Chapter 99: Happy Birthday

Despite appearing fine, Bella felt a deep sadness. She knew it was time to end things with Dominic.

Over the next month, Amber ceased contact, and Dominic disappeared from her life. Though they remained in the same city, they felt completely disconnected, living separate lives.

Felix maintained sporadic contact. Since Bella no longer resided at Miller Manor, he visited Lia's studio whenever possible, and they would chat and eat together. A little over a month felt like a much longer time had passed.

Bella took the day off for her birthday. While she'd never placed much importance on it before, this year felt different; she wanted a proper celebration. Turning twenty-five, she reflected on the twenty years she'd known Dominic—a significant part of her life—now relegated to a carefully constructed narrative of a whirlwind arrival and calm departure.

Lia accidentally mentioned Bella's birthday to Felix, transforming a quiet celebration into a party for four. Felix attended, and Yvonne, upon learning it was Bella's birthday, insisted on joining.

Lia dimmed the lights, and Yvonne prompted Bella to make a wish. "Hurry up and blow out all the candles in one breath, or your wish won't come true!"

Bella felt shy but closed her eyes and made a wish. She recalled her first birthday at Miller Manor—a grand affair orchestrated by Richard—where she'd wished for Dominic to like her more. This time, her wish remained unspoken. After a moment, she opened her eyes and blew out the candles.

As Yvonne cheered, a knock came at the door. Lia answered to find a delivery person with a massive bouquet of red roses. Out of breath, he said, "Here you go, miss. It's pretty heavy, and there's a gift too. Don't forget to take it."

Lia accepted the flowers and a gift box that nearly dwarfed her. Before she could inquire about the sender, the delivery person hastily departed.

Turning to Felix, Lia exclaimed, "Did you send these? Red roses? You really outdid yourself!"

Felix's eyes twinkled as he produced a small, elegant box. "This is my gift. The flowers aren't from me."

Both Lia and Bella were surprised. After turning on the lights and reading the card accompanying the bouquet, Bella experienced a complex mix of emotions. The flowers were from Dominic—her first birthday gift from him in twenty years. The card simply read, "This is the 20th year. Happy birthday."

The mood shifted. Bella showed no interest in opening Dominic's gift, but Yvonne, ever curious, unwrapped it. Inside was an exceptionally rare and lavish necklace, quintessentially Dominic.

To redirect attention, Bella turned to Felix's gift: a limited-edition bracelet. She slipped it on, admiring its gleam. "It's lovely. I really appreciate it. Thank you."

Felix offered a small, genuine smile. "I'm glad you like it. Would you like to try on the necklace?"

Bella declined. "No need. Let's cut the cake. Afterward, I'll treat everyone to dinner. Feel free to order what you like, but don't go overboard. My wallet can't handle it."