly and turned my back on him. I never heard her cry anymore so I have no reason to go back to her.

I just don't want to see her cry just because of me. I'm also hurt but he can't do anything about my treatment of him. This is how our parents raised me, so he also has to follow me, if he is raised differently, that will not be an exemption.

I was about to get to the front door when I heard a man's baritone voice. His voice was also cold.

"Do you know that one of the things I hate is people who make their siblings cry?" I frowned at his question. Except for the old man I met earlier, Don Bril, we also had guests from the Philippines and he spoke to me in our own language. I heard his footsteps towards me. For no reason my heart beats so fast and the nape of my neck is also numb that little by little my hair rises. But I remained silent, I don't talk to people I don't know. Except for Don Bril, who I also didn't think was approachable. "It's her birthday, why can't you give her what she wants? Why do you hate your sister too much, Miss? You're so heartless to treat her like that," he blurted out and I nodded my head.

That's what I thought. I'm heartless sister to treat Arveliah like that. Yes, I'm right.

He was behind me and I didn't face him. I haven't even seen his face yet, I'm nervous in his presence. I didn't get tense that he was a bad person even though he was a stranger. My heartbeat is not normal anymore. For the first time, I just now experienced the nervousness in the presence of other people, except for my Daddy who seems to have a normal reaction to me. But with this guy...

What does he know? That was all he heard and he knew nothing about my reason for wanting to leave now. That I won't give it to my brother even on his birthday. Arveliah also doesn't know why her sister always runs away on her birthday?

Because Arveliah doesn't know that we are only brothers on the father's side and I'm the only child outside. What does my brother know about that? And about me leaving just to visit my Mama. Because this was the only day I was given the opportunity to visit him.

I didn't pay attention to him anymore and I just continued walking but he took one step after another. It's dark in this place and I know he can't see my face.

"Stop." I ignored him. Who is he to order me? "Wow, I thought Theza was the only girl I knew who was rude. There is still one and the daughter of one of the richest and business man in all the towns of California," he mocked me. Even though I can't see his face now, I know his smile is wide.

"Who are you?" I asked him coldly.

"You're so rude. You're talking to someone who's your countryman but... you're just turning your back on me? Is there something wrong with your face that makes you not want to go to your brother's party? Is that why you also run away from him? So you weren't introduced because...is there something wrong with your face?" he asked one after another and my facial expression just hardened. He doesn't know me, the only one he knows is my daddy but he's like this. He's judging me right away. "And why is it dark in this part?"

"You're just a visitor. You're not allowed to roam around the mansion," I told him, coldly. The party was in the hall room but he still managed to wander inside our mansion?

"You're so rude, Miss." I faced him and I just saw his silhouette. I can't see his face, I can only see his hair style. Just a normal haircut that is brushed forward and the side of his head is shorter compared to the top of it.

He has broad shoulders and is very tall, if I'm not mistaken he might be around 6'0 footers or maybe more. He's wearing his black three suits and a tie pin.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him back and he stepped closer to me again. I also want to back off because my heart just beats faster every time he gets closer to me.

What's with him and he can make me feel my weird heartbeat and this... goosebumps?

It was not difficult for me to look up to him even though he was still very tall. I wear gray ankle shoes without heels. Because I don't wear high heels if I don't have a party to attend.

In his silhouette I can see that his nose is also pierced. I wonder what he looks like. Even though it was dark where we were now, I still looked directly into his eyes.

"Good thing I have my phone with me. Don't move and just stay." Even though I was confused by what he was saying, I still didn't move from where I was standing and I just waited for what he would do next.

I was about to go deaf from the force of the pounding in my chest when he was illuminated by the light coming from his phone. I felt like I was still out of breath when I saw his face. His eyebrows are thick and because he is bent over, his long and thick eyelashes are more defined. It seems so unfair to us girls, why does it seem so natural?

Whereas other women put on fake eyelashes and whatever else they put on to make them look more beautiful but this... His long and pointed nose. His lips...heart shape and naturally red too. His jaw...the adams apple...

"There..." I didn't even blink when he handed me his phone and the flashlight was on.

