Seduced Fall ✔️

42. Birthday

Clara Carter

1 month later

"Thank you so much, you guys. I can't tell you how happy I am today." I hug Tyler. Then Ray. A little longer than usual.

"So, birthday girl, what are you waiting for, make a wish, and blow out the candles." Samuel encourages me by patting my back.

As hard as it is to believe, Samuel and I have become good friends over the course of a month. Blame Ray's stubbornness to include him in our trio.

I smile and shake my head. I take a look at the four of them. Then do what they asked before getting glares from them to delay the cake cutting. I close my eyes and take my time saying my wish in my mind.

'Keep all my loved ones happy and healthy, forever.'

With a smile on my face, I blow out the candles.

"What did you wish for?" Ray squeals with excitement, like a small girl standing next to me.

"I wished for good results on the upcoming semester examinations."

Despite knowing that we shouldn't disclose our birthday wishes, they still believed I told the truth. When they hear the term 'exams' their shoulders sag.

"God, I know, right?" Tyler gives me a wide-eyed expression as he rolls his eyes. "This semester's exams will be the toughest."

I nod. Our exams would begin the day after tomorrow. Studying appears to be the only way for me to get through this dreadful year.

"Will you shut up about the exams?" Samuel complains as I expected him to. "It's your day today. Fuck the exams, fuck the worries. Enjoy while you can."

I had no idea Samuel could be such a motivator until today. He's not aware of it, but he's the reason Ray keeps staring at him whenever he speaks.

"Thank you for your advice, Samuel." I flash him a fake smile, which he notices in an instant. I turn to face the cake they've brought for me before he could say anything else.

I never like celebrating my birthday with strangers. Like the ones that Dad constantly wants to do. Every year, he asks whether I am willing to entertain visitors at a party that he will organize. Every year, however, I decline his offer. Tyler and Ray have always made it a priority to celebrate my birthday with a cake and chocolates for just the three of us.

Samuel is an addition to this year. Someone I expected to keep me company today isn't here.

I push away my thoughts before they take control of me.

I cut the cake and feed the first bite to the always-hungry-for-cake Tyler. He takes a big bite out of it, making me laugh with adoration and happiness.

"Leave some for us as well, Ty." Ray pokes fun.

"I don't hear you, Ray." He teases back.

I see them throwing insults at each other for the next ten minutes before deciding to pause and enjoy the cake first.

What could have I possibly done without them in my life?

I look at Samuel and then see him reading something on his phone before racing to the TV remote with a lighting speed.

I frown. He was the first person to burst into my house and take my attention away from the TV I was watching while relaxing on the couch. I wasn't sure if they'd have a surprise for me. They did, though. Even last night, at exactly 00:00. They broke into my room and blasted balloons to wake me up. It is like a small party for the four of us right now, in the evening.

"What is it?" I ask.

He points to a News broadcast that is showing 'breaking news.' Tyler and Ray gather near Samuel's place in front of the television. I keep my distance and stay behind them.

A young female anchor, holding a tablet: 'The day everyone has been waiting for, guys, is finally here. Stefan Peirce has officially taken over as CEO of his father, Austin Peirce's, company. Austin Peirce remains the legal owner, however, all business decisions for the company will be solely taken by Stefan Peirce from now on.'

I freeze. My legs go numb as the anchor's voice saying that one name multiple times echo in my head. I exhale in a rush.

Stefan's going to be a CEO, an unwritten owner of a company.

The TV screen displays a breathtaking image of the man who has disappeared from my life. The photograph appears to have been taken recently at a public event.

He's clad in a grey three-piece suit, his lips pressed in a thin line, and his facial features are more stiff and sculpted than they've ever been. His stunning hazel eyes have lost their mischievous sparkle. Darkness caged his brilliant gaze as he looked beyond the camera that shot his fierce features.

Even after days, my heartbeat quickens at the sight of him, even through the screen.

The intimate connection we had and the person I knew doesn't do justice to his current reputation. He's called the 'forbidden fruit'. Which I would've never agreed if not for the picture flashing on the screen. I have set a google alert on him. All the gossip blogs, news related to him are known by me.

They all turn around at the same time. They search my face for any signs of damage to my heart. But, for their bad, I've learned to remain expressionless and reveal nothing that's going on in my thoughts.

The sound of the doorbell jolts me back to consciousness.

"I'll get it." I say quickly and hurriedly, regaining control of myself.

I walk towards the door with heavy steps. As someone turns off the television behind me, I sigh.

I let the cold breeze caress my face as I open the door to my house.

There is no one at the door.

When I look down, I find a black leather box with a silk red butterfly bow on it.

I pick up the box, looking over my surroundings to see if I can find the delivery man. Curiosity grows in me, and I want to rip it open and see what's within. However, I restrain myself from doing so.

I take my time admiring the beautiful packing and the astounding amount of talent required to knot the bow. It is human work; I realize this only when I draw the ribbon away. Then I take off the lid.

Inside is an artistic, exquisitely fine blue crystal, with small pebbles surrounding it to add to its attractiveness.

I smile looking at it. An anonymous birthday gift? I'm used to situations like these as Ray often receives anonymous gifts from her fans. It's my first time for such a thing.

I spot a little piece of paper beneath the crystal. I take it out, making sure not to disrupt the pebble decoration. I read the few words scrawled on a pale blue piece of paper that almost matches the color of the rock.

'Stay safe, happy, and healthy, forever. Happy Birthday.'