Life Without You

Chapter 64 - Thinking of You

It was Ariel's birthday today.

She and Rita were enjoying a long, relaxing full body massage by their massage therapists in Ariel's room during a quiet, relaxing evening after work to wind down.

"You were caught by surprise?" Rita raised her brows with a smile.

"Yeah," Ariel lit up. "At first, I thought something's not right, since the restaurant was all dark and quiet during the day. When I called out, no one responded. Then I switched on the lights, and jumped in fright when everyone burst out screaming "Surprise! Happy birthday!". I never had a big birthday bash like this before. When they broke into the birthday song, Hiroshi came out with this ambitious dark chocolate cake that had elaborate, colourful buttercream flowers all around with candles. Sweet!" She smiled at the memory. "Oh, and my fans send me their well wishes too."

"That's nice...ooh," Rita reacted to both Ariel's answer and the therapist's massage.

After they were done, they put on their robes and the therapists were dismissed.

Rita glanced at the dressing table where Ariel's birthday gifts were placed. Gifts included Rita's handmade lavender vanilla candle with dried lavender flowers set in its wax, Beth's and Theo's succulent terrarium, Camila's box of Plush Puffs's handmade artisan marshmallows famed in California which was airmailed to her, and Andy's childlike painting of her and him on a small canvas with his written birthday wishes. The most expensive gift of all was a yellow-gold, diamond-crusted Rolex watch from Hiroshi. It came with a thick, shiny golden card with Ariel's name embossed across. Inside, Hiroshi's message neatly typed out in dark brown:

"Dear Ariel,

誕生日おめでとう (Tanjōbiomedetō i.e. Happy Birthday)!

Words cannot describe how happy I am to have you in my life. You're such a warmth of sunshine who's a great resilient worker and a true friend. May all your wishes come true. I'm so proud of you.

With sincerity and love,
藤田寛 (i.e Fujita Hiroshi)"

Ariel had never owned such an expensive watch before in her entire life, especially a Rolex! While having an expensive taste was part of her image, she was still a simple and humble person at heart. She would've happily accepted his gift even if it was a simple, hand-written card.

Then, there was that one untouched gift that was still in its black wrapper. It was obviously Leon's.

"Still haven't opened Leon's present?" Rita noticed.

Ariel shrugged.

"Why not?"

"Leopards don't change their spots, Rita," said Ariel, despite Rita's insistence that Leon was innocent.

"Leon's not a leopard. He's a lion, that's what his name means. He's not giving up what's his."

Ariel gave a sardonic laugh, "Yeah, right! He has Miss Hiromi to fool around with."

"Ariel..." Rita's tone got serious. "He's really telling the truth."

"I don't wanna care about he-said-she-said anymore, please. Not on my birthday."

"Then, at least open it. I'm curious to know what's inside."

"You can open it for me," said Ariel half-heartedly.

"Alright, if you say so," Rita untied the gold ribbon and unwrapped the box, which revealed a very beautiful, shiny black box with a posh but unknown logo embedded in gold on it. It was probably from a specialised artisan. She flipped open the box and her jaw dropped, "Look at this, Miss Beautiful, it's so pretty!" She showed her.