Eighteen years in this world seems like an eternity and my expectation from people goes in vain. A sudden pain in my lower jaw makes me realise how hard I have been clenching on them just by looking at the Vogue bag Covel, a Russian in his mid forties and my father's left hand man is holding.

I didn't even bother inviting the man inside my room. “Ma'am,” He broke the objective silence I maintained for five minutes straight. I slid my gaze from the bag and shifted it to Covel who looks at me with a sweet smile which I assume is forced and fake like my well manicured birthday theme nails.

“Возьми это обратно, Ковель.”

(Take it back, Covel)

“— Но, мэм…” I cut him off by slamming the door at his face and walking towards my vanity table.

(But ma'am–)

“Ms. Morozov?” I sighed, rolling my eyes and rushed towards the door to open it.

Covel still stands the same and for some reason it just gets on my nerves. “Take it back, Covel don't annoy me.”

“This is your gift, I can't simply take it back.” Slightly leaning on the wall, I looked at the bag again. Vogue. Bullshit. “My gift, right?” I asked with a slight smile and he nodded.

Taking a step closer, I opened the bag and pulled out the dress my father got me for my nineteenth birthday. It's crimson orange, with stones on it but I wasn't really interested in the dress as much as I was interested in the small card lying at the bottom of the bag.

Handing the dress to Covel, I pulled out the card and flipped through it. An off white colour card has a “Thank you.” Printed on it and right at the bottom it's written. “Happy birthday.” He couldn't even write this in his own handwriting. Fraud.

Plus: He didn't text me or make a call to wish me. Bullshit.

“Covel?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Did dad pick this dress for me?” I paused, lifting my gaze from the card to him, giving him a warning gaze. “Be honest with me, it's my birthday.” Covel is a sweet man, he isn't really grumpy like Dad’s right hand man which is why I do like this man a little. Not romantically but yes, I like him.

“Your silence says otherwise.” I spoke with a fake smile then crumbled the card in my fist throwing it out. Covel’s gaze followed the direction where I threw the note but soon I heard another exhale left his mouth.

I took a step back and said. “Take it back, I am gonna wear the dress I choose for myself.” With that I decided to close the door but paused at Covel’s words. “Your father won't like it if you return his gift, Ms. Morozov. Please reconsider your decision.”

Blood rose from my toe to my head and I clenched my hand around the doorknob. “Really? Aw, so sad.” I said in a baby voice and cringed on it. With that I took a step back before whirling around and walking towards my study table only to grab a pair of scissors.

Covel’s eyes didn't even widen but I know for sure that he got an idea of the future. I am not up for anyone’s shit. Snatching the bag from his hold I pull out the dress and cut through it. “Miss—”

“Here, return this to my father. A special thanks from his only daughter.” And I threw the dress inside the bag and handed it to him slamming the door. “Why do people get on my nerves? Like even on my birthday.”

Walking towards my bed, I grabbed my phone and opened the messenger looking at the last text messages he sent me two weeks ago.

Dad:

I have a huge project coming up in fifteen days so most probably I won't be free.

Me:

Why are you saying this to me?

Dad:

Thought maybe you will be interested to know.

Me:

As if I am.

Dad:

I might not come to meet you on your birthday.

As if I wanted him to. I am in my last teenage year, who celebrates birthdays with family? It's all about clubs, drinking and fun.

Me:

Shouldn't have said these words, Dad. The person who often forgets his daughter's birthday shouldn't talk about birthdays. Doesn't suit your mouth.

Dad:

Watch your mouth, young lady. I have important business, and you know I am doing this all for you both.

Me:

Then don't do it.

I wanted to tell him that I am doing my best too, trying my best to top my exams so he would be proud of me but does it work? Absolutely fucking not.

I still remember how he used to assure me that he would come to celebrate my birthday but would never come and to be honest, I wouldn't be shocked to know if it turns out he told Covel to get a dress and give it to me. Vogue is not even my favourite brand. He should know that but does he know? Nope.

Me:

It’s been night already, are you going to wish me?

This is what I typed him an hour ago but there was no reply so I unsend it right away.

