This chapter is dedicated to Cody077. Thanks for the support love!

I have never been in love. Yet I find myself writing a love story. The irony! 😪😪

Enjoy!

The past three days were hectic would be an understatement. We had to do almost everything, from calling to choosing to arranging and every single fucking thing! I swear to god, had Allison not been with me, I would have died of exhaustion.

We did actually meet Natalie that day. She basically went with everything in a breeze. I didn't get a thing but Alice, she paid attention to every detail. She had always loved parties and birthdays.....and now when she gets a chance to make up a birthday party, I didn't expect her to lag behind. Suffice to say, she didn't disappoint me.

Natalie was pregnant. Although we did tell her to rest, she ordered everyone around like a mad woman. No one could say it was her birthday too. She had planned this for Stellan. Like sure, there would be a big 'Happy Birthday Nat and Stel' in the air, but she wanted Stellan to enjoy a little more this time. Saying that, we couldn't let Stellan know. We had to work at our projects in the office, simultaneously hiding the fact from Stellan that we are oblivious to the fact that his birthday is around the corner and so is a party. Stabbing Ian's eyes out with a fork was even more difficult. He almost had, so many times, revealed to Stellan that there was something up.

Ian had been more than happy to help us. It was his best friend's birthday after all. He basically had the work of calling everyone in. While Lillian handled some family members, Ian was supposed to force his friends to come too, considering how Stellan walks around in an elite circle and his friends are busy. Damn, it was hard to convince Ace to come. He said he would try. Derek was threatened by Natalie. The poor guy was around the globe, finishing all major projects in advance so that he could be there during the later parts of her pregnancy. But Nat literally threatened him to come. I did not hear most of it, but I know it wouldn't have been pretty. Trust me, we are walking on egg shells near a busy Natalie Romanov. She is like an advanced war machine....not to be messed with.

So while our days went by in office, keeping out of Stellan's sight and talking about the party occasionally, the night ended with me shouting for everything to be perfect. You see, Allison and Natalie would tell me what would look good, taking in my certain suggestions when I felt the need to put up and I would gladly order the people on the phone. I could be a tyrannical queen if I want to be. Natalie was best at that but right now, all the shouting and cursing was in my hands. Not that I mind, I rock in it!

Soon Wednesday rolled in. First thing in the morning was to wish Natalie a big, happy birthday. I had a gift for her but since I was giving Stellan his tonight, I would give her hers tonight too. Choosing their gifts was even more hectic. Like what do you give people who can own anything and everything in the world!? But I wished only Natalie. Stellan never told me about his birthday so I am not supposed to know and neither am I supposed to wish him.

The plan was quite simple. Natalie would force him to take a leave, emotionally blackmailing how the twins don't get time to spend. She would run the whole day along with him while the house will be completely to us. Now, we had the whole afternoon and evening to dress up the house for the party. Then they will come back at night and BOOM....a birthday party! I mean most of his friends would probably call him and wish him but the part of the party was just for all of us to know and Stel to find out! People would remember his birthday and wish him but they won't give the hint of any celebration. And Stellan being the old, simple Stellan wouldn't throw a party, as Nat puts it. So in the end hours, we had to do all the preparations without her.

Now that would require us to take leaves. One thing that we got easily with was that Mr. Walker gave us time off for the preparation. Stellan had no idea about this. He wasn't supposed to know and so he didn't. Some people from the office were called too but they had clear instructions.

And I thought Nat said only a few friends.

Ian had wished Stellan and had convinced him that he would look after all his work for a day. Good that Stellan believed him because that douche was needed at the house.

"Lia, those lights aren't working!"

"I'm on it!"

"My god! Cole, don't eat the cake just yet! You made it for your siblings...."

"Kids, you sure you can handle all this?"

"Yes Emma but can you please look after all the eatables?"

"Guys.....hurry up! I swear if this is on time, I am throwing an after party!"

"Yeah....like the one you threw at Ace's, Lia?"

"Shut up Ian!"

"Guys.....I think my hair has got something on it!"

"Then go and wash your fucking hair, Henderson! No one is dying to drool over them!"

"Ahh....really! Don't you wanna touch them, Allison?"

"Yeah.....sure! I am gonna fucking crop them out with a lawn mower!"

Well, last one was Alice. She was kind of busy. Hell, we all were. We had almost 3 hours in our hand and although the place was almost ready, we could always worry. And the fact that Ian was adding fuel to all our worries with his idiotic comments, she couldn't take any longer. But I don't think it had much effect on him. Thank god Lillian took Cole away....the guy almost wasted his hard work down the drain!

