Chapter 161: Birthday Surprise

Half an hour later, Cecilia and Calvin arrived at Vivian's mansion. Even through the closed front door, they could hear voices from inside. "Calm down! We're about to surprise your mom," someone whispered. "Place the cake here, right here..."

Cecilia chuckled. The children had deceived her, claiming exhaustion to avoid accompanying her to the airport. So, they had been planning a surprise birthday party!

"It seems they're in for a disappointment," Calvin remarked.

"Why don't we wait a while before going in?" Cecilia suggested, her eyes pleading.

Calvin gazed into her eyes, his throat tightening. "Alright," he said.

They stood outside, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

"How is Martha doing?" he asked.

"She's been okay. I just need to bring you all back as soon as possible," Cecilia replied, her brow furrowing with concern. "I want to return soon, but Eli's illness needs treatment."

"We understand," Calvin said gently. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay."

Cecilia nodded, uncertain. Just as Calvin was about to give her the item he'd brought, the door behind them opened.

"Ms. Kennedy, you're so clumsy! You dropped the cake!" a voice cried.

"It wasn't intentional! If only you hadn't mopped the floor! Now I have to buy a new one..."

Emerging from the house, they saw Cecilia and Calvin waiting. Elliot was the first to react. "Mr. Reesel—"

"Hello, Elliot," Calvin said, gently patting his head.

Vivian stared blankly for a moment before recognizing him. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Reesel," she said. "Thank you for taking care of us when we were young."

"Your mother is a friend. It was the right thing to do," Calvin replied.

"Well, okay then. Let's go inside," Vivian said awkwardly, pulling Cecilia close. She whispered, "Cecilia, I'm so sorry about what happened..."

"I heard it all," Cecilia replied.

"The cake..." Vivian chewed her lip.

"It's late! Let's just go to bed."

"Alright then."

Once settled, Vivian teased Jonathan, "Jon, are you sleepy?"

Jonathan, recognizing the ruse, played along. "Yeah, I'm so tired," he yawned.

"Shall I take you to bed?" Vivian asked, then turned to Calvin and Cecilia. "Your room is ready. Feel free to chat. Jon and I are heading to bed."

"Thank you," they replied.

After putting Jonathan to bed, Vivian pulled Cecilia aside. "I've arranged a large room for you two," she said.

Cecilia was bewildered. "For us?"

"Yes! A king-sized bed. You can...mess around as much as you want."

"Don't be silly! We're just friends."

"Okay, okay. Good night!" Vivian hurried away.

Cecilia stared after her, realizing she'd be sleeping on the sofa. "Calvin, you must be exhausted. Let me take you to your room."

Calvin looked deeply into her eyes. "Didn't we agree I'd celebrate your birthday with you tonight?"

"Then let's go to sleep after midnight?"

"Okay."

A few minutes before midnight, Calvin watched the time, hoping to confess his feelings. But before he could, Cecilia's phone rang urgently.

"I need to take this," she apologized, pulling out her phone. Nathaniel's name flashed on the screen.