Chapter 2

2

Gideon didn't bother showing up until the following evening. Looking at his empty hands, I knew he had completely forgotten my birthday.

In previous years, he would send his wishes the second the clock struck midnight. He would take the day off to stay with me and prepare a thoughtful gift.

He once promised he would spend every single birthday by my side.

But this year, there was nothing.

He didn't even notice how sick I looked. We sat across from each other during dinner in total silence.

After finishing his meal, he started packing his things to leave in a hurry.

I knew his heart wasn't with me anymore, but I couldn't help myself when I realized this would be my last birthday.

"Gideon, today is... my birthday. Can you stay and spend it with me?"

He stopped in his tracks when he heard it was my birthday. I saw a flash of guilt on his face, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

His expression turned cold and impatient. "Hurry up. I have things to do."

Bitterness filled my heart.

Just as I was about to make a wish, Gideon's phone rang. He frowned and tried to ignore it, but his hand hesitated when he saw the caller ID. It was Maren.

He glanced at me and then answered without a second thought, walking toward the door.

I swallowed the wish I was about to say out loud. Between Maren and me, he would always choose her.

Only a thin wall separated us, and I could hear every word he said.

"The lights are out? Okay, I understand. Don't cry."

"Go stay in your room. I'm coming over right now. Don't be scared." His voice was as gentle as if he were soothing a child.

I saw the smile on his face and realized with a pang that I couldn't remember the last time he had looked at me that way.

He ended the call and walked back toward me with a hint of hesitation in his eyes. "Something came up at the office. I have to go."

I grabbed his arm, exposing his lie. "I haven't even made my wish yet. Are you really that desperate to see her?"

Gideon froze. He slowly turned his head to look at me.

His face darkened instantly. The tiny bit of patience he had left disappeared the moment I spoke.

He looked at me with an unreadable expression. "When did you find out Maren was back?"

"It seems you've been busy investigating me behind my back."

His words were like a knife stabbing into my chest. The pain was dull but deep.