Burning Passion

CHAPTER 199: NINA'S 18TH BIRTHDAY (Part Two)

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It was the most awaited moment. The host announced the debutant's appearance. They welcomed Nina with loud applause. It thrilled the media to take as much as many photos tonight. It delighted them to be invited to tonight's celebration. 

Li's grand party is one of the best celebrations they have to witness so far with a western theme. The guests all dress up that suits the same theme, tonight. A ball gown inspired by Western culture, from the typical traditional cheongsam.

It's one of the rare opportunities the socialite in High Society shows off with their gown inspired by the Western trend style to this season. Most of all, for the women tonight, wearing the latest designs is a competition for everyone. It was like a clash of reputation and elegance. 

However, to compare, Dona Li is wearing a famous brand, a known designer from Paris. They already heard a rumor, and she was stunning in her white gown that filled with real gems on the dress. Every woman at this party felt envy and wish to be the wife of a wealthy man like Nelson Li.

But it cannot be denied. Dona Li is a beautiful woman every man wishes to win her heart. At age thirty-nine, she was still like a single woman. Her curves, displaying proudly by the dress, which she need not wear a girdle to shape her body. Her curves are natural and blessed to have a slender figure.

Meanwhile, Mely Shang was also beautiful with her black lace gown filled with white sequences. Jerome Shang would be proud to have a beautiful wife that still looks young at the age of forty-five. But they noticed one of their sons is not attending tonight.

And everyone assumes it could be possible. One twin will win the hand of Nelson's daughter. They already heard the rumors, and they were seeing the two mothers along with Li's daughter, and Jerome Shang's son, Steven, is always together.

Walking down the stone staircase, Nina is careful not to fall and roll down the stairs. How embarrassing it was. But gladly, her father is holding her tight. She saw her father's effort to prepare this grand party for her because she was sad tonight. 

Tonight, she has so many guests she doesn't recognize them at all. It must be as she doesn't like to attend any parties to socialize with other families in high society. 

Nina spotted too many handsome men tonight. Including Steven, but someone she longs to see, but Harry wasn't here, which she looks forward to dancing with Harry.

Throughout the night, Nina forced herself to smile and showed her parents she was happy with the grand party they threw for her birthday. She wanted to show her gratitude to her parent's efforts not to waste. She hides the sadness in her eyes and dances with the eighteen single young men.

And the 18th and last guy to dance with her is Steven. Nina couldn't help to wish it was Harry she dances with. Maybe there's almost no difference in physical appearance between the twins. But her heart knows who she aches for. 

Nina looks up and stares at Steven, who is very talkative while they are dancing. Somehow, Steven is always shown to her how she is special. His warm smile makes her comfortable around Steven, who is Harry, only to ignores her. 

However, her heart doesn't stop wishing for Harry. 

~~~~~

After the dance, Nina excuses herself to go to her bedroom to use the washroom. But what she plans is to escape from the noise and take a moment to be alone. She just wanted her birthday to end tonight. 

"Nina?" 

"Aunt Mely? Do you need anything?" 

"Oh, no. I just wanted to give you a gift." 

"Oh. But you already give me not only one but three presents!"

"Yes. But I haven't given you the gift from Harry."

Hearing Harry's name, Nina's face brightens quickly. And Mely notices her reaction. She already noticed that Nina blushes every time she sees Harry. And Harry spares an earnest glance toward Nina. As a mother, it was difficult for her situation to whom she will side. She doesn't want one of his sons to get hurt just because of a girl.

And she knew why Harry goes back to America ahead of his brothers. Harry heard the conversation between his father and Steven. And Harry gave way or his brother.

Mely has a reason she separates to give Harry's present. In this way, Nina would feel that Harry thinks she is special to him.

"Thank you, Aunt Mely!" Nina cheerfully accepts the gift.

Mely sees how Nina sparks her eyes tonight. This girl tried to hide her sadness, but not to her. Nina is now smiling widely.

"Please thank Harry for me, aunt Mely!"

"Sure. I will send regard. Oh, how about if you write a "Thank You" letter? Do you know our residential address in America?"

Nina nodded. "Yes, aunt Mely! I will just send him a letter of gratitude." 

Mely confirmed, that Nina's reaction toward Harry is far different for Steven. She's praying that Steven would not hurt in the end. Mely heaves a sighed.

"What's wrong, aunt Mely?"

"Oh, it's nothing. It just surprises me when Harry asked me to book him a boat ticket back to America."

"Oh, Harry took a boat and not a plane?" 

"No. He said, in that way, he could have a peaceful time studying his advanced lesson." 

"Oh. Then Harry is still in the ocean right now?"

"He is, and I'm worried. I'm praying they wouldn't meet any storm. And I hope that child eats properly." 

"Don't worry, aunt Mely! I will pray for Harry that he is in a safe voyage!"

"Thank you, Nina. Happy Birthday once again." Mely hugged the girl. Who doesn't like to have a daughter-in-law like Nina? She is not only a sweet girl, but she is a kind-hearted lady.

She prayed that one of her sons would marry Nina. But not in a way that one of them hate each other. It seemed that Steven who has true feelings for Nina but it was Harry Nina likes over Steven. 

"Aunt Mely, can I already open the gift?" 

"Hm, I think, it's fine. Then, I shall leave you to check out your presence!" 

"Thank you, Aunt Mely!" Nina hugged the woman, she said, "Thank you for helping us organized my birthday. I felt too special tonight." 

Mely patted Nina's back.. "You are special."