After fixing my hair, I flashed a smile at my reflection in the mirror and glanced at the clock. Almost seven. I’m already running late; I’ll have to call a cab. Can’t keep the guests waiting. After all, today’s my big day. Just as I opened the rideshare app on my phone, a notification from the postal service popped up.
– “A package is waiting for you…” the screen read.
– “Weird,” I thought. I hadn’t ordered anything. My family and friends hadn’t mentioned sending any gifts this way either. Unless someone decided to surprise me.
The post office branch was just on the next street over, so I grabbed my leather backpack, dashed out of the house, and ordered a cab to the same location, hoping there wouldn’t be a line and I could pick up this mysterious gift quickly.
– “Happy Birthday, Yaroslava,” the postal clerk, a young guy with dark hair, greeted me with a smile. “Here’s your package.”
– “Thanks,” I smiled back.
– “Want to check it out now?”
– “Nah, no time. I’ll look at it at home. Thanks, though.”
– “Alright. The sender already paid for shipping, so good luck,” he added with another grin.
I nodded and tucked the small package into my backpack.
The cab got me to the restaurant in no time, where my boyfriend and friends were waiting to celebrate the day with me.
Pasha met me at the entrance with a stunning bouquet of red roses.
– “Yaroslava, you look amazing today, a real firecracker! Happy Birthday! Eighteen years old, babe!”
– “Thanks,” I said, wrapping my arms around him and kissing him on the lips. He deepened the kiss, making my head spin a little, but he held me tight around the waist, keeping me steady.
– “Let’s go! Natalie, Svetlana, Michael, and Victor are already waiting for us,” he said, taking my hand and leading me inside.
The place was dimly lit, typical of karaoke bars. Pasha had picked this spot to celebrate my eighteenth birthday, and I didn’t mind. I loved singing, and the food here was pretty darn good too.
My friends were already settled at a table, but as soon as they saw me, they started shouting, “Congratulations! Congratulations!”
“– And today’s your, your special day,
Invite your guests to the table wide…” – Pasha grabbed the mic and started singing.
In the warm, lively atmosphere of the evening, I finally relaxed, surrounded by my closest friends from school. I soaked in every moment, etching the memory of my eighteenth birthday into my mind.
I got home well after midnight. My grandma, who I live with, was already fast asleep, so I tiptoed to my room, slipped out of my party dress, and only then remembered the strange package.
After a quick shower, I threw on my pajamas, sat on my bed, and pulled the odd package out of my backpack. Inside, I found a card decorated with scales, some weird ticket or voucher, and a small box containing an unusual blue ring shaped like an infinity symbol, adorned with tiny clear stones.
I couldn’t help but wonder who could’ve sent me this ring and note. Could it be Pasha?
But at the party tonight, he hadn’t hinted at anything like this. And honestly, I wasn’t ready to get married. We’d only been dating a few months. It was way too soon to think about something so serious.
I carefully opened the envelope and pulled out the card, which had a message written in elegant calligraphy:
“Dear Yaroslava, congratulations on your Birthday and coming of age!
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected as the eighth candidate for the hand and heart of our heir.
We are honored to invite you to a celebration marking the start of the bridal selection competition at the palace of Emperor Taipan the Thirteenth on the seventh day of summer.
In this envelope, you will find a ticket, as well as a list of everything required for participation in the selection…”
– “What?” I exclaimed.
I read the ridiculous text twice. What kind of prank was this?
I dialed Pasha’s number, hoping he was still awake. He picked up right away.
– “Babe, is something wrong?”
– “Yeah, something’s wrong… You could’ve proposed in person instead of sending some goofy message through the mail. The ring is really…”
– “Hold on,” he interrupted. “What proposal? What ring? Is this some kind of joke?”
– “Don’t play dumb, Pavel! I get it, okay? But what’s with this whole bridal selection circus? And who the heck is Taipan the Thirteenth?” I said, feeling a wave of frustration burn through me, tears welling up in my eyes.
– “No! You’re the one who doesn’t get it!” he shouted. “I didn’t send you any package! And if I wanted to give you a ring, I’d do it face-to-face!”
– “Then who sent this?” I asked, completely confused.
– “How should I know? Who else are you messing around with besides me, Yaroslava?”
– “Are you kidding me?” I snapped. “I thought we trusted each other. I honestly have no idea where this came from…” I trailed off, totally lost.
– “Maybe someone just made a mistake,” he said coldly. “Put it all back and return the package to the post office tomorrow. Sorry, I can’t talk anymore. Bye,” Pasha said, his tone distant and detached. Then he hung up.
– “Bye,” I whispered, looking at the box again.
My personal info was clearly printed on it, so this definitely wasn’t a mistake. But what was this bridal selection nonsense, and why was I involved?