Chapter 60

Scott looked at Emma and Bella with a mix of disappointment and frustration. The words of reprimand for Emma stuck in his throat. He finally waved his hand and said, "We'll deal with this after the birthday party."

Emma breathed a sigh of relief. Although she didn't know how Scott would handle it, she at least had some breathing room. She thought, As long as it isn't last minute, there's still a chance for things to turn around.

The next morning, the Rosewood family was in an uproar, bustling about in preparation for the birthday party. Elysia was woken early, busy getting dressed, choosing a gown, and making other preparations.

Emma watched the commotion, feeling like an outsider. She remembered her own birthday parties; the family had never gone to such lengths. She thought, Why does Elysia get so much attention? It's just a birthday. Is it really necessary to involve the whole family? Her jealousy was overwhelming.

Bella came out of the bedroom and saw Emma standing at the second-floor staircase. Seeing Emma's lonely and desolate figure, she felt a pang of heartache. She slowly walked over, put her arm around Emma, and said, "When it's your next birthday, we'll do the same for you, and even make it more grand."

"Really, Mom?" Emma asked happily, her eyes sparkling with excitement, but the light quickly dimmed. "Mom, there's no need to go through all this trouble for me. It's just a birthday, it's not that important. As long as Elysia is happy, I'm already very happy."

Bella's heartache for Emma grew. She thought, Emma is my precious daughter. When did she start envying others? She's such a sensible daughter. Why are there still people who are never satisfied with her?

She comforted Emma, saying, "Emma, whatever Elysia has, you will have too, and even better."

Emma hugged Bella tightly. "Thank you, Mom. You're so good to me."

Bella returned the hug. "You're my daughter. If I'm not good to you, who else would I be?"

At this moment, Emma felt a surge of pride. She thought, Even if Elysia has won over me, so what? Bella has always recognized me as her only daughter. At least in this regard, Elysia could never beat me.

An hour before the dinner party, Elena arrived at the Rosewood residence. She wore a blue mermaid gown, her long hair cascading down her back, partially revealing her beautiful shoulder blades. The gown accentuated her figure, adding a touch of seductiveness to her cool demeanor.

When Emma saw Elena, she was taken aback. She hadn't expected Elena to attend, nor had she anticipated Elena's stunning appearance. She greeted, "Elena."

Elena merely nodded before walking upstairs to Elysia's room.

Elysia sat at her vanity, her wavy hair draped over her waist. She wore a purple chiffon dress; she looked breathtaking.

Elena gently knocked. Elysia turned around.

"I've been waiting for you," Elysia said, her face lighting up.

"You look beautiful today," Elena said with a smile.

"You do too. You seem different today!" Elysia replied.

"In what way?" Elena asked, pulling out a wooden brocade box from her bag. "A birthday gift."

Elysia looked at the box, paused, then pushed it back with a mischievous smile. "Can I change the gift?"

Elena asked, "What gift do you want?"

"I want to know why you've been helping me all this time," Elysia said. This question had been bothering her for a long time. Although she was certain Elena had no ill intentions, she wanted to know the reason.

Elena was taken aback, then smiled. "Because I envy you."

"Envy me?" Elysia asked, pointing at herself in disbelief.

"Yes," Elena said. "I envy that you can be yourself without any reservations."

Elysia looked at Elena, noticing the complex emotions in her eyes—sorrow mixed with helplessness. She didn't understand and remained silent.

Elena explained, "From the day I was born, I was burdened with high expectations. I grew up in a family full of restrictions and constraints, never daring to relax. Sometimes I even feel like a cold machine, devoid of emotions, living a life of routine, fulfilling everyone's expectations. That's not the life I want. It wasn't until that day at school when I saw you riding a motorcycle that I realized you were living the life I wanted but could never achieve. The more I got to know you, the more I was drawn to you. That's the reason. Or you could say, I admire you."

Elysia was surprised. She hadn't expected Elena to notice her so early, or that Elena, who seemed perfect, would envy someone. Perhaps Elena was imperfect in her own way.

Recalling the past, Elena sighed. Her life didn't allow for mistakes, yet she longed for a more carefree existence like Elysia's.

Alice had changed into her gown and, upon stepping out, ran into Zane.

He frowned at her attire. "Are you going somewhere?"

Alice pulled out an invitation with a smug look. "Of course, to Elysia's birthday party."

Zane snatched the invitation, his frown deepening at seeing only Alice's name.

"Zane, you didn't get one, did you?" Alice asked.

Zane glanced at her coldly. Alice quickly covered her mouth. He handed back the invitation. "I have a business trip; no time."

Alice put on an air of knowing everything. She thought, Just put on a show. He didn't receive an invitation but is making excuses! I don't believe him for a second.