A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 451

The air was charged with excitement, reaching its peak as the clock struck midnight. Luna made her way to the center of the room, where a towering champagne tower awaited. With a practiced hand, she poured the bubbly, its golden liquid cascading down the pyramid of glasses, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Then came the moment to cut the cake, a confectionery masterpiece ordered by her overly protective brother, Cyprian. The cake was a strawberry lover's dream, adorned with layers upon layers of fresh strawberries, perfectly aligning with Luna's favorite flavor. It even had chunks of strawberry nestled within its layers. Two candles, shaped like the number twenty-three, flickered atop it.

Luna was three years younger than Matilda.

Watching Luna, radiant with joy, Matilda couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. She missed the days when she had a brother who doted on her, before tragedy ensured that he would never return.

Gideon's presence had once made Matilda feel like the happiest person in the world, without a hint of envy towards anyone else.

As Luna blew out the candles, her face split into a wide smile, and the crowd whistled and applauded. Luna's close-knit circle of friends erupted into laughter, showering her with birthday wishes.

"Hey, hey, hey, time to find yourself a proper boyfriend this year!" someone teased.

"Over my dead body!" Cyprian half-joked, brandishing a mock gun. "Anyone tries flirting with my sister, they'll have me to answer to!"

"Oh, brother, you're so overprotective!" Luna laughed.

"Seriously, it's creepy!" another added.

The banter continued, light-hearted and full of laughter. Matilda watched as Luna approached her, offering a slice of the delicious cake. "Here, this is for you."