After eight years as a stand-in, I let go first

The entire grand hall was decorated in a beautiful and romantic manner. The crystal chandelier glittered brilliantly under the lights while a family portrait that was hand-drawn by Joseph was projected on the wall.

An intricate, two-tiered cake sat on the cake stand while a candle that read "28" was stuck on the top layer. The guests gathered around Samantha when they noticed her arrival. They were all smiles as they gave her their blessings.

"Happy birthday, Mrs. Wright!"

"Mr. Wright and Mr. Joseph must have poured their heart and soul into the preparations. You're so lucky!"

Dazed, Samantha was rooted to the spot. She felt like she was dreaming. She looked at Rosalia in confusion, asking, "Where's Harry and Joseph?"

"Mr. Wright and Mr. Joseph will be here soon," Rosalia answered with a smile. "Why don't you take a look at their gift first?"

She handed an exquisite gift box to Samantha. The people surrounding them egged Samantha on, encouraging her to open it. She hesitated for a moment before flipping open the cover.

A diamond necklace was nestled within the silk-lined box. The main diamond sparkled dazzlingly under the lights.

"Oh, my God! Isn't this 'Starlight Tears' that appeared at an auction a month ago? I heard it was sold for eight figures!"

"Mrs. Wright is being spoiled rotten by Mr. Wright!"

"It's no wonder Mrs. Wright willingly gave up on her career to become a full-time housewife. If I were in her shoes, I would do the same!"

Rosalia offered to help Samantha put the necklace on under the envious gazes of the guests. "You should try it on, Mrs. Wright."

Samantha simply stood there in a daze. In the next second, the diamonds touched her skin. They were cool to the touch. Was everything that was happening real? She nearly believed it was.

But in the next second, the grand hall's doors were thrown open.

"Who allowed you to wear that necklace?"

Harry's icy voice cut through the false warmth permeating the atmosphere like a blade. Samantha turned to see Harry and Joseph with Lydia in tow. The three of them stood in the doorway, wearing matching darkened expressions.

Joseph lunged at Samantha and yanked the necklace off her neck.

She hissed when she felt the sharp metal slice her skin, leaving a bloody trail in its wake. She immediately clamped a hand on her neck. The pain had thoroughly snapped her back to reality.

"What the hell are you playing at?" she demanded, her voice trembling.

Joseph pinned her with a loathsome glare. "I should be asking you that question. Daddy and I prepared this birthday banquet for Ms. Yeager. Who allowed you to be here?"

Samantha was stunned while the guests immediately fell silent and exchanged glances with each other.

"Today is Lydia's birthday. We prepared this banquet for her," Harry added coldly.

Samantha started laughing suddenly. Everything made sense now.

Rosalia had made a mistake. The banquet wasn't meant for her at all. After all, none of the outsiders would have guessed that Harry and Joseph would choose to celebrate Lydia's birthday instead of hers when they shared the same birthday.

The envy in the guests' eyes rapidly morphed into pity. Someone whispered, "This is way too awkward…"

Samantha inhaled deeply before turning on her heel, preparing to leave.

"Ms. Knott!" Lydia called out suddenly. Her voice was gentle when she said, "Since we coincidentally share the same birthday, why don't we celebrate it together?"

Samantha didn't bother turning her head before answering, "No need."

Lydia's eyes reddened in an instant. She looked at Harry with a troubled expression. "Did I offend Ms. Knott somehow? It seems like she doesn't really like me…"

Harry's gaze turned glacial. He stepped forward and blocked Samantha's path forward. "Lydia invited you to join her out of the goodness of her heart. Why are you giving her attitude?"

Joseph rushed forward and grasped her wrist. "That's right! You used to complain about wanting to celebrate your birthday all the time! Why are you throwing a temper tantrum now?"

Samantha couldn't help but feel that the entire situation was utterly ridiculous as she looked at them. "Since when have I ever complained about wanting to celebrate my birthday?" She scoffed. "Tell me. When have I ever done that?"

Harry frowned. "Stop being difficult and stay."

It wasn't a request—it was an order.

Samantha closed her eyes. In the end, under the sympathetic gazes of the surrounding onlookers, she was forced to stay. She sat in a corner and watched Harry and Joseph orbit Lydia. They cut the cake for her and gave her presents.

Their gentle smiles made Samantha's eyes sting. Meanwhile, she was left by her lonesome.

When it was time for the cake-cutting ceremony, Lydia suddenly approached her and grabbed her hand affectionately. "Shall we cut the cake together, Ms. Knott?"

Samantha tried to retract her hand, but Lydia had a death grip on it. In the next second, someone collided into the champagne tower next to them, causing the glasses to crash to the ground.

Harry's first reaction was to lunge at Lydia and protect her in his embrace. As for Samantha, her entire body was covered in cuts from the broken pieces of glass that ricocheted in all directions. She collapsed to the ground.

Fresh blood flowed from her forehead, getting into her eyes and blurring her vision. The last thing she remembered seeing was Harry and Joseph anxiously checking on Lydia to see if she was injured.

Meanwhile, no one bothered to check on Samantha even as she lay in a pool of her own blood.