Chapter 58

Stella's POV

"Deputy Styling Director?" I repeated, hardly believing what I'd ju

st heard. "Yes, Ms. Winston," the HR person confirmed. "*Splendor*would l

ike to offer you the position. The production begins filming next

Friday with costume fittings and promotional photos. I'll email all

the details shortly."

I hung up, a sense of accomplishment washing over me.This posi

tion wasn't connected to the Winston name or my marriage to

Adam-it was based purely on my professional skills. "*Splendor* hired me as their Deputy Styling Director," I told Sam, who was sprawvled on the couch beside me. "Congratulations! My Stella is the best!" Sam bounced up excitedl

y.

′′𝐿should definitely celebrate today! It's your birthday too-do

uble celebration!"

My smile faltered. "Sam, today might not actually be my birthda

y."

but they mattered. Sam Jeaned over and hugged me tightly. "Darling,your birthday is

whenever you want it to be."

」 knew she was right. Birthdays were just ceremonial markers,

"Someone's throwing quite an event," I remarked, scanning the

crowded lot. "Probably some corporate party," Sam shrugged, finding a spot "You're right." I decided. "Let's celebrate today!"

I'd celebrated twenty birthdays already. Why should I suddenly sur

render this day to Lucy? Today wasn't exclusively hers. As Sam made calls to arrange our celebration, I thought about previous

birthdays-elaborate Winston family parties that were really just business

networking events disguised as celebrations.The guest lists were filled

with potential investors rather than my friends. The real celebrations had always happened afterward with Sam-mi

dnight cake in her apartment, sincere gifts,laughter until dawn. Th

ose were the memories I treasured. "I've already arranged everything at Rouge," Sam announced."The

private room is ready, and I've ordered your favorite cake."

\--- Sam's convertible pulled into Rouge's parking lot, which was unus

ually full of luxury vehicles. near the VIP entrance. The bouncer recognized us immediately-as he should-and was about to

wave us through when a group emerged from the entrance. "Stella! What a coincidence! Are you here for my birthday party?"

Lucy stood before us in a ridiculous white feathered dress that lo

oked completely out of place in a nightclub. Classic Lucy-trying to

maintain her "delicate flower" image even at Rouge. One of her friends-some reality show contestant whose name I coul

dn't remember-clung to her arm. "You're Stella.right?Rouge has been

reserved by Lucy's boyfriend Brian tonight.Everyone here is either L

ucy's friend. Someone like you..." she paused dramatically. "...doesn't

really belong here, does she?"

I felt my jaw tighten but maintained my composure. They had no

idea this was my territory-Rouge was mine. "Stella,you can see my friends feel it would be inappropriate for y

ou to join." Lucy added with fake concern. "Brian will be arriving

soon, and I know you still have feelings for him. To avoid any mi

sunderstandings, perhaps you should leave."

Her words were carefully calibrated-appearing sympathetic while

actually being malicious. Her transparent tactics almost made me laugh. "Oh my god! You're so shameless!" Lucy's friend exclaímed. "Yo

u stole Lucy's position for twenty years, and now you want her

boyfriend too?"

The small crowd at the entrance began whispering and pointing. I'd

become the villain in Lucy's little drama. How predictable. "Lucy, are you delusional? I'm not a recycling center-why would

I want your garbage?" I almost laughed at the absurdity of her

accusation. The situation was escalating exactly as Lucy wanted-creating a p

ublic spectacle where she could play victim. I had no intention

of giving her that satisfaction.

I subtly nodded to one of Rouge's security staff-indicating that Luc

y's group should be contained without making a scene. "Come on, Sam. Let's go," I said, pulling my friend away from t

he brewing drama. Once we were safely inside, Sam fumed. "Lucy's barely been ba

ck in town and she's already throwing around her 'birthday'to s

eem important!"

"Did you notice her entourage?" I asked, my irritation fading. "All

C-list celebrities and reality show contestants. I didn't see a single

A-lister. She's clearly not doing well in the industry "True," Sam admitted. "I recognized a few faces, but they were all h

anging back, doing their own thing. Lucy's trying to break into the he

ir circle, but she's nowhere close." We walked a few more steps before Sam stopped abruptly. "I still w

ant to kick them all out! It's not like we need their money!"

"Don't be angry," I said, patting her arm. "Money is money. Let's hav

e the bartenders recommend the most expensive bottles.Make them

pay." Sam looked at me incredulously. "Stella, you're loaded now.Why are

you still being so frugal?"

"What do you mean 'loaded'? Do you know how expensive research

equipment and materials are? Everything costs more than pure gold!"

I defended myself. "Especially with Adam as a point of comparison-I

feel like I'm practically broke."

"Darling, you're his wife." Sam pointed out logically. "What's his is yo

urs. If you ever divorce, you'll be incredibly wealthy!" She suddenly sat up straighter, eyes widening. "Wait! I just remember

ed something! When you brought me that scarf, you sent me a phot

o first. In the corner, I saw a man's hand wearing a watch!"

I froze, caught off guard by her observation. "That was Adam, wasn't it?" Sam's eyes narrowed suspiciously."Tell

me the truth!"

"Would you believe me if I said no?" I asked weakly. "Do you think I'm stupid?"

I never lied to my best friend. "Yes, it was him."

Sam's eyes lit up mischievously."He went shopping with you?You t

wo must be getting along well! Any... developments?"

I felt my cheeks warm. I clapped my hands together once,making

a decisive sound. "We've done it many times."

"Wow!" Sam's initial shock quickly transformed into teasing deligh

t.Despite her playful nature, Sam knew when to stop prying.She tru

ly wanted my happiness, and I could see she was genuinely pleas

ed about my developing relationship with Adam.

The private room at Rouge had been transformed with roses and baby's

breath-exactly how I liked it. A crown-shaped cake sat on the center

table, twenty-five candles waiting to be Jit. As the birthday song played, I closed my eyes and made a wish before

blowing out the candles. For once, my birthday wish wasn't about discovering my origins or finding my place.It wa

s simpler, more immediate-almost possible-to have a happy life wi

th my beloved. My phone buzzed with a text notification. "Mark says he just saw me and wants me to come out for a pre

sent." I told Sam, confused. Sam looked equally puzzled. "Mark? He and James have been inse

parable since childhood. You and James hate each other!Why woul

d he give you a gift?"