The Billornaire's Secret

Birthday Surprise

Olivia stood before the grand entrance of Alexander's house, a smile tugging at her lips as she held the box with Alexander’s birthday cake. She had poured hours into perfecting every detail—an elegant design of chocolate and vanilla, simple but thoughtful, just like him. She could already picture the surprise on his face when he saw it.

Today, she was determined to make Alexander’s day special. Birthdays were a time to celebrate, and she wanted to bring a little light into his life.

As she reached for the doorbell, a familiar voice rang out behind her.

“Well, look what we have here.”

Olivia turned to see Sophia Grey, Alexander’s cousin, strolling up the path with a smirk that hinted at mischief. Dressed in casual chic attire, Sophia raised an eyebrow at the cake box in Olivia’s hands.

“Alexander’s got a girlfriend who bakes? That’s a new one.”

Olivia chuckled nervously, feeling a little bashful under Sophia’s teasing gaze. “I just wanted to do something special for him. It’s his birthday, after all.”

Sophia’s playful grin faltered, a shadow crossing her expression. “Ah… you didn’t know, did you?”

“Know what?”

Sophia hesitated, tension creeping into her shoulders. “Alexander’s not exactly big on celebrating his birthday.”

Confused, Olivia furrowed her brows. “Why not?”

Sophia glanced at her, an empathetic look on her face. “It’s... complicated. But he’ll be back soon. Let’s head inside.”

Sophia led Olivia into house, its opulence immediately overwhelming. Marble floors stretched beneath grand chandeliers, and sweeping staircases led to upper levels that whispered of wealth and legacy. Olivia had been here before, but the manor never ceased to impress with its timeless elegance.

They settled in the living room, where a cozy fire crackled in the fireplace. Sophia gestured toward the couches. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll get us some tea.”

Olivia placed the cake carefully on the coffee table, stealing glances at the family portraits that adorned the walls. Her gaze landed on one in particular—a young Alexander, no older than ten, standing proudly next to a slightly older boy. The two were smiling brightly, the bond between them almost tangible.

Ethan. The brother he never talked about.

Her heart softened as she stared at the photo, imagining what life had been like for Alexander before everything changed.

Sophia returned with a tray of tea and finger sandwiches, her eyes following Olivia’s gaze to the portrait. “That’s Alexander and Ethan,” she said quietly, setting the tray down. “They were inseparable back then.”

Olivia nodded, feeling a knot form in her chest. “He never talks about Ethan.”

Sophia sighed, her eyes clouding with emotion. “No, he doesn’t. His birthday... it’s a reminder of things he can’t change. The day everything went wrong.”

Olivia’s heart sank. No wonder he didn’t want to celebrate.

Before she could respond, the front door creaked open, and Alexander’s deep voice echoed through the hallway. “Sophia, I’m back.”

Olivia’s pulse quickened. She stood up, smoothing the creases of her dress, nervous excitement bubbling up again. But that excitement dimmed when Alexander walked into the room, his face showing none of the surprise or warmth she had hoped for.