Pressing the home button I let the screen turn black and threw my phone on the bed walking towards the vanity to complete my incomplete makeup. “Hold the fuck on, am i spoiling my mood over dad? Like for fuck’s sake Varya since when did you started to feel bad because your dad didn't wish you? He never did it before so why the heck is it breaking your heart?” I almost yelled at myself.

Grabbing Hannah’s favourite room freshener, I sprayed it across my room and it smells like lavender. Perfect to light up my mood. “I have the whole university right beside me to celebrate my day and here I am wasting my time on absolutely nothing.”

My phone vibrates on the bed, with a hope that it would be from my father. I rushed to the bed picking it up and it turned out it was from our group.

Emma:

Is she even coming? I am already waiting after dressing up like an evil Barbie doll. *kiss emoji*

Victoria:

Babygirl, get dressed quickly. We’ll pick you up in an hour. *smiley emoji*

Sophia:

Varya, babe! I am eager to see you all dressed up in a sexy, hot dress. Fire up the hall.

And it goes so on. They are my friends.

After an hour of vibing on Weekend’s song I was finally ready in my best outfits. Beautiful. Hot. Sexy. That's what I feel for myself the moment I set my eyes on the mirror. The dress hugs my body as if it was freaking made for me. Oh! It has to after all I got my hands on them.

The black bodycon dress sparks the show and I paired it up with Saint Louis heels. The perfect match. My blonde hair falls on my back and I even added some glitter spray on them so they'll shine. My makeup is perfect for my nineteenth birthday party and I thought my boyfriend would at least look at me but he is not.

Oh, and my friends who said they will pick me are here. Emmie is dressed up in a black dress that hugs her curves and is black lace. Sophia is wearing a baby pink dress that matches her sunshine character and Victoria is wearing a dress kind of similar to Emma but let me tell you everything is expensive.

Picking up my phone I looked at the text messages I sent him earlier. To Ming, my boyfriend from almost a year.

Me:

Red lipstick or nude lipstick, which one?

Me:

Come on Ming, don't be a dick and fucking reply to texts or calls.

These were the last messages I sent him yesterday. What's wrong with everyone ignoring me? Shouldn't I get a lot of attention today? “Let's go.” Emma says and we slip out of the room.

I sighed then texted Hannah.

Me:

Hey! Did you reach the club?

Her response comes quicker than anything.

Hannah:

Yes, but I had to sneak out. You know no one would really allow me to go to a club.

Geez, being a real life princess is a task.

Me:

Good job. Take all my kisses. *kiss emoji*

Hannah:

*Hug and kiss emojis* come soon.

The thing wasn't supposed to go like this. I was meant to be at the club by now but I got late because of that nonsense dress. Now, I do have a plus point and that's my friends or else it would be a blunder. “You know everyone from Uni is already waiting for you bitch, they better be nice to you.” Victoria says.

“What about your boyfriend's? I thought you guys would go with them.” Sophia who is a certified single says.

“Boyfriend? That's cute, but I don't like being controlled.” I say getting inside the car.

“Right. Ming isn't bad, he is hot but walking by his side everywhere is just too embarrassing.” Emma says.

“Embarrassing? Nope it's not. It might be embarrassing for you to walk with your boyfriend but for me it's not. He just gives me good space so I don't feel like he is cringing on me.”

“Embarrassing and Ming? Why would it be, he is just a fucking good meal. Girls are head over heels for him so stop calling him embarrassing.” Sophia kept her thoughts.

“You did get it right, Sophie, I didn't call him embarrassing but staying with a boyfriend is embarrassing.” Emma added and with that we had small talks about the topic of our boyfriends.

✯

Warm welcomes have never been my cup of tea but loud welcomes are. The sound of loud music reached my ears as soon as I opened the door of the club. Disco lights make it look more attractive while a few people are already making out. Nasty.

“That man is hot.” Sophia points at a man sitting beside a woman. He looks like he is in his 30’s. “What if he is married?”

“He can still have me.” She said and walked towards the man while I rolled my eyes. Is she crazy or what? “Where are our people?” I asked Emma who winked at a man and then pointed to the first floor. “On the first floor.” She replied to me.

