Quinn's Mansion. Los Angeles, California.

Her cheeks burn from smiling too large and big, but the cameras refuses to stop clicking pictures and the host of the party doesn't seem to stop fawning over her anytime soon. It's only a matter of time before her eyes glaze over due to the blinding shot of light which eventually follow after every shutter sound of the camera and the smile she's desperately clinging to her face disappears and gets replaced with a scowl of pure impatience.

It hasn't even been thirty minutes since she arrived at the party and she already wishes she can just snuck back to her bedroom. She reminds herself she has to go through this so neither her brother nor her mother, can ever complain in the future that she did nothing to wipe the blemish away from her family's name. Her mother is standing close beside her, seamlessly instructing her with a solid hand to the small of her back on which direction her head should swerve to next when a camera moves back for another to take its place and for an inexplicable second, Rebecca is actually grateful for her mother's presence despite the palpable lack of trust from her.

Her mother has long strived at being a perfectionist on and off the cameras, at home and work. Hence, it doesn't surprise her much how well-organized the party is. The dessert table adorned with all kinds of cakes and assortments causes her stomach to rumble and although her mind is still stubbornly adamant not to enjoy this party tonight because of a reason that may not hold any depth after ten years, she can't deny she's eagerly anticipating her birthday cake. She has often looked forward to the cakes on her birthday than the actual people who will attend the party.

Scanning through the guests in attendance now, some huddled together in groups—mostly the young men and women—and a majority of the others seated in their chairs with glasses of champagne in hand, their gazes riveted on her while they murmur among themselves—no doubt gossiping about her—Rebecca can't say she recalls a familiar face among them until she spots a stout man who she'd almost missed due to his bald head. Mr. Spears has the same round face she can recall back at her ninth and first ever birthday party and that piercing glint in his eyes when he handed her a holiday ticket to Paris which she accepted graciously but gifted it to Fergal afterwards, more interested in the toys and presents her father was going to give her than a holiday trip to Paris. She smiles when their eyes meet, more amused at the little hair left around his scalp than anything else and quickly notices to her surprise, that just like Mr. Spears, most of the guests appear genuinely happy to see her.

She's never thought she has what celebrities will call 'fans' in her line of work. To her, liking something is much different than being a fan and that's how she saw all the people who praised and admired her work; just people who liked her paintings but not fans who will waste their precious time in waving or asking for selfies or autographs when they come across her on the street. But now seeing all these bunch of young people practically shaking with joy at the sight of her and one even yelling through the soft yet high-pitched tune of the violin playing about how much she loved her last set of paintings, she realize she may have fans after all. Perhaps, if she'd gone on social media instead of listening to the news and watching gossip shows on television, she might've seen there are people out there that actually cared about her. People who weren't just mocking her about the wedding scandal. Fans, despite them being guests at her birthday party, are here and in spite everything, it feels good.

"Thank you, thank you," Annette exclaims to the cameras, beckoning her daughter further away from the inquisitive paparazzi. "You can ask her whatever questions you have later." With that promise and a quick icy glare from Rebecca at her mother—for she isn't looking forward to be interrogated—the cameras lower much to her relief but it's short-lived when Fergal and a woman she can only guess is the girlfriend he was talking about this morning cross her path. The woman looks every bit enthusiastic to meet them, her knuckles turned white from clutching her black purse too tight. Rebecca passes a warm smile at her direction but the dark-skinned woman's blue eyes aren't fixed on her. They're planted on her mother.

Rebecca's mind is suddenly taken back to the day she introduced Jeff to her mother and how hard her then beloved boyfriend tried to impress his never happened mother-in-law even though her mother had known him since he was eight. Similar to Jeff, this woman, Fergal's girlfriend, looks to impress a mother who's hardly impressed with anything she herself hasn't chosen for her children. It took years for Jeff to get under her mother's good graces but even then it was only when he became a movie star, not the son of a man who once begged her father for loan for his bank which had gone bankrupt.

