- 3.
Seeing Scarlett reaching for the frame, he hurried over, his brow furrowed.“What are you doing up there?”
Scarlett smiled faintly.“What brings you back?”
Chase lifted her from the chair, kissing her lips.”Silly girl, you forgot what day it is?”
A sharp pang of sadness struck her; her eyes welled up.
He cupped her face, kissing her eyelids.“Don’t She lowered her eyes pushing him away gently.
cry, okay? I remember it.”
He held her close, chuckling softly. “Looking for a gift? Come, let’s go check on your gift.‘ He led her toward the back of the house. Opening the door, she saw a red Ferrari in the driveway. It was a million–dollar car, perfect for young women.
He placed the keys in her hand, his voice tender.“Happy birthday. Do you like it?” Scarlett smiled.“I love it.” She wondered if it was the breakup fee.
Chase bent, kissing her ear, his breath warm against her skin, his touch sending shivers down her spine. His breathing grew heavy. He scooped her into his arms, carrying her inside. Scarlett frowned, wondering how to refuse. Then, his phone rang again. A crazy thought crossed her mind: the call always came just in time, as if someone were watching them. He set her down, ruffling her hair.“Go change into a gown. I’m taking you somewhere.” Relieved, she headed upstairs. Behind her, she heard him answer the phone.“Hey, Anya…” In her room, she chose a sapphire blue silk gown. Knee–length, it modestly revealed only a hint of cleavage at the front, while the back was more open, though her long, dark hair would cover most of it. She applied light makeup and put on pearl earrings before going downstairs. Chase was still on the phone, his gaze locking onto her as she descended the stairs. Sapphire blue was not suitable for everyone, but Scarlett’s porcelain skin made her look elegant and sophisticated. The silk clung to her flawless skin, highlighting her perfect figure. Her delicate features and graceful poise captured attention without extravagant jewelry. He ended the call, tucking his phone into his pocket. He drew her into a hug, kissinge tenderly.“Why aren’t you wearing that diamond necklace?”
Scarlett smiled softly.“It’s too luxurious.”
luxuries. I’ll get you a better one
tomorrow.”
Chase sighed. “You deserve
Scarlett held up the car keys. Let’s go. I can’t wait to drive my new He ruffled her hair affectionately. “Alright, let’s go.”
car.”
In the car, Chase sat in the passenger seat, inputting the address into the GPS. Scarlett recognized the location: an exclusive country club, members–only, with a fifty–thousand–dollar annual fee. They went last year for his birthday, spending two days together, never leaving the suite. He’d had a nosebleed from lust, and she’d ended up in the hospital for too much sex.
She frowned, sensing he had similar plans for her birthday. But she had no interest, only disgust. All she could think about was leave him. Soon, they came.
The electronic gates opened, the Ferrari gliding into the grounds and stopping before a charming two–story building.
Chase got out first, picked up Scarlett’s heels and placed them on the ground. She took his arm as she stepped out and slipped into her heels.
Just as she straightened, two loud bangs echoed through the air.
Scarlett jumped.
A shower of red rose petals rained down, creating a breathtaking scene. Chase pulled her close, putting her into his arms.
They stood embraced, like a beautiful couple bathed in a magical rose petal storm.
“Ooh! Hahaha…”
People emerged from all directions, laughing and cheerful.
“Happy birthday, Scarlett!”
“Happy birthday!”
“Wow, you’re gorgeous, no wonder Mr. Miller keeps you hidden!”
“You guys are so perfect together!”
Scarlett was utterly bewildered.
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For the past three years, Chase had never introduced Scarlett to his parents, relatives, or friends. He had claimed that he couldn’t go public with a relationship because he worked in the entertainment industry and rubbed elbows with celebrities. When she wanted to introduce him to her family, he said the timing wasn’t right. And now he was doing this. Did that mean the timing was finally right?
Confused, Scarlett let Chase guide her into the bustling ballroom. Music played, lights shimmered, rose petals drifted from the ceiling. A waiter in tuxedos wheeled in a towering birthday cake.
“Cake cutting time!”
Amid the clamor, a cake knife was thrust into Scarlett’s hand. Chase, his arm around her, whispered in her ear, “Let’s cut it together.”
The knife sliced through the cake…
“Am I late?” A tall figure appeared at the entrance.
Chase’s hand froze, his eyes hardening. Scarlett looked up, only to see Anya. She was radiant and breathtaking, coming up against the light.
Many smiles froze. Those in the know recognized her. Others, taken aback, erupted in
excitement.
“That’s Anya!”
“Anya Louis! The international superstar!”
People swarmed around Anya, for photos or autographs. Reporters and media personnel among them began their interviews. Suddenly, Anya was the center of attention.
A reporter asked, “Anya, what brings you here? Do you know Mr. Miller?”
Anya smiled serenely.“Chase and I are longtime friends. I heard he was celebrating his girlfriend’s- birthday, so I came to offer my congratulations.”
Another reporter asked, “Your recent posts showed a mysterious man. Are you dating?”
Anya glanced at Chase.“No, he’s just a very, very close friend of mine.”
A reporter teased, “There are no laws against friends falling in love and getting married, are those Would you choose this mysterious man?”
Anya looked directly at Chase, emphasizing each word, “I will not.”
Chase’s grip on Scarlett’s arm tightened; his gaze was icy, his face thunderous. The cold air caused the festive atmosphere to instantly chill.
Chase said coldly, “This is my girlfriend’s birthday party, not Anya’s press conference.”
The host hastily interjected, “Right, right. Cake cutting! Music!”
Everyone in the entertainment industry knew the drill. The mood quickly recovered.
Scarlett presented the first slice of cake to Anya, smiling warmly.“Welcome, Miss Louis. Enjoy the cake.”
Anya took the cake, studying Scarlett’s face.“It’s uncanny, we look alike, don’t we?” She turned to those around her.“Don’t you think so?”
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