The party was held in the biggest hotel ballroom in the city.
Bright lights lit up the marble floors and glittering walls.
Music played gently while rich guests talked and laughed together.
Eight-year-old Leo adjusted his black suit in the big mirror.
Today was his birthday, and everyone was gathered to celebrate him.
He felt very important carrying the two-tier birthday cake.
The white frosting was decorated with beautiful red berries.
His parents smiled proudly from across the shiny ballroom.
His father, Arthur Morelli, was a very wealthy businessman.
Arthur had spent thousands of dollars to throw this huge event.
Waiters in clean uniforms carried trays of sparkling juice.
Everything seemed perfect as Leo took his first proud steps.
He walked slowly toward the main table in the center.
The guests cheered and clapped for the young birthday boy.
Leo smiled brightly as he held the heavy glass plate.
His little sister, Lily, watched him from behind a table.
She was only six years old and wore a yellow dress.
Her face was pale, and her small hands were shaking.
She did not look happy like the rest of the family.
Instead, her eyes were wide with a deep, silent fear.
She kept looking back at the kitchen service doors.
No one noticed how nervous the little girl really was.
They were all looking at Leo and his beautiful cake.
The boy took another step forward on the shiny floor.
Arthur stepped forward to help his young son hold it.
It was supposed to be a moment of great family joy.