Under The Billionaire's Control

06 | Party

S A R A H

As soon as I step through the front door, the party atmosphere hits me like a wave. Flashing lights, loud music, and the smell of snacks and perfume hanging in the air.

It’s like I’ve walked into a different world, one where worries don’t exist, at least for tonight. I scan the room, searching for a familiar face, and then I hear it.

“Sarah!” Nayla’s voice cuts through the noise, high-pitched and excited. I turn just in time to see her running toward me, arms wide open.

“Nayla!” I squeal back, meeting her halfway for a tight hug. It’s been months since we’ve seen each other, but it feels like no time has passed at all.

“Girl, look at you!” Nayla pulls back, eyeing me up and down. “You look stunning! And that dress? Ugh, I’m stealing it after tonight.”

She grabs my hand, pulling me deeper into the house. “Come on, everyone’s in the kitchen. We’re just about to cut the cake.”

I let her drag me along, my earlier nerves dissolving into pure excitement. It’s so good to be around friends again, to just... let loose for once.

We reach the kitchen, and it’s packed. Balloons hang from the ceiling, and there’s a giant banner that reads Happy Birthday, Nayla! pinned above the counter. The birthday cake is a colourful monstrosity with way too many sprinkles, but it’s perfect for her.

“Alright, everyone, gather around!” Nayla announces, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. She flashes me a grin. “Sarah, you’re doing the honors. I need my angel by my side.”

I roll my eyes but take my place next to her as she gets ready to cut the cake.

“Alright, make a wish!” someone shouts from the back, and Nayla closes her eyes dramatically, hands clasped together as if she’s praying.

“Please make my bestie here rich so that i can get an expensive gift every day,” she whispers loudly enough for everyone to hear, making the whole room burst into laughter.

The knife cuts through the cake, and everyone cheers, clapping and whistling. Nayla grabs a piece and, of course, smashes it right into my face.

“Oh, you did not just do that!” I yell, wiping frosting off my cheek, but I’m laughing too hard to be mad. I grab a handful of cake and fling it back at her. By the time we’re done, we’re both covered in frosting, breathless from laughter.

“I missed this,” I tell Nayla as we lean against the counter, catching our breath.

“Me too,” she admits, pulling me into another quick hug.

I nod, wiping my face with tissues. Before I can respond, a pair of hands cover my eyes. “Guess who?” the voice says, low and teasing.

I freeze for a second, but then a smile breaks out on my face. “No way... Ryan?”

I turn around, and there he is, grinning.

“The one and only,” he says, spreading his arms wide.

“Ryan!” I scream, launching myself into his arms. He lifts me effortlessly, spinning me around.