There was just one day left until my birthday, and the Hart estate seemed to have transformed into the setting of an epic movie. Olivia had been working nonstop for weeks to organize what she called "the celebration of the century." And though I kept insisting that such a fuss wasn't necessary, I knew stopping Olivia when she had an idea in mind was like trying to stop a train in full motion: impossible.
From the window of my room, I watched as Olivia ran back and forth across the garden, her hair tied up in a high ponytail and a walkie-talkie hanging from her belt. By her side, Charlotte, Ellie's younger sister, walked diligently with a tablet in her hands, acting as Olivia's official assistant. The eight-year-old girl was completely absorbed in her role, responding to each of Olivia's commands with enthusiasm.
"Lights in the trees," Olivia announced, pointing toward the massive oak trees surrounding the lake.
"Done," Charlotte replied, tapping something on her tablet screen.
"Fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m., right after the toast."
"Done."
"Tables decorated with white and gold tablecloths, fresh flowers at every centerpiece."
"Done."
Olivia paused for a moment, looking around with a critical expression while adjusting her sunglasses.
"What else is missing?" she muttered to herself before turning to Charlotte. "Is the orchestra confirmed?"
Charlotte quickly checked the tablet.
"Yes, Olivia. They confirmed half an hour ago. They'll arrive early tomorrow to rehearse."
"Perfect. Now, what about the floating luminous balloons on the lake?"
Charlotte frowned as she swiped her finger across the screen.
"I think they're not ready yet. The team said they'd come this afternoon to set them up."
Olivia crossed her arms, pretending to be indignant.
"This afternoon isn't enough! We need everything perfect now. I'm calling them immediately."
Before she could dial a number on her phone, I felt warm arms wrap around me from behind. It was Sack, who hugged me tenderly and kissed my cheek.
"It looks like someone's been busy," he said, looking toward Olivia and Charlotte with an amused smile.
I laughed, leaning back against him.
"You have no idea. Olivia is taking this very seriously. I think she's even recruited Charlotte to be her right-hand assistant."
Sack nodded, watching the little girl move diligently alongside Olivia.
"She's adorable. But I also wonder if Olivia ever sleeps. Have you tried on the dress she picked out for you?"
I sighed, remembering Olivia's insistence that I wear the dress she had specially designed for me.
"Yes, I did. Of course, only after Olivia practically forced me into the fitting room. She says it's 'perfect for capturing the essence of Lindsay Grove.'"
Sack raised an eyebrow, curious.
"And what exactly does that mean?"
"No idea," I admitted, shrugging. "But Olivia seems to have an entire philosophy behind every detail. She says the dress reflects my personality, my aspirations, and… something about shooting stars. I'm not sure I fully understand it."
Sack let out a low chuckle.
"Only Olivia could turn a dress into a conceptual masterpiece."
We stayed like that for a few minutes, watching as Olivia directed a group of workers setting up long tables under the shade of the trees. That's when Ellie appeared, approaching us with a shy smile on her face. Her light brown hair was tied into a simple braid, and she carried a notebook in her hands, probably filled with notes to help Olivia.
"Hi, guys," Ellie greeted softly. "This... is incredible. It looks like something out of a dream."
Sack smiled widely.
"With Olivia, you never know what to expect. She always exceeds any expectation."
Ellie nodded, looking around in awe.
"That's true. I've never seen anything like it. Everything is so... elegant. Even the smallest details seem carefully planned."
I looked at Ellie fondly. Despite our differences in background, I'd always felt a special connection with her. Her shyness combined with her bravery made her unique, and I deeply admired how she faced life with determination, despite the difficulties her family had endured.
"Ellie, you should see the full plan," I commented. "Olivia has thought of absolutely everything. From the music to the fireworks, including a floating dance floor in the middle of the lake."
Ellie's eyes widened.
"A floating dance floor? That sounds... amazing."
Sack burst out laughing.
"Exactly. Only Olivia could think of something like that. Though I'm still not sure how she managed to convince her parents to fund something so extravagant."
Ellie smiled, visibly excited.
"Well, I think it's going to be an unforgettable night. Thank you for including me in this. I know I'm not part of your usual circle..."
I interrupted her quickly, shaking my head.
"Ellie, you're part of our family. It doesn't matter where you come from or what your situation is. What matters is who you are, and you're incredible."
Ellie looked down, visibly moved.
"Thank you, Lindsay. It means a lot to me."
Sack gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Besides, Olivia already considers you part of the team. She even assigned you the task of making sure all the guests have enough napkins. So technically, you're indispensable now."
Ellie let out a nervous giggle.
"I guess so. Though I'm not sure I can compete with Charlotte. That girl is surprisingly efficient."
We all turned to see Charlotte running after Olivia, who had just thrown another list of tasks into the air.
"Charlotte, we need to confirm the menu with the chef!" Olivia shouted, gesturing dramatically with her hands.
"Got it!" Charlotte responded, typing quickly on her tablet.
Ellie shook her head, incredulous.
"It's like they're a perfectly synchronized team."
Sack and I exchanged an amused glance.
"Or like Olivia has finally found her mini-me," I joked.
Ellie laughed, and soon all three of us were laughing uncontrollably, unable to contain ourselves at the sight of Olivia directing her own army of helpers.
As we calmed down, I looked toward the sky, where the sun was slowly beginning to set. I knew this birthday would be different from any other. Not just because of the extravagance of the party, but because I'd be surrounded by people who truly mattered to me. People who had turned this place into more than just a temporary home—they had made it a refuge full of love, laughter, and camaraderie.