ed in elegant gowns and tailored suits. A soft piano tune floated through th
rned with golden icing that read, "Happy 24th Birthday
comes the
a navy tuxedo, his hair slicked back and sharp jawline catching the light
waiting by the cake. Tatiana, in a striking red gown, smiled softly.
. Then, he turned to Tatiana. "Tatiana... I love you. You've shown me what it means to trul
yes were on her. Frederick went
didn't soften. She
sps spread through the crowd.
he whispered,
arry you. I don't love you. And this-" she gesture
rned and walked away, leaving h
t on his brow. It had been a dream
ed, rubbing his face. Morning sunlight strea
peeked into her brother Calvin's room, frowning at the unheede
r with a bucket of cold water. Calvin leapt ou
tes," Catalina said, leavin
rything have to start like this?" he muttered,
plates, smiling at her children's bickering. "Remember, happiness i
Mom! The scholarshi
"Let's see if you finally
letter, and his grin
groaned beside him. "I
aring at the papers as if t
led to a stop outside his company. The most successful skincare b
fearful of his presence. A secretary approached to remind him of his schedul
ded respect, and every
nored whispers about her fashion choices, focusing on the day ahead. As she passed two young women on the
cing at her phone. She hoped for a call from Roma
earlier presence with another colleague hinted at com
etermination in her eyes. Life was complicated, messy, and