“The Side Characters Finally Get Their Spotlight”
Chapter-1
Noxbridge—a city of ambition and shadows. Here, those who dare to dream and toil with purpose can rise to claim their spotlight, yet those who overstep find themselves erased so completely that not even their shadows remember them.
Tonight, the grandeur of Noxbridge gleams brighter than usual. In one of its most opulent hotels, a banquet hums with life, laughter, and the clink of crystal. The Lopez family, renowned among the city’s upper echelon and counted among its top four families, are the hosts. All eyes are on their daughter, celebrated tonight for her first great achievement, a feat that promises to etch her name permanently into the annals of Noxbridge society.
The air buzzes with whispered admiration, envy, and quiet calculation. In a city where fortune and ruin walk hand in hand, tonight is a night of triumph… but also a night where even the smallest misstep could leave one vanishing without a trace.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(looked down from the second floor window at the people down)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Why are you in such a deep analysis, Encia? It's party time not meeting room
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(stepped inside the room and sat on the handrest of the couch beside her looking down at the crowd)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Found something interesting down there? (causally)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(curl the corner of her lips) Soon
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(turned to her)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(smiled) What a bad friend! Knew that a good show was about to happen and did not extend an invitation to me? Alone wanted to eat melon seeds to enjoy the show?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(laughs softly clicking her red wine glass to hers)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
It won't be a secret after a while, Jiu.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(eyes sharply turn to the crowd) Everyone will eventually know the show that is about to come
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(rested her left hand behind Crescencia's back on the backrest)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(snorts softly) Fine if you say so then I'll wait for the show to begin and will thoroughly enjoy
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(takes a small sip of her wine eyes locking on a figure downstairs) Very well!!
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Oh, what about Clara?
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Busy socializing (shrugs carelessly)
She is the main protagonist of tonight so how can those old foxes let her go easily? And not to mention, those madams, for whom their sons are the best, why would they leave Clara Lopez, this sensational woman, off the hook so easily without probing into her relationship?
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(mocks eyes) Hypocrisy at its peak. Their sons aren't even good enough to carry her shoe yet they wish to let their worthless sons marry Clara.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(swirl the glass with cold eyes) Can't blame them for being mothers, can we? Not all mothers are willing to accept their son's faults and flaws
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
If their sons do not want someone and reject a woman, then the woman has some flaw, and if the woman rejects their priceless son, then the woman does not know what's good for her. Regressive mindset!!
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(clicked her tongue in irritation) This is why I don't like to attend such events.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(turned back)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(turned her head to the door)
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
(look inside and grins at them) sisters~ all are looking for you two down there
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
Don't be so shy and hide here (laughs mischievously)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(rolled eyes) Brat got tongue
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(chuckles) Are you enjoying yourself little sixth? (asked with a kind smile)
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
(人*´∀｀)｡*ﾟ+ Just my rare break time away from work, nothing much to enjoy
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
Let's go down together (*´ω｀*)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
You are an idol Mikhali, have some presence and image-conscious
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
I'm just the youngest here, not an idol. 🤷🏻♂️
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(stood up) Let's go. (looked at Jiu from the corner of her eyes)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(linked arms with hers and smiled arrogantly with amusement) Let's witness the show you have written
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
??
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
(looked at their walking back and scratched his head before following them out as well)
Mikhali Aldridge/sixth brother/An Idol
[🤔 What are they talking about?]
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
Where have you gone?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(sitting beside her mother) Nowhere mother just upstairs resting.
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(nods) Stay here with me and don't go anywhere without telling me. (hold her hand)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(looked at her with serious eyes before smiling with ease) Nothing is going to happen, mom. You are worrying too much. I am not a kid
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(hold her hand tightly) Kid for me.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(sigh) Got it.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(looked at the few people among the crowd and smiled coldly)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
I'll stick close to you.
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(nods in relief)Yes.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
[Let these evil-hearted people ripe what they sow]
The party was going with laughter, chatter, and music mixed together when suddenly a servant's cry echoed, and the servant stumbled down the stairs, staining the white tiles red with blood.
