It was already past ten that night when Xavier Fostern came home.
Cecilia Ye had just finished her shower and stepped out.
Thinking about the call Cecilia Ye had made that afternoon, Xavier Fostern started speaking as he took off his suit jacket.
"Did something happen this afternoon?"
Cecilia Ye shook her head and took his jacket, setting it aside.
"No, it’s nothing... I just suddenly wanted to call you."
Xavier Fostern didn’t press further. He slipped an arm around her waist and lowered his head to ask softly,
"Your birthday’s almost here. How do you want to celebrate?"
"Let’s just have dinner at home with Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers. That’s fine."
Being held like this by Xavier Fostern made Cecilia Ye feel awkward—especially after witnessing up close how close he’d been with Vivian Belle earlier that day.
In the past, Xavier Fostern saw her as a child, liked to have her sit on his lap, and would hold her around the waist just like this.
But now, things were different.
She subtly leaned back a bit and met Xavier Fostern’s gaze.
"Let me help you with your tie," she offered, grabbing onto a clumsy excuse.
Cecilia Ye raised her small hands to help with his tie, looking up at him earnestly.
Xavier Fostern let her fiddle with it as he looked down at her—the hair by her temples still damp, her face rosy from the shower, and a delicate fruit scent lingering around her. The neckline of her pajamas was slightly loose and, with her movements, a hint of soft skin peeked out.
He wanted to say something to Cecilia Ye for some reason. "I had lunch with Vivian Belle today, but something came up, so I headed back to the office early."
Cecilia Ye’s hands froze. Why was Xavier Fostern trying to explain to her?
But even if they hadn’t eaten together, they’d still gone to the gallery so intimately.
"Mm, I know. You don’t have to tell me," she replied quietly.
His arm tightened around her waist, and Xavier Fostern leaned in so close his breath tickled her ear. "Cecilia, are you upset with me?"
Cecilia Ye gave a brief smile, glancing up at him. Under the lights, her eyes were beautiful—clear as crystal.
"I’m not upset. It’s nice you’re able to spend time with her," she said, the kind of lie she’d learned to tell with a smile.
The two people in that scene earlier had looked so loving, so perfect—anyone would believe they were a deeply devoted couple. Even Cecilia Ye had almost believed it herself.
"Alright then, go take your shower," she said, slipping from his embrace and leaving the loosened tie to the side.
Xavier Fostern frowned, his voice cold. "Think whatever you like."
He turned and walked into the bathroom. Listening to the sound of running water, Cecilia Ye pressed her hand to her eyes.
Xavier Fostern’s gentleness was addictive—but it hurt, too.
*
October eleventh was Cecilia Ye’s birthday.
She hadn’t even opened her eyes before Mia Moore’s call came in. Xavier Fostern had taken the day off, saying he wanted to stay home with her.
He had one heavy arm draped across her waist, still asleep.
Afraid to disturb him, Cecilia Ye picked up the phone and tried to leave the bed, but he pressed her back under the covers.
"Take it here. It’s cold outside," he mumbled sleepily, voice gravelly.
She answered, and Mia Moore’s cheerful voice rang out instantly.
"Happy birthday, darling Cecilia!"
Cecilia Ye couldn’t help but laugh. "Why are you up so early?"
"Ah, sorry, Cecilia! Forgot that it’s already noon here for me."
"Boo hoo, I’m flying home today—just about to board, so I’ll miss your birthday. I’ll make it up to you when I’m back, promise!"
Over the call, airport boarding announcements sounded in the background. Cecilia Ye gave a helpless sigh, "Alright then, but you have to make it up to me and keep me company when you’re back. Be careful on the way, don’t get yourself lost."
Only with Mia Moore did Cecilia Ye ever really act like the twenty-two-year-old girl she was.
"Mm! Love you, gotta go—they’re calling my flight!"
"Okay."
When she hung up, Xavier Fostern was awake, watching her with a small, sleepy smile.
Cecilia Ye flushed with embarrassment. "Zhiyen, did I wake you?"
"It’s fine, we should get up anyway." He ruffled her hair affectionately. "So, birthday girl, what do you want to do today?"
Cecilia Ye’s heart gave a jump. Newly awake, Xavier Fostern seemed softer than usual, a little less cold—for once, gentle as he spoke to her.
Her heartbeat was so loud she worried he’d hear it. She blushed again. "Um, let’s get up and have breakfast with Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers first."
Suddenly remembering something, Cecilia Ye hesitated. "And… after breakfast, could you take me to the amusement park?"
She spoke nervously. She’d never asked Xavier Fostern for anything before—partly because he was busy with work, partly because she didn’t want to trouble anyone.
But remembering how Xavier Fostern had accompanied Vivian Belle to that art exhibition,
Cecilia Ye thought maybe, just before their inevitable separation, she could also make some happy memories with him.
A birthday gift to herself.
Her lovely little face was full of hope, and she was breathing nervously, the tip of her nose twitching. Xavier Fostern brushed her cheek, "Alright, after breakfast we’ll go."
"Okay!" Cecilia Ye’s response was immediate—her mood flipped in an instant to delight, and she jumped out of bed energetically.
Standing on tiptoe, she rifled through the wardrobe, wondering what to wear to the amusement park.
She’d never been to an amusement park in her life. Growing up in the orphanage, she’d never had the chance. After being adopted, it hadn’t happened either.
Just thinking about it filled her with happiness.
She laid out several outfits on the bed, tilting her head in thought.
Watching her, Xavier Fostern couldn’t help but laugh and went off to shower and get ready.
By the time he came out, Cecilia Ye was dressed in a pale yellow sweater with a cream vest over it, light blue jeans, and white sneakers—full of youthful energy and life.
"Zhiyen, is this okay?" she asked.
Xavier Fostern nodded. "Looks great."
His little wife was beautiful, he thought.
"That’s good. I’ve never been to an amusement park, so I didn’t know what kind of outfit would be right."
She kept her head down, fussing with her clothes, mumbling softly.
For some reason, Xavier Fostern felt a sudden surge of tenderness—he wanted to let Cecilia Ye do anything she wished, to cherish and protect her.
The feeling startled him, and he shook his head to clear it.
"Go get ready, or we’ll be late heading out."
"Okay!"
When they headed downstairs, Grandpa Rivers and Grandma Rivers were already at the table.
Even Xavier Fostern had ditched his usual starchy suit, wearing a beige sweater instead.
Cecilia Ye paused, caught off guard by how handsome he looked: flawless features, refined yet dignified, both air of nobility and warmth—he was truly too attractive to ignore.
Grandma Rivers glanced at them and giggled, "Cecilia, are you two heading out this morning?"
Cecilia Ye nodded, "Yes. Zhiyen’s taking me to the amusement park, Grandma Rivers. We’ll be back for dinner though!"
"Wonderful, no need to rush! I’ll have Aunt Whitney prepare a special dinner for you tonight—including your favorite fruit cake, birthday girl."
Grandpa Rivers chimed in, "And I’ve got a present just for our little birthday star—but you’ll have to wait until tonight to get it!"
Cecilia Ye beamed, her dimples as sweet as ever.
After breakfast, Xavier Fostern took Cecilia Ye by the hand and led her out.
Seeing her so delighted—like a child off to a spring outing—Xavier Fostern found himself infected by her good mood and even smiled himself.
"Hey, old man, you can’t tell me Zhiyen doesn’t like Cecilia," Grandma Rivers mused after they’d left.
Grandpa Rivers snorted, "Heh, that boy doesn’t even know what ‘liking’ someone means. Clueless as an old melon, that’s what he is."