“Are you guys coming with me to meet them?” I asked and realised it's too late. They already went their own way. “Nevermind.” my phone vibrates in my hand and I look at the text by Hannah.

Hannah:

I am standing outside the club. Help.

I quickly turned around and marched towards the exit. My eyes smiled before my lips the moment they lay on Hannah.

“Happy birthday,” She says before wrapping her hands around my waist.

“Thank you but let me tell you, you are late.” She giggled and pulled apart. “That's because I was sneaking out.” I sighed then looked at her. She is wearing a dark blue dress and she has also applied a little makeup. “Where are your guards?” I asked, searching for her bodyguards.

“Told you, I am a pro at sneaking.”

✯

Two hours have passed ever since I got into the club. My friends wished me and I replied to them to have a little drink because there is no way I am in a mood to gain weight. Party' and all are okay but no adding calories. I even danced with my friends and all this time Hannah was sitting on the couch looking at me while drinking mocktails.

“Had fun? Go and dance more.” Hannah says as I take a seat beside her.

“No. I am tired already.” I say in my defence, picking up a water bottle and drinking from it. “Are you on a diet?” Hannah asked and I nodded.

“Gotta maintain the body babygirl.” She chuckled slightly, turning her face to the other side then looked at me. “You are more than fit. I mean just look at you, I don't even remember how many boys tried to hit on you.” She says.

“They had to. I am hot.”

She lifts her mocktail, taking a sip from it and says. “You are, so enjoy yourself.” nope, if I drink today or eat something that might add to my weight, it's gonna be an issue for me. But I can't really say this to Hannah considering how worried she is for me.

“Okay.” Her eyes widen as she looks at me and says. “You agreed already?” I nodded and was about to speak when our attention diverted to a voice. “Hey, babe.” We turned our heads to look at Ming, dressed up in jeans and a perfect jacket.

“Hey.” I say, standing up from my seat and walking towards him. “Happy Birthday,” Ming said and hugged me. I hugged him back. “Thank you.” I said and he broke apart. He kissed my lips to which I replied by kissing him.

“Why aren't you picking up my calls after the competition?” I asked and he took a seat beside Hannah. I too followed him and sat next to him. “I had some work,” He brought the beer glass closer to his lips before taking a long sip.

“But you promised you would meet me.”

“I am already doing that.”

“But–”

“Do you wanna dance babe?” He asked and I shook my head. “I am already tired—” My voice got cut off when my eyes landed on a lipstick stain on his jacket. I am not sure if it is or not so I leaned a bit towards him just when he stood up. “I’ll go and dance.” I smiled and he walked away.

“What's wrong?” Hannah asked and I shook my head. “I think he is cheating on me.” I say. My voice was too low and since there was loud music around, I bet she hadn't heard me so I stood up and walked behind Ming.

A boy scans me as if I am naked but I ignored him and walked behind my boyfriend who is dancing and is the centre of attraction between women. Why are they doing this to me?

Ming Laughed, his arms lying on the waist of a girl and he smacked her ass. “Varya?” I turned my head to look at Hannah, she was holding her phone. Her face has lost its colour. “What?” Her gaze broke from mine as she looked at the phone and I followed her gaze.

Ming posted a photo a few minutes ago with a girl in his lap. His hands are on her tits and they were kissing with a caption. “The chick of the year.”

I chuckled and my feet froze looking at it. Get a grip. Nope, I am not going to create a mess on my birthday. It's my day and if he planned everything on my day just because he wants to have fun then I won't give him the fun.

I snapped out of the thoughts and my eyes searched for Hannah but she wasn't here, a moment later the music came to a halt and my eyes looked at Hannah who was having an argument with Ming.

“I never cheated on her. For cheating one should be in a relationship and I was never in a relationship with your friend.” Ming yelled.

“You are crazy.” Hannah replied with a chuckle.

“I am crazy? Oh my god–” he paused, running his fingers in his thick hair as speak again. “I am telling you, I never had any relationship with her. You bitch–” Bitch? Like did he call the future queen a bitch?

I rolled my eyes and picked up a beer bottle from the tray of a waiter. Gulping the half bottle in one go, I walked towards them handing the bottle to the man who was scanning me before.