"Hi," Rebecca greets first for none of the others present looks to be uttering a word anytime soon. Her mother is occupied with scrutinizing her brother's girlfriend from head to toe with predatory eyes while the latter beam brighter than ever. Even her brother, who's supposed to be the one initiating the introduction, has his gaze strangely elsewhere, his eyes searching for what she has no idea of. "You must be the woman my brother was gushing about this morning. I never thought I'll get a sister-in-law so soon. It's so nice to meet you. I'm Rebecca."

The woman shakes her hand before she hugs her, finally taking her eyes off her mother who doesn't look too pleased with whatever is happening and what will happen. "Mercedes. Mercedes Varnado. A pleasure to meet you, Rebecca." Rebecca returns the hug, swallowing down the thick lump that had risen in her throat before pulling away. Isn't it funny she has the same name as Colby's ex-girlfriend?

"I love your paintings," Mercedes compliments, seemingly unaware of the thoughts racing through Rebecca's mind. "I especially adore the last set you released depicting the French Culture and the weddings. They were so beautiful. I was really into French while I was in college so I love everything about France although I'm yet to visit Paris. Some say it's impossibly cold during winter but I don't care as long as I get to see The Eiffel Tower in person," she adds with a low snicker which mysteriously fires goosebumps down Rebecca's arms. She has a feeling she should know this woman but she can't possibly recall her from anywhere in her waking life and she certainly can't be who Rebecca fleetingly assumed she is.

She shuffles the undesired thoughts from her mind and says, "If it makes you feel better, I haven't visited Paris before either. Unlike my sister Ash, I've never understood the obsession with The Eiffel Tower other than it's one of the most touristic places on earth. Ash went to Paris for a fashion festival and came back with tons of pictures. The pictures were just too gorgeous and inspiring."

"Ashley and I will definitely get along just fine. I'm hoping for a friendship more with you than Ash, if I must admit." Her smile slightly dim, "I saw everything that happened last week and I must say, you're an incredibly strong woman, Rebecca. Not many people would've survived the situation you found yourself in."

Rebecca flushes, flattered. "No, I'm not. There were multiple times where I tipped over the edge. Creating chaos at Jeff's wedding is an example."

Mercedes shakes her head, "He deserved everything you did to him. If I were in your shoes and I found the courage to actually head to the wedding of the man who left me for another woman, I would've slapped him multiple times and later smashed his pretty bride's face into their wedding cake. Let people talk but for me, you absolutely did a fantastic job in ruining the wedding. Things are settled and as I can see now, the weight and burden has been lifted off your shoulders. Consider that recent incident as the closing chapter. You're much smarter now thanks to him."

"Thank you," she looks pointedly at her brother whose eyes are still whirling around the party, "it feels good to hear someone tell me that." Colby's ex-girlfriend, a woman who broke up with him the same day his dreams dashed to ashes can't be this nice. "It was definitely tough but as you said, I'm certainly much smarter about some things now and I believe being friends with someone I can only presume is smart and strong as yourself will be worth the long hours I'll have to spend at the mall shopping. Perhaps you, Ash and myself can have a girls' day out sometime. What do you think? It'll be fun."

Mercedes nods, smiling sweetly. 'This woman is definitely the opposite of her brother. Opposites does attract indeed,' Rebecca thinks. "That's an excellent idea. It definitely sounds good to me. I'm busy most of the time but I'm certain my schedule will give away sometime. If I can have your number, we can compare schedules over the phone and see which day will be suitable. You know, we can even chat about girl stuffs."

"No," Annette cuts in unexpectedly before Rebecca can even respond. Fergal's wandering eyes comes to settle on his mother, cool but daring. "No," Annette repeats stonily, undeterred by Fergal's warning gaze and that of a bewildered Mercedes, "we don't give our numbers to 'strangers'."

Mercedes's eyes widen, her smile faltering. Clearly, she wasn't expecting that kind of remark for a woman she hopes will be her mother-in-law someday. Rebecca feels a pang of pity for her. "She's not a stranger," Fergal says in defense of his girlfriend, drawing her tight to him. Rebecca must admit she has never seen her brother care about someone so much. He loves Mercedes and he's ready to stand up for her to the ends of the world. She only hopes she won't find herself in a similar situation with Colby. But Colby might get a pass from her mother. After all, he saved her life. 'Slow down,' Rebecca scolds herself. "She's my girlfriend. So automatically, she's part of the family now."

