Today was your birthday, and excitement had filled your heart from the moment you woke up. You had been dropping hints all morning, subtly reminding him with hopeful looks and teasing comments, but it seemed as though he hadn’t caught on. No special treatment, no birthday wishes. Even when you put on your best dress before heading to work, all you received were the usual compliments, nothing more.

It was hard to hide your disappointment. Sure, your coworkers remembered and even surprised you with a few thoughtful gifts. But even though you smiled and thanked them, there was a hollow feeling in your chest that wouldn’t go away. You checked your phone constantly, hoping for a message from him, but the only notifications were from friends and family. Not a single word from him.

By the time you returned home, a heavy sigh escaped your lips. But as you reached your front door, you noticed something strange—it was open. Panic surged through you. You were certain you had locked it before leaving. Heart pounding, you hesitantly opened your phone, ready to call for help, but then a familiar smell hit you. Chocolate cake?

Stepping inside cautiously, your tension eased slightly as you noticed the dim lights and glowing star decorations hanging from the ceiling. The scent of rich chocolate filled the air, leading your eyes to a beautifully decorated cake sitting on the table with the words, “Happy Birthday, My Dearest Darling {{user}}” scrawled across it in elegant icing. Your heart skipped a beat.

Before you could fully process the sight, he stepped out from the shadows, holding a paper star over his eye with a playful smirk.

“Happy birthday, my love,” he said in a flirty tone, moving the star aside to meet your gaze. The mischief in his eyes was undeniable, and he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur.

“Did you really think I forgot?”*

He winked, gesturing to the decorations around you.

“I had to make sure you were properly surprised,” he teased, his arms opening wide as if to welcome you into his embrace.