A scattering of goosebumps raised over Lise's shoulders and arms as she heard her name announced formally for the first time, "Auralise Amelie Ang."
She had waited sixteen long years to be officially introduced into the circle of aristocratic elites that her family practically ran. As the camera lights flashed on, she presented her best smile and straightened her posture to perfection.
Clipped, polished and polite claps greeted her and her two big brothers who escorted her as they descended the grand staircase leading to the massive ballroom. The threesome made quite an entrance: the boys who were nineteen and proud and Lise were handsome and beautiful, respectively. There was a clear family resemblance with their unique European and Asian parentage. Large, dark eyes, sharp cheekbones, full and grinning lips, and distinguished noses, everything about them was refined and meticulous. The twins were jaw-dropping in their smartly tailored Armani's and they towered over their delicate sister who was between them. Lise, though, was the star of the show tonight. The five foot five beauty wore a breathtaking evening gown. It was the color of blushing roses, a regal red that was almost pink and it matched her delicately honeyed, light skin beautifully. It began with an exquisite, low-cut V-neckline and a close fitted bodice that hugged her small waist until it flowed out in layers of lace and chiffon.
Tonight was her debutante ball, of sorts. If Master Ang even had the slightest suspicion that the event would be like an announcement of her coming of age, then he would never have allowed for it to take place. Consequently, it was treated more as an introduction into society. The Ang family had a tradition of holding luxurious parties each time a daughter reaches her fifteenth year (it took a full year for the patriarch of Ang to finally agree to it, thus Lise was sixteen for hers). Only the most elite of guests were invited to celebrate the momentous occasion. The star would, of course, be the debutante and she would showcase an impeccably elegant jewelry piece designed especially for her by the family's high end jeweler. The main event of the night would be the results of the silence auction held for that very piece of jewelry. The debutante would then personally place the jewelry on the winning party. The proceeds would then go to the newly debuted lady's choice of charity to showcase the Angs' good grace.. This tradition was held by the family for as long as they have existed.
Lise was positively radiant as she flashed her gorgeous smile at her guests. As her brothers led her to their father, her hand subconsciously fingered the glittering diamond necklace that was displayed on her throat. The noble father of Ang awaited her with the sweetest of smiles and gentlest of eyes. The patriarch of the family was once considered quite handsome in his youth, but was even more so now with the charisma of age. Beside him was the Madame Ang in an ornate wine colored evening gown that gave her an ethereal glow. And so it could be concluded that the parental generation of Ang made quite a beautiful, striking couple.
The twins released their little sister to their father, who held out his arms for his baby girl. Lise was enfolded in her father's big, strong arms and nothing felt safer or more comforting. A collective "aww" went around the room at the warm display. The boys went to their mother just as the lovely chords of a harp started a sweet melody. The guests were formed in a circle around the family as Master Ang led Lise into their father-daughter dance. After an appropriate time of spotlight, Madame Ang, escorted by the twins, joined them in the dance. As if rehearsed, other Ang family members coupled up and joined on the dance floor, then more distant families of Ang joined, then closest friends, and so on until all had joined in.
After the ceremonial dance, refined, but lively music marked the beginning of the period of visiting and congratulating. Guests filtered out of the dance floor and mingled; some heading to the refreshments and some striking up conversation.
Praising whispers concerning the venue, appetizers, music, and above all, the youngest daughter of Ang circulated. There were naturally reporters there to compete for the chance to catch a glimpse or even a perfect picture of the sure to be the newest media darling. Such a grand occasion would sell out in the following morning's papers and fill magazines and online journals for the next week at least.
Lise, who had grown up spoiled and quite arrogant, soaked in all of this proudly. Luckily, there was a security team hired especially to keep the paparazzo in check and Ang family members to hold back the well-wishers from overwhelming the princess. Nevertheless, Lise was still kept busy accepting gifts and compliments. It felt quite lovely to be so adored.
"Aurie!" a familiar voice sang in Lise's ear just as she was admiring a perfume gifted to her.
Lise gasped and turned around to find herself in her favorite cousin Lauralie's arms, "Jiějiě! I thought you were studying through the summer in London?"
"I asked for a leave. How could I miss my favorite mèimei's birthday celebration?" Laurie answered sweetly.
Overjoyed, Lise clung onto her cousin's arm and they casually strolled.
"You look absolutely perfect tonight," Laurie praised, "like a princess. I've never seen that shade before, though. How did my āyí commission this beautiful gown in that color?"
Lise rolled her eyes playfully, "It was a suck up from Vera Wang. She practically begged māmā to make the gown for my gala. Even threw in the fact that she would create a color uniquely for me. How lucky for her that this is such a lovely color," she fingered the silk and chiffon of her skirt.
Laurie laughed lightly, "Oh, Aurie. How spoiled you are. You've even got high end designers falling at your feet."
Lise glanced at her side-ways, "And so are you my angelic cousin!"
Lise was right. Laurie's father was the Master Ang's younger brother and their family was almost as well off as the main Ang household. Lauralie inherited her mother's delicate Chinese features and her father's height. At five foot seven, she was effortly gorgeous enough to be a model. She looked it too, with her limited collection Chanel black, silkened lace sheath number that hugged her curves and strappy black stilettos.
