When Dream Takes over

The rooftop hotel venue shimmered with soft golden lights, clinking glasses, and elegant music. Laughter and chatter echoed under the stars as the grand birthday party for Alice Watson reached its peak.

Hendrix Vincent excused himself politely, "I have to attend an important call. We'll meet later." With that, he slipped away into the crowd.

Jenna stood beside Ameya, her gaze locked on Michael across the room. Ameya's eyes, however, didn't leave Rico—not even for a second. They were both standing next to the birthday girl, Alice, chatting and smiling, but for Ameya, it felt like needles in her chest.

Jenna and Ameya took their glasses of juice, lifted them half-heartedly, and placed them back on the table—clearly frustrated.

Ameya leaned closer to Jenna and whispered, "How happy he is when he's with her…"

Jenna scoffed softly and whispered back, "He didn't even tell me that he's from the Watson family."

Suddenly, Alice picked up a piece of cake and held it to Rico's lips. Rico hesitated, looking momentarily uncomfortable, but still took a bite. When he turned, his eyes met Ameya's across the room. He smiled gently.

Ameya immediately turned away, her jaw tight.

As the music shifted, the dance floor lit up. Guests began to sway, couples pairing off. Alice tugged on Rico's sleeve, "Can you be my dance partner?"

"I… I don't think—" Rico began, but Alice interrupted, "Please? It's my birthday wish. Just as a friend."

He gave in with a quiet sigh. "Alright. Just this once."

While he danced with Alice, his eyes never left Ameya. Every glance, every movement, was for her.

Jenna noticed. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly. "It's just a dance. You know he only loves you."

Ameya gripped her juice glass tightly, her smile angry and sharp. "I wish her heels broke."

Crack!

Right then, Alice's heel snapped. She yelped and stumbled, but Rico caught her by the waist before she fell.

"You okay?" he asked.

Alice giggled, clinging to his arm. "I'm fine… thanks."

Ameya stood up abruptly, her anger boiling. "I'll be back," she said to Jenna.

"Where are you going?" Jenna asked, but Ameya didn't answer.

Rico's eyes caught Ameya's retreating figure. Without thinking, he let go of Alice. "I have to go," he mumbled and walked off the dance floor, leaving Alice alone.

Jenna sipped her juice quietly, her mood soured. Across the room, she saw Michael laughing with a group of investors, holding a drink. He hadn't noticed her yet. She turned her face away, hurt.

Then suddenly, she felt a presence.

Michael pulled out a chair and sat next to her. "Are you here?" he asked casually.

Jenna blinked. "Don't think I followed you. I'm the brand ambassador of Liora Group. This is our welcome party. Mr. Hendrix brought me."

Michael chuckled, "I know. Liora Group is one of our collaboration partners."

Jenna smiled faintly, no warmth behind it. "I know you're Angela Watson's son."

Michael raised an eyebrow, amused. "You—?"

"Mr. Hendrix told me when we arrived," Jenna replied sharply.

Michael opened his mouth to say something, but Jenna stood. "I have to go." She walked off.

He smirked. "You're more interesting than I thought," he murmured under his breath.

---

On the balcony, Ameya stood quietly, watching the city lights shimmer in the distance. Her heart was heavy, her eyes still glistening.

Suddenly, she felt a head lean gently on her shoulder.

By reflex, she slapped hard.

"Ow…" came a familiar voice. "Your slap is so strong…"

She gasped and turned. "Rico?!"

He rubbed his cheek. "Yep. Me."

"I—I'm sorry!" she said, then her expression hardened. "Actually, no. You deserved it."

Rico shocked. "What...?."

She turned back to the view, voice low and bitter. "Enjoyed dancing with your childhood sweetheart?"

"Sweetheart? No way," Rico said, confused. "She's just a friend."

"Then why did you dance with her like that?"

Rico stepped in front of her, looking into her eyes. "Are you… jealous?"

Ameya looked away. "No."

He grinned. "Liar. It's cute though."

"I'm not cute," she muttered.

"I already told you—Alice is more an enemy than a friend. And that dance? It was her birthday wish. I swear, it won't happen again."

Her anger cooled. "Fine… but don't do it again."

Rico smiled and leaned in, kissing her softly. "I've never seen you jealous. I love it."

Ameya blushed. "Don't do that here!"

He hugged her from behind. "Don't worry. I'm not afraid."

---

Meanwhile, Angela Watson and Hendrix Vincent met near the main table. Hendrix handed a small gift box to Alice. "Happy Birthday," he said politely.

Angela and Hendrix exchanged a few business pleasantries. Shortly after, Ameya and Jenna joined them with Hendrix's assistant.

Angela's eyes flickered with a sly smile when she saw Jenna. "I'm glad you're the brand ambassador of Liora Group," she said sweetly, but with a poisonous edge.

Jenna returned her smile just as sharply. "It's my pleasure."

Angela gestured. "This is my daughter, Alice."

"Wishes," Jenna said politely.

"Happy birthday," Ameya added, keeping her tone light.

Mrs. Clara soon arrived, slightly out of breath.

Angela smirked, "Why are you so late?"

"Tight schedule," Clara replied. "But my son came earlier, didn't he?"

Alice pouted. "Auntie, where's Rumi?"

"She has college deadlines, dear. She couldn't make it."

Angela soon took the center stage, holding a microphone. "Everyone! I have an important announcement. Watson Group and Renhart Group are collaborating on a new line of luxury beauty products!"

The audience clapped politely.

Jenna turned to Ameya, "Shall we go? We have the tour tomorrow. I need to pack."

"Yeah," Ameya nodded. They were just about to leave when Angela continued—

"And one more thing. I have good news. My daughter, Alice Watson, and Mrs. Clara Renhart's son, Rico Renhart, will be getting engaged next month!"

The crowd gasped, then clapped louder.

Rico froze. Clara's smile vanished.

Michael looked up, confused. "What…?"

Ameya turned, her heart dropping. "What… did she just say?"

Jenna grabbed her arm, but Ameya pulled away, shocked.

Clara hissed at Angela, "What are you doing?! I didn't said him yet —"

Angela smiled. "Convince him. He'll come around."

Clara looked annoyed but turned to her son. "Rico…"

Rico walked to her. "What is this? Are you part of this too?"

"Please, just listen to me," Clara whispered. "You have to obey… just this once."

Rico clenched his jaw. Angela took his hand and placed it into Alice's, raising them together for the crowd. Alice beamed. Rico stood like a statue.

Ameya turned and ran out of the rooftop, her heart cracking. Jenna's phone rang—she couldn't follow—but she watched Ameya leave, her chest tightening with worry.

Michael stepped beside Angela. "Mom, why are you doing this? This isn't right."

"You don't know everything, Michael," Angela replied sharply.

Ameya wandered through the empty corridor, her breath shaky. Her tears finally spilled as she whispered, "They're happy. I'm the only fool crying here."

She looked up at the glowing lights and muttered, "I wish the lights would just disappear…"

Suddenly—

BZZT!

Darkness fell.

Power cut.

She gasped, covering her mouth.

And then… a faint glow caught her attention.

She looked down at her finger.

Her green stone golden ring—it was shining, faintly… strangely… magically.

Ameya stared at it, her breath catching in her throat.

"…What's happening around me?" she whispered into the dark.