Chapter 6

After hanging up the phone, Nanette leaned back on the couch in a daze. After the divorce, she would not have to see Sterling again, and he would likely forget about her soon enough.

During their three years in high school and seven years in university, a total of ten years, he never once noticed her. Even when they happened to meet face-to-face, his gaze would never linger on her.

Looking back now, she realized they simply happened to be in the right place at the right time that night.

In that chaotic situation, Sterling had been ready to step back at any moment while she found herself sinking deeper. In the end, it was all because she got too greedy and wanted everything!

While lost in her thoughts, Nanette heard voices at the front door. After listening for a moment, she discovered someone was fixing the hallway lights.

An older woman commented, "The youths of today are quite impressive, huh? They're even paying out of their own pockets to fix the lights. Our property management is on time when collecting management fees, but it's been a week, and not a single broken light has been fixed."

"That's right," another voice chimed in. "That young man contacted us because he saw that the property management wasn't taking care of it."

Nanette smiled faintly at their conversation. Once the lights were fixed, she would not have to fear the dark and chilly hallway when returning from her evening shifts.

She had been somewhat afraid of the dark since she could remember, especially if the environment was quiet as well. It was to the point that she would leave a nightlight on while sleeping. Sterling had teased her about it when they first started dating.

During their time together, Sterling made her feel safe, so she gradually feared the darkness less. Yet lately, that fear seemed to have returned.

After dinner, Nanette stood on the balcony, collecting the laundry while gazing out at the twinkling lights of countless homes. Each beam of light appeared so warm. She wondered if those people's lives were as cozy as the lights from their homes.

As she looked down, she caught sight of a person leaning against a small tree. There was a flicker of crimson fire glowing at their fingertips.

The lights in the neighborhood were dim, so she could not make out the person's face, but the vague figure seemed somewhat familiar.

Within seconds, the man quietly left, disappearing into the darkness.

Nanette laughed at herself, finding her imagination amusing.

That night, she slept soundly as she had finally decided to let go. She felt a sense of calm that had long eluded her settle in her heart.

...

While spending the next three days resting at home, Nanette waited for Sterling's call, but three days passed unusually quietly. It was as if he had vanished from the world.

She wondered whether Ivanka had successfully gotten Sterling to sign the papers, considering their mother-son relationship was rather strained and somewhat cold.

The thought of Sterling's domineering nature crossed her mind. He had never liked others defying him, and a hint of worry crept in.

While she pondered, the television broadcast an interview featuring the elusive Sterling. It was no wonder it had been so quiet; he was not even in Saint Wis but had gone to Halesworth for an auction.

As the head of Hanson Corporation, he was always in the spotlight wherever he went. Moreover, an auction was a place where fortunes were spent freely, so he naturally drew even more attention.

Sterling seemed to have spent a significant amount on an emerald necklace. It was a vibrant green, sparkling, and translucent. It was as dazzling as the stars.

"Mr. Hanson, you made a grand purchase with this necklace. Are you planning to give it to someone?"

In response to the reporter's question, Sterling smiled knowingly. "Yes, it's for someone important. Tomorrow is her birthday."

The joy in his eyes made him shine even brighter.

Upon watching the interview, Nanette felt her heart race. The interview was from yesterday, and when Sterling mentioned 'tomorrow', he was referring to today, which was her birthday. Not to mention, emerald was her favorite gem.

She especially loved gems and had a particular fondness for emeralds, but considering Sterling's attitude toward her, it felt unbelievable.

How could this be possible?

This news struck her hard, disturbing the calm waters of her mind.

All afternoon, Nanette felt a whirlwind of emotions course through her. However, by evening, she still had not received any message from Sterling.

When Nanette arrived at the restaurant as invited, Harley was already waiting for her. A lovely fondant cake sat on the table.

"Darling, come quickly! Let's make a wish first!"

Harley lit the birthday candles and pulled Nanette over to make a wish.

It was rather amusing. It had been quite some time since Nanette celebrated her own birthday.

Her brother, Kaleb Wood, was three years older and celebrated his birthday a day after hers. Ever since their mother spoke of merging their celebrations, Nanette had not celebrated her birthday alone ever again.

Though her father would secretly buy her favorite pastry on her birthday, it could not make up for the absence of birthday wishes or a cake!

It was not until she married Sterling that she understood what it felt like to be cherished and spoiled by someone. She could choose a cake according to her taste and ask for any birthday gift she liked—something she had never dared to imagine before.

"What are you dawdling for? Let's cut the cake!" Harley encouraged Nanette when she noticed her distracted demeanor. "It's your birthday. Whatever troubles you have, think about them after tonight."

Nanette quietly sighed in relief and smiled. "What troubles could I possibly have? I just feel like time flies, and I've aged another year."

"Aged? No way! My Nanette will forever be 18 and as beautiful as a flower," Harley exclaimed. "You know, we used to be the most beautiful trio. But why have I turned dull while you and Kaia are still pretty?"

Kaia Simmons was their university roommate who studied media and came from a well-off family. She got married shortly after graduating and became a housewife. She was treated like a princess by her husband.

Nanette laughed at Harley and sipped some water before trying to comfort her, "You're pretty too!"

Harley pouted and chuckled helplessly.

While they were eating, a sudden bang startled Nanette as Harley slammed her phone down on the table.

"What was that for?" Nanette exclaimed.

Harley realized she had overreacted and remembered that today was Nanette's birthday. She did not want to upset her.

"Oh, it's nothing. I just saw a post that irritated me. Honestly, you shouldn't look at your phone while eating. It'll ruin your appetite."

As they spoke, fireworks erupted outside the restaurant, and their private room offered a clear view.

The sky lit up with the words "Happy Birthday" in vibrant colors.

Harley leaned closer to the window, feeling excited. "I wonder whose birthday is being celebrated so grandly? Nanette, don't you think it's fate to meet someone born on the same day as you?"

"Many people are born every single day. By your logic, we'd be fated with everyone in the world," Nanette replied with a faint smile as she sipped her water.

"Damn it! Those two are really bold. Do they have to do this?"

Harley had been able to tolerate it until now, but seeing them in front of her so openly made it impossible for her to hold back. She clenched her fist and slammed it on the table.

"Who offended you? Why are you so angry?" Nanette looked at her, feeling puzzled.

Harley replied angrily, "I could tolerate the posts on Instagram, but now, they're right in front of us! That bastard, Sterling, is throwing a birthday celebration for his mistress! How dare he come here and take up space with us regular folks?"