I just looked at him without emotion and I didn't react either. I saw the shock on his face. His eyes are deep, if you look at them, they are a little bigger. He also stared at me for a few seconds.

"Do you know that one of the things I hate is when he shines his flashlight in my face?" I said it's still ice cold and I don't know if he was surprised or what. Suddenly, his phone slipped and we even heard a loud noise when it fell to the floor.

"Shit!" He was still weak and I rolled my eyes.

"Go back to the party," I firmly ordered him and turned away. Suddenly he shouted.

"I'm lost!" I frowned.

"And what about me if you get lost?" I fired back. He looks like a child.

"I just arrived because..."

"I didn't ask you that. It's your problem if you get lost," I interrupted.

"You..."

"Sister? What's going on?" I looked at my sister. He was behind this man. "Why is this light off here? Just wait..." Before he could even turn on the light, I hurried to leave.

Only then did my nervousness and the fast beating of my heart disappear when I left there.

I guess Mommy was expecting me to leave again. So the guard at the gate is strict. I just closed my eyes tightly. Why? Why does he have to do this to me? Why does he always mistreat me? Why is he torturing me?

"Mama... I missed you already..." I whispered into the air and closed my eyes again.

"Ms. Ann. You're not allowed to go out."

"As I expected," I muttered and took a deep breath. But I won't let Mommy win again now. I still insisted on what I wanted and they all blocked me. "Don't you dare block my way," I warned them.

If this is the case, I'm doing only one thing. To fight with them but before I could do what I wanted, I heard Mom's voice.

"May, honey, accompany your brother to his party. Come on," he said to me softly.

"MAY ANN, honey, join your sister in her party. Come on, son."

That's why he is so kind to me. Because he also has friends with him. Because I know that he doesn't want to show them the way he treated me. His being strict and cold to me. Which is also different if Arveliah is the one he takes care of.

"Mom..."

"She's your eldest daughter, Venus?" her friend who wears her dirty white dress asked her that and she couldn't even avoid not looking at me. That's why I smiled at him.

"Yes, she is," said Mom, accompanied by a nod.

"She's more beautiful than your youngest daughter. How come that we didn't meet her, Venus?" Mom just smiled at them.

"Long story, really. Come on, hon. Let's get inside." I don't have any choice but to agree to go with them.

"Go dress up, May Ann," she said and I politely said goodbye to them before I went up the stairs. I went to my room.

I stared at my dress. Mommy prepared for me. Instead of wearing that, I just chose from my closet.

I choose my violet red bangage crop top and a pair of long skirt paneled style. They still look like suits because they are the same color. I know, if I wear this it will get more attention. Because apart from the adults, they are also wearing formal clothes and the others are wearing dresses and evening gowns. But as a matter of fact, my outfit today is simple. It's not noticeable.

I looked at myself in my big mirror inside my room. Because I'm wearing a crop top, my shoulders, arms and navel are still visible, but the neckline is not low, so it's fine. My cleavage cannot be seen. Because of the brightness of its color, my white complexion is more refined.

I looked at my hair that didn't go past my waist. This is not a pure black hair, it is gray and brownish. It's naturally waivy so I didn't even bother putting anything in my hair.

I approached my vanity mirror and sat there. I looked at the make-up and other beauty products one by one. I just sighed. Do I need to put make-up on my face? But suddenly, the handsome face of that guy crossed my mind. His long and curly eyelashes, his pointed nose and reddish lips. His Adams apple that went down and up.

I shook my head violently because why do I still clearly remember his face? Even if it didn't take a few minutes? Why can I master his face so quickly? Okay, I admitted. He is indeed handsome and his sex appeal is strong. Just looking at you will make you nervous. Your heart will beat faster.

But maybe with other women, their bodies don't react like that. I just don't know what's happening to me because it's just so weird.

In the end, I only applied light make up on my face and simple pink lipgloss. I sprayed Black Opium on my body and clothes.

I also wore one set of accessories, a violent diamond necklace, earrings, ring and bracelet. I took a black pouch and put my cellphone, credit cards, and business cards in it. Black ankle strap heel sandal three inches high. After I cleaned myself up, I went out of my room.

