Beyond expectations

(ARIELLE'S POV)

Before me was a well-decorated hall stretched out, with a reddish carpet leading up to a podium at the far end. The hall was grandly decorated with balloons, steamers, and a stunning chandelier that hung from the ceiling, casting a vibrant glow over the entire space. At the center of the wall, a large poster caught my eye-a picture of myself with the caption "Happy birthday, Culinary Queen" engraved in bold, glossy, silvery letters.

On either side of the red carpet, every one of my loved ones stood beaming with smiles. My mom, the Harrisons, Maverick, Meredith, Stephen, Rebecca, Dwayne, and hold on, even Jared-everyone I cared about was there, their faces filled with affection.

I was utterly stunned, my body rigid for a moment as I took in the breathtaking scene before me. Then, an overwhelming urge to cry hit me, and I covered my mouth with my hand, muttering "Oh my God," repeatedly. Tears of joy pricked at the corners of my eyes as I struggled to process the sheer magnitude of the surprise.

Maverick, looking dashing in his suit and tie, walked up to me, a bright smile on his face. He held out his hand and looked down at him in surprise before taking it, wondering what he was up to. And then with a gentle tug, he led me through the red carpet as cheers and applause rose in the air. We walked together, Maverick beaming with pride, until we reached the podium where a throne-like chair awaited me.

"Happy birthday, Mommy," he said, his little voice filled with love as he gestured for me to sit.

My heart turned molten, and I pulled him close, crushing him in a tight hug. The crowd "aww" ed at the moment, and I felt even more emotions overflowing.

After the hug, Ashley mounted the podium, and took the microphone as she began speaking. "Ladies and gentlemen, the birthday girl has arrived! I, hereby, officially declare this party OPEN!"

The hall erupted in cheers and applause as I sat on my chair, feeling like the luckiest person alive.

Ashley's voice echoed through the hell once more, "And now, to start this incredible celebration, we have a special performance by a very talented young man. Please welcome Maverick, who's here to serenade his mommy with a special song!"

The crowd applauded as Maverick was called upon. He boldly mounted the podium, his strides confident. The microphone was handed to him, and he grasped it firmly.

everyone," Maverick began, his voice clear and bold. "Thank you for honoring my mom's birthday party invitation. And now, I'm going to sing a song specially dedicated to her, to show

misty as I watched him. That was my little bit, acting all mature. I felt a

was soulful, pouring out his heart and soul into every word. The hall fell silent, captured by his performance. I fought hard not to cry, but it was impossible. By the time he

beamed with pride, my heart threatening to burst from

down, Maverick blew me a kiss and descended from the podium. Ashley was back on the microphone again. "And now,

of my childhood, my family, and my friends flashed on the screen. I saw images of videos of my kindergarten days, graduation days, prom, my first cooking job and days

captured the

video finally came to

anything. I just sat there, unable to get over the thoughtfulness of everyone. That video montage was a result of the collective efforts of

captured.

stronger than " love," I'd gladly use it to describe

it's time for the personalized speeches and birthday wishes

sniffed back my tears, bracing myself for

the first to step forward and accept the microphone from Arielle. "Arielle, from the moment you were born, you brought

from choking to death. Stephen and Rebecca took their turns too, narrating how much of a good boss and friend I was. My heart swelled with gratitude as I listened to the speeches and wishes. Every person shared their favorite memories, and

I was grateful for the love and support and I

the show with his impressive singing skills. Next, we had the cake-cutting ritual, where I made a wish and blew out my candles. The cake was a masterpiece, designed by Meredith. Who would have thought that the Maverick's nanny was a good

the cake-cutting,

presentations.

a pendant that read "Culinary Queen." Maverick gave me a resin key

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255