My mother’s birthday was always a grand celebration. It also served as a gathering for the elite to exchange news and business opportunities.
I arrived with Rebecca. Her hand gripped my arm tightly, her smile perfectly fixed beneath a black dress that elegantly hugged her curves. She was quite reliable at events like this. Her communication skills and ability to win over powerful people never failed to impress me and boost my confidence.
Suddenly, my mother approached in a rush. Her breathing was hurried, her eyes sweeping the room.
“Have you found Lea?” she whispered.}]
I froze.
“She’s supposed to be here tonight,” I replied, half–lying.
“Thank goodness… Mr. Hilton is here. He’s looking for her.”
My heart sank.}}
“What?!” my voice rose a pitch higher.
Mr. Hilton–he only appeared for truly important matters. A world–class businessman who never wasted his time attending parties. But tonight, he came… for Lea?}
The last time we met was at my father’s funeral. He had come to offer his condolences, and he was very close to Lea.
I straightened up as the middle–aged man walked toward me. His firm hand shook mine warmly.
“Mr. Sean… how are you? Congratulations. You’re going to be a father, I heard…” he said in a friendly tone.}
I swallowed hard.)
“Thank you, Mr. Hilton. It’s an honor to have you here tonight.”
“Of course. I promised Mrs. Lea I’d come. She mentioned a gift and delicious food to celebrate her pregnancy.“}
I forced a tight smile. Mr. Hilton must have thought that it was Lea who was pregnant. But it wasn’t.”
“Where is she?” Mr. Hilton asked, looking around.
“She… will be here. Please wait just a little longer.”
I guided him to the VIP table and introduced him to some business associates. Once he was engaged in conversation, I stole a moment to speak with my mother.
“What are we going to do, Sean?” Her face looked worried. “What now?“>
“Get the gifts ready. Serve the best food. I don’t know what Lea promised him, but we need to fulfill it now.”
ད
I told Arlo to take care of everything.
My eyes drifted to the entrance, hoping to see Lea. But all I found… were shadows.
“Sean…” Rebecca’s voice slipped in. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to Mr. Hilton?“> “Rebecca, not now.”
“Why not?“&
“He came for Lea. If you approach him, I’m not sure he’ll want to work with us ever again.”§
Rebecca narrowed her eyes.)
“You doubt me? If Lea could impress him, I’m more than capable.”
She walked toward Hilton, flashing a smile like a movie star. I hurried after her.”
Rebecca didn’t know that Mr. Hilton hated betrayal and affairs.
“Mr. Hilton, I’m Rebecca…”
Hilton shook her hand with a faint smile. But I could tell by his eyes–there was distance.
The once lively room suddenly felt quiet. All eyes were on us.}}
“I…” Rebecca’s voice faltered.
“Excuse me…“. A waiter appeared at the perfect time, breaking the tension. “The main course has arrived.”
The guests eagerly moved toward the food. The waiter bowed respectfully to Hilton.
“Sit, this is the special dish ordered by Mrs. Lea. Please enjoy.”
I let out a sigh of relief. But just as I began to calm down, Arlo showed up–with a five–star chef and a cart full of dishes.
“What are you doing?” I asked quickly.
“As per your instructions, sir.”
“And all that food?“?
“Not from me…”
My heart began to race again.
11:55 PM
“Then who?“N
Before he could answer, another server approached Hilton, carrying an elegant package.
“This is from Mrs. Lea. Especially for you.”>
Hilton accepted it, eyes sparkling.
“Your wife kept her promise, Mr. Sean. But why hasn’t she shown up yet?“>
I could only offer a weak smile.
“Please, open it first, sir.”
The first box held a luxury watch. Inside, a note read:
“I learned to value time and love myself after meeting you, Mr. Hilton. Please guide our family to treasure it even more.“}
My chest tightened.
The second box contained a thick scarf that Lea had knitted herself. The card on top read:
“I discovered the meaning of family when I met you–warmth and protection. May you live a long life, so you can see our little family grow.“&
I was silent. I recognized that scarf–I had seen her weaving it night after night. But I had never asked who it was for.
Lea… had prepared all of this long ago. And I had no idea.
Each gift, each word, felt deeply personal… as if she had written them from her wounds, her longing, her love that had never found its way out.
bit my finger. My throat tightened.
Lea’s image danced in my mind–the first time I met her, when my father brought her home, completely alone in the world.
Then, a server approached, his face serious.
“Sir there is a special box from Madame Lea, for you.”
I took the box quickly. Without thinking, I opened it.
But upon seeing the contents, my face immediately turned pale and my body froze.
