Chapter 8 When they got to the party venue, Theodore walked behind her for the first time and signaled Katherine to open the door. She pushed it open, feeling a bit confused, and suddenly party poppers went off. Katherine was so surprised that she shut her eyes. When she opened them again, she saw a beautifully decorated banquet hall. There was a banner on the wall that read "Happy 28th Birthday, Katherine." Her heart skipped a beat, but she felt totally bewildered. "Happy birthday, Katherine," Theodore said softly as he handed her a bunch of bright, fresh violets. Violets were Katherine's favorite flowers. Once when Maverick confessed his love for her, he had put together 999 bouquets of violets just for her. Thinking about Maverick's shy face back then made Katherine smile without even realizing it. A look of amazement flashed through Theodore's eyes, but he quickly got himself together. He waved his hand, and Isabelle brought out a big cake. With a guilty smile, she said, "I'm really sorry, Ms. Acrea. It was my fault that you got hurt. This cake is my way of saying sorry. Katherine didn't seem to care much and just gave a slight nod. That was when Theodore signaled for the lights to be turned off and lit the candles, asking Katherine to make a wish. She made three wishes. Each one was about Maverick. She wanted to find him, hope he was doing well, and spend her life with him. Just as she was about to finish her third wish, Theodore's phone suddenly rang. He stepped outside to take the call while Katherine opened her eyes, ready to blow out the candles. Out of nowhere, someone pressed her head down from behind. The candle flame was about to singe her face, so Katherine quickly stepped back. Before she could get her balance, a basin of ketchup came pouring down on her from above. Right after that, a fluffy pillow smacked her on the head. When the pillow burst open, feathers went flying every- where and stuck all over Katherine. 0.0 % 09:43 With laughter ringing in the air, camera clicks going off, and flashes lighting up the room, Katherine opened her eyes to see Isabelle grinning at her with that taunting look. There was something nasty in Isabelle's eyes as she silently mouthed "serves you right." Katherine couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed a handful of cake and smashed it into Isabelle's face before giving her a few hard slaps. Suddenly, out of nowhere, someone shoved her aside. Katherine crashed into a cabinet with a loud "crack" when she hit it. Feeling pain shoot through her wrist, she looked up to see Theodore standing protectively in front of Isabelle, check- ing her wounds with concern. "Katherine! Belle went out of her way to throw this birthday party for you. How could you just..." The anger in Theodore's voice faded instantly when he saw how miserable Katherine looked. In the flickering candlelight, her white dress was splattered with ketchup, and she was drenched in feathers. It should have been a funny sight. But the look on her pale face, the hatred in her eyes, and the tears streaming down hit Theodore like a punch to the gut. Katherine shook with rage. "Theodore, so this is what you all planned as my birthday surprise?" Theodore was speechless. "I'm sorry. I had no idea..." "Save it. I'm done putting up with this." Katherine marched out while dialing the police. "Hi there, this is..." But before she could finish her sentence, Theodore caught up to her and snatched her phone away, hanging up the call.