"Happy birthday," Martin said with a smile that carried the humility and politeness of a younger generation. As he finished speaking, he turned his gaze affectionately toward the girl beside him and introduced her with ease, "This is my girlfriend, Serena."
"You have a girlfriend?" Eugene’s eyes shifted to Serena. The na seed oddly familiar. Where had he heard it before?
"Mr. Albright, today marks another milestone in your life—an occasion that shines as brightly as the sun and the moon. I wish you happiness in all things. Here’s a little sothing for you. It’s not much, but I hope you’ll accept it with my best wishes," Serena said, her smile radiant as she presented a gift box.
"You’re too kind. Your presence is gift enough; you shouldn’t have gone to the trouble of bringing anything."
Previously, Eugene had taken a spill while out for his morning jog. It was Martin who happened to see and took him to the hospital. At the ti, Eugene didn’t know who the kind young man was, only that he was soone who did good deeds without expecting recognition. Later, when Eugene saw him on the news, he learned that Martin was a child of the well-respected Cooper family.
Afterwards, Eugene made a point of thanking Martin in person. They had stayed in contact since then. Eugene found Martin to be genuine and kind-hearted—not like so rich kids who flaunted their wealth and squandered money carelessly.
For his birthday celebration, Eugene felt it was important to invite Martin. After all, who knew when the next birthday party would be? Especially if it weren’t for Martin’s tily assistance back then, who knew what lingering issues Eugene might have had.
"I can’t accept this gift," Eugene demurred. Considering that he still owed Martin a favor, how could he accept a gift?
But Martin insisted gently, "Mr. Albright, Serena has always admired you. This gift is a token of her respect. Please accept it."
"It’s from both of us. You’re one of the people we admire most," Serena added gracefully.
"Well, if you insist, I’d be remiss to refuse such generous intentions. You both are thoughtful. Please, go inside and relax for a bit. Once everyone’s here, I’ll invite you to join in blowing out the candles and having so cake."
"Thank you, Mr. Albright," Serena replied instantly, her smile sweetening.
Eugene simply nodded. "I have so things to tend to. Please excuse for a mont."
"You go ahead. Martin and I will take a stroll around," Serena said, her smile unwavering as she linked arms with Martin.
Eugene had only walked a few steps away when it suddenly hit him—Serena Collins!! Could it be Kenneth and Louisa’s daughter without blood tie, the nominal sister Rose had—Serena?! Ever since the family reunion, everyone she had ntioned except Serena. He’d heard from Beck that this Serena was trouble. Could this girl be her? If so, what a sha it would be for Martin, such a good kid!
Serena, still arm in arm with Martin, had just reached the garden when soone called out to her.
"Serena!!"
Turning around, Serena saw Lindsay looking at her with surprise and joy, exclaiming, "Is it really you?"
"Lindsay? Is that you?? When did you get back? Why didn’t you co to see !" Serena exclaid, hugging her friend tightly.
After embracing for a long mont, Lindsay said, "I’ve been back since last month. My parents decided to bring their business back ho." Her words trailed off as she looked at the young man behind Serena, asking with a hint of surprise, "Serena, who’s this?"
"Martin," Serena introduced him confidently, "my boyfriend."
"Are you two together?" Lindsay asked with a tinge of astonishnt, clutching Serena’s hand and whispering, "I thought you were engaged? Wasn’t his na Roo? How co it’s Martin now?"
Roo was a man who stood atop the social pyramid, a figure everyone looked up to, and yet Serena had chosen a nobody that no one had even heard of. What on earth was going on?
"It’s a long story. Let just introduce you—Martin and I have been dating for a few months now." Serena turned to give Martin a tender look. "Martin, this is Lindsay, my old middle school desk-mate. We got along best in class and could talk for hours. Then she moved abroad with her parents, and it’s been ages since we last saw each other. I didn’t expect to bump into her today."
The two had only kept in touch via social dia, liking each other’s life updates and leaving the occasional comnt. It had been years since they’d actually t face to face.
"Pleasure to et you," Martin said politely with a nod.
"Hello, hello, I’m Serena’s good friend. Pleasure to et you, too," Lindsay responded, then whispered to Serena, "Wow, your boyfriend is quite the gentleman. His vibe, his upbringing—they’re not a bit less impressive than Roo’s."
Serena knew she was just being nice, but she graciously smiled and said, "I think so. He’s nice to ." As she said this, she gave Martin a sweet glance. Martin’s gaze softened even more, as if touched by her words.
"Lindsay, are you here for Mr. Albright’s birthday bash too?" Serena took the opportunity to inquire.
Lindsay, without any guile, laid it all out. "Yeah, my dad wants to learn chess from Mr. Albright. It sounds prestigious, you know? Originally, Mr. Albright invited my granddad, but he couldn’t make it, so he passed the opportunity to my dad and . What about you? Are you here with Mr. Collins?"
"I ca with him," Serena gave Martin another affectionate look.
Lindsay appeared surprised. "Mr. Albright’s invited him? That ans your boyfriend must be quite sothing to catch his eye. That’s so impressive!" Just monts ago, she had thought of Martin as a non-entity, but now she looked at him with newfound respect.
Serena said with a smile, "Martin, Lindsay and I haven’t caught up in a long ti. We’re going to chat for a bit."
"Of course," Martin nodded at her and tipped his head to Lindsay before excusing himself.
"Your boyfriend is so attentive and kind to you. What’s the situation? Why aren’t you with Roo anymore? There’s been no news about you two." The Collins family and the McMillian family’s engagent had been arranged long ago.
Serena’s eyes fell slightly. "I’ll tell you the truth, but you mustn’t breathe a word of this to anyone."
Seeing Serena’s hesitation, Lindsay nodded and whispered, "Don’t worry. I can keep a secret."
"It’s just that—" Before Serena could finish her story, they saw a girl enter through the main door. Even without makeup, her striking beauty was undeniable—her face was extraordinary, almost unfairly beautiful under the lighting.
Damn it! She had actually co!! The butler at the door couldn’t hide his delight at the sight of Rosemary.
Reviews
All reviews (0)