As they turned to look, a super-sized birthday cake, almost as tall as a person, was wheeled into the room. Leo stood up, his gaze sweeping over the remaining people in the private room, and he loudly declared, “Next up is Sophia’s birthday party. You are all Sophia’s old classmates. If you’d like to stay and celebrate with Sophia, you’re welcome to do so. If you want to leave, I won’t stop you!”
The people in the room exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing among them. Not a single person left.
“Mr. Bloomer, it’s our honor to celebrate Sophia’s birthday,” one man spoke on behalf of the group.
Sophia got up from the sofa, noticing that not only were Dina and Franklin missing, but some male classmates were absent too. She couldn’t help but ask, “Leo, did some people leave?”
“They’ve gone to another private room to have fun. Don’t worry about them,” Leo said with a sly smile.
Sophia didn’t quite understand but looked to Karen for clarification.
Although Karen wasn’t sure what Leo had done to the missing people, she was certain it wasn’t anything good. She reassured Sophia, saying, “They dared to disrespect you, and they’ve received the punishment they deserve. Don’t worry about them.”
Sophia looked at Leo, decided not to ask further, and shifted her gaze to the enormous birthday cake.
Inside the room, the waitstaff inserted candles into the cake. At that moment, a striking display of 999 bright red roses appeared at the door.
All eyes were fixed on the roses, especially the female students who couldn’t help but exclaim in awe. After all, romance had a profound effect on women.
Leo snapped his fingers, and the person delivering the flowers placed them in front of Sophia.
“Sophia, happy birthday!” Leo gazed deeply into Sophia’s eyes as he said it.
Tears of happiness welled up in Sophia’s eyes, streaming down her cheeks. The next moment, she tightly embraced Leo.
“Kiss! Kiss!” Someone among the onlookers started the chant.
In such a moment, it would be a shame not to indulge in some public displays of affection.
Leo leaned in and kissed Sophia’s red lips.
The men envied him endlessly, while the women were almost brought to tears by this sweet scene. As for Karen, she quietly accepted this, her feelings a mixture of emotions.
On one hand, she was happy that Sophia found happiness, but on the other hand, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, as Leo was the piano prodigy she had admired for so long. Even though Leo was now Sophia’s man, it didn’t change the fact that Leo had once been her ideal piano god.
Despite her rationality telling her to let go, the shadow of that person in her heart was impossible to erase.
At this moment, those female students finally understood what true happiness was.
Happiness wasn’t about wearing designer clothes, driving luxury cars, or marrying a rich man.
Happiness was having someone you loved and who loved you in return.
“I finally understand why Dina hates Sophia so much. Compared to Sophia, Dina, who’s all about money, has been living in misery.”
“Rumors are truly terrifying. I don’t know who spread those lies about Sophia’s husband being worthless. If a considerate guy like Leo is considered worthless, then all men in this world are even less than worthless.”
“If I could have an extraordinary man like Sophia’s husband, my life would be worth living.”
After a long kiss, Leo held Sophia’s hand and invited her to make a wish and blow out the candles.
Sophia crossed her hands over her chest, made a wish, and then blew out all the candles in one breath.
The high-quality speakers in the room played the birthday song at just the right moment.
Everyone sang the birthday song together, then cut the cake, sharing this sweet and happy moment with Sophia.
After everything was over, Leo drove Sophia back home.
In the living room, Jessica was snacking and watching a soap opera.
When Leo and Sophia entered together, her gaze immediately shifted to Leo.
“Leo, where did you take Sophia? Why are you coming back so late?” Jessica questioned harshly.
On the other hand, Martin was playing with an antique he had recently acquired and didn’t say a word.
Leo was somewhat surprised because today was Sophia’s birthday, and as her parents, Martin and Jessica shouldn’t have been unaware.
In any case, Jessica seemed to disapprove of anything Leo did.
Jessica stood up from the sofa, starting her usual tactics of suppressing Leo. “Leo, don’t think that you can act recklessly just because you’ve gained some confidence. You’d better behave yourself, and don’t bring Sophia back so late. If something happens to Sophia outside, I’ll peel your skin off!”
“Mom, both Leo and I are adults, and we know what we’re doing. You don’t need to worry about us,” Sophia couldn’t stand her mother’s attitude towards Leo.
“Sweetie, why do you always take sides with him? I’m your real mother, and I’m saying these things for your own good. Leo has been getting more and more audacious lately. Your dad and I are worried that you’ll learn bad habits from him.”
“Mom, today is my birthday, and Leo and I were just celebrating it outside. There’s no need to worry about whether we’ll ‘learn bad habits’ or not,” Sophia retorted.
Jessica paused for a moment, then quickly changed her tone, realizing it was indeed Sophia’s birthday. “Well, your dad and I knew it was your birthday today. We were waiting at home to celebrate with you. Who would’ve thought you and Leo would come back so late?”
Sophia remained skeptical of Jessica’s words because, in recent years, her mother had shown little interest in her birthday.
“Mom, you and Dad should get some rest. Leo has already celebrated my birthday for me,” Sophia said, signaling Leo with her eyes. “Leo and I are going upstairs to rest.”
Leo nodded and followed Sophia as they left the room, leaving Jessica behind, her expression a mix of emotions.
“Wait!” Jessica immediately stopped them and then looked at Leo with dissatisfaction. “Leo, if Sophia doesn’t want a divorce, I won’t interfere anymore. But you listen to me, from now on, you’d better treat Sophia well and not cause any more trouble. If you do, just leave voluntarily!”
Sophia tugged at Leo’s hand, indicating that he shouldn’t yield.
Leo understood Sophia’s intention, nodded, and then said to Jessica, “Mom, if you think I’m a nuisance in this house, I can move out.”
This statement immediately ignited Jessica’s anger. She sternly shouted, “Leo, are you trying to threaten me? Fine, if you want to move out, I’d be more than happy. If you have the guts, leave right now!”
“Mom, if Leo moves out, I’ll move out with him,” Sophia said angrily.