Everyone gasped seeing such a horrific scene before them, and the guests started to move back, away from the servant who fell down, all bloody, the whispering of suspicious and fear and fearful shaking figures- This was the current reality of THIS GLAMOROUS EVENT
Someone
MURDER IT'S A MURDER CALL THE COPS
No one knew who shouted first, but it was enough to make one's heart tremble, and everyone started to run outside, in complete chaos, but the guards and the security closed the door, not letting anyone in.
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(heart clenched in fear and trepidation)
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(looked around in worry) Encia? Where did she go? (body shaking terribly)
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(suddenly looked for someone else)
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
(walking towards her) Mom
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(reached out to her and held her hand with trembling hands)
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
Auristella... good, good that you are fine, but.... Encia... She is not here
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
(brows furrowed) Mom, don't worry Alexander is here. He will take care of it this time. Let's go to the lounge first and wait for the cops
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(leans on her for support) Encia, my Encia, God please.... don't let anything happen to her... I beg you to spare her (crying)
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
(pressed lips) Mom, she'll be fine (looked around at the Chaos and felt fear in her heart)
Soon the cops arrived, the doors were opened, and the guests who were making trouble and demanding to go out felt silent and sighed a relief as well. All who are present here have a prominent family background so keeping their lives safe is also a task.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(watched this all)
Chapter-2
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Mom, sister-in-law (walked towards them)
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(hurriedly reached out to her)Encia thank God you are safe!!
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(tilt head and smile slightly) Mom what could have happened to me?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
I was just in the washroom to clean my dress. In the pushing and shoving someone poured wine on my dress, it's good my dress is dark in colour
Esthera Aldridge/FL's Mom
(sighed) You scared me. Now let's stay here together.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Hm
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
(looked at her then at the crowd and upstairs with complicated worried eyes)
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
[Hope Alexander is fine there.]
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(gazed upstairs with a cold face)
Soon after the cops arrived, the trepidation in people's hearts was calmed down, but not enteirly. A few officers looked around the dead body of the servant girl, and all the armed cops went upstairs to investigate. Not long after, they heard the sound of guns, sending a tremor through everyone's hearts present downstairs
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(looked at her) Is this the show you said?
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(low voice)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(curl lips) Half show, the rest is yet to come.
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Still left?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(smile sweetly) Have you ever seen monkeys dance and perform?
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(leaned back on her chair) Nope but have heard. Not interested
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(chuckles softly) Let me show you a monkey show after this.
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(laughs looking at her friend) You sure have many things upto your sleeves
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Not much but enough to slap those who are shameless in their evil pursuit
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(smiling eyes fixed on a certain space upstairs)
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
Encia (walks there)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Yes first sister-in-law
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
Why don't you go back home first? It's not good to stay here.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
I am not afraid and it's Clara's big day and this happened how can I leave?
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
(hesitated) Why did you ask me to change my dress mid of the event and sent Caliste to take me old matriarch of the Lopez family?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(blinks innocently and cutely)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
First sister-in-law, Grandma, asked me about you, and the second sister-in-law, so I asked my second sister-in-law to visit Grandma with you. That's it. Grandma is going back to Mountain Valley later tonight, and she missed you two.
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
(heave a sigh of relief inwardly) I see. (smiles and pats her head)
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
Stay with Jiu. I'll go take care of mom
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Okkk
Auristella Aldridge/Elder sister-in-law
(left)
Run Away Criminal John
Ugg
Run Away Criminal John
(mouth gagged and hands and legs bound)
Everyone raised their heads as the criminal was dragged down by four cops. He was the runaway criminal John, who had committed countless sins—from murder to cannibalism. He had been taken to the West Prison, but somehow, he had escaped, injuring many along the way, and made it here. How could such a dangerous criminal reach this place so easily, enter without obstruction, and even kill two servants and several guards in a location with such tight security, where powerful figures were present along with their personal guards to ensure their safety?
