Chapter 317

 317:
Two days later, at precisely 7 PM, Vista Villa came alive in an unprecedented display of festivity. The once subdued and quiet villa was now a spectacle of enchantment, adorned with such exquisite decorations that it demanded attention.
The garden radiated a welcoming warmth, adorned with birthday banners that fluttered gently against the walls. Stepping into the transformed space, Dustin stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes wide with astonishment. “Whoa, is this really Collin’s place? Or have I somehow wandered into the wrong house?”
Walking alongside Dustin, Dominic couldn’t resist commenting, “Collin’s truly unrecognizable now. Marriage really reshapes a man, doesn’t it?”
At that moment, Dustin caught sight of Collin and Linsey, both looking splendid in their evening attire. He couldn’t resist a bit of playful ribbing as he approached. “Tell me, Collin, did Linsey coerce you or something? You’ve never acted like this before!”
Dolores, who had been mingling nearby, caught wind of the conversation. Displeased with Dustin’s implication, she marched over, her steps firm and a platter of vibrant fruit in hand. Her voice was stern and disapproving as she corrected him. “That’s hardly the right way to say it. Collin shows Linsey respect—it’s not about coercion.”
Dustin turned, finally noticing Dolores, whose presence was as commanding as her attire. His smile was tentative as he extended his greetings. “Ah, you’re Linsey’s dear friend, Dolores. I apologize for my clumsy words.”
He recalled Collin’s stories of Linsey’s steadfast best friend, Dolores. Offending her would undoubtedly ripple back to Linsey, a situation Dustin was keen to avoid at all costs.
With a quick change in his approach, Dustin’s tone mellowed significantly as he offered Dolores a heartfelt apology, his demeanor nothing but warm. However, Dolores, observing his lighthearted attempt to diffuse the tension, stood unswayed and coolly detached, scrutinizing his every move with a skeptical eye.
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The heir to the Wade family lived up to his reputation as being effortlessly carefree and nonchalant. Dolores rolled her eyes theatrically and decided to completely dismiss his presence. The festive atmosphere of the birthday party was not the place for petty squabbles.
Amid the laughter and light-hearted chatter, a moment of realization dawned upon Dustin. His eyes lit up with excitement as he remembered the gift he had meticulously chosen for the occasion. He approached Linsey with a flourish, presenting the elegantly wrapped gift box. “A very happy birthday to you, Linsey!” he exclaimed with a wide, infectious smile.
With a playful laugh, Linsey accepted the gift, her voice filled with joy. “Thank you so much, Dustin! But just so you know, today we’re actually celebrating Collin’s birthday. He and I thought it’d be more fun to share the spotlight!”
Dominic, not to be outdone, stepped forward with a mischievous grin, handing Linsey his own carefully selected gift. “And here’s a little something from me,” he said.
As for the idea he and Dustin had brainstormed… Dominic was secretly relieved he hadn’t attached his name to the risky venture of a gift he had planned with Dustin. He wasn’t prepared to navigate the fallout if Collin reacted poorly.
As the gift-giving continued, Linsey’s eyes sparkled with delight at the bounty of thoughtful presents. She instructed the staff to store them safely, eager to explore their contents once the party subsided.
The highlight of the evening arrived when Linsey, with a dramatic flick of the switch, plunged the room into darkness. A hush fell over the gathering as she slowly wheeled in a cart laden with a decadently decorated cake.
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