Annette scoffs, brisk and insulting. "She's not part of the family. Not yet. I don't like her," she states bluntly, directing her disdainful look on Mercedes, causing the latter to shrink back, a hurtful look passing across her features. "I don't like her attitude. You can't come around here and ask for my daughter's number. We don't know you. I don't know where you're from, which family you belong to or if your name is really your name. For all I know, one of my rivals might have sent you here to spy on us."

"If you were so concerned about your rivals," Fergal seethes, Rebecca's forehead creases, puzzled, "then you wouldn't have dismissed the bodyguards from the mansion. It's absurd of you to think my girlfriend is a spy but I know you're just saying it to get under my skin. Save it mom. It won't work. It'll be better for all of us if you show her the respect she deserves as the woman I love and will marry in the future."

Rebecca wonders what her mother and brother are talking about concerning the whole bodyguards thing, recalling the bodyguards she'd seen around the mansion when she came back. There's more to it she isn't aware of. She mentally shrugs it off though and focuses on the problem at hand. They won't tell her anyway. "This isn't the place for the two of you to start arguing."

Most of the time, she's on the receiving end of rebukes so it feels unnatural that the very people who often complain about her lack of concern over the family's name are ready to dirty themselves in front of the cameras all because of Mercedes, who has been nothing short of warm and friendly ever since she arrived.

There's no way Fergal is going to forsake the woman he loves just because his mother doesn't approve of her. He has gone against their mother's wishes over something much more personal than his love life and for that, Mercedes is lucky. Her mother knows she's not going to win this war but that won't deter her from trying nevertheless which will end up causing more rift between them. Just what they need when their father's death anniversary is approaching. "Mercedes, let me apologize in my mother's place."

"Rebecca, stop with your nonsense. I don't own her an apology," Annette growls, arrogantly offended.

"She didn't mean any of what she said," Rebecca continue addressing Mercedes, ignoring her mother. "She's fiercely protective of this family. Everything she said is out of love. Don't take it to heart. As for my number, you can take it from Fergal. It won't be a problem at all. Right, Fergal?"

Her brother nods, looking grateful. "Of course not. Thank you."

Annette huffs and swiftly drags Rebecca away from Mercedes and her brother by the arm to the small raised podium facing the guests spread out, drinking and chatting, oblivious to the little scene occurring under their noses. Rebecca had to lift her gown so she doesn't trip over the fabric and fall. "At times, I wonder if you and your brother purposely do these things to get under my nerves. You know how much I detest apologizing for something I haven't committed."

"Like mother, like son," Rebecca mutters under her breath.

Annette doesn't appear to have heard it, her attention riveted on Mercedes who appear to have quickly forgotten the awkward incident, smiling to every business partner Fergal is now introducing her to. "She's too nice. Tries too hard to please and people like that, are like snakes under grass. Ready for the perfect time to strike. I can bet my life on it that she's here just for your brother's money and the valuable things he can give her." Annette's glare brightens when her eyes settles on the necklace around Mercedes's neck, "When the jewelry house called to inform me your brother has made that purchase, I seriously thought he'd ordered it for you as your birthday gift. Little did I know it was for her."

Rebecca rolls her eyes, "Fergal has stopped gifting me jewelries a long time ago. He's probably going to gift me a brand new car or a house on a mountaintop overlooking the ocean this year. Don't tell me you reacted that way towards Mercedes because of the necklace?"

Annette crosses her arms on her chest, giving her a daughter a stern look. "I'm that not petty Rebecca, to get angry over a diamond necklace I can buy ten times over. Do you know how long it took for your father to gift me a single piece of jewelry? Six months into our relationship. Not that he couldn't buy one for me but because your father always believed relationships should be based on love instead of wealth. Your brother doesn't think like Leon which is why it will be easy for a woman to take advantage of him because he believes he can buy everything with money. He won't think when he's spending money on his girlfriend because to him, that's what makes a woman happy. Mercedes is the type of woman that needs money to stay happy. I just know it."