No one here was a fool, and they all understood very well that without internal help, such a criminal could never trespass. But now the question was whether the target was the Lopez family, who hosted this event, or one of the guests attending tonight.
SOMEONE
E... Encia you are here? (rushed to her)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(looked at her and stopped eating the cake and smiled)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Fourth sister, if I am not here with everyone, then where should I be?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
In such a dire situation, staying close to family and close ones is the wise decision.
Charlotte Aldridge/OG FL/fourth sister
I... I did not mean it that way, I just... I thought (looked down with tears hanging on her eyelashes)
Charlotte Aldridge/OG FL/fourth sister
You would come to...me, to take me but you- (was cut off)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(chuckles) Isn't fouth sister completely fine? See, you even came here without a scratch and even have the energy to question me for not coming to find you despite a murderer being among us?
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(clicked her tongue)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Fourth sister, as Encia's elder sister, you should be glad that she is fine here and not in any danger but you are finding faults with her?
Charlotte Aldridge/OG FL/fourth sister
(take a step back looking at them and smiled) It's not like that. Of course, I am happy to see her safe. I'll go and see Mom and my first sister-in-law
Charlotte Aldridge/OG FL/fourth sister
(left from there with hurried steps)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Encia
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Hm
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
What's wrong with your fourth sister? She should behave like your sister but look at her, she behaves like a snake. Still asking you to come find her in such a huge place, amidst the danger. Does she not even care about you?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(smiled as she continued to eat the last bite of her cake)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
How can it be? We are all siblings
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(looked at her fourth sister's running future and chuckled) She has been under pressure these days so maybe not well
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Oh~
All the bodies were taken away by the medical staff and the cops recorded the statements of everyone present despite facing so many powerful figures they did not waver and write down their statements because this case can be as simple as a criminal accidentally breaking here or as tricky as intentionally leading him here to deal with someone using a criminal's hand
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Where's the next half of the show?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(looking up) 3
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(followed her gaze)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
2
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(Eyes fixed with anticipation)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(Curl lips) and One
SOMEONE
Help... SOMEONE (Fainted)
Officer Gabriel Briggs/Senior Officer
(sharply looked up and walked upstairs)
Everyone again tensed up, their heart leaping to their throat, secretly cursing their horoscope for being terrible tonight. The servant who screamed helped collapse and officer Gabriel went with his team to search again thinking another troublesome thing might have happened but...
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(feign gasped) Oh my God, such adultery in this chaotic time!! Who are these two? (looked at Clara)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(eyes cold) Go and bring them out
Officer Gabriel Briggs/Senior Officer
(looked at the scene and turned to Clara) Miss Lopez, two female officers are here to assist you. I'll go downstairs to get busy with the work. (calm tone)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(nods looking at him) Sorry for the trouble Officer
Officer Gabriel Briggs/Senior Officer
That's my duty (left)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(sharply looked inside with a cold face) Check who are these two?
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(nudged Crescencia)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(relaxed)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(a soft smile on her face)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Just a return favor (whisper)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Clara knows? (whisper)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(shakes head) Not this part of the show
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(looked straight) I see.
SOMEONE
Who are you all? (covered herself with the quilt)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(frowned) Who are you? And what are you doing here? ❄️
Luna/courtesan
(looked up) I am Luna... I am just a service girl. What's the matter?
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(about to say when a surprised voice came)
SOMEONE
"Oh My God! My brother was resting here! What happened? I heard someone is committing adultery here. Who is that shameless vixen."
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(side eyes to the woman who came swaggering)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
[Finally the last part of the show!]
Chapter-3
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(Take a step back to not let her see her)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(looked at her actions)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(wink with smiling eyes)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(rolled eyes) Cat playing with the mouse!! I like this troupe
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Then enjoy (whisper)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(looked ahead and nodded) Stay back
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(looked at the woman with a worried face in front of her)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
Miss Perkins, you mean to say your brother was resting here? ❄️
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(faced her with a tensed face and worried look)
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
Miss Lopez, my brother had a little too much to drink and was resting here but now... a woman is inside?
