“Happy birthday, Mrs. Evans!” the servants exclaimed as Gabriella came down the stairs.
Receiving such a warm welcome, the woman in the blue dress automatically widened her smile.
“Thank you,” she said, nodding to all the women in uniform.
A second later, Minnie came forward with a box in her hand. “We are confused about what gift is suitable to give to you, Madam. After discussion, we decided to give this simple thing. Hope you will be healthier with this gift, Madam.”
Hearing the explanation, Gabriella’s brows furrowed with curiosity. Even so, she still maintained the curve of her sweet lips. “Thank you, Auntie.”
“If you are curious about the gift, just open it, Madam,” the youngest servant said, accompanied by a nod of her colleagues.
“Is it okay?” the woman in the blue dress asked with sparkling eyes.
“Yes,” they answered in unison.
With her husband’s help, Gabriella opened the box. As soon as she saw the various leaves, roots, and flowers separated in several transparent packages, the astonishment returned to the woman’s face.
“What’s this?” Gabriella’s sigh instantly invited laughter. The servants were amused by her cute expression.
“It is a herbal medicine, Madam,” the youngest servant answered. “Each of us recommends one type of plant. Everything is good for your health.”
Hearing the brief explanation, Gabriella’s mouth rounded. While nodding, she returned the curve of her lips. “Thank you. I will definitely drink it all the way through.”
Just as Max had put the lid on the box, the youngest servant suddenly came forward and held out her hands. “Let me put it on the kitchen shelf, Madam. You can ask us to brew it any time.”
Once again, Gabriella expressed her sincere gratitude. Knowing the master liked their gift, the servants returned to their work with light steps.
“They love you so much, Gaby,” Max whispered as he placed one palm on his wife’s waist, guiding her to meet the guest.
“Yes, I’m so lucky,” Gabriella said before turning to the person approaching.
“Doctor Raul,” Max greeted with a greeting, “long time no see.”
The round-faced old man immediately let out a crisp laugh. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Finally, we can meet in good health,” he said while shaking hands.
“That’s right,” the host replied, laughing too. “Thank you for taking the time to attend this simple party, Doc.”
“In fact, I am honored to have been invited here,” Raul said before turning to the woman. “Happy birthday, Mrs. Evans.”
“Thank you, Doc. I’m glad to finally meet you in a sober state. Sorry to bother you every time I passed out,” Gabriella said shyly.
Raul’s laughter once again warmed the atmosphere. “You are not a bother at all, Madam. It’s my duty to treat the woman who is the most precious to Mr. Evans,” the old man said with a wink at Max.
Receiving such a code, the host automatically snorted. “You are indeed the most skilled in judging, Doc. I should have listened to what you said from the start.”
“What saying?” Gabriella asked with round eyes.
“About Master’s concern for you, Madam. From the beginning, I’ve seen his sincere feeling. But, he kept denying it.”
“But then I realized, Doc. Look, how much I love Gaby now,” Max interrupted, suddenly making the woman’s eyebrows furrow.
With pursed lips, Gabriella protested. “Back then, you were really cold to me, Max.”
Again, Raul laughed. “That’s why, I was happy when I heard about your marriage. I feel that you are meant to be together.”
In a moment of silence, Max and Gabriella looked at each other. The small curve of their lips revealed a lot of meaning.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Raul exclaimed in a sudden. “This is a small gift from me. Drink regularly, then you will not lack blood anymore, Madam.”
While suppressing a twitch at the base of her eyebrows, the woman received the second medicine. “Thank you, Doc.”
“You’re welcome, Madam,” Raul said before pointing at Julian. “Now excuse me. I’d like to inquire about another Mr. Evans.”
After a nod, the couple looked at each other again.
“Do I look weak? Why are people worried about my health and giving me medicine?” Gabriella whispered as she held up the paper bag in her hand.
“I don’t think so, Gaby. You are strong to serve my game up to five sessions.”
“Max …” scolded the woman while glancing left and right, checking if any other ears were listening.
Getting a response that was so adorable, Max landed a kiss on his wife’s forehead. Unexpectedly, someone cleared his throat in surprise.
