Leo saw Tara climbing up to reach something and quickly walked over, frowning. “What are you doing standing up there?”

Tara gave a faint smile. “Why are you back?”

Leo lifted her off the chair and kissed her lips. “Silly girl, did you forget what day it is?”

A sudden ache gripped Tara’s heart, and she couldn’t stop her eyes from turning red.

Leo cupped her face, kissing her eyelids gently. “Don’t feel bad. I remembered, okay?”

Tara lowered her long lashes and gave him a slight push, resisting his touch.

He pulled her tightly into his arms and chuckled softly. “What’s this? Thinking there’s no gift? Come on, let’s go see your present.”

He took her hand and led her to the front door.

When he opened it, there in the yard was a red luxury car.

The car, worth over a million dollars, was perfect for someone her age.

Placing the keys in her hand, he smiled indulgently. “Here’s your birthday present. Do you like it?”

Tara smiled faintly. “I like it.”

What she wanted to ask was, “Is this my severance package?”

Leo leaned down and kissed her ear, his hands roaming lightly over her through the thin fabric of her clothes.

His breathing grew heavier as he bent down to lift her, heading toward the house.

Tara frowned, already thinking about how to refuse him. Before she could speak, his phone rang again.

She couldn’t help but feel a little bitter. She didn’t even need to come up with an excuse. There was always a phone call to interrupt.

Setting her down, he ruffled her hair and said, “Go change into something formal. I’ll take you somewhere later.”

Tara seized the opportunity like a lifeline and hurried upstairs.

As she reached her room, she heard him answering the call behind her: “Hey, Nina…”

In her room, Tara changed into a deep sapphire-blue silk dress.

The dress fell just below her knees. The front revealed only a hint of her collarbone, while the back was cut low, though her long, dark hair provided some cover.

She applied light makeup, put on a pair of pearl earrings, and went downstairs.

Leo was still on the phone. When he saw her coming down, his gaze froze.

Sapphire blue was a notoriously unforgiving color, but Tara’s fair, flawless skin made it look regal and elegant.

The fitted silk dress was equally unforgiving, revealing even the smallest imperfections, yet Tara’s figure was perfect, with no flaws at all.

Her delicate features and refined demeanor shone effortlessly, drawing all attention without the need for extravagant jewelry.

Leo hung up the phone, slipped it into his pocket, and reached out to wrap an arm around Tara’s waist, planting a quick kiss on her lips, as if he couldn’t get enough of her.

“Why aren’t you wearing the diamond necklace?” he asked.

Tara gave a soft smile. “It’s too expensive.”

Leo sighed, shaking his head. “It’s meant to be worn. I’ll get you an even better one tomorrow.”

Tara held up the car keys in her hand. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to take the new car for a spin.”

Leo chuckled, affectionately ruffling the back of her head. “Alright, let’s go.”

Once inside, Leo took the passenger seat and set the GPS.

Tara noticed the destination was a high-end private club on the outskirts of the city—members-only, with an annual fee of half a million.

They had visited the same place last year for Leo’s birthday. It was just the two of them then. They stayed for two days and didn’t leave the room once.

He had ended up with a nosebleed from the exertion, and she wound up in the hospital.

Frowning, Tara guessed he was planning something similar for her birthday this year.

But she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. Instead, she felt disgusted.

The whole drive, she focused on thinking of a way to excuse herself. Before she knew it, they had arrived.

The automatic gates opened, and the red luxury car glided in, stopping in front of a two-story building with a classic, vintage design.

Leo stepped out first, holding Tara’s high heels in his hand as he walked around to her side. He placed the shoes on the ground by the driver’s door.

Tara took his arm for balance as she got out of the car, slipping on her heels.

The moment she stood up straight, a loud “Bang! Bang!” rang out.

Tara jumped in surprise.

Suddenly, a shower of red rose petals rained down from the sky, floating gently around them like something out of a dream.

Leo pulled her close, shielding her in his arms.

