I left the office early. There wasn’t much work to do, so I decided to head home.
I remembered that Sienna had asked me to visit her house for a short while. She had been home for a while now since I found out she was safe. They had also been given guards to prevent any further harm. Although I doubted that now since Nicolas was no longer a threat.
“Let’s go to my father’s house.” I instructed Dario the moment we exited the parking lot.
I hadn’t visited my father again, not even when I thought Sienna was gone. I knew he would blame me for everything and wish that I were the one gone.
I sighed. I massaged my temples, realizing that I shouldn’t dwell on those thoughts on my birthday. It would only spoil the day. I needed to be happy.
Our car came to a halt outside the gate. I stepped out as the door was opened for me. I noticed that the gate was wide open, which surprised me. There was no guard present either, which furrowed my brow. It gave me that uneasy feeling that something was about to go wrong again.
Deja vu. It felt like I had experienced this before. I walked into the house, no guards in sight, and the surroundings were eerily quiet. I remembered those times when Nicolas had kidnapped us. Even though I knew it was part of Gio’s plan, sometimes I would have nightmares about it. I kept those thoughts to myself.
“Ma’am,” Dario spoke up. He was behind me, hand on the holstered gun at his waist. He was preparing in case any danger was looming.
I took a deep breath and glanced at Dario, signaling him to stay ready, just in case.
“Aunty? Sienna?”
I had entered the house and was calling for Aunt and Sienna, but no one answered. My anxiety grew because I had a feeling that something terrible had indeed happened.
As I reached the kitchen, I noticed an abandoned cooking project. My eyes widened. Had they been taken again, and this time, it wasn’t part of Gio’s plan?
I quickly searched the house, even going to the backyard out of concern.
“Happy birthday!”
I jumped in surprise as I entered the backyard and was greeted with popping confetti and people shouting “happy birthday.” I was too shocked to say anything. I remained standing where I was with a stunned expression on my face.
Nina and Rae were there, Aunt Elsie and Sienna, and the house helpers, and several acquaintances. I also saw some Locatelli family members.
Someone approached me. Elliott held a cake, and Gio stood beside him with a bouquet of roses. A smile broke across my lips, as I truly hadn’t expected this.
“Happy birthday,” Gio whispered, handing me the bouquet of flowers. I accepted it but was still too astonished to speak.
“Blow out the candles and make a wish!” Rae shouted.
That’s when I snapped back to reality, especially when Gio sat next to me, gently placing his hand on my back. I looked up at him, and he smiled at me. I knew I was the only one who could see that smile due to the angle of his head.
They brought the cake closer to me. I closed my eyes and made a wish. I couldn’t wish for anything else but a happy and peaceful life for us. To be with Gio for a long time and, when the time was right, to have children. After I’d said everything in my mind and heart, I blew out the candles on the cake. They clapped, and my friends swarmed me. Rae and Nina greeted me and kissed me on both cheeks. Chloe, Kyrie, and Beatrice were also here, which made me really happy. I learned that Chloe was pregnant with their second child. I congratulated her on the good news.
“Happy birthday, Millie,” Gio’s cousins also greeted me but kept their distance because my husband was watchful. He’s quite possessive.
When I noticed Mom and Dad approaching me, I walked towards them so that Mom wouldn’t have to struggle.
“Happy birthday, dear,” and she kissed me on the cheek.
Dad also greeted me, but more formally, so I just smiled at him. I was still too scared to have a conversation with Dad.
There was a feast at the house. Sienna told me they had planned this. She also found out about Gio’s surprise, so they decided to combine the celebrations. They knew I wasn’t a fan of grand parties, so they organized an intimate celebration with people who mattered to me.
I couldn’t remember the last time I was genuinely happy on my birthday. It seemed like every previous celebration had been filled with sadness, or often, nothing significant happened because my father despised celebrating it. There were times when we’d just celebrate it in secret with Aunt Elsie and Sienna. But even then, I was still saddened by the many questions about why my father was like that towards me.
I knew the reason, and I’d admit it was painful for me. It hurt to think he was treating me this way because that’s how my mother treated him back then. It was disheartening to feel his anger towards my mother directed at me.
“Aren’t you happy?” Gio covered me. His body was enough to shield me from what I had seen earlier.
“I am happy.” I looked up at him and smiled. “I’m very, very happy, Gio.”
He sat next to me and held my hand. I bit my lip because it was the first time he had been so affectionate in public places.
“I have a gift for you,” he told me, and I looked at him with a smile.
“I thought this was your gift to me. Is there more?” I didn’t expect any gifts from him anymore. I’m already content with the joy from this surprise he gave me.
Gio didn’t speak. He took out a red paper bag from a well-known brand, much like the necklace he had given me from his mom. I took it, barely able to believe what he was giving me.
I quickly opened it while he watched me. Inside, I found the same trinity design that was on my necklace, this time in the form of a bracelet.
“That symbolizes our love, our relationship, and my faithfulness to you and only you, Millie,” he said as he took it from me and slowly placed it on my wrist. I was still in awe, overwhelmed by the happiness I felt.
“Thank you, Gio!” I said, hugging him tightly.