The third point of view:

"Don't you think this is too much?" Cecil asked as the girls helped dress her up.

She had been in her room, unable to come out outside in fear of bumping into Emerald when Sakuzi sent a package to her room. A dress she had to wear to Emerald's birthday party tonight.

Although she had turned down the offer by lying through her teeth that she was not feeling fine and would be unable to attend the party tonight, Sakuzi was one stubborn old man - he saw through her pathetic lie.

"Don't worry, I'll send medicine to you, but you have to come to the party even if it means sitting through the rest of it - your presence is all I need," was his response.

There was nothing Cecil could do, Sakuzi had housed for the past days she was hiding from Fernandez and it would be a huge disrespect if she dishonored his invitation. So here she was.

"What do you mean it's too much?" Isabella asked, taking her in.

"I kind of feel overdressed," She said pointing to the red spaghetti strap v neck dress that showed off quite a cleavage, stopping just above her knees. The dress had an intricately beaded bodice and fringes at the hem. As a designer herself, she knew this dress cost quite a lot.

"Trust me," Olivia told her, "You're not overdressed at all, a lot of our family members would be coming,"

Initially, Cecil had been cautious about this girl but it seems she had a bit too judgmental. She was highly surprised when Isabella walked in with Olivia - didn't both of them hate each other's gut? - and have been trying to inquire what was going on, but from the look of things, both girls seem to have made up and become friends. Well, she trusted Isabella was smart and careful enough to know who she kept as friends.

"Your family members are coming?" Cecil asked, amazed. She was expecting this to be some low-key party.

Olivia explained, "Emerald might not be family by blood but he's quite dear to us, not to mention one of the most eligible bachelors around here. What more can a lady want in a man... " She began to count with her fingers, "He's tall, handsome in a rugged way, intelligent, loyal, rich - even though he doesn't show it, and loves for life,"

If he was the most eligible male out there, doesn't that mean ladies would flock to him like pigeons? Cecil presumed and strangely, she felt uncomfortable with that thought.

"Well," Cecil cleared her throat and began, "Emerald might have all those lovely characteristics, but some ladies prefer a man with a steady job; a man always around for the family; a man who doesn't have to kill to survive," she said.

"Kill to survive?" Olivia chuckled, "I think you're getting us wrong here? The Falcon clan are not cold-blooded killers as you imagine us to be. We have legitimate businesses and also illegitimate businesses out there - rules are meant to be broken. However, the world is a nasty place and even if you don't want trouble, it will always come knocking on your door.

"We have to protect ourselves and Of course, protect others who hired us too. Yes, we are a mercenary group but there's more to us, we have our own code of morals. Moreover, we also contribute to the law and order in the society indirectly: your government employs us to get rid of 'problems' they can't fix without causing havoc on the nation. So, I don't know what belief you have of the gang but we only hunt those who hunt us.

"Also, if you don't feel comfortable with Emerald's job, you can always tell him, if he loves you enough, he might make some adjustments. And who knows, he might be tired of this occupation already,"

"Whoah, whoah, whoah, stop right there," Cecil raised her hand, mystified. What was this little girl thinking? "I'm not in a relationship with Emerald,"

Isabella and Olivia exchanged knowing looks which Cecil noticed.

"You two," Cecil pointed at the both of them, "What are you both communicating?"

"Ahh, done," Isabella let go of her hair she had styled with the curling wand.

"Your lips," Olivia began to rub lipstick on her lips, shutting her up in the process.

Those kids! They were doing this on purpose. However, she had no choice but to endure till they were done. But to her utmost surprise, Isabella and Olivia escaped before she could even blink as soon as they were finished with her.

"I'll see you later, aunty, got to dress up!"

"See you at the party, Pedro's mom!"

Both said respectively and escaped through the door with lightning speed. She shook her head, children of nowadays.

The party was scheduled to begin at eight in the night and looking at her wristwatch, she still had thirty minutes to go. The woman decided to use the few minutes and prepare herself mentally.

She was going to face him again after what happened today and God, she was so embarrassed. To make it worse, she had no gift for him.

But what could she do? She was stuck in here and unable to go out and the birthday news came so suddenly it threw her off. Fine, she'd owe him and give him his gift later.

Yea, more chances to meet - she dreaded it.

Finally, Cecil made her way to the garden where the birthday was being held, and damn, Olivia was not lying. Most people were dressed in suits and evening gowns, it was a grand birthday party.

It was shocking to know how a good dress could change someone because she recognized some of the gang members and they look so good. At that moment, it was hard to acknowledge that these people were professional mercenaries. Cecil felt she was starring in some spy movie.

Just as Olivia said earlier, she couldn't recognize a few of the people and they looked so high profile she felt outdated. So Cecil moved around, associating and schmoozing with the few she knew and was comfortable with.

However, her heart almost escaped her throat as soon as the MC announced it was time to welcome the celebrant. Everyone stared at the entrance which had been decorated with red carpet for him to pass through with anticipation. Nerves knotted her stomach and Cecil felt the need to run away but she willed herself to stay strong. She didn't want to be a coward who runs from her problem.

But then, the instant Emerald stepped out, all the breath was knocked out of her longs. Holy mother of God.