We were almost done but two hours weren't enough, especially how Alice was roaming around and shouting about her attire. In the heat of the party preparations, we totally forgot what we would wear. It had to be something casual, yet elegant. I mean it was the birthday celebration of Stellan Bennett Walker and Natalie Walker-Romanov. Things sure had to be classy. I don't get it but Alice always ends up fretting over clothes and while I.....I just try to help her. But since time wasn't on our side, we quickly selected with something to wear. It was in record time but let me tell you, Allison can choose the best dress even in seconds if needed. We almost forgot about it all hadn't she reminded me in the morning. Soon, we were video chatting and we chose our dresses. We took them along with us here, with their gifts and all other things we needed. It was best we dressed here since going back home and coming back was pointless. We were a total mess after we had ended with everything.

Ian immediately went to change somewhere...maybe his room or his own place, whatever! Lillian went to her room and told us to meet her soon. She needed help getting ready. Yeah, like I would know how to help her. That was Alice's department. Me and Alice took a room and took turns and voila, soon the three musketeers were together!

Lillian had gone with a floor-length light blue dress. The colour was so light that you could mistake it for white but that was the beauty of it. Simple, yet not so!

Alice had chosen a navy blue, sleeveless bodycon dress. The dress was almost till the knee and the way the dress formed along her curves gave away the blue shine. She got some big earrings from her favourite collection but the dress truly deserved the best. Allison did deserve the best! Man, she was looking more than hot in that dress. Let's see what Ian had got to say about this one. He better have some good compliments.

(Allison's dress)

I ended up with a black dress though. Sure, I hated gowns but my wardrobe still had some good dresses. Thanks to mom for that. Although I don't really wear them, they are needed once in a while, just like this black one. It went all the way down, tight over the torso and loose at the end. That was a little relaxing. I knew it fitted me perfectly and you could clearly see my curves. I knew I had a figure and once Allison had put it, 'You should flaunt them once in a while'. We then paired the dress up with long, black earrings and freaking black heels again! I am this close to suing the maker of heels.

(Ophelia's dress)

But the catch here, not only was I bad at make up, so was Lillian. I mean she was better than me but I am horrible so let's not discuss our make up skills. So in the end, Allison helped us with the all the dressing and get up and make up and touch up and what not....bruh, my best friend is a genius! So now, with everything at place and a few minutes left for the guests to start arriving, we were ready.

Taking a few pictures, we all scrambled down to welcome the guests who could come in moments later. Mr. Walker was ready and so was our little Cole. The guy looked like a small version of his father in a perfect tux. Yeah, a young man as they say.

Soon, Ian stormed in, dressed in a perfect, dark almost black tux with polished shoes. His hair was in usual mess and I guess he shaved. The suit fit him perfectly and so did the navy blue tie. I might have something to do with that colour. He asked me about Allison's dress and I told him. But I swear I thought he would never find the colour. My guess work isn't that good at all then.

The moment he entered, he couldn't take his eyes off Allison. I gave off a triumphant smirk. Take that Ian. My bitch is a sexy beast!

Ian and Alice both stared at each other for a moment. He was looking at her in adoration and she was just...blushing away! Then soon the adoration changed in flaring passion. Oh boy, this is gonna be fun. I mean it when I tell you. They were so eye fucking each other. The sexual tension was way too much. They literally had not said a word but you could simply make out a conversation. He slightly smirked to which Alice, very bravely I might add, raised her eyebrows. Typical Alice. Before I could tease them, Lily did the work for me.

"Oh lords....did it get hot in here!? There is just too much tens..I mean heat in here? My god....Lia, don't you feel it?" She asked turning to me and winking. Lillian Walker is my new partner in crime.

"Yeah....it sure is! I think we should go somewhere else, where there is less hotness..." And I dragged a half giggling, half I-Am-Trying-To-Be-Serious Lillian with me to another corner, leaving the two with some privacy. At least for now, I have a whole night to tease them.

"These two are going to hit it off, soon I guess!" Lillian said all of a sudden.

"You think so?"

"I know so. I mean I have seen Ian all my life, Lia! That guy can hardly settle for one ice cream flavor, let alone a girl.....but never have I seen him this enamored by anyone. He is a ladies man but Allison is just not any other girl for him. He is a tough one but I know he likes your friend. Even more than that. And I know you love Allison, but trust me, Ian would not hurt her. He wouldn't even think about that. So, you don't need to threaten him at all like you did at the opening night."

My god! Was I the breaking news of the hour? Fucking everyone knew me now.

"Who told you?" I said a bit frustrated.

"Ace did!"

Ah....I am killing that asshole.

