Forbidden Desires

Chapter 37.Karlie's 20th Birthday pt 3

Karlie continued opening gifts, keeping her expression poised as she revealed silk robes, fine perfumes, and delicate tea sets. Everything was carefully chosen, every item reflecting the life she was expected to have as a wife and future matriarch. She smiled and thanked each person graciously, but her heart wasn't entirely present. It hadn't been since she saw Aiden slip into the room.

She reached for another package, and her fingers trembled slightly when she unwrapped it. Inside was a beautifully bound leather journal, with the initials K.C. embossed in gold on the cover. She traced her fingers over the smooth surface, already knowing who it was from. There was a small card tucked inside. She opened it discreetly and read the words written in neat, familiar handwriting:

"For the thoughts you cannot say out loud. Happy Birthday, my love."

Aiden.

Her chest tightened, and she swallowed hard, willing herself to keep her emotions in check. This gift wasn't just a present—it was a lifeline. A reminder that he saw her, understood her in a way no one else did. She longed to turn to him, to let him see how much this meant, but she couldn't. Not here. Instead, she carefully placed the journal aside, forcing herself to move on.

Amber, ever observant, smirked slightly. "Nice gift," she whispered.

Karlie only smiled and reached for the next box—a small, weighty package wrapped in navy-blue paper with a gold ribbon. The moment she picked it up, she felt a strange sense of familiarity. She shook it lightly. It sounded like a key.

With curiosity, she pulled the ribbon free and unwrapped the gift. Inside, she found something that made her breath hitch.

A drawing.

Her own drawing.

The sketch she had made as a little girl, outlining her dream home—the kind of house she envisioned herself living in one day. It had been stored away years ago, long forgotten, and yet, here it was.

Confused, she reached for the folded letter beneath it. The paper was dated weeks ago—before the scandal, before everything had changed. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened it.

"Karlie, I am humbled and honored that you chose to say yes to our marriage, and I wanted to ensure that I gave you nothing but the best. So here is an early wedding gift: I bought the home where we would live once we were married. I have an entire staff ready to design it with you, to make it into a home where you would look forward to raising our children. I cannot thank you enough for the laughter, for the silly faces, and for the kindness you've shown me. I never expected a chance at happiness, so thank you. I appreciate you. You are truly remarkable. Yours, Anthony Fairview."

Karlie's hands shook slightly as she folded the letter, pressing it against her lap.

Her mind felt like a whirlwind.

This wasn't just a house—it was a promise. A future Anthony had planned for them, one she had once accepted without question. Before the scandal, before Aiden, before everything... this had been her path. The life she was raised to have, the one she was prepared for.

So why did it feel so foreign now?

Her heart clenched with guilt. Anthony had been many things, but had she truly given up on him too easily? Had she been too quick to dismiss what they had? Her parents had chosen him for her, guided her toward this future. It was the kind of life she was meant to lead.

But Aiden.

Her fingers brushed the leather of the journal beside her.

For the thoughts you cannot say out loud.