"For someone who has to fake smiles in front of the cameras tonight, I certainly didn't see Mercedes pretending back there. So how do you know, mother? Unless, you have some sort of magical powers that's able to decipher between real and fake I don't know of?"

Annette sighs in resignation, shaking her head at her daughter. "The day you and your hotheaded brother understand me, will be the day this family has crumbled to its knees in humiliation and pain. Both of you act with your hearts and not your mind. No one on this earth has done that and lived a happily ever after."

Rebecca can only groan, "Relax, mom. The world isn't about to end so stop being so pessimistic about everything around you. It isn't healthy. Fergal loves Mercedes. He wants to marry her. If you think she's with him for his money, then you're just judging her too quickly. This is about your son's happiness, mom. At least be supportive for his sake."

"I'm always supportive, Rebecca. Why do you think I let you off the hook about the man you were hiding in your bathroom?"

Rebecca jeers to her mother, completely stunned. "How did you know?"

Annette grins at her, "So I was right. You did have a man hiding in your bathroom. When did my innocent, little daughter get so naughty as to hide a man in her bathroom and ask her best friend to lie to her mother?"

"You tricked me."

Annette shrugs, "It was only lucky guess but you confirmed it. From the way you and Ashley were exchanging glances through the mirror and your smile as we were leaving your bedroom, I knew there was something fishy. That smile was too glorious for Ashley or for me. Who is he?"

Rebecca shrugs, "Colby."

"Just that? Just Colby."

Rebecca doesn't really want to go into any further detail, "Just that, mom."

"I'm afraid I've met too many Colbys to count in my life, my dear. Mind being a little more specific?"

"The one I met at Orlando. The one who saved me from being ran over by a truck?"

Annette's eyebrows narrow, "Wait, I thought the man who saved you was the old man you introduced to us at the bus station?"

"That was Daniel, the man who took me into his house and gave me medical care," Rebecca explains. "Colby, is the one who saved from being over by a truck. There's a difference, mom."

"Why didn't you say so before?"

"I didn't think it was important because I wasn't even sure I will meet him again."

Annette stares at her closely, "You really don't want to introduce him to me, do you?"

Rebecca scoffs, sweeping a hand at where Mercedes and her brother are standing, "After how your interaction with Mercedes went, can you blame me, mom?"

Annette cups her cheek tenderly, "He saved you life and for that, he deserves a fortune. You better introduce him to me after the party," Annette commands, nodding to Ashley who mouths something to her from the crowd. "It took forever but the cake is here now. Come on, let's get this party over with."

Rebecca pulls in a deep breath and trails behind her mother as she takes a stand on the raised podium, taking the microphone from the host. The violin immediately stops playing under the host's signal, the chatter of the guests dying down as they all draw in closer to the podium. It's so silent Rebecca can hear the beat of her heart. She instinctively searches for Colby among the guests but she doesn't see him. She comes to realization she's all alone in this moment. There's not much Colby can do if he's here. Even Ashley provides a small comfort when she waves at her.

Her mother begins by thanking the guests for coming and proceeds to outline the amount of struggles the family has gone through over the years, finally adding that despite it all, they were united and overcame everything in their path. Almost too soon, her mother is addressing her, handing over to her the microphone before giving her a small pat on the arm as she steps away so she can take her place on the podium.

She waits for the applause to die down and to make sure she doesn't stammer before speaking, her voice sounding foreign to her ears with the microphone vibrating her words. "Good evening. I really don't know what's appropriate to say and what's not. All of this is a bit overwhelming considering my father's death anniversary is fast approaching and tonight marks precisely the night we received news that my father had been struck with a heart attack ten years ago so you can imagine, a party on my birthday isn't something I was really looking forward to. This mansion has long been devoid of friends and loved ones that I've forgotten how wondrous it is to have the music playing, the lights twinkling everywhere and all of you here celebrating this amazing night with us. Thank you again for making me realize just how truly special loved ones make everything appear and proving me wrong a party on my birthday isn't such a bad idea after all. Thank you."

