Crystal Hearts

Chapter 11. Birthday party

"Is this a call from the office? I told you..." Crystal was mid-sentence when Ashter interrupted her, saying, "No, it's from my first love."

"Your first love? Who is she, and why is she calling you?" Jealousy was written all over Crystal's face. Seeing her adorable reaction, Ashter chuckled.

"What? Why are you laughing?" she said, pouting in a way that made her look both innocent and irresistible.

"Do you want to meet her?" Ashter asked, teasingly.

"No, I definitely do not."

"But it's her birthday, and I'm going. If you want, we can go together-I want to introduce you to her."

"We've been dating for a couple of months, and somehow I don't know about your first love?" Crystal's confusion deepened.

"Are you jealous?" Ashter teased further.

Crystal rolled her eyes. This unexpected confession made her uncertain, but she finally agreed.

---

The day arrived, and as they entered Ashter's house, Crystal immediately spotted Lily.

"Is she your first love?" Crystal glared at him, her jealousy flaring up again.

"What is she doing here?" Ashter asked, genuinely confused.

"What do you mean? Isn't this her party?"

"No, it's not," Ashter replied, still puzzled. But, brushing off his confusion, he took her hand and led her to the birthday girl.

"Look, this is my first love."

Upon seeing her, Crystal's tension eased, and she smiled in relief.

"Happy birthday, Grandma. Meet Crystal, my girlfriend."

"Happy birthday, ma'am... I mean, Grandma," Crystal corrected herself, smiling.

"Thank you, my dear. And finally, Ashter, you've brought a girlfriend-look at her, she's so beautiful."

"Thank you, Grandma."

Crystal smiled, and soon she and Ashter's grandmother started chatting, while Ashter mingled with other guests.

"Grandma, do you know Lily?" Crystal couldn't keep her curiosity to herself and finally asked.

"Yes, she's Harway Alden's daughter, Lily Alden."

"What?" Crystal was in complete shock.

That's when she noticed her father standing beside Lily. From Lily's expression, it was clear she was uncomfortable, and she soon excused herself to the washroom.

Crystal saw this as a chance to learn more, so she quickly excused herself too.

"Grandma, excuse me, I need to use the washroom."

They both ended up in the washroom at the same time.

"Hi, Lily."

"Umm, hi... do I know you?"

"No, you don't, but I somehow know you... By the way, I'm Crystal Alden."

Lily looked surprised but then responded, "I... I'm Lily Alden."

"Are you Harway Alden's daughter?"

"This conversation feels strange," Lily said, confusion clouding her face.

"I think you should know-I'm his biological daughter."

"Sorry, what?"

"My reaction was the same as yours just a moment ago when I found out... I'm sorry, this is bizarre," Crystal said, running her fingers through her hair.

"Are you sure... I mean..." Lily was still in disbelief.

They both sighed at the same time. After a pause, they decided to confront their father together.

"Dad," they both said simultaneously.

He looked shocked, but then his expression hardened with anger.

"You two-don't try to cause a scene here. Crystal, go home. I'll come and explain everything. And Lily, let's go-the party is nearly over. You both need a good talking-to," he said angrily before storming off with Lily.

Lily looked confused and scared. Just then, Ashter appeared.

"What happened, love?" he asked, cupping her cheeks gently.

"Ashter, can we leave?" she said, her voice trembling as tears welled up. Seeing her distress, Ashter quickly took her hand and led her to his car, not even saying goodbye to anyone.

As soon as they were seated in the car, Crystal broke down into tears.

"What happened, Crystal?" Ashter asked, deeply concerned as he tried to comfort her.

"I'm sorry, I ruined everything... I... I..."

"Crystal, you ruined nothing. Please, tell me everything," Ashter urged, his seriousness helping her calm down enough to speak.

"My dad, he was here. He said he'd explain everything later, but I know he won't-he'll just hit me. I don't want to go home, Ashter."

"Do you think I'd let you go back to that? Don't worry, he won't touch you-I'll kill him first."

"No, Ashter, he's still my father," she said, crying into his chest.

"Wait... Lily... He said he'd... Oh God."

"Crystal, calm down. Does he know you came here as my girlfriend?"

"No... but-"

Ashter quickly picked up his phone and called someone.

"Hello, Mr. Harway, if you don't mind, may I take your daughter out on a date?"

He paused, listening to the response.

"Yes, you're right, sir. I've been very busy, and I think it's time we get along for the sake of our future." A look of relief spread across Ashter's face as he ended the call.

"She's coming home with us. He won't do anything to her."

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