From Castaway To Rich Heir

Synopsis

Although the table was already full of dishes, I was still moving around the kitchen, putting on the finishing touches. "Chicken pot pie, roasted salmon, mashed potatoes, clam chowder..." I checked the table one last time. Everything was there—all of Madison's favorites. When the meal was finally ready, I glanced at my watch, then reached into the ice bucket for the red wine, now perfectly chilled. Today was my birthday. On a day like this, I just wanted a quiet celebration. Nothing extravagant; just Madison and me. As I set the wine glasses down and reached for the corkscrew, my phone lit up. It was Madison. "I'm working late tonight. I won't be home for dinner." Her voice was flat, almost emotionless. Before I could respond, the call had already ended. I stood there, frozen. The hope in my eyes drained away in an instant, replaced by a sinking hollowness, like a bucket of ice water dumped over me in the dead of winter. She'd forgotten. Madison had forgotten today was my birthday. And at that moment, it hit me. Maybe I was the only one who thought any of this still meant something.