The two of them—an undeniably striking couple—stood together as rose petals rained down around them.

Laughter erupted around them.

“Happy birthday, Tara!”

“Happy birthday!”

“Tara, you’re gorgeous! No wonder Mr. Carter keeps you hidden!”

“You two are such a perfect match!”

Tara stood there, stunned, completely taken aback.

It had been three years, and Leo had never once introduced Tara to his parents, relatives, or friends.

He always said that because he worked with celebrities and was part of the entertainment industry, he couldn’t make their relationship public.

When she suggested introducing him to her family, he brushed it off, saying the timing wasn’t right.

So what was this now? Had the timing magically become right?

Confused and disoriented, Tara allowed Leo to guide her into the banquet hall.

Music played as dazzling lights flickered, and rose petals cascaded from the ceiling. Waitstaff in suits and bow ties wheeled out a towering birthday cake, over six feet tall.

“Time to cut the cake!”

Amid the noise and excitement, someone placed a cake knife in Tara’s hand.

Leo wrapped an arm around her, his hand guiding hers. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, “Let’s cut it together.”

They moved toward the cake, and just as the knife sliced through it—

“Am I late?”

A tall figure appeared in the doorway.

Leo froze, his hand still holding Tara’s. His expression shifted abruptly, his eyes darkening.

Tara looked up and saw Nina walking in against the light, radiant and captivating, exuding an aura that drew every eye in the room.

The room fell silent for a moment. Those who knew the backstory had their smiles stiffen, while the clueless ones hesitated briefly before the excitement exploded.

“Nina!”

“Nina Lucas, the international superstar!”

People swarmed around Nina—snapping photos, asking for autographs, begging for selfies.

Reporters and media personnel quickly whipped out their equipment, ready to interview her.

In an instant, Nina became the center of attention.

A reporter asked, “Nina, what brings you here? Do you know Mr. Carter personally?”

Nina smiled graciously. “Mr. Carter and I have been friends for many years. I heard he was throwing a birthday party for his girlfriend, so I came to offer my congratulations.”

Another reporter chimed in, “We saw your recent social media posts. It seems like you’ve been spending time with a mysterious man since returning to the country. Are you in a relationship?”

Nina glanced toward Leo, her smile unwavering. “No, he’s just a very, very good friend.”

The reporter teased, “But even close friends can fall in love or get married. Would you consider that mysterious man as a partner?”

Nina looked straight at Leo and said, slowly and deliberately, “No, I would not.”

Leo’s arm tightened around Tara, his gaze icy and his expression dark as a storm.

The sudden chill in the air froze everyone’s smiles, and the lively atmosphere instantly turned awkward.

Leo’s voice was cold as ice. “Today is my girlfriend’s birthday party, not a press conference for Miss Lucas, the superstar.”

The event organizer quickly stepped in, laughing nervously. “Yes, yes, back to the cake cutting! Let’s get the music going!”

Everyone in the room, seasoned in the entertainment industry, was quick to adjust, and the festive atmosphere picked up again as if nothing had happened.

Tara took the first slice of cake and handed it to Nina with a polite smile. “Welcome, Miss Lucas. Have some cake.”

Nina accepted the cake and studied Tara’s face intently, her eyes narrowing with surprise. “Why do I feel like we look a little alike?”

She turned to the people around her. “What do you all think?”

Those in the know gave awkward smiles and tried to brush it off. “Beautiful people often resemble each other. It’s just a coincidence, haha.”

Those unaware of the underlying tension began to murmur among themselves.

“She does look a little like her.”

“At first glance, maybe, but not so much when you really look closely.”

“They’re completely different styles. One is like a peony—vibrant and stunning. The other is pure and elegant, like an orchid.”

Tara kept her composure, her smile calm. “Maybe it’s destiny. Even when I was younger, people used to say I resembled the famous Nina.”

Her words carried an undertone that wasn’t lost on those paying attention, exchanging subtle glances.