"Oh Ace did. Yeah, my best friend from 6 years back who left us hanging and shows up suddenly! And giving me more reasons to kill him!" Lily laughed at that.

"Oh, he told me about all your back story. You might not believe it but when you were actually friends, he might have mentioned you many-a-times. He never told a name but he did talk about you sometimes! Now when I know who you are....I can tell it had to be you!"

Ace or better yet Ryan....talking about me? The guy with ego issues praising me? I think pigs are flying already! But as I was busy plotting his death, I didn't pay attention to Lily. But now I see a certain blush to her cheeks and what was that....ahhhh, shine in her eyes. I wasn't sure what it was but I gave it a try.

"So Lily....you and Ace?" I said wiggling my eyebrows. More red rushed to her face.

"What...n-no....there is nothing going on between us! We are just friends...there is nothing going on! I don't like him...yeah!" Then she looked at me wide eyed.

Oops.

"But my dear Lily, I never said anything about liking him, did I?" She looked around for an escape but then gave a defeated sigh. I just caught her red handed.

"Is it obvious?"

"No....it isn't! I just picked it up from your whole demeanor and the fact that the asshole shares almost everything with you. And trust me, that guy is a douche but not stupid enough to let go off a girl like you!"

"Like that is ever gonna happen......" She said giving me a sad smile.

"Oh hell with it....It will happen! I mean we know him and he hasn't been with any women. In fact, the only girls he ever talked about was his friends sister...leading to you! But don't worry....we have a long time to go! I will fix him up if he takes too long to realize!" She chuckled at that.

"True that. We really have a long way to go! I mean it's a crush, might wear down over time and plus, we both are really busy with careers so relationship is not my priority!" She said rather confidently. Damn, this girl has swag.

"That's my girl! But I can always beat him!"

"You will beat your once best friend for me? I am honoured!" I scoffed at her laughing self.

"Hey....why not? You are like a little sister to me. You are Stellan's sister so you automatically become my friend.... and honey, beating guys is my part time job!" She laughed hysterically and soon I joined in. I don't even know what we were laughing at but we were nevertheless.

In a few seconds, we sobered up since Alice would kill us for ruining our make up! We pried the tears that threatened to fall after our laughing fit. In the moment, I looked around to find Mr. Walker and Cole welcoming someone and Alice and Ian....well, bickering! You know, the usual.

It was time. We had to attend the guests now. I was planning to play total discreet. I had not known them all so I would just blend with the guests until the twins showed up. Straightening my dress, I told Lily to join her father. She was a Walker after all. She turned to go but turned back again to look at me, smiling.

"What?" I asked her. Was there something on my face?

"You know Lia.....you are a very nice person!"

"Uhhmmmm....well thank you Lily.....I could say the same for you!"

"And you are doing a great job at this!"

"At the party....babes, its just an illusion! I didn't do it all alone." She slightly shook her head.

"No.....well, the party is great but I was talking about Stellan. Thank you for being his friend." Well, that escalated quickly. I had no words.

"And thank you for being with him. Ophelia, the last two years weren't very easy for him. Sure, he put up a smile and was the best son, brother and friend you could ask for. And although he smiled, his eyes didn't! But you bring back that smile....so thank you for making him smile whole heartedly. I know it is you because as much as I know my brother, he isn't taking you lightly. Gosh, no one in the house is. Even Cole likes you! Its like you and Alice are already a family!" And in a blink, she engulfed me in a tight hug.

I was shocked would be putting it mildly. Lily was not the one to talk much but right now, I really had nothing to say. Got nothing to say, say nothing at all. Getting over my surprise, I returned the hug with much vigor. Come on, who doesn't love hugs?

As I held her tight for a few moments before she went away, she whispered in my ear. Low enough that I almost couldn't hear it.

"We really wish you stay for long. As long as forever....." And she was off, leaving me in a mess of thoughts.

God, the night had just begun and my brain was already in an overdrive.

Maybe I needed a fixing.

Stellan Walker, you are making it more difficult every second!

But amidst all the little chatters of the flowing guests and my own little voices of my head, I don't know why but I smiled at the thought of my culprit and his scandalous crime. You see, words change meaning when the people you think about change. You could write a whole dictionary but a scandal could still be exaltation if only he was the one to play the game.

Maybe I didn't need a fixing at all.

Oh, Stellan.

Hey guys! Hope you like the chapter. I am not well. I have a running nose.🤧🤧

Like seriously. If you see a person with a running nose or a person sneezing, get the fuck away. Because you will catch a cold and YOU WILL DIE!

Anyways, wish me 'get well soon'. I need it. *sobs in a corner*

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Bye and have a blast week ahead. Without cold of course!
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