At that moment, the gates to the villa courtyard slowly opened.

A graceful figure stepped inside.

She wore a flowing white dress that swayed gently with every step, making her look elegant and untouchable.

Her long black hair cascaded down her back like silk, reaching her waist. A soft breeze brushed past, causing a few loose strands to dance around her face and adding a touch of warmth to her otherwise ethereal beauty.

Her skin was flawless, almost luminous beneath the morning sunlight.

Her delicate features seemed impossibly perfect, as though every detail had been crafted with care.

But it was her eyes that captivated people the most.

Clear and bright, they carried a quiet confidence that made it impossible to look away.

For a brief moment, the entire courtyard fell silent.

The laughter stopped.

The conversations faded.

Even the music seemed less noticeable.

Every gaze instinctively shifted toward the woman who had just entered.

Time itself appeared to slow.

Then whispers began spreading through the crowd.

"No way... Sofia actually invited her?"

"That’s Maya Laurent!"

"The Maya Laurent?"

"She’s ranked second on Ashford University’s campus beauty list!"

Someone nearby looked surprised.

"Wait, if she’s only second, who’s first?"

"You don’t know?"

"The number one campus beauty is practically a legend. People say she has health problems and rarely comes to school."

"I’ve heard she’s hospitalized most of the time."

"Very few students have ever seen her in person."

A boy shook his head immediately.

"I don’t care what anyone says. Maya is already perfect."

Another student nodded enthusiastically.

"Exactly. Forget her looks for a second. She’s been Student Council President for two years."

"She’s smart, capable, beautiful, and everyone respects her."

A friend beside him laughed.

"Stop pretending you’re her fan. You’re obviously just a simp."

The boy grinned shamelessly.

"If Maya gave me a chance, I’d happily be one."

"At least you’re honest."

Meanwhile, Sofia hurried down from the stage with an excited smile.

As a member of the Student Council, she had worked with Maya several times over the past year.

Although they weren’t particularly close, Sofia had always admired her.

Maya was a senior in a five-year program and would graduate soon.

After stepping down as Student Council President, opportunities to interact with her would become rare.

Inviting her to the birthday party had been a long shot.

Sofia hadn’t expected her to actually come.

"Maya!"

Sofia waved excitedly.

"Happy birthday, Sofia."

Maya smiled gently before handing over a small gift bag.

"This is for you."

Sofia accepted it with both hands.

Inside was a luxury skincare set from her favorite brand.

It was obvious Maya had remembered the small details.

Sofia’s smile widened instantly.

"You didn’t have to do this."

She hugged the gift bag tightly.

"Honestly, you being here is already the best present I could ask for."

Maya chuckled softly.

"You’re too kind."

Sofia immediately linked arms with her and guided her toward the seating area.

Since most of the guests already knew one another, they naturally grouped together around the tables.

Without anyone realizing it, only one empty seat remained.

The seat beside Lucas.

Sofia noticed it and smiled mischievously.

"Senior Maya, why don’t you sit here?"

Before Lucas could react, Maya nodded politely and took the seat beside him.

Instantly, countless gazes landed on Lucas.

Jealousy.

Envy.

Some of the male students looked ready to explode on the spot.

Out of all people...

Why did it have to be him?

Lucas, however, remained calm.

Although inwardly, he was just as surprised as everyone else.

A girl sitting nearby glanced around curiously before turning toward Sofia.

"Sofia, where’s Cardi? Isn’t she coming today?"

The question immediately caught everyone’s attention.

After all, everyone knew that Cardi was Sofia’s closest friend at university.

The two were practically inseparable on campus.

Whether it was classes, club activities, or weekend outings, they were almost always together.

For someone so important to miss Sofia’s birthday party felt strange.

Even Lucas looked over with mild curiosity.

Sofia smiled and waved her hand dismissively.

"She’s coming."

"Her cousin just started university here in Silvermont this year."

"They haven’t seen each other in a long time, so she went to meet her this morning."

Sofia pulled out her phone and glanced at the latest message.

"She said they’re having lunch together first and will come over this afternoon."

Hearing that explanation, everyone nodded in understanding.

"That makes sense."

"Family comes first."

"Tell her to hurry up. We’re saving her some food."

The atmosphere quickly relaxed again.

Sofia clapped her hands together and looked around at the crowd.

"Alright, let’s not wait for her."

"You must be starving by now."

A chorus of agreement immediately followed.

"Finally!"

"I’ve been smelling the barbecue for half an hour."

"I’m so hungry I could eat the whole grill."

Laughter erupted around the courtyard.

Sofia picked up her glass.

"Thank you all for coming today."

A warm smile spread across her face as she looked at everyone gathered around her.

"Seriously, it means a lot to me."

"So let’s make today unforgettable."

Everyone raised their glasses.

"Happy birthday, Sofia!"

The cheerful voices echoed throughout the villa courtyard. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Glasses clinked together.

Music played softly in the background.

The party officially began.

Soon, everyone gathered around the barbecue stations.

Fresh ingredients covered the long tables.

Premium cuts of beef.

Marinated chicken wings.

Seafood platters.

Vegetables.

Fruit.

Desserts.

There was enough food to feed several times the number of guests present.

The aroma of grilling meat quickly filled the air.

Laughter mixed with the sound of sizzling food and cheerful conversation.

For most of the students, this was their first time attending a birthday party at such a luxurious private villa.

The sprawling courtyard, sparkling swimming pool, elegant decorations, and breathtaking view made everything feel surreal.

Phones were constantly being pulled out.

Photos.

Videos.

Group selfies.

Everyone wanted to capture the moment.

Even Maya, who usually kept a low profile, couldn’t help but smile at the lively atmosphere.

As for Jessica and Zack, their expressions grew increasingly complicated.

The more they looked around, the harder it became to believe what they were seeing.

Meanwhile, Lucas leaned back in his chair and quietly watched the scene unfold.

But somehow, he had a feeling the day wasn’t going to stay this calm for long.