Birthday Rejection

Today was a special day—it was Bar𝕭𝖗𝖚𝖍 🇺🇸's birthday, but also Vivien's, who came to the mansion on this day.

Everything was festive, with decorations everywhere. William ordered all the servants to decorate the palace with the best decorations and roses, despite Bar𝕭𝖗𝖚𝖍 🇺🇸's flower allergy.

Because of this, a person who should be the center of attention spent most of her time in her room, receiving nothing from her father.

William and Vivien were dining, chatting happily. Vivien wore a pendant, the most expensive one made of gold. This was the jewelry that Bar𝕭𝖗𝖚𝖍 🇺🇸's mother wore during her lifetime, everyone knew because it was on Lisa's painting.

How could he give his wife's jewelry to a girl from the street? But he had done just that. Vivien was happy, chatting openly and fearlessly with him. William couldn’t even look in Bar𝕭𝖗𝖚𝖍 🇺🇸's direction without a sense of unfairness.

As Bar𝕭𝖗𝖚𝖍 🇺🇸 approached the table, Vivien's mood soured, and William also looked at her with disgust. They both put their spoons back on the table, even the maids were surprised by Bar𝕭𝖗𝖚𝖍 🇺🇸's presence.

"Why are you here?" he asked with a cold voice, while Vivien watched with a wicked smile and added, “It seems no one invited you, 'sis',” she said with a smile.

[William's jaw clenches, his purple eyes narrowing as he looks at Chris with cold disdain. He takes a sip of wine, deliberately ignoring her presence as he addresses Vivien with a charming smile.] My apologies, darling. I was under the impression that you had already invited our...guest. [He doesn't even bother to glance in Chris's direction.] [Vivien giggles, her red eyes gleaming with mischief as she shakes her head.] Oh, silly, this is your birthday too! We wouldn't want to forget our beloved sister. [She leans in close to William, her voice dropping to a stage whisper.] Though perhaps we should keep her on the outskirts, hmm? After all, we wouldn't want her to...spoil the fun. [William's smile tightens, his gaze flickering briefly to Chris before settling back on Vivien with a look of barely concealed irritation.] Of course, darling. We wouldn't want to do anything to dampen your spirits on such a special day. [He reaches out to stroke Vivien's hand, his touch lingering just a bit too long to be entirely proper.] Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe we have some very important celebratory matters to attend to. [He stands abruptly, pulling Vivien up with him and all but dragging her out of the room, leaving Chris alone with the maids and the cold echo of her father's dismissal.]

[William pauses at the threshold, Vivien still clutching his arm. He turns back to look at Chris, his expression a mixture of disgust and contempt.] By all means, do as you wish. [He shrugs, as if her presence was nothing more than a bothersome inconvenience.] I'm certain you'll find plenty of company elsewhere. [With that, he pushes Vivien forward, practically shoving her out of the room before turning back to Chris with a sneer.] And do try not to make a scene on your way out. I'd hate for you to embarrass the family further. [He takes another sip of wine, his eyes never leaving Chris's face as he waits for her to depart, his patience wearing thin with every passing second.] [The maids hover nervously in the background, unsure of whether to intervene or not. The tension in the room is palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. It's clear that Chris is not welcome here, and that William's disdain for her knows no bounds.]

[William's eyes flash with anger at Chris's words, his grip on his wine glass tightening until his knuckles turn white. He takes a deep breath, clearly struggling to maintain his composure as he levels a cold, cutting stare at her.] I have no idea what you're implying, [he says, his voice low and dangerous.] But if you think for even a moment that your presence here is anything more than a burden, you are gravely mistaken. [He steps closer to Chris, his presence looming and intimidating. The maids shrink back, giving them a wide berth as William looms over her.] You are not welcome here, [he hisses, his breath hot against her face.] You never have been. And the sooner you remember that, the better off you'll be. [With that, he turns on his heel and strides out of the room, leaving Chris alone with the maids and the remnants of her ruined birthday celebration. The weight of his words hangs heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the cold, unforgiving man that he is.]

