Chapter 398

“It’s almost winter,” Percival said, quickly changing the subject.

Odalys held the cupcake tightly. She looked down at the strawberry, noticing a smiling face drawn on it. A message was written on the cake: [Time is the best proof.]

“Thank you,” Odalys said, her voice bitter.

She hadn't said much, but Percival remembered everything about her. "Sally girl," he murmured, pursing his thin lips. He reached out to brush her black hair, then started the car and drove toward the Stewart Villa.

Odalys sat in the passenger seat, still clutching the cupcake.

When they arrived, the entire house was dark. Percival stopped the car and opened her door. The atmosphere was extremely tense.

“Why is it so dark?” Odalys asked.

A trace of vigilance flashed in her eyes, and her hand went to her bag. The moment she touched it, several flashes illuminated the villa, dazzlingly bright.

“Happy birthday, Mrs. Stewart!” The voices of servants and bodyguards rang out from all directions, growing louder and louder. They seemed to be teasing her, but their laughter was genuine.

Odalys looked around in disbelief as bodyguards and servants swarmed her, each offering a rose. Ninety-eight roses were thrust into her hands, their fragrance overwhelming.

“Odalys, happy birthday!” Freya’s voice rang out from behind.

Odalys turned to see Freya, holding a rose. After handing it to Odalys, Freya hugged her tightly. “This is the ninety-ninth rose,” she said. “I hope you and my brother will be together forever.” Freya gently pushed her away.

Percival stepped forward, holding a single white rose, different from the red roses. He offered it to her.

“Odalys, happy birthday,” he said.

She stared at the rose, dazed, never expecting the hundredth to be from him.

“Thank you,” Odalys said, taking the rose.

The moment she did, Percival swept her into his arms. Odalys gasped. He held her securely, carrying her like a princess across the red carpet. “Grandpa said your birthday marks a new beginning,” he said. “We should treat you like a princess and carry you home.” Nestled in his arms, Odalys looked up at him, admiring his chiseled features and handsome face.

Just as she was about to lose herself in his gaze, applause erupted behind them.

Familiar voices reached her ears. Odalys saw Selah, Stellan, and even Francis. They had pretended to leave after the meal, but had returned to celebrate her birthday. Although it wasn't her actual birthday, it was the first time it had been celebrated so grandly, the first time she felt so cherished. She didn't care for extravagance, but the gesture touched her heart.

“Odalys, here you go!” Blossom Tillery chirped, joining them. Harvey and Celeste Tillery were also there.

Blossom slipped a large pink diamond ring onto Odalys’s finger. “This is the biggest pink diamond in the Tillery family, and it’s for you,” she announced proudly. “I want to tie you down so you have to listen to me and live a happy, safe, and joyful life from now on.” She leaned in and kissed Odalys on the cheek. She was only sixteen, but already full of romantic notions.

Odalys froze as Blossom kissed her while she was in Percival’s arms. Percival immediately pulled her closer, shielding her.

“Odalys is mine,” Percival declared, his voice laced with possessiveness. “No one else is allowed to kiss her.”

His words, though a bit possessive, prompted laughter from the crowd. No one dared kiss her again.

Evander and Clarence Bennett emerged, rolling a huge cake. They handed the knife to Odalys.

The scene felt unreal to Odalys. It wasn't until the cake was held to her lips that she took a bite. The light, creamy flavor was sweet. The sweetness filled her heart.

Odalys smiled and looked at the people in the room. The bodyguards and servants cheered. Evander grabbed two sacks full of banknotes and threw them into the air. “It’s Odalys’s birthday! Let’s spread happiness!”

A servant shouted, “Let’s get the happiness!” Another said, “I’m so happy!”

Selah, unable to contain her joy, rushed forward. Francis and Stellan joined the scramble for money, followed by the bodyguards and servants. Everyone was enjoying the moment.

Percival casually caught a bill and offered it to Odalys.

“Thank you,” she said, taking the money and gently rubbing it between her fingertips.

The Stewart Villa buzzed with excitement. As Odalys turned, fireworks erupted in the sky. The beautiful display painted the night sky, and Odalys thought she saw her name written among the stars.

Odalys stood under the night sky, gazing up in awe, Percival beside her, their shoulders brushing, until the fireworks faded and silence returned.

The once lively villa was quiet, only the two of them remaining. They stood shoulder to shoulder, the dim lights casting long shadows.

Percival suddenly groaned. Odalys heard it and saw his pale face. She hurried to his side.

“Percival, what’s wrong?” Odalys asked, her heart leaping into her throat. She quickly checked his pulse; it was strong and steady, at odds with his appearance.