The guests chat among themselves.
The atmosphere looks super festive.
The guests, which originally not should have been more than 300 people, increased to more than 700 people.
Nobody wanted to miss this extravagant birthday party.
It was all because the invitees were forced by their business partners to 'smuggle' them as their companion's partner for the night.
Even Mr. President attended Mr. Nico Marcello's party.
Wreaths filled the front yard, even the streets.
Fortunately, Marcello's Resident house was a private complex, so even though flower garlands fill the streets, it should not disturb other road users.
People stopped talking when they saw the arrival of Nico Marcello who was flanked by a young girl who was gorgeous and enchanting.
The old man looked very happy, patted the hand of the girl next to him. The two of them slowly descended the stairs, nodding and waving at the guests.
The guests began to whisper among themselves, discussing the girl who was holding the arm of Mr. Nico Marcello.
Some thought that the girl was an artist who was asked to be his companion, some thought that Velina was his mistress.
But no one dared to openly speak their mind about it eventually.
Velina's round, brown eyes, vigilantly scanned her surroundings, a smile never left her lips. Without her knowing it, a man had been observing her from afar, not even blinking his eyes for a second in fear that he might lose her ever again if he did.
Women looked at Velina with envy and jealousy.
Only a few of them truly praised her beauty without any hidden intentions.
The dress she wore was so beautiful, it shone when exposed to the light.
She was gorgeous in a simple way. Her demeanor was like that of a noble girl, making the women around her feel threatened.
Meanwhile, the men stared at her with admiration.
She was too pretty to look at, her gaze was sincere, like an angel who had just come down from heaven.
Even so, no one dared to approach her carelessly. Not after seeing this pretty girl appeared together with Mr. Marcello.
Amongst the three siblings, people hardly knew Velina.
Apart from being the one who was always traveling around and rarely being at home, Velina always tried to be humble.
Moreover, her dangerous work making her to always needed to cover up her existences anywhere.
"Is this dress by Fanny?" asked a girl who ventured herself to ask her.
Velina turned her head to see who was that and smiled at her, nodding her head.
"I love Fanny's dresses so much, they are all amazing!" she exclaimed again, excited to see that the two of them had a similar liking.
"Yes, you're right. Fanny is special" Velina replied, taking a sip of her class of cocktail.
"My name is Vanya Lukin" the girl smiled as she stretched out her hand.
Velina smiled and welcomed her extended hand. She looked like a lovely girl, and Velina didn't mind being friendly with her.
"Velina Marcello," she said with a sweet smile. Vanya's face seemed to have changed, she looked a little surprised. her eyes are rounded and her lips were 'O' shaped.
"You ..." she said, but not a word came out after that. Velina laughed seeing her became like that.
"I am Franco Marcello's second child," she replied.
"Oh! Sorry! I hardly ever saw you! No wonder you look very beautiful! Your two siblings are equally beautiful!" she replied, looking so excited as if she had just found a treasure.
When they were chatting, the sound of the glass clinking made them turn their head to the sound.
It was Nico Marcello clinking wine glasses to attract the attention of the guests.
"Ehem ... I want to welcome all guests who have deigned to attend to attend my simple birthday party." He said while looking at the crowd.
"Although I did not think that there would be this many people coming, I am very happy to see you all as enthusiastic as I am tonight" he continued, his words looked polite, but there was also a tone of sarcasm towards the 'uninvited guests'.
"Apart from that, I also want to introduce my granddaughter, who has been like a crook, came uninvited and left unattended, who finally chose to go home. I hope this time she won't run away ever again" he continued while looking at Velina, who accompanied by the laughter of the guests.
Velina also laughed at her grandfather's antique. Elegantly, she walked slowly towards the old man who was standing in the middle of the banquet.
"Eyang[1]..." Velina approached, who was greeted by her grandfather's warm embrace.
The guests, who initially thought badly of her, became very embarrassed.
Meanwhile, almost all the women who attended the party seemed even more displeased when they found out that Velina was Nico Marcello's second granddaughter.
Huh! She was beautiful, rich, respected, and influential too! Who wouldn't be jealous of her?
Everybody wanted to be in her shoes, right?
*** *** ***
Eyang[1] Means Grandfather in Javanese