The Winter estate buzzed with energy as friends and family mingled in the glow of the party lights. Kelly Winter fussed over the decorations, her eyes darting to the entrance. "Ophelia, tell your sister to hurry up," she said, her tone laced with mild irritation. "Uncle Lin and Sen will be arriving any moment now."

Ophelia glanced at her mother, trying to keep her voice light. "Mom, Sis said she’ll be here soon. Quit worrying and enjoy the party."

Kelly sighed, but her expression softened. "Fine, but let her know that Uncle Lin and Sen are almost here."

"Wait," Ophelia said, her voice tinged with surprise. "Sen’s coming?"

Kelly looked at her daughter with mild confusion. "You didn’t know?"

"No, I didn’t," Ophelia replied, but her shock quickly gave way to a radiant smile. "That’s great."

Meanwhile, in the dressing room upstairs, April Winter dabbed the last touch of lipstick onto her lips and surveyed herself in the mirror. Her reflection gleamed back at her, poised and perfect. "All done," she said, admiring her elegant dress that hugged her figure in all the right places.

She tilted her head and smiled at herself, feeling a surge of confidence. "It’s your day, April. Be happy!" She gave herself a playful wink and chuckled. "I knew I was hot, but damn, I’m too perfect."

The thought of Sen sparked a giddy excitement in her chest. "Today’s the day," she murmured, her smile growing. "Today I’ll ask him to be my boyfriend." With one last glance in the mirror, she grabbed her purse and headed downstairs.

When April entered the party, her family and guests were bustling with laughter and cheer. Friends and relatives surrounded her, wishing her a happy birthday and showering her with compliments. It was a rare moment for April—standing in the warm glow of others’ attention rather than being overshadowed by her sister.

Her happiness faltered, however, as Alex Winter’s voice boomed over the chatter. "Uncle Lin and Sen are here!" he called out excitedly.

The room turned toward the entrance as the doors opened, revealing the distinguished figure of Uncle Lin and, just behind him, the man who had consumed April’s thoughts all evening—Sen.

April’s heart skipped a beat as Sen entered, his sharp suit accentuating his tall, lean frame. His confident smile sent a spark through her, but the moment was shattered when she saw Ophelia rush toward him. Before April could even move, Ophelia had looped her arm through Sen’s, smiling up at him sweetly.

"Sen!" Ophelia cooed. "Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?"

April’s stomach twisted as she watched the overly saccharine display. A wave of disgust swept over her as she rolled her eyes. She’s so cringey, April thought bitterly.

Determined not to let her sister steal the moment, April composed herself and strode toward them, a wine glass balanced elegantly in her hand. "Long time no see, Sen," she said, her voice smooth and confident.

Sen turned, his face lighting up. "Happy birthday, April," he said warmly, handing her a bouquet of vibrant flowers.

"Just flowers?" April teased, her lips curving into a playful smile. "And no gifts?"

Sen laughed, his eyes crinkling. "I do have a gift for you—"

Before he could finish, Alex’s voice interrupted, his commanding tone drawing everyone’s attention. "Let’s proceed with the cake cutting. I have a happy announcement to make afterward."

The cake-cutting ceremony was a blur for April. While she smiled and thanked everyone, her gaze constantly darted toward Sen, who seemed to be enjoying Ophelia’s fawning attention far too much. Her sister giggled at his every word, her hand lingering on his arm longer than necessary.

Finally, as the crowd began to disperse, April saw her chance. She approached Sen, her heart pounding. "Sen," she called softly. "I need to speak to you privately."

He chuckled. "What could it be?"

Before April could answer, Ophelia’s voice chimed in, sickly sweet. "Sis, come on! I’m not an outsider. What’s so private?"

Sen gave her a reassuring smile. "It’s fine. Let’s speak over there," he said, motioning to a quieter corner. April nodded and followed him, eager to steal a moment alone.

But as they moved away, Ophelia’s voice rang out again. "Wait! Dad and Uncle Lin are about to announce something."

April hesitated, glancing at Sen, who shrugged. "Maybe we should wait," he said. Reluctantly, she followed him back to the main hall, her heart sinking.

Alex Winter stepped forward, a microphone in hand. His voice boomed through the room, commanding everyone’s attention. "Excuse me, everyone," he began. "Since all my friends and family are here tonight, I’d like to share some special news. We’re not just here to celebrate April’s birthday."

April’s breath caught in her throat. What’s going on? she wondered, her eyes narrowing as she watched her father. Was this the surprise he had hinted at for Ophelia?

Alex’s smile widened as he turned toward Uncle Lin. "I’d like to announce that my younger daughter, Ophelia, and my dear friend’s son, Sen, will be engaged today."

April’s world tilted. The words hit her like a physical blow, leaving her frozen in place. The sounds of applause and cheers became muffled, like she was underwater. Her vision blurred as she saw Ophelia’s radiant smile, her arm slipping through Sen’s once more as if she had won a prize.

Sen glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable, but April didn’t care. Her heart ached, the weight of her father’s announcement suffocating her. The bouquet she had held so tightly slipped from her grasp, falling to the floor in a cascade of petals.

Her birthday, her dreams, her moment—shattered. All of it stolen in the blink of an eye. As the crowd erupted in celebration, April stood frozen, her fists clenched at her sides and her heart breaking into a thousand silent pieces.