It was true that Tara was young, just twenty-one and fresh out of college, with a natural beauty that exuded innocence and simplicity.

Raised in a wealthy family, she had received the best education and upbringing. Her natural poise, confidence, and elegance made her stand out without effort.

Nina, on the other hand, wasn’t much older at twenty-nine.

But years of cosmetic enhancements and surgeries, combined with navigating the cutthroat entertainment industry, had left her with a complexity that couldn’t be hidden, no matter how hard she tried.

Coming from a modest background, Nina had started at an arts academy as a teenager and thrown herself into the entertainment industry early. Her lack of academic grounding often gave her an air of shallowness.

Grace, after all, comes from within, and side-by-side comparisons could be brutally unforgiving.

Sensing the tension, someone chimed in cheerfully, “Everyone, grab some food! Red wine, white wine—help yourselves and enjoy!”

The crowd dispersed, people grabbing glasses and plates, forming small groups to chat and mingle.

Leo kept his arm around Tara’s waist and asked softly, “What do you want to eat? Or drink?”

In truth, no one came to these events for the food or drinks.

Tara, not knowing anyone here, felt out of place. “Let’s go sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows.”

Leo fetched her favorite red wine and desserts, staying by her side. Yet his eyes kept drifting toward Nina, who was moving effortlessly through the crowd.

Nina’s smile was dazzling, and she navigated the room with ease. First, she chatted with reporters and bloggers. Then she had drinks with a few producers and screenwriters.

Eventually, she started talking with two powerhouse directors in the film industry.

She was clearly networking, laying the groundwork for her return to the domestic entertainment scene, and knew these top-tier directors were essential connections.

As the alcohol flowed, the atmosphere grew looser. Men and women, hungry for fame and fortune, pressed their boundaries—offering drinks, testing limits, and making subtle advances.

Leo’s expression darkened, his mood growing icier by the minute.

At first, he made an effort to talk to Tara occasionally, but soon, he wasn’t even pretending to pay attention to her.

Tara noticed one director’s hand grazing Nina’s lower back while another handed her a large glass of brandy.

Leo couldn’t hold back any longer. He shot to his feet, stormed over, and snatched the glass of brandy out of Nina’s hand.

His expression was icy as he snapped, “Did you forget what the doctor said? You’re still drinking?”

His voice was so sharp it silenced the room. Everyone turned to look.

Nina, slightly tipsy, smiled even more alluringly.

“Leo, you’re still as cautious as ever. Don’t worry, I know my limits.”

One of the directors, already drunk, chuckled. “Mr. Carter is still head over heels for you! I remember when you filmed a kissing scene, he stormed the set!”

Another tipsy guest laughed and added, “It’s true! Leo is the ultimate romantic. Once he loves someone, it’s till the end of time—passionate, unyielding, unchanging!”

Nina quickly tried to downplay it. “Don’t misunderstand. My stomach’s not in great shape, and he’s just worried I might get another stomach bleed.”

Leo instinctively glanced at Tara, then around the room at the curious, gossiping eyes. Grabbing Nina’s wrist, he muttered, “We’ll talk outside,” and pulled her away.

Tara felt a twinge of bitterness and a complicated mix of emotions.

Leo was five years older than her and always carried himself with maturity, composure, and a sense of dignity. No matter what happened, he handled things calmly.

Yet here he was, losing his composure in public—a side of him she had never seen before.

She could feel the weight of everyone’s stares, their curiosity and judgment making her skin crawl.

Quietly, she stood and stepped out onto the terrace.

The night air was cool, and the terrace was dimly lit.

Soft light spilled out from the banquet hall, casting faint shadows.

She found a chair tucked into the corner and sat down. Looking up, she caught sight of Leo and Nina arguing heatedly by the flowerbed.

The argument escalated until, in a fit of frustration, Leo turned on his heel to walk away.

Nina reached out to grab his arm, but he pulled away sharply. Her balance faltered in her high heels, and she twisted her ankle, falling straight into the flowerbed.

