Love Shot

Chapter 10: Birthday

The next morning

9am

ASTRAEA'S POV

I woke up to hear my phone ringing. After adjusting my eyes to the sunlight coming through the window, I answered and put my phone on speaker.

Leo: Happy birthday Val!

I honestly forgot about my birthday.

Astraea: Thanks Leo.
Leo: Did I wake you?
Astraea: Yes but don't worry about it.
Leo: Would it be okay if you came over today? The soldiers and I have to give you gifts.
Astraea: Y'know, you didn't have to get me anything.
Leo: I'm your best friend, I HAVE to give you a gift. Plus, I'm sure you love my gifts.
Astraea: You're right, I do. Yes, I'll drop by.
Leo: Awesome! I have to go now, I've got a mission. We'll talk more later. I hope you enjoy your day!
Astraea: Thanks Leo! See you later.

I ended the call and checked my phone. I had received messages from everyone in the Hunter's Mafia, except Mom and Uncle Levi of course. My brothers, Camilla and other relatives also sent me birthday messages. As I was responding to all the messages, I heard a knock on the door.

Astraea: Come in!

Carlos then walked into the room with a tray in his hands. There was a plate of pancakes, some icecream and a cup of hot chocolate on the tray. It smells and looks amazing! This day is already so amazing and I just woke up!

Carlos: Happy birthday Princesa!
Astraea: How did you know?
Carlos: Camilla told me. What kind of husband would I be if I didn't know my wife's birthday.
Astraea: *muttering* I would've preferred it if you didn't know.

I say that knowing Carlos was going to or had already told everyone in the Devil's Mafia.

Carlos: I hope it tastes good. I tried my best.

He made it himself? For me?

Astraea: Thank you. This is already turning out to be a good birthday.

I hugged Carlos and a few second, he hugged me back. He placed the tray on my lap and sat next to me.

Carlos's POV

Carlos: So, what do you normally do on your birthday? From when you wake up until when you sleep again.
Astraea: Usually, my dad has maids bring me breakfast and gifts from him. Then my best friend, Leo, gives me a gift. Everyone in the Hunter's Mafia wishes me and gives me a small gift. My mom and Camilla give me a gift from each of them. My dad gives me his card, and I go out with Camilla. Then we come back and eat dinner as a family. It's nothing too special. My birthday isn't a big deal.

She looked a bit sad while explaining to me. I can tell that there's more to it.

Carlos: Why not? Why do you look sad?
Astraea: It's nothing.
Carlos: Astraea, if there's anything you should know about me, it's that I hate lies. Maybe telling me will make you feel better.

She took a deep breath in.

Astraea: My dad never once brought me breakfast and his gifts to me himself. He's busy running a mafia so I understand why, but a small gesture like that means a lot to me. Every year Camilla and I go out, and it's fun, but there's only so much you can buy. The gifts I got from everyone else in the Hunter's Mafia always meant more than what my parents got me, because they knew exactly what I liked and I got meaningful things from them. I guess that's why I was surprised when you made me breakfast, because I'm not used to it. My parents never understood that I didn't want to spend a bunch of money every year. I just wanted to spend it with them.

She paused for a moment. I felt bad for Astraea. On my birthdays, I hate it when my parents spoil me and want to take me out and spend time with me. But that's all she really does and it's not even with her parents. No wonder Camilla knows Astraea better than her parents do.