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.

party invitation. And now, I'm going to sing a song specially

eyes grew misty as I watched him. That was my little bit, acting all mature. I

His voice 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 finished singing, my

beamed with pride, my heart threatening to burst from the overflow of love and gratitude for

was back on the microphone again. "And now, let's take a walk down memory lane right with a heartfelt video montage displaying Arielle's childhood, accomplishments, and fond memories with

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 as a junior chef, and my culinary school days. Even my days

Maverick's birth, his first steps, and his first day at school. Images of family time with Mom, Ashley, Dwayne, and Jared. The video was set to music that perfectly captured the essence of each moment. I couldn't help the lump that formed in my throat as I took it all in. Tears streamed down my face as

video finally

thoughtfulness of everyone. That video montage was a result of the collective efforts of everyone in that room-Mom, Ashley,

captured.

was a word stronger than " love," I'd gladly use it to describe how I feel. I felt

now, it's time for the personalized speeches and birthday wishes from everyone. Who's

myself for the next round

"Arielle, from the moment you were born, you brought joy and light into my life. I'm so proud of the strong, independent woman you've become. Happy birthday, my

Next, the Harrisons spoke, sharing our first encounter and how I had saved their monarch 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

came to an end, I felt overwhelmed. I was grateful for the love and support and I knew this birthday was one I would never

we had a karaoke concert, where Dwayne stole the show with his impressive singing skills. Next, we had the cake-cutting ritual, where I made a wish

cake-cutting, it was

presentations. Mom gave

beautiful silver necklace with a pendant that read "Culinary Queen." Maverick gave me a resin key fob with

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