You never in your life thought about settling down so quickly. Even less so did you imagine settling down with Rafe. After a long time in your relationship, despite its ups and downs, you finally moved out, buying a house somewhere on the outskirts of the island. Rafe seemed to have changed—for the better, at least at that moment. It made you truly able to see a bright future with him.

Your life together so far had been beautiful. Rafe behaved like a textbook perfect man, bringing you flowers almost daily and helping around the house. You knew well that he didn’t need material things—whenever he wanted something, he’d buy it without hesitation. You also knew he appreciated everything you did for him, which is why you decided the best thing you could do for his birthday was to invite his closest friends and family.

For weeks, you prepared to throw his birthday party at your house. You sent out invitations, prepared gifts and snacks. On the day of his birthday, you had free rein since Rafe was busy with work. With Sarah’s help, you carefully decorated the house and garden. When everything was ready and the guests had arrived, all that was left was waiting for Rafe.

A wide smile lit up your face the moment an unsuspecting Rafe stepped through the terrace doors, shock written all over his face. On cue, all the guests began to sing, while Topper proudly placed the cake right in front of you.

“You prepared all this?” he asked, standing right next to you, ready to blow out the many candles on the cake.