[Chris watches William's retreating back, her heart heavy with the weight of his words. She turns to the maids, her voice trembling slightly as she speaks.] I...I need to go. [She pauses, swallowing hard before continuing.] Please, show me to my room. [The maids exchange glances, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. One of them steps forward, her voice gentle as she replies.] Of course, Your Grace. Come, we'll escort you there. [They lead Chris out of the dining room, their steps slow and heavy with the burden of the unspoken tension. As they climb the stairs, Chris can't help but feel a sense of isolation, a deep-seated loneliness that threatens to consume her.] [When they reach her room, Chris pauses at the door, her hand resting on the handle. She looks back at the maids, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.] Thank you, [she whispers, her voice barely audible.] I...I'll be alright. [The maids nod, their expressions sympathetic as they step back. They watch as Chris slips into her room, the door closing behind her with a soft click. The hallway falls silent, the only sound the soft rustle of their dresses as they hurry away, leaving Chris to face her pain alone.]

[Chris sinks down onto the edge of her bed, the weight of her questions pressing down on her like a physical force. She buries her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs as she tries to make sense of the situation.] Why does he hate me so much? [she whispers, her voice muffled by her fingers.] [Is it because of Mom? Because of what happened?] [She thinks back to that fateful day, the day of her birth. She remembers the pain, the fear, the sense of abandonment that washed over her as she opened her eyes to a world that seemed cold and unforgiving. And then there was William, her father, standing over her with a look of pure hatred in his eyes.] He blamed me, [she thinks, her brow furrowing.] [He said it was my fault that Mom died. That I was nothing but a burden.] [She pulls her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around herself in a futile attempt at comfort. The pain in her chest is almost physical, a constant reminder of the love she's been denied.] But it's not just that, [she murmurs, her voice barely a whisper.] [It's like he sees me as nothing more than an inconvenience, a nuisance to be tolerated. Like I'm not even his daughter.] [

[Chris lies back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling as the tears continue to fall. Her mind races, trying to make sense of the situation, to understand why her father can't love her.] Why can't he just love me? [she whispers, her voice cracking with emotion.] [Is it so wrong to want his love? To want to be part of this family?] [She thinks back to all the times she's tried to reach out to him, to bridge the gap between them. She remembers the birthday parties, the gifts, the attempts at conversation that always seemed to fall flat. She remembers the hurt, the rejection, the sense of isolation that followed each interaction.] He's never there for me, [she murmurs, her fingers tracing the outline of her mother's pendant.] [Not like he is for Vivien. Not like he was for Mom.] [She sits up abruptly, the pendant sliding down the front of her dress. She pulls it out, holding it up to the light as she stares at her reflection in the mirror.] This was Mom's, [she murmurs, her voice thick with emotion.] [And now...now Vivien gets to wear it. Like she's the one who deserves it. Like she's the one who matters.] [Chris's breath catches in her throat, a fresh wave of

[Chris stands up abruptly, the pendant still clutched in her hand. She strides to her wardrobe, yanking it open to reveal the handful of dresses inside. She pulls out a simple white dress, the one she wore on the day of her mother's funeral, the day William had declared her a burden.] Why does he get to decide who deserves Mom's love? [she whispers, her voice trembling with barely contained anger.] [Is it just because I'm not his real daughter? Is that what makes me less worthy?] [She slips the dress on, fastening it around her waist with a simple ribbon. She stares at her reflection in the mirror, the ghost of her mother's smile haunting her features. She remembers the day of the funeral, the pain of losing her, the sense of abandonment that followed.] He was there for Vivien, [she murmurs, her voice hardening.] [He was there for her birthday, for her every whim. But when it comes to me...when it comes to my own birthday...I'm nothing more than an afterthought.] [Chris turns away from the mirror, her eyes falling on the birthday gifts scattered across her dresser. She picks up a small, intricately carved box, her fingers tracing the delicate patterns.] He thinks I'm malicious, [she murmurs, her voice barely above