“Did you guys do that on purpose in front of me?” the man who raised an eyebrow, teased.
Seeing the presence of the cousin, Max automatically snorted. “What’s wrong if I kiss my own wife? Gaby is mine,” he said casually.
“Well. It’s up to you,” Sebastian said nonchalantly. After taking a deep breath, he gave the woman a stiff smile. “Happy birthday, Mrs. Evans. Please accept this as a gift as well as an apology for my mistake.”
“Are you lack of capital? How could you just give my wife a packet of markers?”
“Max,” Gabriella rebuked in a thin voice and a faint shake.
Instead of being offended, Sebastian narrowed his eyes as he stuffed hands into the pockets. “I remember you told me that Gaby liked markers. So, I think it’s the most appropriate gift.”
A second later, the man leaned toward the woman. “Now you have a wide choice of colors to decorate your husband’s nails, Gaby. Get creative.”
“Thank you, Bas,” Gabriella said, spontaneously issuing a protest from her husband.
However, before Max could object, a woman had already grabbed his attention.
“What are you talking about? I hope it’s not about my performance tonight. I wore ordinary clothes because I thought it was a simple event,” the lady wearing a dress decorated with pearls, said.
Hearing that familiar arrogant tone, Sebastian suddenly grimaced. “You can never change, Amber.”
“Yes, I know. My beauty will never fade,” the woman implied while twisting the hair that hung in front of her ears. “So, sorry, Mrs. Evans. I don’t mean to steal the show, but … I really shine too much.”
In just an instant, the three people around her fell silent. They were astonished at the woman’s self-confidence that would not collapse even in an earthquake or a storm.
“Alright, enough about me. Now it’s time to give a special gift for the birthday,” Amber muttered as she handed a large paper bag. “Happy birthday, Mrs. Evans. You will be surprised to see my present.”
With an awkward curve of lips, Gabriella accepted the haughty woman’s gift. “Thank you, Amber.”
“Open it! Sebastian doesn’t seem to believe what I’m saying,” the giver said unexpectedly. Her cornered eyes towards the man, looked disdainful.
“What? I didn’t say anything,” Sebastian protested, blinking quickly.
Understanding that Amber wanted to brag about her gift, Gabriella took out the contents of the bag. A set of make-up tools and diamond-edged jewelry successfully made all eyes widen.
“Isn’t this an exaggeration?” Gabriella asked, not expecting to receive such an expensive gift.
While chuckling, Amber waved a hand in front of her face. “Of course not. Looks like you have a lot to learn from me about grooming yourself. Now is the time to stop embarrassing the Evans family with your humble appearance.”
Wasting no time, Max shook his head disapprovingly. “Gabriella never embarrass the Evans family. She is our most precious gem. Don’t you see the sacrifices everyone made for her safety?”
“Tch, always defending his wife,” Amber grumbled with forward lips. “Never mind, rather than being accused of causing a fuss, I’d rather enjoy the meal. Hopefully the menu doesn’t disappoint.”
As the haughty woman left, the people behind her back, snorted in amusement.
“I don’t know what could wake her up,” Sebastian said, shaking his head in disbelief.
“But at least, this is a rapid progress. She doesn’t hate me anymore,” Gabriella said as she handed Amber’s gift to a servant to keep.
“Of course. She has a new enemy now. Mia,” continued Max lightly. “Amber definitely won’t let Julian off that easily.”
Seeing her husband’s eyes drifting past, Gabriella secretly curled her lips. “You speak like an expert.”
“I’m really good at dealing with that woman’s madness,” Max said without the slightest bit of hesitation. “And I’m so grateful that she finally left. Now, I feel sorry for Julian instead. By the way, where is he? Hasn’t he come yet?”
Without waiting for orders, Gabriella looked around. However, instead of finding the brother-in-law, her eyes caught the presence of a girl. In just an instant, her hand rose and waved.
“Rose!” Gabriella called in a light voice.
The men spontaneously turned in the same direction.
As soon as he saw the girl who looked much more well-groomed, Sebastian’s eyebrows arched high. However, when his eyes recognized someone who had come with the girl, his breath suddenly caught.
“Camilla? Why is that creature here?” the man thought frantically.