Her birthday? Aurora hadn’t celebrated her birthday in years. Since Victoria’s departure, Magnus had been occupied daily by Genevieve and Ivy, forgetting even his own birthday, let alone hers.
Especially after what happened on her 18th birthday, the pain of that night’s memories haunted her. For three years, Aurora avoided her birthdays, letting the date slip by unnoticed, until she eventually forgot the significance of the day altogether.
Asher, who knew the emotional weight Aurora carried, had never brought up the idea of celebrating her birthday. But now, with everything resolved, he felt it was time for her to face and move past that lingering burden.
Julian, ever thoughtful, planned everything meticulously. He invited many of her close friends, including Eric, Emily, Magnus, and Oswaldo, leaving no one out. Mona, tasked with inviting Ian and Heather, accidentally let Gemma overhear her plans. Gemma claimed to be an old friend of Aurora’s, and since Mona was unaware of Gemma’s true nature, she allowed her to join.
Asher also brought along several high-ranking colleagues from their New York company. The luxurious yacht was filled with familiar faces, and Aurora was stunned by the “surprise” Julian had prepared for her.
The deck was decorated warmly, every detail radiating Julian’s love and care. Everyone was cheerful, gathered to wish Aurora a happy birthday.
This birthday marked her 22nd year. For the first time in years, surrounded by her friends, Aurora felt truly happy.
“Thank you, Julian,” she said, her voice filled with emotion as she hugged him tightly. Amid the chorus of well wishes, Julian cupped her face and kissed her tenderly.
Eric, watching this from the side, no longer felt the pang of jealousy he once did. The little woman by his side was far too lively to allow him such thoughts.
“Do you prefer blueberry cake or strawberry cake?” Emily asked.
“Anything is fine.”
“It can’t just be ‘anything.’ You have to pick one,” she pressed.
“Blueberry then,” Eric replied, knowing full well that if he didn’t answer her, this obsessive woman would keep badgering him until he caved.
“But I like strawberry,” Emily said, now pouting slightly, her demeanor softer and more feminine than usual.
“And what does that have to do with me?” Eric asked, exasperated.
“You’re mine. Naturally, you should like strawberry too.”
“Who said I’m yours?”
“Our one-month agreement isn’t over yet,” Emily said smugly. “I’m still your queen.”
“Then why ask me what I like?” Eric couldn’t grasp her logic.
“Because that way, your focus will only be on me,” Emily said, her eyes curving into a playful smile.
It suddenly dawned on Eric-while they were caught up in their back-and-forth, the couple on the deck had long since finished their kiss. Emily had deliberately distracted him to shift his attention.
This little woman wasn’t as clueless as she seemed. She was clever, even… a little adorable.
Meanwhile, Asher stood off to the side, watching Julian and Aurora embrace. A soft smile appeared on his face. He hadn’t been able to give her the happiness she deserved, but Julian had. That was enough for him.
For Ian, this was his first time traveling abroad and his first time aboard a luxury yacht. The opulence around him was staggering. It was only now that he understood why some women were willing to sell their bodies for money. Wealth was, indeed, a powerful thing.
The yacht alone was worth a fortune, and many of those present had flown in on Julian’s private jet just to celebrate Aurora’s birthday. The cost of such an extravagant party was beyond Ian’s imagination.
When the group returned to the ship’s interior, the lavish decor continued to amaze. Attendants in immaculate tailcoats moved gracefully among the guests, offering trays filled with exquisite wines and desserts.
From the moment Gemma boarded Julian’s private jet, jealousy took root in her heart. She couldn’t stop comparing herself to Aurora. When would a man ever do so much for her? When would she find a wealthy, handsome man with a private jet of his own?
Her gaze fell on Ian. His appearance was certainly up to her standards, and he seemed like a promising prospect. No matter what, she wasn’t going to let him slip away.
Seeing Ian sitting with Heather, Gemma’s jealousy flared. She had waited so long for Aurora to leave, and now another woman had appeared to ruin her plans.
Heather and Ian, meanwhile, were engrossed in a conversation about their shared ambition to contribute to Aurora’s company. Both scholarly types, they had been studying everything they could about perfume production and often exchanged ideas, even during the flight.
Their similar backgrounds and Aurora’s trust in both of them naturally drew them closer, working as a team.
To Gemma, however, their camaraderie looked suspiciously like budding romance. Furious, she stormed over to Heather.
“Heather, I feel a bit sick. Can I take your seat?” Gemma asked with a smile.
Heather, though puzzled-after all, Gemma had been walking around and making numerous requests for snacks, drinks, and blankets with no sign of discomfort-didn’t want to cause a scene.
“Sure, you can sit here,” Heather said, closing her book. She decided to move to the back to rest, hoping to avoid further trouble.
Ian, however, had grown thoroughly disgusted with Gemma after the events of that night. She had shamelessly invited herself along, and Mona hadn’t even planned to include her in the first place. Ian found her behavior increasingly unbearable.
“I knew it, Heather. You’re the best,” Gemma said with fake sweetness.
Once Heather moved, Gemma wasted no time trying to cozy up to Ian. She pretended to doze off and leaned her head on his shoulder, only for Ian to abruptly shift away.
Her head hit the armrest, leaving a red mark on her forehead. She then demanded that Ian blow on it to ease the pain.
Ian was furious but held his tongue, aware that they were still on the plane and others, including Mona, had been watching them.
He wished he could bury his head in the ground. How had he ever liked someone so shameless?
When they arrived on the yacht, Gemma acted as if the party had been thrown for her. She took endless selfies and insisted Ian join her in the photos.
Ian was livid. If he could erase his history with Gemma, he would have done so without hesitation.
Each time she crossed a new line, Ian questioned his past decisions, wondering how he could have ever been so blind.