Chapter 7
Delilah hadn’t expected Seraphina to be so unfazed. Her smile froze on her face.[]
But she quickly nodded and helped Cassian upstairs.[]
Once they were gone, Seraphina picked up the champagne and smiled at everyone around her.]
“Well, anyone still in the mood for a drink?“]
After what just happened, nobody was in the mood anymore. They all made excuses and left.]
Watching the living room slowly empty out, Seraphina leaned back on the couch and sipped her wine.]
At eleven, Delilah finally came back downstairs.[]
With no audience left, she dropped the act. She strutted out with her head held high, slamming the door behind her.[]
The second she left, Seraphina’s phone rang.[]
Zayden.
Her expressionless face lit up with a genuine smile.[]
“Didn’t we just talk this morning?”
His voice came through sounding a bit sulky.[]
“It’s your birthday and you won’t even come see me. Can’t I at least call to say happy birthday?”
Remembering how pouty he’d looked this morning when she said she wasn’t coming over, Seraphina’s heart softened. Her voice turned gentle.[]
“Babe, this is my last birthday as a married woman. If you’re upset about it, I’ll give you complete control over all my future birthdays. However you want to celebrate, that’s what we’ll do. Deal?“]
Zayden’s voice brightened. “However I want? You promise you won’t take it back?“]
She laughed softly. “I’m divorcing my husband for you. When have I ever lied to you?“]
They talked for another half hour. Just as she was about to hang up and head to bed, she heard fireworks exploding outside.]]
She turned to see thousands of brilliant flowers of light blooming in the dark sky, brighter than shooting stars.]
Then she heard Zayden’s voice, tender and unusually serious.[]
This time no more “babe,” no more “sweetheart.“]
*Seraphina Vale, happy birthday.“]
“Every year from now on, I’ll be right there with you.”
Seraphina was stunned []
Did Zayden arrange this?
She rushed to the window and realized the fireworks were going off all over the Chicago. The scale of it all–it had to cost a fortune.]
Zayden was just a college student. There’s no way he could afford this.[]
Must be a coincidence
The next day, when Casuan woke up and saw the leftover party decorations in the living room. Then he realized had been Seraphina’s birthday.]
He rubbed his still aching head and called his assistant. “Get me the most expensive diamond sets we have. Send them to the house. Now.”
But a wasn’t hus assistant who showed up–u was Delilah
Seeing her there made his headache worse, and his voice was sharper than usual
“What are you doing herer
Delialy’s lip jutted out in a pout, her eyes full of hort
warded to see you more, so I volunteered to deliver the jewelry sorry, if you’re mad, I won’t come anymore
Chapter 7
Cassian was a sucker for that act. Seeing her on the verge of tears, he immediately gave in and started trying to comfort her.[]
“Hey, that’s not what I meant. Don’t cry, okay?“]]
But Delilah kept looking miserable, tears streaming down her face.
Finally, to make her stop, Cassian told her she could ask for anything and he’d give it to her.
That’s when she stopped crying, her voice turning sweet.[]
“Anything?”
“Yeah, even if you wanted a star from the sky, I’d find a way to get it for you.“[]
Then… can I stay here for a few days? So we can be together all the time. Is that okay?“]
Cassian’s smile froze.
He’d promised Seraphina that no matter what happened with his affairs, he’d never bring anyone home.
Just as he was about to refuse, he heard footsteps on the stairs and the housekeeper greeting someone.
He quickly got up to explain to Seraphina why Delilah was there, but Delilah was faster.[]
“Good morning, Mrs. Blake! These are birthday gifts from Mr. Blake. Oh, things are a little unsafe in my neighborhood lately, so he said I could stay here for a few days. You don’t mind, do that?”
Seraphina ignored the obvious provocation, her face completely calm.]
Be my guest.”
