Although Jennifer had passed, Alyssa felt grateful to Lyla for adding a year to Jenniferâs life. Thanks to Lyla, she enjoyed one more year of childhood happiness with her mom.
Later, it was Lyla who had taken care of her like a mom when she miscarried.
As time passed, Alyssa did not harbor resentment for Lyla anymore. She was a human with feelings and couldnât bring herself to hate a woman who was consistently nice to her for two decades.
There was no reason for Alyssa to dislike Lyla, especially when Jennifer herself didnât blame Lyla for anything.
âLyla, weâll have the party just as Winston wants it,â Alyssa advised. She held onto Lylaâs arm like a daughter.
Alyssa continued, âThis is not only his wish-itâs mine, too. I have never properly celebrated your birthday in the last 20 years. I feel a little regretful about it.â
âDonât be silly, darling,â gasped Lyla with widened eyes. âIâm the one who refuses any huge celebrations. It has nothing to do with you!â
âIf so, let us throw this party for you to complete my wish. Alright?â
âLyla, donât overthink it! Lyse has made her wishes clear,â Mandy and Colette also encouraged Lyla.
In the end, Lyla was ushered to choose her dress with everyoneâs insistence.
âThese dresses wonât do,â Alyssa critiqued the luxurious dresses, crossing her arms on her chest.
âThey look so gaudy! Winstonâs taste is pretty bad, unlike mine.â
âWell, they are good enough,â Lyla hurriedly replied.
Alyssa wagged her finger as her eyes shone with pride.
âYou should be wearing a tailored dress from a top designer for your dress. And it has to be the most unique design in this world. Lyla, have you heard of Sharon?â
âSharon?â Mandy and Lyla were taken aback. Even Colette, the tomboy. She looked a little confused and had vaguely heard of Sharonâs fame.
âYep. Would you like me to ask her to design your dress for the birthday party?â Alyssa beamed.
âLyse, are you serious? Sharon? The world-renowned fashion designer?â Mandy stared at Alyssa in disbelief âThereâs only one Sharon in the world, as far as I know,â Alyssa quipped.
âWinston once thought of getting Sharon to design a dress for Lyla, but he gave up after failing to contact-
her. Lyse, do you really have a way to reach out to Sharon?â
Alyssa grinned. Winston would probably find it hard to believe that Sharon had been right under his nose all along-Sharon was none other than his little girl!
âOf course. Sharon and I go way back. Sheâll help if I ask her to,â Alyssa reassured them with a glint in her eyes.
She gave Lyla a hug and added, âLyla, I want you decked in Alexaâs jewelry and Sharonâs dress. Youâll be the talk of the town. I want everyone to witness the charm and beauty of a former top actress!â
âLyseâ¦â Tears welled up in Lylaâs eyes as she grappled with her emotions.
âDonât worry. Iâll make you the envy of every woman alive on that day!â