As the days passed, Grandfather's birthday party finally arrived. I slipped into the dress--- a vision of pure white, sleeveless and soft as moonlight. The fabric clung gently to my figure, like it had been woven just for me, whispering against my skin with every movement. It was delicate but powerful, an unspoken declaration of grace and elegance.
When I descended the stairs, Han Sheng was waiting below, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity I hadn't seen before. His eyes lit up, and for a moment, he seemed utterly captivated.
"Han Sheng? Hello?" I said, waving my hand in front of his face. That seemed to snap him back to reality.
He blinked, almost startled, and cleared his throat. "Let's go".
We walked together to the party hall, making a grand entrance. All eyes turned to us, and the room buzzed with admiration. "They look amazing together," I heard someone whisper. Compliments flowed from every corner, praising our appearance and presence.
After the initial attention, Han Sheng excused himself to welcome the guests, leaving me free to explore. My stomach led the way, and soon I found myself at the dessert table, utterly drawn to the array of delicious treats. Without hesitation, I began indulging, savouring every bite as I filled my plate.
While I was devouring the desserts, their sweetness melting on my tongue, a voice interrupted me. "Sister," it called, dripping with false warmth. I turned around and found her—my half-sister, Su Ming—standing there, her smile as sharp as her words were about to be.
She sauntered closer, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, sister, looks like Han Sheng brother isn't feeding you well enough," she said, her tone laced with mockery. Then, as if she couldn't resist, she tilted her head to show off the necklace around her neck, a glittering piece designed to grab attention.
"Sister, look at your neck. Oh my, how sad! Nothing to wear," she said with a dramatic pout. "But look at mine," she continued, her fingers brushing the necklace as if it were a crown. "Han Sheng brother bought me this. Isn't it gorgeous? Oh, sister, I feel so bad for you. He must not care about you enough to buy you anything."
Her voice dripped with smugness as she leaned in, lowering it to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, I think you should give up on him. Han Sheng brother doesn't care about you—he only cares about me. It's obvious, isn't it?"
I didn't look up from my plate. The desserts were far more interesting than her theatrics. "Mm," I muttered, taking another bite. "Really?"
My nonchalance must have riled her because she stepped closer, her words sharpening. "Yes, sister. You're jealous, aren't you? You can't stand that he's mine now. Poor thing."
Finally, I looked up, smirking. "You know," I said, my voice light but cutting, "you're so eager to let the world know you're nothing more than a mistress. Should I applaud your honesty?"
Her face faltered, just for a second, before she recovered. "At least he loves me enough to buy me this," she shot back, clutching the necklace like it was a badge of honour.
I laughed, a soft, mocking sound that made her bristle. "If you think trinkets like that prove love, then maybe you're the one who's desperate", I said, my tone light but biting.
Her eyes narrowed, and I could see the fury aerated inside her. Then, with a sweet but sharp smile, I added, "Actually, Han Sheng is the garbage that I have already discarded. If you want, feel free to pick it up".
Su Ming's lips curled, "You…you don't deserve Han Sheng brother", she sneered, her tone sharp and laced with venom.
While we were deep in conversation, Han Jiang strode in, her voice cutting through our conversation. "You are right Su Ming sister", she said coldly, her sharp gaze locking on me. "She doesn't deserve my brother. Only someone as good as Su Ming sister could be worthy of my brother." She said.
Su Ming's triumphant grin returned as she turned to me. "See?" she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "Even Han Jiang knows I'm better."
But I wasn't finished yet. I looked directly at her and said, "Of course, garbage is perfect for garbage."
The words hung in the air like a slap. Su Ming's face froze, her confidence cracking as if someone had shattered a mirror.
"You… you're jealous!" she sputtered, trying to regain control. "That's why you're saying this! You know Han Sheng brother likes me, not you!"
I leaned back, folding my arms, enjoying the spectacle. "Oh, sister," I said with a smirk, "if that's what you need to believe, who am I to stop you?"
Su Ming's reaction took a wild turn. Suddenly, she slapped herself, tears streaming down her face as she dramatically wailed, "Sister, I know you don't like me, but how could you do this to me?"