Exactly 3 in the noon when the formal party started. All of the invited families already gathered on the center, waiting for the two celebrants. Some also acknowledged Calista even she was from Mr Harnault's mistress because of her good personality, opposite on her step sister's.
She promised to her mother that she will use her cards carefully to take people's heart and lift her reputation up, higher than her rival, Ashanti.
She should be the heiress of the family. She will prove that she is better in everything. She hoped her mother was proud in heaven.
"Miss Calista Navi Harnault."
The speaker called her name, then the flash locked the spot on her. She could see the people's emotion while looking at her. She smiled and slowly walked downstairs, savoring the attention she's getting that moment.
The dress she's wearing was a white cocktail with a white belt hugging her waist. She only put her wavy hair down, with the little pearls near her ears. Her hands had a silk gloves with the length stopping on her elbow.
"Happy Birthday, Miss."
She thanked every person who greeted her, some only smiled to her, hiding the disgust behind their 4-layered foundation. She didn't mind it. Makukuha naman niya lahat ng mga kiliti nito bago siya magdebut. She's sure about that idea on her mind.
"Miss Valerina Ashanti Harnault."
Then the flash locked on Ashanti, just like on Calista's. She elegantly swayed her hips and walked like a supermodel while going down, oppossite on Calista's stairs. The people also tied their eyes on her, looking like they were seeing a queen that time.
Ashanti secretly sniggered when she took a glimpse on her. Calista's face and hand crumpled because of the unfair treatment they give between the two of them.
'Know your place, Cali. I am the queen of this celebration.'
On the last step, the people near moved towards her and greeted her a happy birthday. She smiled and thanked them, just like Calista did.
"Please go to your respected seats, the first meal will be distributed in any moment. Thank you." The speaker announced after a minute.
Pumunta muna siya sa table ng kaniyang mga kaibigan. Their gazed at her from head to toe.
"Geez, this will be the first time na pagbibigyan kitang lamangan ang beauty ko," said Kennedy while standing to give her a peck.
"Kenny, kadiri ka. Dito ka pa talaga sa mansion ng Rossault nagbubuga ng kasinungalingan mo." Umiiling-iling pa si Cayser sa kaniya.
"Hbd bro, yung regalo ko yung the best among our ugly friends'." Jaxon raised the champagne before drinking it. Nagreact naman ang iba sa sinabi nito.
She laughed, looking at them. Sa buhay niya, ang limang nasa harap lang niya ngayon ang pinagkakatiwalaan niya. Nakipagselfie muna siya kila Trishza and Gabi bago pumunta sa table niya.
Her parents were talking to someone while Calista was quitely listening to them. She smirked and sit on the opposite side. Nakuha naman niya ang atensyon nito kaya pinalitan niya ng genuine smile ang ngisi niya.
"Happy Birthday, Sis," she said, trying not to puke after saying the word 'sis'. Calista also plastered the same smile and greeted her back. "Happy Birthday too, sis. Sorry pala kanina sa ginawa ko."
She chortled. "No worries. Next time be careful on what you say, not only to me, but also to others."
I will be kind to you for today because it's our birthday.
Calista felt relieved and even put her hands on her chest. "Thank you. Akala ko kasi hindi mo na naman ako papatawarin." She even raised her voice higher kung kaya't napatigil ang paguusap ng kanilang magulang at nabaling sa kanila ang atensyon.
Ashanti smiled back. What the hell, her step sister was already taking a move to give her a shame.
"My anger faded already. But please.. don't tell a girl she is pregnant just because they ate more food for a day."
The people near them gasped on what they heard. They even start gossiping, throwing sharp words to Calista. She only smiled and looked at her again.
"That's because you ate so many unlike what normal noblewomem should eat. People will talk shamely about you because of that. I'm only worried. I'm so sorry again, sis." She looked innocent, but Ashanti knew her better than anyone.
'I am the talk of the town on my previous life because of you, bitch.'
"Thank you for the cornern. I also worry about you broadcasting a bluff loudly. Nakakahiya, sa St. Alorzo ka pa naman nag-aaral." She's masking a sadness on her face.
Did Calista think she was the only one who could be the white lotus here? Ashanti observing her step sister's actions since they were young, so she could mimick what Calista's doing right now.
The people near them were still thirsty for another sentence that will come out on the sisters' mouths but the waiters already served them so they were forced to focus on the foods on their table.
Their father was scolding them two using his eyes so Ashanti shrugged and didn't talk again. Ayaw niyang pagalitin pa ang ama niya dahil may plano pa siyang magparty outside pagtapos nito.
While eating, there were performers on the stage dancing. She glared and secretly judging them. She's a ballet dancer so she knows what is right and wrong on their positions.
Nang matapos ay nagpalakpakan ang lahat, even her. Well, not bad. It's entertaining kaya para sa mga normal people na nanonood ay maganda iyon at hindi masyadong visible ang mga mali. But she's better.
"Mr Rossault."
Ashanti automatically turned her head towards Mr Vasquez. She cursed inside, forgetting about Kalen's father going here on her 17th birthday. Dito iyon nagumpisa.
Calista glanced at Ashanti focusing her attension on the man standing beside his father right now. He greeted them and they genuinely thanked them.
'Why is Ashanti giving lot of attention on this man?'
