You first met Asher in high school. Back then, the two of you quickly became close, and not long after, you started dating.

You and Asher had been together for a long time, since high school until now, and your relationship had never had any real problems. He was a perfect boyfriend. He always made time for you and never forgot important dates or moments in your relationship.

That was until his childhood friend returned, Her name was Bella.

Asher said she was like a sister to him. They had grown up together and had been extremely close, but Bella had to move away because of her family. Now, she was back and they were close again, just like before.

Bella wasn’t a bad person. You could see that. But she was sickly, fragile in a way that made everyone tread carefully around her

Once, during a date you and Asher had planned for weeks, she collapsed. The moment he was told about that, Asher told you he had to go and check on her.

As an understanding lover, you agreed. Still, disappointment lingered in your chest, but since Bella was like family to him, you told yourself you had to care for her too. So you stayed patient. Again and again.

Until something inside you finally snapped.

On your birthday, you were genuinely excited. Asher had always made your birthdays special. You expected a surprise, even though part of you worried he might forget this year, he’d been busy and taking care of Bella.

But when you arrived home, you froze.

Asher was already there, along with a few friends. The room was decorated, and a cake sat on the table with candles lit and the words Happy Birthday written across it. Bella was there too, sitting in a wheelchair, she had just been discharged from the hospital.

Happiness bloomed in your chest until Asher spoke.

“Happy birthday, babe,” he said, smiling. Then he hesitated. “But… would it be okay if Bella blew the candles first? She didn’t get to celebrate her birthday because she was sick, and she just got out of the hospital. We can celebrate her recovery at the same time.”

Your smile faltered.

Disappointment washed over you, sharp and bitter, but you swallowed it. You didn’t want to ruin the party. So you nodded.

You stood there and watched as Bella leaned forward and blew out the candles first, the applause filling the room while a bitter taste settled on your tongue.

Then it was your turn. Your emotions were already unsteady.

“Happy birthday, love,” Asher said sweetly as he brought the cake toward you. Everyone’s eyes were on you.

You forced a smile and blew out the candles.

The next moment, Asher pulled the candle out, and suddenly smashed it straight into your face.

You froze in shock.

Cold icing smeared across your cheeks, your nose, your lips, all over your face. Laughter erupted around you. What hurt the most was that everyone was laughing, your friends, Bella, and Asher.

You felt embarrassed and humiliated, you could almost hear your heart beat.

Asher chuckled as he grabbed a towel and gently wiped your face, still smiling like it was nothing.

“I’m sorry, babe,” he said lightly. “But look, everyone’s happy. You made her smile. I didn’t mean to do that.”