His Identity

39

|Nick's POV|

As I push open the massive wooden doors of the luxurious mansion, a wave of excitement washes over me.

The air is filled with anticipation and joy as I enter the grand foyer. The space has been adorned with intricate chandeliers, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the scene.

Gazing around, I'm amazed by how beautifully decorated the place is. Streamers of gold and silver swirled from the ceiling, cascading down the walls in a mesmerizing display. Balloons in all colors of the rainbow danced in the air, adding a playful touch to the elegant surroundings. Fragrant flowers, arranged meticulously in crystal vases, exuded an intoxicating scent that permeated the room.

I smile. Everything is exactly according to Eli's taste.

The sound of loud music's blasting through the speakers, filling every nook and cranny of the mansion. The infectious rhythm is inviting everyone to let loose and dance the night away. Laughter and chatter echoes through the halls as guests reveled in the atmosphere of celebration. Everyone looks happy. Content.

I make my way through the crowd, weaving seamlessly between animated conversations and swirling dresses. Then I finally see them.

My parents and my sister.

My father, clad in a dapper suit, smiles warmly at me, his eyes reflecting the joy of the occasion. My mom, stunning in her elegant gown, radiated grace and sophistication. She doesn't look like she's aged— neither does my dad. Somehow they have both managed to keep their good looks throughout the years as have the rest of my family. I guess it's in our blood.

Then I look at Eli. She flashes me a smile so bright that I find myself mirroring her expression. She's so fucking happy, she's having the birthday of her life, she's beaming with excitement, her eyes sparkling with delight. She's the epitome of joy and happiness, surrounded by friends and family who adore her. She had spent months planning this and while birthday parties have never really been my thing, they have always excited her.

Eli's quick to come to hug me, and I drop to my knees to reach her height so I can hug her properly. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you," she breaks the hug and places a kiss on my cheek, "got anything for me?"

"Is my presence not enough?"

"Of course not," she rolls her eyes as I stand up, "you're so full of yourself."

"Later," I promise. I have something for her— besides the empty box— and I know how much she hates waiting. But that's just too bad, she's going to have to.

"Fine," she sighs, her eyes flickering to the girl beside me and her brows raises. "And who's that?"

Mom and dad steps forward, mom placing a hand on Eli's shoulder from behind while dad narrows his eyes at Erin, my girlfriend. They're staring at her as if she's a threat, but nobody would've been able to tell that.

Mom is reading her from the outside, probably making a mental list of everything she's deduced about her by a single look— or perhaps, she's planning her death already. That's not surprising.