Hearing the commotion, Leo rushed over and pulled her out.

It seemed like she was hurt—her ankle badly twisted.

Without hesitation, Leo scooped Nina into his arms and hurried to the red luxury car. He gently placed her in the passenger seat and drove off, leaving behind a single silver high heel near the flowerbed.

With the main players gone, the party quickly fizzled out. Guests trickled out one by one.

Tara returned to the banquet hall, now scattered with leftovers and wilting decorations. The festive atmosphere had vanished, leaving behind an empty, dismal scene.

The waitstaff, cleaning up the mess, cast her sympathetic, curious glances.

Her white high heels crunched softly against the rose petals scattered on the floor as she walked out of the hall.

The red car was gone, driven away by Leo.

“Miss,” a voice called from behind her.

Tara froze, her heart skipping a beat. The voice sounded familiar.

She turned and saw a man with sandy blond hair and sharp features, clearly of mixed heritage. He looked to be in his thirties, with deep-set eyes and a prominent nose.

His appearance was decent enough, but his gaze carried an unsettling mix of slyness and malice that made her uncomfortable.

He extended his hand. “I'm Wesley Lima from Genovia.”

Tara didn’t take his hand and turned away without a word.

Awkwardly, Wesley withdrew his hand. “I’m a friend of Leo’s. It’s hard to find a cab out here. I can give you a ride home.”

Tara declined coolly. “No need. The club provides transportation.”

With an annual membership fee of half a million, the club had dedicated chauffeur services. Tara walked toward a car parked nearby.

Wesley watched her retreating figure, his gaze lingering on her flawless silhouette. He tilted his head, licked his lips, and flashed a wicked, determined grin.

“No wonder Leo stuck with her for three years. She’s clearly exceptional,” he thought to himself.

Tara felt his stare like needles on her back. Sliding into the club’s car, she glanced out the window and saw Wesley still standing there, leering at her with an unsettling expression.

The memory of his phone conversation with Leo flashed through her mind, making her stomach churn with disgust.

She gave the driver her address and urged him, “Let’s go.”

Feeling bored during the ride, she glanced at her phone. The internet was buzzing, with four of the top trending topics centered around Leo, Nina, and herself:

“Leo spotted rushing Nina to the city hospital, visibly anxious—rumors swirl about severe injuries and possible disfigurement!”

“Leo hosts a birthday party for his new girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend Nina crashes with her blessings—followed by a secret garden rendezvous!”

“Leo’s new girlfriend looks strikingly similar to Nina—real-life drama unfolds!”

“Six years later, are Leo and Nina rekindling their romance, or did it never really end?”

Photos, videos, and so-called "evidence" accompanied each headline.

One photo, crystal clear and high-definition, showed Tara handing Nina a slice of cake. The two of them stood side by side, drawing endless comparisons.

Nina’s fans flooded the comments. Some sent their blessings, hoping the two "soulmates" would end up together. Others directed venom at Tara, urging her to back off and stop being the “third party.”

Many fans speculated that Nina’s injury was caused by Tara’s jealousy and revenge, leaving a barrage of hateful and vile comments under her name.

Only a handful of sympathetic voices stood up for Tara, but they were drowned out in the chaos.

Tara trembled with anger.

“Who gave anyone permission to post my photos?” she fumed.

The club was known for its discretion, and guest privacy was a top priority. Photos or videos couldn’t possibly have been released without prior approval.

That meant Leo, as the host, must have at least consented to it.

Fuming, Tara immediately sent legal notices to the websites for infringing on her image rights.

Within two minutes, the photos and videos involving her were taken down.

But it was too late. Thousands of people had already downloaded and shared the content, and it continued to spread in private accounts and comment threads.

By the time Tara returned to the villa, her anger had faded, leaving behind a cold calmness.

Walking into the living room, she saw the framed photos of her and Leo displayed everywhere. To her, they felt like a cruel joke.