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
Let me see who is trying to trick my brother and use this to take advantage of him (filled with Indignantion)
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(paused) I... (hesitates to speak)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(raised her brow in interest) Why did you stop Miss Perkins? Go on ❄️
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
It's.... I don't know if I am correct or not but I think when I left my brother here to rest, I saw Fifth Miss Aldridge. Is the woman inside (paused)
Most of the people have already left the hotel after giving their statements as they don't want to stay here anymore but the human craving for gossip is something which can never be underestimated and even these high born people are not immune.
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(eyes narrowed) Mind your words, Miss Perkins. The fifth Miss Aldridge came from the USA not long ago and not many have seen her so how are you so sure that you saw her? ❄️
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(hastey waved her hand) Miss Lopez, you are twisting my words and misunderstanding me. I mean nothing like that or point a finger at Fifth Miss Aldridge.
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
And about seeing her, well her elder sister Charlotte is a good friend of mine so she showed her picture to me this is how I was certain that I saw Fifth Miss Aldridge here when I left my brother to rest but as I was in a hurry to leave due to Geoffrey's bad stomach, I did not get time to think much
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(watching her)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
So you mean to say the fifth Miss Aldridge is inside the room with your brother? ❄️
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
I... I believe she would not stoop so low as to resort to such a tactic to win the heart of a gentleman. (resolute)
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
She is of a noble character and bearing. She won't do such a shameless act of seducing a man in bed.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(laughs before stepping behind from Jiu) I never knew back in my homeland, I have such a prestigious and noble reputation
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(shocked) Fifth..Miss? You are there then in the room-- (stopped her tongue)
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(raised her eyebrows playfully with a smile) In the room? Is Miss Perkins so sure that it should be me there? But weren't you saying you don't doubt my nobel charecter
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
Was that false?
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
Eh... No... It's not that...I... it was a slip of tongue, my apology Fifth Miss Aldridge
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(eyes darting inside)
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(scoffed) Just a service girl inside, serving your resting brother Miss Perkins. No one says anything but you came without a break on your words if it was not your brother inside people would have thought you set him up ❄️❄️
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(fretful)I.. I would never. I did not blame anymore. I was just speculating based on my memory because I was worried about letting my brother be wronged by q scheming woman
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
But Miss Perkins, I must ask, I did not set foot on the 3rd floor so how did you see me wandering here? (eyes still smiling)
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
This... I must have made a mistake (clutched he dress and looked down)
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(scoffed) Then please restrain yourself from randomly mistaking people and knitting a story in your brain
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(face flushed in shame) I did not mean it that way
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(waved her hand at the maids) Take the woman out. And ❄️ (looked at the man on the bed) Miss Perkins should bring back her brother.
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
I... Get it
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(hold Jiu's hand) Let's go
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Sure. Hungry?
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(rub her stomach) A little.
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
(walked up to them) Wait for me in the lounge for a while. I'll have the chef prepare freshly roasted chicken and beef and mushroom soup for you two.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
(grins) Clara then be fast and let us have our feast
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
(nods) Yes. Aside from two glasses of wine I did not touch anything
Kim Jiu Xyl /FL's Pal/Biometric Engineer
Encia even ate two sets of cakes.
Crescencia Aldridge/FL/fifth sister
I offered you now you are being jealous
Clara Lopez/FL's Pal
Fine! Go down you two. I'll join you two later.
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(walked the three of them going away while chatting and laughter)
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
[Damn it💢💢]
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
[How can it be a call girl inside? Crescencia was supposed to be defiled tonight by my brother, but how things turned out like this? ]
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(looked inside on the bed)
Jordan Perkins/Nayella's Brother
(half naked on the bed in suffering condition)
Nayella Perkins/OG ML's Childhood friend
(grits teeth)
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