Chapter 2

Nick cast a cold, penetrating look at Mia, then suddenly let out a mocking laugh. “Since you don’t mind, why don’t you help Uncle Jacob carry Xena’s luggage upstairs?”

He was clearly trying to humiliate her, probably annoyed that she had made him lose face in front of his one true love.

Mia’s face turned slightly pale, but she quickly recovered, forcing a smile. “Sure.”

With that, she turned and started helping Uncle Jacob move the luggage.

She was so obedient, so compliant. Logically, Nick should have been pleased. Yet, as he watched her calmly carry the bags upstairs, an inexplicable irritation rose within him.

The room was tidied up quickly. Just as Mia was about to head back downstairs, Xena walked in.

“Mia, thank you for letting me stay here.” Xena grabbed Mia’s hand with both of hers, her brows furrowing as she said with a delicate, pitiable expression, “If it weren’t for you and Nicky, I really don’t know where I would have gone.”

As Xena spoke, the light caught on the back of her hand, and Mia’s eyes were drawn to it—a dazzling flash that stung her vision.

Xena was wearing a ring on her left ring finger, identical to Mia’s wedding band.

No, not identical. The diamond on Xena’s ring was larger, brighter, and far more striking.

By comparison, Mia’s wedding ring looked like a cheap imitation.

Even though she had already decided to leave, a sharp pang pierced her heart at that moment.

So, even her engagement ring had been nothing but a knockoff.

A stand-in paired with a counterfeit—how fitting.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Moments later, a delivery man entered, carrying a massive cake.

“Wow! Who ordered a cake?” Jenna exclaimed. “Nick, was it you? Did you get it for Xena?”

“Xena’s birthday is next week,” Nick replied without looking up. “But yes, I did order her a cake in advance. Did the bakery mix up the date?”

Everyone was still confused when the delivery guy suddenly called out loudly, “Is Mia Larson here? The recipient is Mia Larson. This cake is from your aunt, Zoe Larson. She asked me to tell you that she knows today has been really hard for you, but she doesn’t want you to dwell in sadness. She’s grateful you came into this world and wishes you a happy birthday!”

The living room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at Mia.

For once, Nick’s expression showed a hint of guilt. Awkwardly, he said, “It’s your birthday today? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Xena’s birthday wasn’t until next week, and he had already ordered her gifts and a cake well in advance.

But Mia’s birthday? He hadn’t remembered at all.

Of course, why would he? She was just a stand-in. What was the point of keeping track of things like that?

“Oh, it’s my birthday today? I completely forgot.” Mia diffused the awkwardness with a lighthearted tone. “I didn’t expect my aunt to remember. I’ll have to call and thank her later.”

She would also take the opportunity to check on the progress of her move abroad and push her plans forward. The sooner, the better.

“Nicky, you’re unbelievable,” Xena said in a playful, almost scolding tone. “How could you forget your own wife’s birthday? Mia, don’t be upset. Oh, by the way, when I got off the plane, Nicky gave me a gift—a stunning diamond necklace.

“How about this necklace? Let’s call it your birthday gift from Nicky!”

With that, Xena took off the diamond necklace from around her neck and handed it to Mia with a bright smile. “Mia, happy birthday!”