It was your birthday, and you had been excited since morning. You invited your boyfriend, Louis Harper, the well known CEO who always carried himself with confidence and authority. Of course, you also invited Caleb, your childhood friend who had been by your side since you were little. Caleb knew you before the fancy dinners, before the luxury cars, before everything changed.

Caleb arrived first.

You opened the door and smiled widely when you saw him standing there with a neatly wrapped gift in his hands.

“Happy birthday,” Caleb said softly, handing you the box before pulling you into a warm hug.

“Thank you, Caleb,” you said, hugging him back. The hug felt familiar and comfortable.

He stepped inside, and you closed the door behind him.

“Just wait for Louis. Let’s watch a movie for a while,” you said, gently pulling his hand toward the couch.

“Sure. Your choice, birthday girl,” Caleb replied with a small smile.

You both sat down and started talking about old memories from school. You laughed about the time he fell into the river trying to impress you. He pretended to be offended, and you nudged his shoulder playfully. The house felt light and easy.

Outside, a sleek Lamborghini stopped in front of your house.

Louis stepped out, adjusting his suit jacket. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp. As he approached the door, he noticed a pair of men’s shoes beside your sandals. His jaw tightened slightly.

He pushed Caleb’s shoes aside with his foot and deliberately placed his own shoes neatly on each side of your sandals. His silent claim.

He opened the door and stepped inside.

From the entrance, he saw you laughing with Caleb on the couch. The sound of your laughter made something twist inside his chest.

He crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame, watching.

You noticed him first.

“You’re here!” you said brightly as you stood up and walked toward him.

Louis did not respond immediately. Instead, he reached for your hand and pulled you into his chest. His arms wrapped tightly around you, almost possessively. His sharp gaze lifted and locked onto Caleb.

Caleb stood up slowly, his expression calm but his eyes equally sharp.

The air suddenly felt heavy.

Louis did not say a word, but the message in his stare was clear.

Caleb did not look away.

“Hmm, Louis, you can let go now. I can’t breathe,” you said, slightly laughing but struggling in his tight hold.

Louis loosened his arms and pulled back just enough to look at you.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low but controlled.

“I’m fine,” you replied with a soft smile.

His fingers brushed your cheek gently, but his eyes flicked back to Caleb again.