[Chris sets the box down with a soft thud, her mind racing with the possibilities. She thinks back to all the times she's tried to be nice, all the attempts she's made to bridge the gap between them. And yet, every effort has been met with rejection, with cold indifference.] Maybe it's time I show him what malicious really looks like, [she murmurs, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.] [Maybe it's time I gave him a taste of his own medicine.] [She moves to her wardrobe again, this time pulling out a dress that she rarely wears. It's a daring little number, a far cry from the modest white dress she had on just moments ago. She slips it on, fastening it at the neck with a delicate silver clip.] [She looks at herself in the mirror, her eyes glinting with a newfound determination. She remembers the way Vivien had looked at William tonight, the way she had batted her eyelashes and thrown herself at his feet. She remembers the way he had responded, the way he had lavished her with attention.] If that's what he wants, [she murmurs, her voice low and dangerous.] [Then that's what he'll get.] [With a deep breath, Chris squares her shoulders and strides out of her room, ready to face her father and show him

[Chris pauses at the threshold of the dining room, her heart pounding in her chest. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation to come. With a determined set to her jaw, she steps into the room, her voice ringing out clear and strong.] Father, [she says, her tone clipped and cold.] I think it's time I joined in. [William looks up from his seat, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as he takes in Chris's appearance. He swallows hard, his gaze flickering between Chris and Vivien before settling on his adopted daughter with a look of disdain.] Vivien, [he says, his voice smooth as silk.] Why don't you go check on the guests? Make sure they're having a good time. [Vivien pouts for a moment, but the look William gives her is enough to make her scramble out of the room without a word. As soon as the door closes behind her, William turns his attention back to Chris.] What are you doing here, [he asks, his voice tight with barely contained rage.] This is Vivien's night. Not yours. [Chris meets his gaze unflinchingly, her chin lifted in defiance.] Then make it mine, [she says, her voice steady despite the way her heart is racing.] I'm not going to sit in the corner and watch while everyone else has fun. I'm part of this family, Father

[William's eyes flash with anger at Chris's words, his jaw clenching as he struggles to maintain his composure. He stands up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor as he moves to stand in front of Chris, his presence looming and intimidating.] You are invisible, [he says, his voice low and dangerous.] You have been invisible since the moment you were born. And don't you dare think that this little show is going to change anything. [He looks her up and down, his gaze dripping with contempt.] You think you can seduce me? You think you can make me see you as anything more than a burden? [He laughs, the sound harsh and mocking.] You are nothing more than a poor imitation of Vivien. A cheap knockoff that will never compare to the real thing. [Chris feels a hot sting of tears behind her eyes, but she blinks them back, refusing to let him see her pain. She takes a step forward, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion.] You're wrong, [she says, her words coming out in a rush.] I may not be your real daughter, but I'm not invisible either. I'm not a burden. I'm a person, with feelings and dreams and desires. And I deserve to be treated with respect. [She takes another step forward, her chin raised defiantly as she looks up at him.] You may be my father, but that doesn't give you the right to

[William's eyes widen in shock at Chris's words, his face flushing with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He takes a step back, his hands clenching into fists at his sides as he struggles to find the right words.] You...you dare... [he starts, his voice hoarse with rage. But then he stops, taking a deep breath as he tries to regain his composure.] You are weak, [he says finally, his voice dripping with contempt.] You are weak and pathetic and you think you can stand up to me? [He laughs, the sound harsh and mocking.] You're nothing more than a pawn, a plaything for my adopted daughter to use and discard as she sees fit. [Chris feels a rush of anger at his words, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She takes a step forward, her voice low and dangerous.] You're the one who's weak, [she says, her words coming out in a hiss.] You're the one who can't even look at me without seeing the ghost of my mother's smile. You're the one who's so caught up in Vivien that he can't even be bothered to acknowledge my existence. [She takes another step forward, her body nearly pressing against his as she looks up at him with a fierce determination in her eyes.] You may be the Duke, [she says, her voice steady despite the way her heart is racing