“Call me bitch one more time, and I will actually make you bark.” Hannah replied but Ming took a step forward. “You are sick. Cheater.” Hannah added.

“Look Hannah or whatever you are. I was never in any relationship–” he said and pushed her but before Hannah could fall, I held her.

“Exactly, we weren't dating. Everything between us was like Air—thin and polluted. It even made me feel sick.” A little laughter filled the Air. “In fact, my boyfriend is better than him. I am glad I didn't date him.” The Little smile Ming had across his face got replaced by a serious one. Perfect.

I won't let you win. Never fucker.

“You—are dating someone?” He asked and I put my hands behind, looking at the DJ and sign-in him to start the music. Once again the music was back and I lifted my hand, dancing like I never did.

Happy Nineteenth, Varya. I murmured in my brain, closing my eyes and dancing. A sudden grip on my upper arm makes me open my eyes and look at Hannah—wait two Hannah.

I closed my eyes, slightly squeezing them to get a better view. “Are you okay?”

“More than okkayy.” Two Ming came to my view and I looked at him. “I need to talk to you.” Hannah tried to speak but before she could I spoke. “Sure.”

The sound of music faded as soon as he stepped out of the club. A tight grip on my upper arm makes me lift my eyes and look at an angry Ming. “what the fuck do you think you are doing?”

“Celebrating my birthday.” I replied, lifting my hand and trying to get rid of his grip but it didn't work so I grabbed his hand from my free hand, my nails digging into his skin. The moment pain shoots to him, he lets go of my hand and scrunches his nose. “Not that, the cheating part.”

“Told you we had nothing in between.” He chuckled, turning his face to the other side and cursing. “Liar, if you are dating then where is your boyfriend?” Correct, my boyfriend. Why did I even lie?

“He will be here soon, so—don’t poke your dick in my way.” I said grinding my teeth and lifting my feet to walk when he grabbed my hand again, this time his touch was harsh. “How about I poke my dick in your sluty cunt?” What the actual fuck did I do by dating him?

“Then I will peel off your Dick's skin and feed it to you without blending it. Try me.” He chuckled, leaving my hand even though he wasn't really scared by my threat.

Two Ming’s looks at me but I narrowed my eyes even though I want to lie down on the floor or just show him that I don't fucking care and—I dumped him even though it's him who cheated on me.

“I would love to meet your boyfriend.” I smiled and he walked inside. Taking an exhale and filling my lungs with oxygen, I walked towards the street. Tears filled my eyes not because I loved him–I liked him and getting cheated on my birthday is disgusting but I feel more disgusted even since he threw that stupid line at me.

It's weird but I was never really sexually attracted towards Ming, I thought if I date him like Emma suggested me, I would gradually get sexually attracted to him after all getting a perfect fucking boyfriend was the goal but instead I started liking him. Note: no love, just like maybe it was his face or the way he would fake smile at me.

“Think I need someone—ooolder~” My heels clicked on the street and i continued walking. “A bit colderrrr–” My eyes slid to a black Lambo which just got parked. It's beautiful but my dick ex has the same. Too late, I didn't even realise when I was standing in front of it.

I jumped the moment the driver honked at the car but I didn't move. “Come ooooutt.” I say, slightly pouting. “Woah, two-two cars!? Nice niceeee” I smiled at myself. Suddenly the door opened and a man walked outside. He is wearing a denim jacket and pants I guess.

“Are you both ttwins?”I asked after looking at two men walking towards me. I took a few slow steps towards them and soon the two men joined into one. Magiccc

“It's my birthdayyyy and I got a giffttt. Got cheated by my exx. Such a dick. Right?” I chuckled. My eyes feel heavy. A chuckle left my mouth and I slowly slid towards the door of the car so now I was standing in between the handsome guy and the Lambo.

“You are….handsomee..umm, Yeah.” I nodded agreeing to my words but the guy opposite to me doesn't utter a word or maybe he does but my ears refused to continue with their job.

My lips parted to speak but the moment my eyes landed on Ming, his hands curled into a ball and jaws clenched. I lifted my hand grabbing this handsome stranger's collar and pulling him towards me smashing my lips on his.