CROSSING THE LINE

Cathy was still half-asleep when she felt soft lips press against her forehead.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw her mother standing over her with the warmest smile on her face.

“Happy birthday, my love,” her mother whooped.

Cathy sat up lazily and rubbed her eyes. “Mum?” she said with a sleepy smile.

Her mother carried a small velvet box in her hand, With that, Cathy’s heart raced. Then her mother placed it on her lap and Muttered. “Open it,”

Cathy opened the box and gasped. Inside was a sparkling diamond necklace, It was so beautiful that it shimmered even in the dim light of her room.

“Oh my God, Mum!” she cried, hugging her tightly. “This is… this is so expensive!”

At that, her mother chuckled softly and whispered. “Nothing is too much for my daughter, you’re eighteen now, Cathy Stewart. My little girl is officially an adult.”

Cathy held the necklace close to her chest and smiled. “Thank you so much, Mum… I love you.”

“I love you more,” her mother said, kissing her cheek. Then her smile softened. “Your father was supposed to be here too, but as usual, he got caught up in a business call.” She sighed and tucked Cathy’s hair behind her ear. “It’s advisable for you to go meet him later. Besides… there’s a big surprise waiting for you today.”

Cathy raised her brows and asked, “A surprise?”

“You’ll see.” Her mother winked and gave her another hug before standing up. “Now, fasten up, your cousin will be here today, and don’t forget, there’s a huge birthday party waiting for Cathy Stewart tonight.”

Then she blew her a kiss and walked out of the room.

Cathy stared at the necklace again, still in awe. But then her thoughts shifted to the word cousin. It sounded somehow in her ears, the cousin she had never seen or known she had.

It would surely be from her father’s side, because her mother was an only child, which meant there were no cousins from her mother’s family. As for her father, he had never really introduced her to his relatives. Rich people and their secretive ways. Maybe today, some of them would finally show up.

Just then, her phone rang. It was Isabella calling, her best friend from campus.

She picked it up, and Isabelle’s loud voice nearly burst her ear. “Oh my God! Guess who is finally an adult! Happy birthday, Cathy! I love you so much!”

Cathy laughed, holding the phone away from her ear. “I love you too, Isabella.”

“I’m bringing your gift tonight! It’s going to be a hit, I promise!” issabella uttered.

“Can’t wait to see it,” Cathy replied and giggled.

Then the call cut off suddenly, it was network problems. Cathy sighed and tossed her phone on the bed before standing up.

She brushed her teeth, dressed in a simple robe, and walked out to the hallway.

The big mansion was already buzzing with morning activity. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, glinting off the crystal chandelier above. Polished floors reflected the light, and a few bodyguards moved quietly along the hallways, with their presence being calm but firm.

Downstairs, she spotted her mother in the dining room, eating while one of the maids, Nelly, served her.

Nelly had been with them since Cathy was ten. Now that she was eighteen, she was more like family.

Cathy giggled, remembering what Isabelle had said earlier. Then she turned and glanced toward the sitting room. There was her father, Mr. George Stewart, already on a phone call. Business as always. She shook her head and muttered, “Business call again… Mr. Stewart.”

He caught her staring, then he smiled and waved while still speaking into the phone.

Cathy walked to the dining room and kissed her mother on the cheek. “ Thank you mum,” she said.

“you are always welcome sweetheart,” her mother said warmly.

“Happy birthday, Cathy,” Nelly said, smiling as she placed a plate down.

“Thanks, Nelly,” Cathy said, blowing her a playful kiss. “You must be present at my birthday party tonight.”

Nelly laughed softly and nodded before walking back into the kitchen.

Just then, her father finally joined them, slipping his phone into his pocket. He came behind Cathy and wrapped her in a warm hug.

“My princess is officially an adult,” he said proudly.

Cathy laughed. “Please, say it again, Dad.”

“My princess,” he repeated with a grin, “is officially an adult.”

Her mum clapped her hands lightly. “Alright, honey, let’s have breakfast before the food gets cold.”

But her father had other plans, he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a shiny car key. He placed it in Cathy’s hand and said. “Here is your birthday gift.”

Immediately. She froze, staring at the key. “Wait… is this?”

“Yes dear, A car of your own,” he said.

She screamed and jumped up from her chair. “Dad! I have a car now!”

He chuckled. “Come, let’s check it out.”

They rose from their seats and walked to the front door, then Cathy pushed it open.

Her jaw dropped when she saw a brand-new, sleek black car parked in the compound among the other cars. Its shiny surface caught the sunlight, and the leather seats looked soft and inviting.

“Oh my God!” She ran to it, opened the door, and slipped inside. The leather seats smelled brand new, she turned on the ignition, and the engine purred beautifully

She quickly hopped out, rushed into her father’s arms, and hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Dad. Thank you so much!”

Her mother stood nearby, watching them with tears of joy in her eyes. She felt blessed to have her as a daughter, It hadn’t been easy. She had waited for years, suffered many miscarriages, and almost lost hope. But in the end, her prayer was answered, and she was finally given the gift of a child.

Just then, the sound of the gate opening drew their attention. The Security pushed the heavy iron gates wide, and a luxury car drove inside.

With that, she frowned immediately wondering who that could that be.

The car stopped, and her father smiled knowingly. “Ah… here he is. Your cousin, Adrian is here.”

“Adrian?” she repeated slowly.

“Yes,” her father said. “He’s here to stay with us for a while. And of course, for your birthday party tonight.”

Immediately, she turned to look as the car door opened.

Then a young man stepped out. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and looked like he had just walked out of a fashion magazine. His dark hair was neatly styled, his jawline sharp, and his fitted black shirt hugged his chest just right. He couldn’t have been more than his early twenties.

He walked toward them with a calm confidence that made her heart skip.

“Welcome, Adrian!” her father said happily. “Meet my daughter.” Then he turned slightly to Cathy and added with a small smile, “Cathy... your cousin. It’s her birthday today.”

Just as Adrian’s eyes met hers. Her hand trembled, and the car key slipped from her fingers, falling to the floor.

For a moment, her heart somersaulted. She swallowed hard, as if something were stuck in her throat.

Immediately, she bent down to pick up the key, only to realize Adrian had bent down too.

Their hands brushed against each other.

The touch was brief, but it sent a strange warmth through her body.

At that moment, Adrian’s gaze met hers again, and a faint smile curved on his lips.

“Happy birthday, Cathy,” he said in a deep, firm voice.

For a moment, her imagination betrayed her. She saw his face leaning closer, his breath brushing her skin, and his voice, low and tempting, whispering, “You’re so hot, Cathy.”

Snapping out of it, she quickly grabbed her key and stood up.

Instantly, Adrian rose too, and now stood facing each other, with their eyes locked in silence..

Something about him felt… dangerous.