Hera had seen fireworks before, but never at such a grand scale. It felt as if the entire night sky was on the verge of exploding, with the show continuing uninterrupted for a full ten minutes.
“Happy birthday, Hera…” Bernard said on the other end of the line.
The fireworks were so loud that Hera couldn’t hear him clearly.
“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you.”
As the fireworks gradually quieted, the sky, once filled with vibrant colors, darkened again, and everything fell silent.
“Open the door.”
A deep, maic voice came through the phone.
Hera blinked. She wondered if Bernard could really be there.
She quickly turned around to open the door, but no one was there.
Her emotions, which had soared like a roller coaster, plummeted instantly. After all, it was New Year’s Eve. She didn’t think the Killians would possibly let him leave.
“You tricked me…”
Hera trailed off. She looked down in disappointment, only to notice two rows of red rose petals on the carpet that hadn’t been there before.
The petals led from her door down the hallway to the stairs. Following the trail, she went to the living room, where at the end of the petals was a pair of white leather shoes.
Hera lifted her gaze to see Bernard standing there with a large bouquet of red roses. His handsome face was soft, and he wore a gentle smile. “Happy birthday,” Bernard said, handing her the flowers.
“Did you think that I forgot your birthday?”
“You did it on purpose!”
Hera’s heart swelled with emotion as she rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
Bernard held her with one arm and buried his head in her hair, breathing in its light fragrance to fill the void of his days away from her.
“The New Year’s feast was filling enough. Can you two stop being so lovey-dovey?” Gino interrupted them.
Hera snapped back to reality and released Bernard, only then noticing that the Everetts surrounded her.
Unbeknownst to Hera, the living room had been transformed into a birthday party.
“Hera, happy birthday.”
Lilith wheeled in a delicate cake tower from the kitchen that had 18 candles on the top.
“Happy birthday to you…”
Gideon led the singing and placed a birthday crown on Hera’s head.
A warm feeling washed over her as Hera looked at everyone, melting her heart. It was only then that she realized they had done it on purpose. They had pretended to ignore Ker, only to prepare this surprise secretly.
With her hands clasped together, Hera made a wish and blew out the candles.
“Here’s your birthday present.”
Gino was the first to hand her a gift box.
Then, Gideon and James each
presented her with a share
J
certificate. Both certificates were for
10% of their respective companies’ shares, Sedna and Everett Group.
Meanwhile, Lilith handed her a property deed.
“Since you’re going to study in Jedburgh next year, this is for you. This apartment might be small, but it’s better than a dorm room.”
Hera was baffled by Lilith’s indifference, especially since real estate in Jedburgh wasn’t cheap.
“You’re 18 now-a young adult. Focus on your studies. It’s okay to date, but just be careful,” Mildred advised earnestly.
She then took out a red cloth bag, revealing a silver bracelet inside. It was a classic round silver bracelet.
It didn’t seem particularly valuable
but James and Lilith knew it was the
token of love Simon Everett had given Mildred years ago. Mildred had always treasured it.
Mildred slipped the bracelet on Hera’s right wrist, then took Bernard’s left hand and placed it on top of Hera’s. “Bernard is a decent young man. We’re all pleased with him. As you youngsters say, just get married already.”
Hera was speechless.
“Grandma, Hera just turned 18! She’s not even legally able to marry!” Gideon reminded her.
Mildred replied, “Back then, 18-year-olds would already have two kids.”
Gideon was at a loss for words.
After receiving all her family’s gifts, Hera turned to Bernard and asked, “Where’s yours?”