Since Auralise's birth, the cousins have been an iconic duo. They grew up together and had their glow ups together and until Laurie started studying in London nearly two years ago, they'd also been inseparable. Laurie was Auralise's good angel on her shoulder for she would have grown up a lot more self centered if it hadn't been for Lauralie's influence.
As if sensing an opening for her attention, the reporters addressed the debutante.
"Miss Ang, can you tell us about the experiences of growing up in such an elite family?
"Miss Ang, what's your thought on this birthday gala?"
"Miss Ang, has anyone special caught your eyes tonight?"
"Miss Ang, what can you tell us about the exclusive guest list?"
"Miss Ang, who do you think will win your necklace?"
Immediately, Master Ang sternly made his way over to protect his princess, and her big brothers following suit.
Lise smiled reassuringly at her protectors and turned to the media, "Hello everyone! I am so blessed to have this event to celebrate with all of my family and friends," she smiled at the circle of guests around her, "what an honor it is to be introduced officially as a daughter of Ang. I hope I can live up to our legacy because I love being a part of this amazing family more than anything else. Thank you for being here tonight to celebrate my sixteenth birthday with me."
Claps sounded around the room at the end of her speech and Master Ang came up and put an arm protectively around his baby girl, "Well said, my princess. Well said. Now, as you all already know, the main event tonight is the lucky winner of my daughter's necklace. Let's calculate the results, shall we?"
Excited chatter and more applause circulate around the room.
"My beautiful Amelia," Master Ang held an arm out for his wife, "will you join us?"
The lovely Madame Ang smiled warmly and joined them. She carefully removed the diamond necklace from her daughter's neck and placed it on its glass display one last time for the reporters to snap final pictures.
When the voices had died down a bit, an assistant placed a piece of paper in Master Ang's hand.
"Mister Nathaniel Jeong for two million yuan."
High pitched, girlish squeals filled everyones' ears and the attention was drawn to the young female population present. The cause of the excitement himself stepped up to the center of the circle rather abashedly.
Taking her time to examine him, Lise could understand why he was so popular with the girls. He was tall, six feet at least, and he exhorted an aura that screamed K-pop idol with his perfectly messy, dark and floppy hair. His eyes were dark and therefore reflected light gloriously and his full lips and defined nose were as if sculpted flawlessly. His steps were confident and even somewhat bouncy as he approached the circle of Angs.
Master Ang seized him up with reluctant approval. From his dressing (an Armani suit that almost rivaled the Ang twins') and manners, it can be clearly concluded that he must be the son of one of the elites present.
Since he had no date on his arm, Lise could not personally place the jewelry on so she grasped it gently and offered it to him instead.
"Thank you," the recipient said sincerely with a perfectly charismatic smile that made Lise catch her breath.
He really was a ladies man, especially when he showed his heart dropping smile.
"May I ask who this gift is for?" Lise asked shyly.
A blush crept up his neck and onto his cheeks. He looked away and rubbed his neck embarassingly, "Someone special to me."
Oh. A part of Lise's hopes crashed. Then she smiled graciously and held it out to him even more, gesturing that he should take it.
He took it gently and placed it in the special case that was designed for it held by an assistant.
"Thank you for your donation to Hope for Orphaned Children," Lise said loudly so that everyone would remember the real meaning behind the formality.
Polite applause sounded at her proclamation and guests turned their attention to visiting once again as the main event concluded.
"I wonder who his special person is," Lise wondered absentmindedly as she watched him carry the prize away.
"Why do you ask?" Laurie came to stand beside her cousin.
"Just curious," Lise replied nonchalantly as her brothers approached them. Perhaps she knew of the special person. Perhaps the special person was Lise herself? Even though this was the first time she was publicized since birth, she couldn't think of anyone else that was more special than her. With that realization, she smiled smugly.
"There's the birthday girl!" Arlo exclaimed, pulling Lise into his arms, "what do you think of this party?"
"I love it," Lise smiled brightly at her brother.
"Hi Laurie, it's nice to have you back," Adrian greeted their cousin warmly before also pulling Lise into a hug.
Lise giggled, "You guys are smothering me!"
The twins laughed and stepped back and Lise shooed them away, "Go! Dance with some pretty girls, they are obviously missing you two!"
She was correct. A group of gorgeous, high class girls were staring on with envy-filled eyes. Lise gave them an eye roll. She was their sister, for goodness' sake.
Unexpectedly, the boys each dropped a kiss on her cheek before leaving to entertain the guests. Warmth filled Lise's heart as she watched her big brothers, her protectors slip away.
"Awww," Laurie sighed softly, "I wish my siblings loved me that much. Anytime I get too close, they run away."
Lise laughed. It was true. Laurie had an older brother, Chase, who was eighteen and couldn't be bothered by family and Miri, who was ten and shockingly independent.
"I am so lucky to have them," Lise smiled.
Laurie looked at her unbelievingly, "Is that Auralise Amelie Ang? Being thankful?"
Lise shrugged, "Come on, I want more attention," she said and led her cousin to the guests still awaiting to congratulate her.
They didn't see Nathaniel Jeong again that night, much to Lise's disappointment.