The party was in full swing at the Morel estate. Guests laughed, chatted, and a few were already dancing under the hanging lights, while music filtered from the grand hall. The tables were set with immaculate white linens, refined dishes, and desserts that seemed sculpted for the occasion.
Aïnis navigated among her friends and the guests, her heels clicking lightly on the marble, always aware of Jake, motionless but vigilant in a corner. She smiled, joked, and exchanged knowing glances with her friends: Sofia, Maya, Inès, and Livia.
— You look stunning tonight, Aïnis! exclaimed Maya.
— And brighter than all the lights, added Sofia.
— One could almost think you were born to reign, murmured Livia.
Aïnis chuckled, raising an eyebrow.
— Noted, she said, but remember, I'm not tired of being myself… yet.
DINNER
Dinner began, with servers bringing the dishes gracefully. Victor made sure everyone was seated before taking his place next to Aïnis.
— Are you hungry, Aïnis? he asked, placing a plate gently in front of her.
— Yes, Dad, she replied with a smile. But you know I'll end up eating the whole buffet anyway.
— Then start slowly, he said with a light laugh. You don't want to be too full for the cake.
During the meal, the guests exchanged lively conversations. Aïnis laughed heartily with her friends and with Raphaël, her childhood fiancé, sitting nearby.
— You've grown up, Aïnis, he murmured, discreetly passing her the salt.
— You haven't changed, she replied with a smile. Always the same, teasing me.
Jake, motionless in his corner, observed every interaction, every gesture. He noted relationships and behaviors but remained perfectly discreet.
GIFTS
After dinner, Victor invited his daughter forward for the gifts. He handed her a carefully wrapped box.
— Happy eighteenth, Aïnis, he said, his voice soft yet firm. I hope you like it.
Aïnis opened the box to find a gold bracelet engraved: "For Aïnis, always yourself." She looked up at her father.
— Thank you, Dad, she murmured, moved despite herself.
— You've grown, he said with a protective smile. And you'll have to learn to navigate your world with caution.
Raphaël stepped forward next, offering a small, elegant box.
— Happy birthday, Aïnis, he said. I know it's not extravagant, but I wanted it to come from the heart.
Aïnis opened it to find a delicate gold necklace.
— Not bad, Verdon, she said, amused. You're improving.
— Always testing your patience, huh? he replied with a wink.
— Always, she murmured, laughing.
Then came her friends:
Sofia: a trendy designer handbag.
Maya: a sparkling bracelet.
Inès: the latest model phone.
Livia: a personalized leather notebook, "For your secret ideas."
Aïnis accepted everything with laughter and exaggerated gestures, all while keeping an eye on Jake, motionless but attentive.
THE CAKE AND CANDLES
At that moment, the servers arrived with a large chocolate cake, decorated with sugar flowers and sparkling candles showing the number 18. Guests gathered around, applauding.
— Happy birthday, Aïnis! they shouted in unison.
Aïnis stepped onto the makeshift stage, took a deep breath, and blew out the candles with theatrical flair. The crowd applauded again.
— Well, she said, I have a feeling this year is going to be… interesting.
Victor, next to her, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
— Enjoy your evening, my daughter. But don't forget: tonight you're the queen, but the real world will demand caution, he said softly, protectively.
Aïnis nodded, a mix of tenderness and lightness in her eyes.
DANCING AND HUMOR
After the cake, the music resumed. Aïnis took Raphaël by the arm.
— Shall we dance? she asked.
— With pleasure, he replied, smiling.
They joined the dance floor, and soon her friends followed. Aïnis laughed, twirled, and pretended to gently bump into Raphaël.
— Careful, Verdon, you might fall! she shouted with a wink.
— I'll survive, he replied, laughing, trying to keep up.
Jake remained in the background, observing every movement, every reaction. His perfect posture and calm demeanor amplified his silent presence.
PARTY WRAP-UP
The party ended late into the night. Tired but happy guests returned to their cars. Surrounded by gifts and memories, Aïnis finally found the quiet of her room.
— Well, Miss, Jake said calmly, the evening is over.
— Yes… but believe me, she murmured, settling on her bed, this is just the beginning.
Victor, from the hall, watched them go up. His gaze was protective, kind, proud of his daughter yet concerned for her safety.
— Good night, Aïnis, he said simply.
Sunday was calm. With the guests gone, sunlight filtered softly through the large bay windows. Aïnis realized that Jake would now be everywhere in her life, attentive to every gesture.
Monday would bring her first day at university, with Jake always at her side, Raphaël close by, and a whole new world to discover.