Chapter 17
Elie stood in front of the fresh food section of the supermarket, lightly flicking the pasta on the shelves with his fingertips.
Today was her 28th birthday.
She didn’t tell anyone, not even when her mother called, she just smiled and said, “I’m busy with work today, we’ll celebrate on the weekend.”
Actually, she just didn’t want her family to worry.
In those past years… her birthday was always associated with torrential rain, embarrassment, and heartbreak.
Especially last year.
Memories surfaced uncontrollably…
That night she worked late into the night, but received a call from the drunken Eric: “Come pick me up at Bluewave Club.”
When she arrived in the pouring rain, she saw Clara tiptoeing to kiss his lips.
And he clearly saw her, but just indifferently turned his eyes away, allowing Clara to pour red wine on her body…
“Miss, here is your shopping bag. The cashier’s voice brought her back to reality.”
Elie thanked and took the simple ingredients, walking towards the apartment.
Chapter 17
The setting sun cast her shadow long as she passed by the flower shop. She hesitated for a moment, but decided to buy a small bunch of
sunflowers.
“It’s like a gift to myself, she whispered to the flowers.”
The elevator mirror reflected her appearance today: a beige knitted skirt, slightly curled hair ends, and lips painted with a light coral lip gloss.
When the key was inserted into the lock, Elie faintly smelled a sweet. fragrance. She pushed open the door in confusion.
“Bang!”
Colorful fireworks suddenly exploded in the sky, and ribbons fluttered down one after another.
The lights were bright, the living room was filled with balloons, and a hand–painted “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” banner hung on the wall, the ink not yet completely dry.
Javon rushed out of the kitchen with a cake in hand, his white shirt stained with flour and a suspicious chocolate smear on his forehead.
“Leaving work early is against the rules! he pretended to be angry, but couldn’t hide the smile in his eyes. “I almost didn’t make it…”
Elie stood at the door, the sunflower and shopping bag in his hands falling to the ground.
The shape of the cake was a bit strange, the cream was spread unevenly, the strawberry slices were of different sizes, and “Elie 28 years old” was written crookedly with blueberry sauce.
“I tried three times before I succeeded, Javon said, his ears turning red. “The first time I burned it, the second time it collapsed…” _______
Chapter 17
Before the conversation could continue, Elie suddenly threw herself into his arms. The cake dangerously wobbled, but she managed to catch it just in time.
“Be careful with my masterpiece! Javon exclaimed as he clumsily lifted. the cake, only to have her hold onto him tighter.”
Her tears soaked the fabric of his shoulder, warm and wet.
“Make a wish first! Javon hurriedly lit the candles, “Oh wait, let me turn off the lights-”
In the darkness, the candlelight flickered in Elie’s eyes.
She looked at the flour on the tip of the nose of the person opposite, and suddenly remembered the day she left Beacon, when Javon held an umbrella for her in the rain, with half of his body soaked.
“Promised. She said softly.”
Javon leaned in closer and asked, “If the third wish has to be kept a secret, can you tell me the first two?”
“The first one is wishing for my mother’s health. She smiled and pursed her lips, “The second one is.
Her gaze swept over the gift box on the coffee table: a very delicate hand- painted sunflower mug, many items that could be used for work, a massager, and so on…
Suddenly, the most inconspicuous small wooden box in the corner of the table caught her attention.
