Chapter 4
Even though I'd made it clear I already had dinner plans for my birthday, Jonathan still went out of his way to clear his entire schedule just for me.
Since I was busy with work, he just shifted the whole celebration to my office so I wouldn't have to leave.
When I got back from my meeting, I walked in to find 999 red roses filling the room, all arranged by Jonathan.
In the corner, there were piles of gift boxes, each one flaunting a high-end designer logo.
"Happy birthday, honey," Jonathan said, standing in front of me with a smile, arms open for a hug.
I walked toward him, keeping my face blank.
But at the last moment, I turned slightly and slipped right past him, not even meeting his eyes.
Jonathan's smile faltered for a second, but he quickly put it back on.
"Honey, I ordered from that little place you used to love. They'll bring the food over soon. Let's have lunch together, okay?"
Just a casual "Mm" from me.
Jonathan hadn't been to my office in a while. Seeing I was busy, he left me alone and wandered around, taking in all the new stuff around here.
Then his phone rang.
He hit silent, gave me a quick look, turned his back, and answered.
The office was huge, and we were pretty far apart. I couldn't hear a thing from the other end. But the moment he turned away, I already knew who was calling.
"What? You fell down the stairs?" Jonathan's voice shot up, but then he caught himself and lowered it, glancing at me. "I'll be right there!"
After hanging up, it hit him. He'd promised to spend my birthday with me.
He hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something but couldn't quite get the words out.
I buried myself in work, barely looking up.
"Susan" he hesitated, struggling to get the words out. "Something came up. I might have to head out for a while."
I just muttered a careless "Mm."
He was about to leave, but as his hand touched the doorknob, he turned back to look at me.
He paused for a moment, then said, "I'll try to get back as fast as I can, to have lunch with you."
"No need," I said. "Just go handle your business."
We both knew what that really meant.
He said he'd be back as soon as he could.
But he wasn't coming back today.