I Died While Thay Threw Her a Party Chapter 04
Lillian’s POV
The ballroom is packed tonight. Celeste is standing in the center of the crowd, soaking up all the attention.
Mom pulls a diamond necklace out of a velvet box. “This has been in our family for generations.” She fastens it around Celeste’s neck. “It’s yours now.”
The guests gasp and murmur. Celeste glances down at it and barely responds. She doesn’t even lift her head.
Dad raises his glass to the room. “That beachfront house in Mill Bay? I’m signing it over to Celeste.
Beautiful view. Perfect for her.”
More compliments all around. Celeste just turns and starts chatting with a friend next to her, like it’s nothing.
Adrian pushes through the crowd with a folder in his hand. “Your VP office is ready. You can start at the company next week.”
“Got it.” Celeste takes the folder and hands it off to a server standing nearby.
I’m floating under the chandelier, watching all this. Mom turns to a woman next to her and laughs. “We’ve spoiled her rotten. No manners at all.” She sounds proud of it.
The woman nods along. “That’s how kids should be raised. Nothing wrong with it.”
I’m just watching this whole gift parade..
The crowd starts stirring.
Alexander shows up–my fiancé. He’s carrying a wrapped gift box. We grew up together. Our families arranged the engagement years ago.
He walks straight to Celeste and holds out the box. “Glad you made it back safe.”
Celeste takes the gift. She finally smiles a little. “Thanks, Alexander.”
He looks around the ballroom. “Where’s Lillian? I haven’t seen her.”
Mom’s smile disappears. “Don’t bring her up. This is her sister’s big day and she won’t even show her face.
She’s so selfish.”
“Wasted all those years raising her.” Dad chimes in. He sounds disgusted.
Adrian comes over and claps Alexander on the shoulder. He’s had a few drinks. He’s more blunt than usual. “Man, you should really think about the engagement. She’s not even a real Hart. You deserve better. My sister’s the real deal.”
Mom’s eyes light up. “Exactly. You two should be together anyway.”
The guests start whispering. Alexander goes quiet for
a few seconds. His eyes land on Celeste. She looks up at the same time. Their eyes meet. She drops her gaze shyly, her cheeks flushing pink.
“Well…” Alexander gives her a soft smile. “I’ll have to figure out how to talk to Lillian about it.”
Something bitter rises in my throat. He’s never been much of a talker. I’ve hardly ever seen him smile like that. Didn’t think I’d see it for someone else.
Mom gets more and more worked up. She pulls out her phone and steps outside the ballroom. She calls home. Doesn’t even say hello. “Howard, go to Lillian’s room and tell her this is her last chance. Get to the party now and apologize to Celeste in front of everyone.
Maybe I’ll let her stay in the house. If not, she’s out tomorrow.”
There’s a long silence on the other end. Howard’s voice is shaking. “Ma’am… Miss Lillian… she’s gone.”
Mom freezes. “What?”
“She’s already dead. You don’t have to kick her out anymore.”