"Hey, Dave," Chris called out. Dave turned toward him.
"Do you want anything before the party starts?" Chris asked.
Dave smiled lightly. "Nah. I just want to make sure all the guests—and my father—are enjoying themselves."
Chris nodded. They were all in the same room; Dave had asked to speak with them briefly before heading out.
"You've already heard what I said," Dave added. "Why don't we just enjoy the party for now?"
"Well, yeah," Kevin agreed. "It's still early. Just let us know when it's our turn. Besides, Uncle might wonder why we're all gathered here."
Chris chuckled. "True. We don't want the plan slipping out."
"Exactly. Let's go," Dave urged.
"Brother, are we really going out?" his younger sister asked.
He sighed, turning to her—
"Don't complain," Cielo cut in before Chris could answer.
The two started bickering again, making Chris sigh quietly.
"Are you coming?" Chris asked his sister.
"Pres, we'll stay here with Julie," Kelly replied.
He nodded. "Thanks, Kelly."
Chris stepped out with Dave, joined by their friends—Cielo and Angie, his girlfriend.
They arrived at the grand hall, a wide and elegant space where the dancing would later take place. Kenneth's group was already there, looking prepared.
"Oh, so you came with Dave," a man remarked.
"Ah, Tito," Chris said, recognizing him. The man stood beside his wife.
"Happy birthday, Uncle," Chris greeted warmly.
The man chuckled. "Thank you, Chris. Where's Julie?"
"She's with her friends, Tito."
Chris soon spotted Kelly's group—with his sister among them. Here she goes, he thought.
They approached to greet the couple.
"Happy birthday, Tito," Kelly said politely.
"Ah, Kelly. Thank you," his uncle smiled, then glanced at Melissa.
"Happy birthday, Tito," Melissa added respectfully.
His wife leaned closer. "Hon, don't they look alike?" she whispered, eyeing Melissa."She's beautiful."
Melissa blushed.
"Ah—this is Nicole," Kelly added quickly. "Jonathan's sister."
His uncle nodded in acknowledgment.
"Julie," Chris called gently. "You haven't greeted Tito yet."
Julie stepped forward. The Villanueva couple stared at her in quiet awe, and Chris caught his uncle's soft chuckle.
"She really looks like a pop princess, doesn't she, hon?" his uncle said.
"She does," his wife agreed.
"Happy birthday, Tito," Julie said politely.
"Thank you. Please enjoy the party," he replied, nodding before turning away.
Their mother waved at them from across the hall, happily chatting with other guests.
*****
"Are you okay?" Melissa whispered to Julie once they sat down.
Julie nodded faintly, forcing a small smile.
"Relax. You look stunning," Kelly reassured her.
Julie sighed. "I think I'm just nervous."
Nicole lightly tapped her shoulder and smiled.
"Ow—that hurt," Julie complained.
Melissa laughed softly. She glanced around the hall. "It's really extravagant."
"Yeah," Kelly said. "You know the Villanuevas—they're from a very respectable family."
Melissa nodded. Soon, Kelly noticed Claire and Dawn's group entering.
"Oh. So they're here too," Kelly muttered.
They briefly greeted Cielo's father before heading to their seats.
"Hey," Raymond said, sliding into the seat beside Melissa. "What are you looking at?"
"Nothing," she replied. "I just noticed Dawn and her group."
"Yeah, they were invited too." Raymond nodded. "Are you guys hungry?"
"No…" Julie said softly. "I suddenly lost my appetite."
She really is beautiful in that gown, Melissa thought, watching her quietly. And we fixed her hair earlier—with Sis Kelly's help.
"What do you want?" Cielo asked Julie.
"Nothing."
"You can have chocolate cake later—after everything's done," he teased.
"So there won't be any left for me?" Julie pouted.
"Don't worry," Cielo smirked. "I made reservations."
Julie chuckled, then noticed Cielo staring at her—almost studying her.
"What?" she asked, uneasy.
"Nothing," he said. "I'm just trying to figure out your aura today. It feels… familiar."
Melissa and Kelly exchanged curious looks.
"Familiar?" Julie echoed.
"Forget it." Cielo shook his head and fell silent.
"Whoa… they're here," Kelly whispered. "Joel, your ex just arrived."
Melissa noticed Nicole stiffen slightly as she watched Joel, who sat calmly beside her.
"I know," Joel said quietly, his gaze steady.
"Nicky, do you know his ex?" Kelly asked.
Nicole nodded, tightening her grip on Joel's hand. Joel glanced at her reassuringly.
"Maybe they're just looking for seats," Kenneth said, appearing beside them.
Everyone turned toward him.
"In an hour, we begin. Be ready."
"We know," Cielo replied.
Kenneth smiled and walked away.
Melissa exhaled softly. "Sis… which one's Joel's ex?"
"Who else?" Kelly answered. "That unfamiliar face beside Dawn."
Melissa looked over. "She's beautiful."
"So your ex is pretty," Julie teased Joel, then quickly added, "But Nicky, you're beautiful too."
"I know," Nicole said shyly. "I just feel a little… intimidated."
"Why?" Kelly scoffed. "All she has is her looks, right, Joel?"She narrowed her eyes. "Answer—or I'll tell Tita to make you break up."
"Here you go again," Kenjie muttered, lightly smacking her head.
"Ouch!" Kelly groaned.
"Yeah, that hurt," Jonathan teased.
Julie frowned suddenly. "She's staring this way. Not to judge—but she gives off bad vibes. Just like Dawn."
Melissa didn't comment. She only sighed quietly—trusting her best friend's instincts.