After collecting my thoughts, I picked up the USB drive and stepped out the door. Since my car was at the shop for repairs, I decided to call a cab to reach Kylian's office.

When I handed him the USB drive, I had to act as if everything was perfectly normal—even though it was more difficult than I had anticipated.

Just as I was about to leave, Kylian suddenly grasped my hand, his expression warm and affectionate. "It's wonderful to have you here, sweetheart," he said.

At that moment, his colleague, Palmer, happened to pass by and, with a mischievous grin, quipped, "Are we spreading the love today?"

I discreetly withdrew my hand and mustered a smile. "I have plans to go shopping with Haven," I said, trying to stay composed. "I should be heading out."

Kylian nodded slightly and playfully tousled my hair with a smile. "Off you go," he said.

In the café.

After I finished speaking, Haven's face clearly showed her desire to tear him apart. "Kylian, that jerk," she muttered, jabbing her fork into her spiced honey cake with uncharacteristic fierceness, channeling her frustration into the dessert.

She looked up at me, eyes searching. "Gabriella, what's your plan?"

I gazed out the window for a moment, watching the bustling streets filled with people going about their day. Finally, I spoke slowly, "I want to pull off a little surprise for him on my birthday."

Haven's face brightened instantly, and she slapped the table with enthusiasm, her voice brimming with energy. "Fantastic! I'm totally on board. Just let me know what you need, and I'll lend a hand."

I went over my plan with her, laying out every step. She nodded along, completely engaged with my ideas.

At the end, she added with determination, "Gabriella, count on me. Once we wrap this up, let's head to the Alps for a vacation." Her eyes sparkled with hope as she looked at me, eager to lift my spirits.

Meeting her gaze, a smile gradually spread across my face. "Deal!"

When Kylian got back that evening, I had just placed the final bowl of soup on the dining table. He slipped behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder, and nuzzling gently.

"It's so nice having a wife; a hot meal waiting for you when you get home," he murmured. His presence was accompanied by a subtle scent that drifted past my nose. My body tensed for a moment, but I forced myself to stay composed, gently removing his hands from my waist.

"Go wash up and let's eat," I said softly.

As he turned away, the smile I had maintained vanished, leaving my face cold and indifferent.

We sat down to eat, but his phone never left his side. He was constantly texting and smiling, his mind clearly somewhere else.

I looked up, my voice tinged with curiosity. "Who are you chatting with? You seem so happy."

He looked up suddenly, our eyes meeting briefly. I noticed a flicker of panic before he returned to his usual demeanor. He laughed it off, saying, "Oh, just some funny stuff my colleagues are joking about in the WhatsApp group."

Playing along, I asked, "Let me see too."

In the next moment, he turned off his screen and placed his phone face down on the table, trying to appear casual.

"They're just being rowdy, nothing interesting," he said, avoiding my gaze and urging, "Let's eat before the food gets cold."

The light in my eyes quietly dimmed. The once-shy teenager I had fallen for could now lie effortlessly without flinching. At that moment, an overwhelming sense of disappointment enveloped me.