The Heir's Retribution

CHAPTER 21

Chapter 21: THE PARTY

I sneaked out for Hazel's party that night. Hindi pa nga ako sure kung makaka-escape ako dahil sobrang tight ng security sa mansion. Pero, somehow, nakalusot ako. Hanggang ngayon, nai-stress at kinakabahan pa rin ako kapag naaalala ko kung paano ko ginawa. Ayoko na lang ikuwento ang buong detalye. Let's just say, the experience gave me anxiety. 

Basta earlier, I gathered the clothes I wanted to give away. Sinadya kong damihan ang kuha sa wardrobe ko para mas bumigat ang mga kahon. I even sacrificed some items I still liked and added them to the pile. Medyo mabigat sa pakiramdam na i-let go ang mga 'yon, pero bukod sa excitement sa pag-escape ko, mas naging worth it ang lahat dahil alam kong may matutulungan din ako.

Tinawag ko si Ate Susan para siya ang mag-asikaso no'n, pero dahil mabibigat ang mga kahon, agad ding nag-volunteer si Emerson to help her. After a few minutes, when I was sure they had safely reached the first floor, lumabas na ako mula sa room ko. Moving around the house was a breeze, as the guards seemed completely uninterested in my presence. It felt like they received explicit orders not to even glance in my direction. Because of that, nakapaglakad ako nang malaya at hindi rin nakatawag ng pansin.

I made my way to the gates. Of course, I wasn't dumb enough to use the front gate, dumaan sa kabilang gate na bihira naming gamitin. The way was mask and dark, but luckily, I didn't encounter any bugs or snakes. Hazel's car was already parked and waiting for me when I reached the road. 

Humarap ako sa floor-to-ceiling mirror sa loob ng walk-in closet ni Hazel at pinagmasdan ang sarili ko.

The dress I am wearing embraces my body's curves, accentuating its natural allure with its form-fitting silhouette. Nakalantad ang mga balikat ko dahil sa off-shoulder nitong disenyo, na lalong nagpatingkad sa collarbones ko at nag-bigay ng patikim ng cleavage ko. Its length reached only mid-thigh, teasingly revealing my legs and adding a playful and flirtatious touch. The skirt had layers, which added a graceful effect every time I moved. The combination of the short length and off-shoulder design struck a tantalizing balance between elegance and sultriness, making me look irresistibly captivating.

"Wow, you're so pretty."

Napalingon ako kay Hazel at agad na napangiti. It seems like she has just finished her make-up. I couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked. She was already wearing the gown that we had chosen together, and it complemented her perfectly. Her hair was elegantly styled, and strands delicately dangled on the side of her face. She also wore a pair of sparkling earrings that enhanced the overall allure of her look.

Playfully rolling my eyes, I responded, "Not a new phrase for me. Every day naman akong pretty."

I took the fairy wings that we would be wearing. Her wings were transparent white, while mine were transparent pink, complementing our outfits perfectly. Hazel had chosen an Enchanted Garden theme for her birthday celebration, so we both adorned ourselves in fairy costumes. Hazel preferred the spacious garden in their backyard over going to a hotel or another venue. 

"We both look amazing," I commented as we looked at ourselves in the mirror. The makeup and hairstyling team nodded in agreement in the background. 

Paglabas namin ng kuwarto ni Hazel para bumaba, napansin kong naninigas ang mga balikat niya. It was evident that she was nervous, blowing her cheeks and moving at a slow pace, almost as if she wished time would just stop.

"Kinakabahan ka?" I asked as we continued walking. Mas naging mabagal ang pag-usad namin dahil sinasabyan ko na ngayon ang bawat hakbang niya. She glanced at me, awkwardly smiling, before giving a hesitant nod.

I reached out to hold her hand. "You can do this. Remember, I'm right here."

Sandali kaming huminto kami sa harapan ng hagdanan. Hazel's grip on the railing tightened. The weight of her anxiety hung in the air. Attempting to alleviate the tension, I reassured her, "Take it one step at a time. We've got this, and I'm here to support you."