The Extra's Rise-Chapter 217: Rachel’s Sweet Sixteen (2)

Our car rolled smoothly through the towering gates of the Creighton estate, a fortress of wealth and power that stretched across the horizon like something out of a fairy tale. Yet, even as the grand halls and ornate archways came into view, my mind was elsewhere—spinning, racing, caught in a whirlwind I couldn’t quite control.

Because Arthur was here.

I had missed him more than I thought possible, and now, sitting this close to him, everything else seemed distant. The weight of the day, the pressure of the expectations, the lingering shadows of memories I refused to name—it all felt lighter. Not gone, not forgotten, but somehow bearable.

With Arthur beside me, the world felt easier to hold.

I led him through the estate, my fingers itching to reach for his hand, but I held myself back. Instead, I showed him to his guest room, forcing myself to keep things normal, to keep my voice steady.

"Freshen up and rest," I told him, offering a smile that felt too warm, too open. "Tomorrow’s a big day."

Arthur met my eyes with that unreadable look of his, like he always knew more than he let on. "Yeah. See you tomorrow, Rach."

I turned away, walking quickly before I let my heart make any decisions for me.

As I rounded the corner, my sister’s voice cut through my thoughts.

"I never thought I’d see you like this, Rachel."

I glanced up, only to find Kathyln leaning against the wall, watching me with a knowing smirk.

"Like what?" I asked, though the heat rising to my cheeks told me exactly what she meant.

"Like a helpless girl in love." She chuckled, shaking her head. "Has that boy really captured that much of your heart?"

My mouth opened to argue, but the words stuck. I wanted to deny it, to push back, to tell her she was being ridiculous—but all that came out was a stammered, "M-maybe."

Kathyln laughed, that rare, soft laugh that only ever surfaced when she thought she had me cornered.

"Anyway, big sis, I’m going to my room. Don’t follow me!" I declared, whirling on my heel before she could say anything else.

Her laughter followed me down the hallway.

Inside my room, I stopped in front of the mirror, pressing a hand to my burning cheeks. My reflection stared back, my blue eyes wide, my lips curling into something almost shy.

’I finally understand what those girls were talking about,’ I thought, remembering Seraphina and Cecilia’s teasing.

They had said there was a way to win Arthur over completely. A secret, a trick, but they had refused to tell me, claiming it wouldn’t be fair.

But now… now, I knew.

I glanced down, looking at the heavy weight that burdened my shoulders and back.

"I don’t get why they like it this way," I muttered, turning slightly, evaluating the way it looked.

It was annoying. It didn’t help in a fight at all. If anything, it was inconvenient.

But then… I thought about the way Arthur had looked at me earlier. The way his eyes had flickered, the way his gaze had lingered for just a second too long.

And my lips curled into a slow, victorious smile.

"If Arthur likes it," I murmured, nodding at my reflection, "then I guess it’s fine."

Because Arthur was mine.

And nobody else was going to have him.

The night stretched long and quiet, but I forced myself to go to bed early.

I wanted to spend more time with Arthur, but I decided to wait. To surprise him.

Because tomorrow—tomorrow was my birthday.

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"AAAH!" a girl chirped with delight, running across the garden with steps full of joy. Her golden tresses shimmered in the sunlight, and the mage guards watched her with fond smiles as she was followed by her attendants.

The girl’s blue eyes widened when she spotted a familiar figure sitting by the waterfall, dipping her feet into the cool water while working on a tablet.

"MAMA!" she called out loudly, running up to the woman.

The woman turned, her features a mirror image of her daughter’s. She handed the tablet to her attendant, opening her arms wide to catch her daughter, making sure they didn’t both end up tumbling into the water.

"There’s my little angel!" she said, tickling the girl and filling the air with her joyful laughter.

"I apologize, Your Majesty," the girl’s attendant said to the woman, as the little girl pouted in her mother’s arms.

"No worries, Elena, I’m sure you did your best," the mother replied, pressing a gentle kiss on her daughter’s forehead.

"Mommy, Mommy," the girl said, settling into her mother’s lap.

"Yes, my lovely angel?" the woman asked, smiling warmly.

"What gift will I get for my birthday?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Oh, that’s right! It’s your birthday soon," the mother replied, playfully acting surprised. "You’re turning five now, aren’t you?"

"Yes!" the girl exclaimed with glee.

The woman chuckled softly, brushing a golden lock away from her daughter’s face. "So, what does my little angel want? A big hug? A special kiss?"

The girl shook her head vigorously, her smile widening. "No, Mommy. I want a real adventure! Like the stories Daddy tells me."

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The woman blinked, surprised but amused. "An adventure, huh? My little one is already so brave," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Very well. We’ll plan a special adventure, just for you. But you’ll have to promise me one thing."

The girl’s eyes widened, eager. "What is it, Mommy?"

"Promise me you’ll be the bravest little explorer there ever was—and always stay close to Mommy and Daddy," she said, gently squeezing her daughter’s small hands.

"I promise!" the girl declared confidently, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

The mother laughed, hugging her daughter close. "All right then, an adventure it is. We’ll make sure it’s an adventure you’ll never forget."

The girl clapped her hands, her laughter echoing through the garden.

She then turned to the side, her eyes lighting up as she recognized the approaching figure.

"Daddy! Daddy!" she called out joyfully, raising her little arms in excitement.

"Hello, my two beautiful ladies," the silver-haired man said, a warm smile spreading across his face as he drew closer. He leaned down, kissing his wife and daughter on their foreheads.

The little girl giggled, reaching for him. "Daddy, Mommy said we’re going on an adventure for my birthday!"

The man raised an eyebrow, his smile growing. "An adventure, you say? Well, that sounds like a splendid idea," he said, lifting his daughter into his arms. "What kind of adventure would my brave little one like?"

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The girl paused, scrunching up her face in thought. "I want to find treasure, like in the stories you tell me, Daddy!" she said with enthusiasm.

The man chuckled, sharing a knowing glance with his wife. "Treasure, hmm? I think we can arrange something special for our brave explorer. What do you think, my love?" he asked, turning to his wife.

She smiled softly, nodding. "I think it’s perfect. We’ll make sure our little adventurer finds the greatest treasure there is."

The little girl squealed in delight, wrapping her arms around her father’s neck. "The greatest treasure! I can’t wait!"

The man held her close, his gaze warm as he looked at his wife. "Then it’s settled. We’ll prepare the most wonderful adventure—one that our little Rachel will remember forever."

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CRASH!

BANG!

The sound of something shattering echoed from the room, making Rachel flinch as she stood just outside the door. Her small hands curled into fists, her golden curls bouncing as she looked down, her blue eyes filled with confusion and sadness.

She didn’t understand.

She missed her mommy so much, but no one would let her see her. Her father and Elena had both said she shouldn’t, that she needed to wait, that it wasn’t the right time yet.

But she missed Mommy!

The promise of an adventure still echoed in her memory. Mommy had said they would go on a real adventure, and Daddy had promised to take her too. They were going to find treasure together, just like the stories. It was going to be wonderful, an adventure she would remember forever.

But when?

When would they go? When would she see Mommy again?

Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks as she hugged herself, feeling a deep emptiness that only her mother could fill. She wanted to ask someone, anyone, why she couldn’t go in. Why everything had changed.

"Mommy…" she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. She didn’t understand why everyone was keeping her away.

Suddenly, the door creaked open slightly.

Rachel’s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat as she cautiously stepped closer. She could barely breathe, her tiny hands trembling as she reached for the door. With a gentle push, she widened the opening just enough to peek inside.

And there, through the small slit, she saw her.

Mommy.

Her Mommy was there!