[William's eyes widen in shock at Chris's words, his face paling as the implication of her threat sinks in. He takes a step back, his hands flying up in a gesture of protest as he struggles to maintain his composure.] You...you wouldn't dare, [he says, his voice shaking slightly.] You have no idea what you're talking about. You have no power, no influence. You are nothing more than a poor imitation of a daughter, a burden that we were forced to bear. [Chris feels a surge of anger at his words, her hands clenching into fists at her sides as she takes a step forward, closing the distance between them once again.] You're wrong, [she says, her voice low and dangerous.] I may not have the same advantages as Vivien, but I have something that she doesn't. I have the truth on my side. [She reaches into her pocket, her hand closing around the small key that she had prepared earlier. With a swift motion, she unlocks the pendant, the necklace falling open with a soft clink.] You may think you can hide behind your wealth and your power, [she says, her voice trembling with emotion.] But the truth is, you're a coward. You're a man who can't face his own demons, who prefers to lash out at the one person who has the courage to stand up to him. [She holds the pendant

[William's eyes widen in disbelief as Chris reveals the pendant, his face paling as the implication of her words sinks in. He reaches out, his hand shaking slightly as he tries to snatch the necklace from her grasp.] Give me that, [he hisses, his voice low and dangerous.] You have no right to this. It belongs to Vivien, not you. [Chris holds the pendant out of his reach, her voice steady and defiant.] You're wrong, [she says, her words ringing out clear and strong.] This belongs to me. It's my birthright, my inheritance. And I'm going to make sure everyone knows it. [She turns to leave, her steps swift and purposeful as she strides out of the room. But she pauses at the threshold, glancing back over her shoulder at William with a wicked smile.] Enjoy the rest of your party, [she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.] I'm sure Vivien will be more than happy to fill my shoes. [With that, she walks out, her head held high and her steps confident. She knows that she's taken the first step towards reclaiming her place in this family, towards showing her father that she's not going to be ignored any longer. And while the road ahead may be long and difficult, she's ready to fight for what's hers.]

[William's eyes narrow as Chris turns to leave, his jaw clenching with a mixture of anger and frustration. He takes a step forward, his hand outstretched as if to grab her arm, but he stops himself, the rage warring with the fear of what her words might mean.] You don't know what you're talking about, [he says, his voice low and menacing.] You think you can threaten me? You think you can stand up to me and win? [He laughs, the sound harsh and mocking.] You are nothing more than a foolish girl playing at being a woman. You have no idea what it takes to rule this kingdom, what it takes to keep the peace with the other dukes and nobles. You have no idea what it takes to be a true leader. [Chris pauses at the threshold, her hand resting on the doorframe as she turns back to look at him. Her eyes are hard, her jaw set with a determination that refuses to be deterred.] I know exactly what it takes, [she says, her voice steady and strong.] It takes integrity. It takes honesty. It takes the courage to stand up for what's right, even when it's hard. [She takes a step forward, her voice ringing out clear and true.] And I have all of that, [she says, her eyes locked with his.] I may not be your real daughter, but I am your child. And it's time you

[William's face pales as Chris's words sink in, his eyes widening in a mixture of fear and disbelief. He takes a step back, his hand clutching at his chest as if he's been physically struck.] You...you can't be serious, [he says, his voice shaking slightly.] You think you can stay here? You think you can be a part of this family? [He laughs, the sound harsh and mocking.] You are nothing more than a burden, a reminder of a mistake that I can never undo. You are a constant reminder of the day my wife died, the day I was forced to take in a stranger and call her my own. [Chris feels a surge of anger at his words, her hands clenching into fists at her sides as she takes a step forward, her voice low and dangerous.] You're the one who's a burden, [she says, her words ringing out clear and strong.] You're the one who can't accept the truth of the situation, who can't see me for the person I am and not the child I was. [She takes another step forward, her body nearly pressing against his as she looks up at him with a fierce determination in her eyes.] I am not going anywhere, [she says, her voice steady and unflinching.] I am part of this family, and I will prove it to you, even if it takes the rest of my life. [With that, she