I Am An Illegitimate Child With A Legitimate Reason For Revenge-Chapter 252: Rachael wants to sing
... Alexa was dumbstruck. To think Raymond Stein would go as far as threatening all these affluent people just to protect her daughter’s reputation... He wasn’t scared of anything, this man.
Many wondered what had happened to Raymond Stein all of a sudden. Not that they were not used to him being cold and threatful. But it was this strange warm gaze he had on his face as he carried his daughter up the podium.
If anyone could remember correctly, the last time he had such a gaze in public, it was at his wedding five years back.
"Thank you, you’re too kind." Rachael said to the guests who made sure to keep clapping as Raymond had his eyes on them.
Rachael knew what her father was doing. She could practically see him giving the guests his warning gaze but acted oblivious. She loved to see when he used his authority like that and against such people.
"Rachael, do you want them to sing for you now? And afterwards, you’ll cut the cake." Raymond asked as the clap went to a halt.
Rachael had her eyes on her mother but she didn’t say anything. She wanted her mother to be with her but she also felt it would be better if Alexa didn’t come under the limelight and become the topic of these people’s discussions. These vile, hypocritical, and fake people. She looked down at them and saw through their masks. They were rotten.
"Don’t worry, daddy." Rachael said, smiling brightly. "I’d like to sing it myself. I prepared a lot just for today." Raymond was surprised when Rachael said she wanted to sing her birthday song herself. Well, there was no harm in that.
"Of course, go right ahead."
Rachael took the mic and got down from her father’s arms. First, she glanced at her mother and winked, as if dedicating the song to her.
"First off, I would like to thank all you uncles and aunties for finding time to come to my party. I know you must be busy with your own stuff but you’re here right now. And since you’re here, I think it would be better if you left with a nice and lovely impression of me, don’t you think?" She winked at them and they all laughed, giggling at her childish yet considerate antics.
’Great, I’ve got their attention.’ Rachael thought and cleared her throat to continue, "So instead of you all singing for little ol me. I’m going to sing for you because I’m happy that my mommy was able to get out of the hospital and be here today to celebrate with me. It’s mostly thanks to her that we can gather here today and hold this celebration, because if she were still in the hospital, I wouldn’t be too excited about my birthday."
Her expression saddened and it made the guests feel for her. They saw her as a very delicate and compassionate child. Then, she smiled again and added,
"Well, it’s in the past. My mom is out of the hospital and has no more ouchies. And so, as a treat, I’ll make sure to sing a very lovely song."
Alexa suddenly got emotional but held it in. She started looking forward to her daughter singing on the podium. . All previous birthdays were celebrated with just the both of them and she was always the one doing the singing so, she had never really heard her sing before.
"Someone is excited." Jane whispered to Alexa who blushed. "Seriously, she’s got such an attitude. I wonder who she takes after."
"Yeah, I wonder." Alexa responded, refusing to tear her gaze from her daughter for even a second.
"Hm, your baby’s all grown up, huh?" Jane added and Alexa nodded.
"Yes, and I really want to hear her sing."
Romeo fixed his gaze on his friend on the podium and secretly wished her good luck. He was with her when she practiced and knew what a lovely voice she had. He just hoped she wouldn’t get nervous and ruin it.
"Okay, I’ll start." Rachel closed her eyes, calming her heart which was a bit unsteady and then opened it, starting with the general happy birthday song but directing it to herself. "Happy birthday to me."
The little girl’s voice was so lovely that the guests were touched by the sweetness. They were already visualizing a great future with a great singing career, that was if she didn’t end up taking over her father’s business.
Well, no one thought that way since she wasn’t his biological daughter. But with the way he adored her, they were sure he was going to support her all the way to achieve her dreams, no matter what she planned to do.
"Thank you." Rachael slightly bowed her head as she ended the happy birthday chorus. Then, she made a little heart shape with her tiny fingers and chuckled.
This little gesture warmed the hearts of the guests and they fell for her cuteness before cheering.
Their claps echoed and while Rachael was proudly basking in the glory, Raymond lifted her off her feet and kissed her cheek.
"You’re so talented." He said,
"Of course. We share the same blood, afterall." She giggled.
Alexa watched from her seat, her eyes tearing up seeing her daughter look so happy. This was what she wanted, huh? A father who could do anything and everything for her. Hold her high and make sure nothing harms her.
This was the father any child would want and the father Rachael had chosen.
"Hey, are you crying?" Jane asked but Alexa shook her head and cleaned the tears from her eyes.
"She sounded so lovely that I couldn’t help it." She said and sniffed. "My baby can sing so well."
"Hm, maybe she takes after you." Jane teased. "I’ve never really heard you singing before." Alexa rolled her eyes and said,
"Oh quit it, you know I’m not a singer."
"Then who might this wonderful talent come from?" Jane asked.
"Maybe from her father." Alexa absentmindedly answered and then looked aside, wondering why she said that.
Yeah, maybe it was from her father because she didn’t really know how he was or what he did.
Finally the magnificent blue cake was rolled in. It had over seven layers, each having different designs and different flavors.
"It’s time to cut the cake." Raymond announced but Rachael suddenly took the mic from him and called out to her friend.
"Romeo, come up. Let’s cut the cake together."
