The day of Serena's 17th birthday had arrived, and amidst the tension of Celia's return to the Vanderbilt Mansion, Charlie was determined to make it a special day for Serena. Despite Celia's presence, Charlie had spared no expense, using her own allowance to prepare a special party for Serena.

Leora and Alice, were naturally invited to the celebration. As they prepare for the party, Celia couldn't resist probing Charlie about her relationship with Serena.

"Why are you even preparing a party for her? Are you guys really friends now?" Celia's tone was laced with skepticism.

"Why do you care?" Charlie responded, her patience wearing thin.

"Do you know what your father did to her? And what you did to her? I just want you to remember, Serena isn't stupid... she could just be using you to tear your family down," Celia insinuated, her words dripping with malice.

"Again, why do you care? She can use me anytime she wants," Charlie retorted, her voice tinged with defiance.

"I didn't know you were stupid, Charlie," Celia sneered.

"Celia, I'm telling you now, touch Serena again and I don't know what I'll really do to you... do you understand?" Charlie's voice was firm, her eyes blazing with determination.

"She's my sister and I'll do everything I want with her, Charlie," Celia shot back defiantly.

"Then be sure as hell that you're ready to face the consequences," Charlie warned, her resolve unwavering.

As Celia's thoughts swirled with suspicion and resentment, she couldn't shake the feeling that Charlie's actions towards Serena were more than just friendly gestures. She couldn't help but wonder if Charlie harbored romantic feelings for Serena, a notion that both intrigued and angered her.

"Why is Charlie acting like she's in love with Serena or something? Is she really in love with her? I know Serena... She isn't someone who forgives... she's someone who gets even... That's why I'm making sure that she'll never recover from this downfall but Charlie, that stupid idiot... Serena has totally manipulated her..." Celia's mind raced with thoughts, her resentment towards Serena fueling her suspicions about Charlie's motives.

Meanwhile, Charlie found herself grappling with Celia's words, her mind clouded with doubt and uncertainty. Despite her growing bond with Serena, a part of her couldn't shake the fear that Serena's kindness was merely a facade, concealing ulterior motives.

"I'm pretty sure that Serena's actions towards me are genuine, but of course, part of me is conflicted. What if Celia is right? What if the story still unfolds the way it should've been in the first place... Serena could still be planning on killing me... But now, rather than being scared of death, I can't help but wonder what I would feel if it turns out that I'll actually die in her hands?" Charlie pondered, her thoughts consumed by uncertainty and fear.

Charlie went upstairs to check on Serena but her mind was filled with thoughts.

"Charlie..." Serena's voice interrupted Charlie's thoughts, pulling her back to the present moment.

Charlie's smile brightened as she turned to face Serena. "Happy Birthday!" she greeted warmly, her eyes sparkling with genuine affection.

"Th-thank you," Serena replied, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Charlie didn't know why but she had an urge to be close to Serena... Charlie stepped forward and enveloped Serena in a tight hug, her arms wrapping around Serena's slender frame.

'I sincerely hope that you wouldn't kill me...' Charlie's thoughts wandered momentarily before she refocused on the embrace.

Serena, taken aback by the sudden hug, hesitated for a moment before returning it, her arms encircling Charlie in a gentle embrace.

"Are you okay?" Serena asked, concern evident in her voice as she pulled back slightly to look at Charlie.

"Um," Charlie murmured, her mind still clouded with conflicting emotions. Gathering her thoughts, she took Serena's hands in hers and gestured for them to head downstairs together.

When Charlie went back to the partyy hall and Serena was left in the living room, Celia approached her with a smug expression, her words laced with malice.

"My dear sister, just what are you planning with Charlie? Poor little thing thinks you're her friend."

Serena's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about, Celia?"

"Don't play innocent with me, Serena. I know you too well... You never forgive anyone who wronged you. So, are you planning to use her to bring down the Vanderbilt house?" Celia's tone dripped with accusation.

Serena's mind raced, her thoughts turning to her complicated feelings for Charlie. 'That's true, I never forgive and I will surely bring down the Vandebilt House... But Charlie is an exception. She'll always be an exception. The moment I realized my feelings for her, I always knew that she's different from everyone. With her, I will compromise my rules,' she thought, a mix of emotions swirling inside her.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Celia," Serena replied coolly, her gaze steady as she faced her sister's scrutiny.

Celia scoffed, her demeanor dripping with disdain. "You might fool her, but you will never fool me. I won't let that brat ruin everything I've worked hard for," she sneered.

"I'm not using anyone. Unlike you, I don't need to use people," Serena shot back, her voice firm with conviction.

"Just be careful, sis... What you're doing might backfire on you..." Celia said smirking before leaving Serena.

After the preparation for the Party is done, Charlie went to the living room to take Serena to the party hall.

As Serena entered the room, she couldn't help but feel a pang of surprise at the warm and festive atmosphere greeting her. Despite her usual stoic demeanor, she couldn't deny the flicker of gratitude that stirred within her.

"Happy birthday, Serena!" Charlie, Leora, and Alice chimed in unison, their voices filled with genuine warmth and affection.

"Thank you," Serena replied, her tone tinged with a hint of emotion as she took in the sight of her friends' thoughtful gestures.

Though her exterior remained composed, Serena felt a swell of gratitude welling up inside her. Despite her reservations about celebrating her birthday, she couldn't deny the sense of warmth and appreciation that washed over her in that moment.

"Wahhh... I never would've imagined us celebrating Serena's birthday! It seems like it was just yesterday when the two of you wanted to kill each other!" Alice exclaimed, laughing.

Leora, Charlie, and Serena exchanged surprised glances, not expecting Alice to bring up their tumultuous past.

Leora, Charlie and Serena: O.O

Alice: ^__^

Leora grabbed a donut and playfully placed it in Alice's mouth. "Your mouth must've been starving a lot!" she teased, causing laughter to ripple through the group.

"Serena, make a speech!" Charlie interjected, smoothly changing the topic.

"Um... okay..." Serena began, feeling a bit nervous under everyone's expectant gaze.

"I first want to thank you all for celebrating my birthday with me... To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything, bu