I remembered Mama. I just can't get to him now. Because my stepmom didn't let me anymore. I'm sorry, Mama... I could visit him another day, but today is really different. I wish... I wish I had canceled my appointment this morning just so I could visit his grave and not be stuck in my current situation.

"Sister! Let's go together!" I was still holding my chest because of the shock. My brother immediately greeted me as soon as I came out. She's wearing her blue evening gown, it's mermaid style. It's beautiful and as far as I know, Mommy did it on purpose just for her. "You didn't wear your dress? But...you look good there, Sister. You look sexy. Let's go!"

It's also undeniable that Arveliah and I are siblings, because we have a great bond. Only our personality is different. He, hyper and carefree. I'm not like that, I always control my every move and even my emotions.

"Let's go to the main door, Arveliah," I said because he chose to enter upstairs with stairs down to the hall. That gets more attention because he's just in front of a lot of visitors by chance. I hate attention.

"No. They should also see how beautiful my sister is and Mommy said we'll go in there," he insisted and when he pulled my arm I couldn't do anything but go with him.

For some unknown reason, the nervousness returned to my chest. Especially when I remember that man again. I just hope he got lost in our mansion and never came back. Because I was more nervous to know that he was there. My feelings are just weird. But I left him with Arveliah, she must have brought him.

"Hi, tell them that the birthday girl is about to enter the ball room, and of course with my big sister," he said happily.

"Yes, Ms. Arveliah," replied my brother.

"Nah, don't do that. Just don't tell them my arrival. It doesn't matter," I refused. There is no need for that. It's not my birthday.

"But sister..."

"This is just my request, Arveliah. If you're going to tell them that I'm coming with you. I will escape again. You can see and I'm serious," I threatened and he was immediately taken there. He nodded slowly and when the door was opened he entered. I even heard the announcement of Dad's staff and I felt relief that it was no longer connected.

But that was what I thought, because Arveliah was already holding the microphone, he just grabbed it from the MC and it's too late to back off. 'Just as I entered he spoke and to my surprise I stopped.

Many pairs of eyes immediately focused on me and the camera flashed, even on him. However, I didn't let my guard down. I'm still emotionless and I just watch my sister. I didn't even pay attention to the people around me.

"Ladies and gentlemen, eyes here! I am Arveliah V. Vallejos, I'm with my big sister May Ann, she is one of our Dad's heiress and now she is able to run one of our company. I know most of you guys didn't meet her. She's so aloof and hardworking. So, we were all lucky to see her tonight. You know what? She is my role model and the second woman I admire in this world. That's why you should know one of the reasons why I became successful, except for our parents, of course. That's it and thank you very much for attending my birthday. Enjoy the party!" After he said that, he came to me smiling and hugged my arm.

I just stared at him because my brain still couldn't process what he said earlier in front of many people.

"You know what? She is my role model and the second woman I admire in this world. That's why you should know one of the reasons why I became successful, except for our parents, of course." He was sincere when he said those words to me, that's why something in my chest caressed there. But my treatment of him will not change. It's still the same as before.

I hope he didn't say that. I'm not a good sister. There are also chances that I make him cry.

"Mom, Dad, hi. I'm with Ate May Ann now," he said and I looked up. Instead of looking at our parents, it turned to someone else.

He's this...man who pointed the flashlight of his phone at me earlier. My heart sank when I saw where his eyes were focused. On my chest, before it moved to my face. What is there in my chest and he is looking at it?

I bravely met his cold gaze. I didn't even look at him for long because I could see him more clearly now. There is a light around and he just became more attractive in everyone's eyes and wait a minute...

Why are Dad and Mom together at this table? And why him?

"Good evening to all of you," Arveliah greeted them with a smile and I looked at them. I just avoided looking at the man, but next to him was another man who had a lot of similarities to each other. Maybe it's his brother.

I didn't even look at it for long because his attention was also focused on me. What do these two brothers have? My eyes moved to the one next to him, I think he is the same age as Dad but the handsomeness is still visible on his face. Maybe...if it was still young, it might look the same as the other two boys and finally.

