"I didn’t let him co. It’s been so long since we sisters had a chat alone. Now that the high school exams are over, I feel relieved. If I get accepted, I’ll study here and won’t have to be apart from you for so long."
Skylar Vance smiled, and Iris pursued, "But, sister, you’re doing well over there. Why did you suddenly co over here?"
"Because I know your dream university is over here. I ca to pave the way in advance, so you won’t be without a place to settle later."
"My sister is really considerate."
Skylar Vance looked at herself with doubt, unable to hold back her curiosity, "What’s the occasion for suddenly treating to dinner?"
"Sis, your mory is really poor. You’ve forgotten your own birthday!" Iris said, taking out a gift box from her bag. She opened it and took out a bracelet, saying, "This is your birthday gift. One for each of us. Let help you wear it."
Skylar Vance was stunned. She had indeed completely forgotten about her birthday because she rarely celebrated it. To her, this day never held any particular significance.
This move from her younger sister made her heart feel warm as an older sister.
"Spending so much money just to celebrate my birthday?"
"Didn’t spend much. Besides, it’s Ms. Yardley’s money. Don’t worry," Iris said. "When I graduate from university and can earn money, you’ll be relaxed. I’ll take care of you then."
Skylar Vance chuckled, picking up the other bracelet from the box and putting it on Iris. "Just taking care of yourself will be enough, let alone taking care of ."
"Sis, you should find yourself a reliable brother-in-law again. You’ve been separated for so long; it’s ti to reconsider your personal matters, isn’t it?"
"Hey, you little girl, getting involved in my affairs now," Skylar said just as the phone in her bag rang.
She took out the phone and stared at the caller ID for two seconds before answering.
She was still hesitating whether to call him "Uncle" or "Mr. Rhodes" when Simon Rhodes spoke first, asking her, "Finished work? Free to have dinner together tonight?"
"Is there sothing you need?"
"Well, nothing urgent."
"How about tomorrow? I’m dining with my sister now."
Simon Rhodes stayed silent for a mont, guessing she might have soone celebrating her birthday, and nodded, saying, "Okay."
Replacing the words "Happy Birthday" with "Enjoy your al" seed better suited for a face-to-face greeting, he thought.
Once the call ended, Iris curiously asked, "I heard a man’s voice? Have you already found a boyfriend?"
Skylar Vance gave her a look, but inside, she realized that now Iris had finished her exams, her marriage wouldn’t remain a secret for long. It was better to tell her than let her find out.
The server brought the dishes, and Iris snapped photos to post on her social dia. Skylar, taking a mont’s pause, said, "Actually, I’m married—I got married three months ago."
Iris froze in the middle of taking a picture. "Sis, your joking skills are getting better. You look so serious. I’m almost believing it."
"Not joking—married in a flash. Didn’t tell you because I didn’t want it to affect your exams."
"Really?! Love at first sight and an elopent? Iris asked curiously after sitting down, "Where’s the brother-in-law? Call him over! It’s your birthday. He should be here."
Skylar chuckled and said, "He went on a business trip."
"What does he look like? Any photos? Let see!"
"He doesn’t like photos, and I don’t have any on my phone. Next ti, when there’s a chance, I’ll bring you together for dinner."
"Is he good to you? Well, you two getting married in a flash, ans he must be a decent guy."
Skylar just smiled without saying much, while Iris kept asking various questions. Skylar tried her best to portray her husband as a good brother-in-law in Iris’s imagination.
After dinner, Julian Yardley ca to pick them up. Originally planning to drop Skylar ho, she declined using an excuse not wanting them to know her current residence and took a cab back herself.
Shawn Rhodes was indeed on a business trip and had Rowan Alder with him.
In fact, the so-called business trip was more like taking Rowan Alder on a honeymoon since she’d been cooped up at ho for long with an injured leg. That night, Skylar heard them talking about this, leading Shawn to squeeze out ti and take Rowan out.
Compared to Rowan Alder, Shawn Rhodes was considered quite a good man.
After entering the room, Skylar took off her shirt, found so ho clothes from the wardrobe to change into, and opened the balcony door to ventilate.
The scent of roses wafted into the room with the night breeze, making her feel much more relaxed.
Sitting on a deck chair by the door, feeling the breeze and listening to music, seed like the best birthday gift for herself.
With the balcony door open, the outside sounds were noticeably clear.
The wind rustled the leaves, and the sound of insects wasn’t too annoying.
As she was about to drift off to sleep, she suddenly heard a sound. When she opened her eyes to look outside, she saw a shadow had climbed over the railing onto her balcony.
Seeing who it was, Skylar rushed from the chair and, standing by the door, asked Simon Rhodes, "Why are you here?"
Simon Rhodes gave a small laugh, "Did I scare you? I saw you asleep outside, called you a few tis, but you didn’t hear. So, I just ca in."
Even though Shawn wasn’t ho, Skylar still felt a little guilty. "Is there sothing you need?"
Simon Rhodes lifted the cylindrical box in his hand, saying, "Happy Birthday."
Skylar Vance stood there in surprise, looking at the cake box he offered, not sure if she should take it.
Few people ever rembered her birthday. Even when she dated Owen Bellamy, he rarely celebrated her birthday unless reminded.
She couldn’t recall ever ntioning anything about her birthday to Simon Rhodes, never expecting soone who seed to have little connection to her would wish her "Happy Birthday."
"When crossing the wall earlier, I accidentally bumped it. Not sure if the cake got damaged, have a look—hope it’s still edible."
It was then that Skylar reached out and took the box he offered, saying, "Thank you."
Simon Rhodes chuckled and was about to say more when Skylar looked up at him, saying, "Um... I’d appreciate it if you don’t co over again in the future. I fear it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings, which wouldn’t be good for anyone."
The smile on Simon Rhodes’ face froze montarily. He then apologized, saying, "Sorry, I didn’t think it through."
"Regardless, thank you. But really, don’t do such things anymore. If my husband saw, it might be hard to explain."
Simon Rhodes nodded, "Okay, take care and get so rest."
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