The guest's applause cuts her words mid-way and Rebecca is actually thankful for it. It gives her time to prepare her mind for what she'll say next. "Every single one of you have been witness to the tumultuous years that followed after my father's death. I can't say the outside world did much to help us cope with the tragedies that befell us. And I know all of you, including the paparazzi here tonight are expecting some juicy details as to what came over me to storm into the wedding of my ex-fiancé but I'm afraid there isn't much to tell."

Rebecca pauses for her words to sink in, not quite wanting the guest's sympathetic looks but it's much better than their mocking looks she would've definitely received if she'd listened to her mother. She won't give anyone the satisfaction of thinking her weak or vulnerable ever again. "Whatever occurred with Jeff at his wedding happened in a moment where I was fragile, shattered with pain and betrayal by a man I thought will love me forever. Everyone has at least gone through that phase at least once in his or her life. I'm not the first and I'm certainly not the last person who will. But I've willed myself to move on. My relationship with Jeff, the scandalous wedding and the pain are all a thing of the past for me. It wasn't easy finally accepting what I've lost but now that I have, I've decided to usher my once upon a time bleak life into a new beginning, guaranteed of hope and light."

She retrieves a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray and raises it high in the air, her voice taking on a firm, confident tone. "A toast to a new life." The guests raises their glasses to hers, "The past is the past. We can only look towards the future and make the most out of the present. I wish Jeff all the best in his future endeavours," her voice doesn't crack or shake to her amazement. "It was great while it lasted. He can have my apology for ruining his wedding since he's the only one who deserves it from me. God knows I never meant to cause such a ruckus. I was hoping to get in a few slaps but that may just happen in another lifetime." The guests roar with laughter. Glancing ahead, she catches Fergal shaking his head while Mercedes cracks a small smile. She doesn't spare a glance at her mother. "Cheers to life!"

"Cheers to life!" The guests yells back, lifting up their glasses and following it up with a thunderous clap. The sweet, strong content lightly burns in Rebecca's throat as she drinks it in one gulp. She quickly sets the empty glass back on the tray and retrieves another, already raising it to her lips before her birthday cake glides its way to them, clad in white and blue icing, sparkled with large golden balls with a simple thirty number designed on the first layer of the cake.

"After this, fireworks." Ashley shouts in her ear, startling Rebecca with her friend's unexpected presence beside her

"Fireworks? How exciting," Rebecca cries sarcastically. "You know how much I hate fireworks, Ash." Ashley shrugs in feigned distraught, grinning. "Have you seen Colby anywhere," Rebecca whispers in Ashley's ear, keeping her voice low despite the loud claps and hoots from the guests upon seeing the cake. The cake has briefly fortunately driven the cameras attention from her.

Ashley fans her face dramatically, "Oh Becks, you have been hit by this love so bad. You've a fabulous birthday cake here, ready for cutting and all you can think about is your Prince Charming. With how things are going, I'm going to be driven out of the castle very soon. Poor me. I wonder if the ugly stepsisters will take me in."

Rebecca slaps her friend gently on the arm, laughing. "Your name should be changed to Drama Queen, Ash. You're too much sometimes. I just want to give Colby a slice of cake, that's all."

Ashley laughs and takes the microphone and glass from her, handing her the slicer and wheeling the cake closer to where they now stand below the raised podium. "Cut it first before you think of giving anyone a slice. 'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to. . . ." As Rebecca expected, Ashley starts the iconic birthday song, causing everyone gathered to join in—Fergal doesn't—showering her with love and blessings. After she sings her part about the 'age', Rebecca smoothly and with much contentment about how the night has turned out, cuts her cake with her mother and Ashley. Taking in the colourful sparks flying around the cake, she has no doubt the rest of her night will be just as vibrant and explosive and she's definitely looking forward to it.