Agent 003

Birthday Bash

The penthouse was buzzing with excitement, decorated with colorful balloons, and a huge birthday cake. My family and close friends filled the room, including some mafia allies who were like extended family.

My dad approached me, beaming with pride and holding a small gift box. "Happy birthday, princess! I hope you like this," he said, his grin making my heart swell.

As I unwrapped the gift, my eyes widened at the shiny Ferrari key nestled inside. "Wow, Dad! A Ferrari? Thank you so much!" I squealed, leaping into his arms for a hug.

He chuckled, wrapping his arms around me. "Anything for my princess."

My mom joined in, giving me a warm hug. "I want you to use this in the future, sweetheart," she said, handing me another box. I opened it to reveal a custom-made stethoscope with my initials on it.

I grinned, feeling a rush of joy. "Thank you, Mom! This is so special to me. I'll always use it."

My sister Ayleen chimed in, teasingly, "You'll have to let me drive that Ferrari sometimes."

"You have your own," I shot back playfully.

Ayleen shrugged with a smirk. "I like yours better."

Kaiden and Tristan walked in, wrapping me in hugs and wishing me a happy birthday while handing me their gifts.

"Hey, shorty! Happy birthday!" Baron called out as he sauntered over. I turned, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. I hadn't seen him in weeks because of his work.

"Baron!" I exclaimed, running to him for a tight hug. "I missed you so much, jackass!"

"Well, I didn't miss that attitude one bit," he teased, his playful grin making me laugh.

"You mention my attitude, yet you didn't bring me any gifts?" I replied, pretending to pout.

"I did get you something, but it wouldn't quite fit inside the penthouse. Well, it could, but I don't think Mom and Dad would be too happy."

I gasped, my excitement bubbling over. "Oh my god, did you get me a horse?!"

"Actually, his name is Romeo. Mind your manners," he said with a mischievous grin.

"Oh my god! I love you so much!" I squealed, pulling him into another hug.

Luca, a family friend, approached with a gift. "Happy birthday, Anastasia. Here's a little something."

"Thank you, Luca! It means a lot to me," I said warmly, feeling grateful.

Among the guests was Axel, the son of another mafia family friend. Axel had always been well-meaning but never quite got the hint. Ever since middle school I've been rejecting him but nothing ever works.

He strolled over, flashing a flirty smile and presenting a gift. "Happy birthday, beautiful. I hope you like this."

I rolled my eyes internally but managed a polite, "Thanks, Axel."

He didn't take the hint and continued, "Hey, why don't you come to France with me tomorrow? We could-"

"Axel, you're like a brother to me, but my sister is clearly uninterested. Leave her alone and don't bother her again," Kaiden interrupted, stepping in.

"I'm sorry, Ana. I'll go," he said, looking hurt as he walked away.

"Thank you, big bro," I said, smiling at Kaiden.

He returned the smile, satisfied with his brotherly intervention.

Then Dad raised a toast, and everyone cheered. "To Anastasia-may your year be filled with happiness. We love you!"

After the family celebration, Ayleen and my friends were eager to keep the party going and dragged me to a club. I wasn't a fan of clubs or loud music, and I definitely didn't drink, but I went along to not disappointing them and I didn't want to seem like a grandma I mean it is my birthday.

The club was a whirlwind of noise, packed with people and flashing lights. I found a spot by the bar, feeling completely out of place. I sipped on a soft drink, wishing I could just go home.

Ayleen, caught up in the fun, shouted over the music, "Come on, Anastasia! Have some fun!"

I forced a smile and shouted back, "I'm okay here! You guys enjoy yourselves!"

Needing a break, I decided to head to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. When I returned, I noticed someone familiar standing with their back to me. The long, wavy blonde hair looked so recognizable. As she turned, I accidentally bumped into her, and her drink spilled all over.

"Oh god, not again," I said, realizing it was non other than Victoria.

She turned around, surprise flashing across her face before she chuckled. "Well, we have to stop meeting like this. Are you alright?"

I laughed, wiping at my dress. "Yeah, I'm fine. I guess we have a knack for running into each other."

"Or it might be fate," she said, grabbing some napkins to help me clean up.

I looked up at her, smiling, remembering what Emma said the other day.

"Happy birthday," she said warmly.

"How do you know it's my birthday?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"Look behind you," she said, pointing somewhere past me.

I turned and gasped. My friends were holding a big sign that read, "It's the sexy Anastasia Blade's birthday!"

"How many years, ocean eyes?" Victoria asked with that playful smirk that made me feel a certain way.

I blushed, feeling a rush of embarrassment. "I turned 19."

"How's your night going so far?" she asked, taking a sip of her drink.

I shrugged. "It's been okay. Clubs aren't really my thing, but I didn't want to disappoint my friends."

She nodded, understanding. "I get that. Sometimes it's hard to say no, especially to the people we care about."

"Exactly," I replied, relieved that she understood me and didn't find me weird.

"Maybe we can make your birthday night a bit more enjoyable," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I couldn't help but be curious. "And how do you plan to do that?"

She grinned, leaning closer. "Let's just get out of here and do something you actually enjoy. I can't promise a wild party, but I bet we can find something fun to do."

I hesitated for a moment, then happily nodded. "That sounds great! I'd love to get out of here. I'll just let my friends know first."

After I did, Victoria took my hand, intertwining our fingers as we walked together.

I looked up at her, smiling as she pulled me closer. My heart raced, overwhelmed by emotions I hadn't expected. The feelings she stirred in me were intense. I craved her touch and felt safer with her than I ever had with anyone else, even my family or best friend. I've never been the type to mingle or hook up with someone at a club; But with her, I wanted all the intimacy.