The perfect setting
The party would be an ideal backdrop for my unexpected reveal. I pictured the situation over and over: the visitors arriving, my stepfather’s smug expression, and the moment I’d finally reveal the truth. The atmosphere would be joyous, making the shock even more striking. “He’s going to flip,” my friend exclaimed, barely containing her own enthusiasm. We kept fine-tuning the arrangements until everything was perfect. Every minor detail felt like a step closer to success.
Dropping hints
As the party date approached, I cleverly hinted at a great surprise I had planned. Whenever my stepfather was there, I’d casually suggest a forthcoming announcement. “I can’t wait for the party; there’s going to be a big surprise,” I’d tell my friends, loud enough for him to hear. He’d look over, curious, but never really think about what I was saying. The subtle clues kept him on edge, but he was oblivious of my genuine intentions.