Maybe it's someone she admired? Or maybe..
"You have a two great two daughters, Carshon. One of them could be a good partner to my son to strengthen our partnership." He said it in jokingly manner, but all people who would hear how he said it could tell he meant what he said.
His father laughed. "Ofcourse, I might test them later to know who's better to inherit the company."
She glanced at Ashanti, shocked when she saw her eyes twinkling like she's a kid looking at a big candy in her front.
She secretly smiled when an idea popped on her head. This was for sure a big thigh not just for Ashanti but also for her to achieve her goal. She should take that opportunity from her.
After the formal party, Ashanti went to her friends again, exiting the mansion. Hinatid lang niya ang mga ito sa kani-kanilang sasakyang dala.
Mansory Vivere Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari F60, Lamborghini, Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita. Sanay sa siyang makita ang mga iyan hindi lang sa mga kaibigan niya kundi pati narin sa garahe ng mansion nila Ashanti.
"Don't forget later, in the Adlige Club, 9 pm. Sagot ko."
"Na-uh." Gabi shook her head. "If you will pay everything, I'll pass. I have my noble pride."
"Same," Jaxon agreed, nodding his head.
"And also, it's your day, girl! Pambawi just in case hindi mo like yung regalo ko."
"Uy, si Trishza aminadong tseke laman ng regalo." Cayser teased her. Trishza rolled her eyes at him then put her chin up. "Pustahan 20 million hindi tseke laman ng regalo ko."
Ashanti shook her head while laughing at them. Sanay na siya sa ganitong sitwasyon. She would also not be surprised if Cayser will accept the bet.
"You guys stop teasing each other. Parehas lang namang lame ang mga regalo niyo." Jaxon commented. He told them to stop but he joined the scene!
"Guys stop na talaga, naghihintay na yung driver ko. Kita kits nalang tayo sa club later." Kennedy gave them a peck and wave her hands before walking towards the car.
"Lakas makabeso magkikita naman tayo mamaya," pahabol ni Cayser kay Kennedy. She only stuck her tongue out to them before going inside. Pagkatapos nun ay isa isa na ring umalis ang mga natitira niyang kaibigan.
She went inside the mansion and smiled to the guests who were still talking to his dad. She was about to go upstairs when someone called her.
"Happy birthday again, Miss Ashanti."
"Thank you Mr Vasquez. I hope you enjoy the formal party today."
"Too formal, you can call me Tito. Yes, as expected in Rossault family."
She blinked her eyes twice. Did she clearly heard what he said? He chuckled when he saw her reaction. "Our ménage will collide soon. I hope Carshon will choose you to be the representative."
Woah. She didn't expect him to do say that. Wala siyang maalala na nagkaroon sila ng ganoong conversation ng ama ni Kalen. She remembered him to be aloof and formal to everyone. This even didn't happen in the past!
But this was even better. Mr Vasquez was on her side! This made her plan a piece of cake!
"Alright... Tito."
She smiled to him and said goodbye. After that, she went upstairs to her room, naabutan niya ang mga maid na inilalagay ang mga regalo sa kwarto niya.
"Where's Maeann?"
"Pumunta po muna sa baba, tumutulong po sa paglilinis ng mansion."
"Alright. Finish your work quickly, gusto ko na magpahinga." The maids nodded and put the gifts on her room. Nang matapos ay isinara na niya ang pintuan at pumunta sa kaniyang closet.
She frowned to all the clothes left hanging in her closet. She didn't like to wear those later in the club. If this was her previous life, she would. But because she's now used on wearing daring clothes ay hindi na niya magawa iyon.
Yung mga itatapon na niya ay nakalagay sa isang malaking box. Pinaayos niya ito kanina kay Maeann para di makalat. She wanted to dispose it but she guessed it's better to just give the clothes to an orphanage here in the city.
'Atleast I'm being a little kind here in my new life, hmm.'
She took out her phone and called Harley. She only waited for one ring before hearing the voice with a calm music in the background.
"Happy Birthday, girl. I went to your formal party a while ago, right? Is there a problem?"
"I need a seductive dress."
"A what? Sino ba lalampungin mo ngayon?"
"Oh no Harley, I ain't a slut. I will use it later on the club."
"Ganoon na rin yun. Maghahanap ka happiness dun sa club. Now na, as in ngayong gabi na?"
"Yeah, lent me one, I will double the price."
"Geez, I don't know what's with you asking for a dress that you will use later in the club. Naubusan ka na ba ng damit? No way, Rossault ka eh."
She rolled her eyes, she couldn't tell Harley what happened to herself. Baka sabihin lang nito na nababaliw na siya. "No more questions. I trust your sense on fashion. Need it before 8 pm." Then she hanged up the call.
Harley blinked twice looking at her phone. Wow, this was the first time Ashanti would let her pick the clothes. Everytime Ashanti was going to her boutique, she only gave her the best of the best suits and Ashanti would tell if she would buy it or not.
"Miss Harley?" Her assistant called her.
"Ah, yes. Give me the best seductive dress here, now. We have a vvip costumer again."
The assistant nodded and went to the storage room. It only took a few minutes to have a line of dresses infront of her.
After she chose the best dress for Ashanti, she called another staff to process the order and deliver it to the Rossault's mansion.