Jeyah’s POV
All their attention was set on me as I came inside the party venue. I noticed my group mates sitting near the entrance door, probably waiting for my arrival. My gaze landed on Darren’s eyes, and I was already melting. I feel so conscious when they were all looking at me as if I am the VIP of this occasion, especially when my friends approached me with a grinning face.
“Jeyah, bubs! It’s good to see you!”, Clarisse exclaimed and hugged me.
“We’re glad you’re here bubs, and we are now complete!”, Angela softly chuckled and gave me a hug as well while others gave me a high five.
“You look so pretty, bubs”, Karen complimented.
“Thank you!”
“The birthday celebrant is there!”, Angela spoke while looking at Darren’s direction.
And again my heart was beating so fast, when our eyes met. But I need to conceal what I truly feel and act normally. Though, I was nervous, but I need to approach him to give my birthday greetings.
“Hi bubs, happy birthday! I’m sorry I’m late!”, I said and gave him a high five.
“It’s okay bubs, you just arrived in time. Thank you for coming”, Darren softly replied.
“Bubs, would you not hug the celebrant?”, Clarisse spoke, and her voice sounded like she wanted to tease me.
“Yes, bubs, you should hug him. Right, bro?”, Eduard seconded, and tapped Darren’s shoulder.
I suddenly felt uneasy, especially when Darren looked at me. I averted my gaze and pretended I wasn’t affected by my group mates’ teasing.
“Happy birthday again, bubs!”, I said and hugged him. Then I took something inside my bag. I was a little hesitant to give it to him as my gift because I was thinking, he might not like it. I actually bought it two weeks ago, when I knew that today is his birthday. I just placed it inside my shoulder bag and brought it with me when I was in Seoul.
“I don’t know if you like it bubs, sorry, I could not really think of anything to give you because I know you already have plenty of this”, I said as I handed to him my birthday present.
“I will surely like this bubs. Thank you!”, he smiled at me, and again I was lost.
My group mates were just observing, with a soft smile on their lips. After a while, they led me to the table intended for our group. As soon as we’re seated, Darren gestured a ‘go’ signal to the host of the event. He was sitting there in front, with three ladies beside him. Clarisse told me, that the two ladies on his right are his sisters and on his left is his mother. I suddenly felt more conscious when they looked at me as if they were asking Darren about me.
“Are you okay, bubs?”, Clarisse asked.
I just nodded and smiled at her. I know she still wanted to ask me something more, but she was taken aback because the program had already started. It was just only a short program and Darren was asked to give his message. I stared at him as he stood in front and grabbed the microphone.
“Good evening, I would like to say thank you so much for coming here, especially to my mom and sisters who travelled all the way from France just to be with me on this special occasion. I also would like to say thank you to my group mates, for setting up everything for this day. Thank you “All for one”, because you are here just to be part of my birthday celebration. Bubs Jeyah, thank you for catching this party”, Darren ended his short speech.
After a while, the program went over, so it’s about time for us to take our dinner. Suddenly a woman, in her black stiletto, entered the venue, causing everyone to turn their heads to her direction. And as soon as I raised my head, the sophisticated, yet seductive aura of Bridgette Castillon caught my eyes. She smirked at me as she continued her way towards Darren’s direction. She was wearing a red sexy elegant one shoulder split cut-out long dress with a slit in her thigh, no wonder she got everyone’s attention.
We were not too far from them, so I could clearly hear what she was saying.
“Darren, my love! Happy birthday! I’m sorry I’m late. I was caught by heavy traffic on the street”, Bridgette said and hugged him. She was not yet contented and kissed Darren on his lips. Then she turned to his mom and sisters and greeted them. It was obvious that she was closed to his family.
After a while, I saw Bridgette took out something inside her purse. I think it was a birthday present placed in a small box. I’m sure it’s something that’s too expensive. I averted my gaze because it was really too hurting. Tears started to form in my eyes, and I’m afraid I would totally give in. I stood up and left my food on the table.
“Bubs!, Wait!!!”, Clarisse was calling my name, but I did not pay attention to her anymore. I ran quickly, eventhough I did not know where I was heading to. Tears rolled down in my cheeks and I really hate it. I thought, I would not get affected anymore by Bridgette’s presence, but I really could not control myself. I just continued my way, taking the stairs until I reached the rooftop. As soon I reached there, a loud sob escaped from my mouth. It’s really hurting to see how Bridgette kissed Darren like she wanted to tell me, she owns him.
I raised my head and looked at the stars in the sky just to forget the sadness I feel deep inside. I stayed there for a while to console myself. But I guess, my tears would never run dry.
“Bubs, are you okay?”, a sudden voice, came from my back that made me startled. My heart was thudding inside my chest and I suddenly feel tensed.
When I noticed that it was Darren, I hurriedly wiped my tears because I don’t want him to find out that I’m crying.
“I’ve been looking for you. You did not finish eating. What’s wrong, bubs?”, he asked.
“Uhm, I’m fine, bubs”, I responded softly.
“Wait, are you crying?”, he asked seriously looking at me.
“Of course not! Why should I?”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”. He asked again and met my gaze.
I know he did not believe what I told him, but he did not anymore insist.
“If it is so, then let’s go back to the venue. My family wanted to meet you.”, he spoke.
Darren held my hand as we walked together, going back to the party venue. He said he wanted to introduce me to his mom and sisters.