To the old man I met earlier, Don Brill. His smile was so sweet that I was also infected. Now that I have met him, I feel good about him.

"Good evening," I greeted them formally and even managed to bow.

"Good evening too, pretty ladies," Don Brill greeted us. "Venus and Daimor, you are very lucky to have been blessed with two beautiful daughters. Look at it... It's perfect."

"Ah, yes. Thank you, Don Brill," said Dad, his voice full of joy at the compliment.

"But we only knew one before. Your youngest son, while you still have an eldest son," he said and I didn't even look at my parents' reaction.

"I'm sorry for that, Don Brill. My daughter is a workaholic and if it's not important, she doesn't leave our company," explained Dad.

"Nah, no need to explain that to me, Daimor. Sit your children down."

I just watched as Dad pulled out a chair for Arveliah and he even supported her to sit. Mommy is next to me and if I happen to sit next to me, I will be facing the man.

"Thanks, Dad," my brother thanked our father.

"What are you doing, Mergus? You also pull Ms. Ann has a chair," said Don Brill.

"Grandpa?" It wasn't the command that surprised me. But to know that this man's grandfather was Don Brill?

"Be a gentleman, grandson," he just said and it was as if he was against his will to obey his grandfather's order.

He walked closer to me and my heart was confused again so to prevent him from approaching me I refused.

"No need," I said but quickly took my hand back because he grabbed the chair and I grabbed his hand.

I hid my hand because I felt the electric voltage. What was that?! Where did that come from?!

I also saw that he looked at his hand in surprise. I'm not sure if he felt that too. He cleared his throat before he pulled the chair for me.

"Thank you," I said softly as he turned to me. He raised his eyebrows.

"I didn't hear," he also said softly. I just avoided looking at him and sat down.

I'm the type of girl who doesn't repeat what I've already said. So why should I repeat that to him? What if he didn't hear? Is that my problem? I have already said what is important to me. Whether he heard it or not, I don't care anymore.

"Here, May Ann. Eat," said Mom. I just nodded but I stilled when he leaned into me just to whisper. "What are you wearing? Why are you only wearing a crop top and a paneled skirt? This is a formal birthday party, May Ann. Do you want to embarrass your Dad and me in front of our guests?" he asked me with a hint of anger.

There was nothing wrong with what I wore. Because if you look at it from a distance, it looks like a dress and only the part of my navel is open. Because the fabric is still hanging down my skirt.

"I'm sorry, Mom," I humbly promised. Those are the only words I say when I make mistakes, but I don't often disobey them.

"Hey. You really have no respect for your brother's birthday. Instead of him being the one to notice tonight, you're the one who got everyone's attention. Especially the Brilliantes clan. I made the mistake of going here. I hope...you just go to your mother's grave," he said coldly and I couldn't stop looking at the people he was referring to.

The man Don Brill had earlier called Mergus. Is his name Mergus? Then to our guests as well and I admit that their attention was focused on us. But I'm not sure if they're really looking at me.

"Let's drink this whiskey, Daimor." I looked at Don Brill. He calls my daddy on a first name basis and they are obviously close to each other.

"Yeah."

One by one they raised their poco grande wine glasses and I was the only one who didn't because I wasn't drinking anything today.

I still felt Mom elbowing me so I reached for the cherry glass that was only filled with water and I raised mine as well. 'It hit the man's glass right. I just looked at him without emotion.

"Cheers, this is for you Arveliah. Happy 25th birthday!" Don Brill happily exclaimed. I heard Arveliah giggled. If I were in his position now, my parents might scold me. They are so strict that even laughing you have to stop but when it comes to me...

"Thank you, Don Brill!"

"And also, for the merger of our family," Dad said next and I turned to him.

What does he mean by merge of our family? I can understand if he is referring to our company but what family? What is that?

"Yes, cheers to my future granddaughter-in-law," Don Brill uttered and he glanced at me.

My hand trembled and a loud thump rumbled in my chest, because I felt like I got what they wanted to convey.

They agreed on something and I guessed that.