Chapter 3

Leo saw Tara climbing up to reach something and quickly walked over, frowning. “What are you doing standing up there?”

Tara gave a faint smile. “Why are you back?”

Leo lifted her off the chair and kissed her lips. “Silly girl, did you forget what day it is?”

A sudden ache gripped Tara’s heart, and she couldn’t stop her eyes from turning red.

Leo cupped her face, kissing her eyelids gently. “Don’t feel bad. I remembered, okay?”

Tara lowered her long lashes and gave him a slight push, resisting his touch.

He pulled her tightly into his arms and chuckled softly. “What’s this? Thinking there’s no gift? Come on, let’s go see your present.”

He took her hand and led her to the front door.

When he opened it, there in the yard was a red luxury car.

The car, worth over a million dollars, was perfect for someone her age.

Placing the keys in her hand, he smiled indulgently. “Here’s your birthday present. Do you like it?”

Tara smiled faintly. “I like it.”

What she wanted to ask was, “Is this my severance package?”

Leo leaned down and kissed her ear, his hands roaming lightly over her through the thin fabric of her clothes.

His breathing grew heavier as he bent down to lift her, heading toward the house.

Tara frowned, already thinking about how to refuse him. Before she could speak, his phone rang again.

She couldn’t help but feel a little bitter. She didn’t even need to come up with an excuse. There was always a phone call to interrupt.

Setting her down, he ruffled her hair and said, “Go change into something formal. I’ll take you somewhere later.”

Tara seized the opportunity like a lifeline and hurried upstairs.

As she reached her room, she heard him answering the call behind her: “Hey, Nina…”

In her room, Tara changed into a deep sapphire-blue silk dress.

The dress fell just below her knees. The front revealed only a hint of her collarbone, while the back was cut low, though her long, dark hair provided some cover.

She applied light makeup, put on a pair of pearl earrings, and went downstairs.

Leo was still on the phone. When he saw her coming down, his gaze froze.

Sapphire blue was a notoriously unforgiving color, but Tara’s fair, flawless skin made it look regal and elegant.

The fitted silk dress was equally unforgiving, revealing even the smallest imperfections, yet Tara’s figure was perfect, with no flaws at all.

Her delicate features and refined demeanor shone effortlessly, drawing all attention without the need for extravagant jewelry.

Leo hung up the phone, slipped it into his pocket, and reached out to wrap an arm around Tara’s waist, planting a quick kiss on her lips, as if he couldn’t get enough of her.

“Why aren’t you wearing the diamond necklace?” he asked.

Tara gave a soft smile. “It’s too expensive.”

Leo sighed, shaking his head. “It’s meant to be worn. I’ll get you an even better one tomorrow.”

Tara held up the car keys in her hand. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to take the new car for a spin.”

Leo chuckled, affectionately ruffling the back of her head. “Alright, let’s go.”

Once inside, Leo took the passenger seat and set the GPS.

Tara noticed the destination was a high-end private club on the outskirts of the city—members-only, with an annual fee of half a million.

They had visited the same place last year for Leo’s birthday. It was just the two of them then. They stayed for two days and didn’t leave the room once.

He had ended up with a nosebleed from the exertion, and she wound up in the hospital.

Frowning, Tara guessed he was planning something similar for her birthday this year.

But she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. Instead, she felt disgusted.

The whole drive, she focused on thinking of a way to excuse herself. Before she knew it, they had arrived.

The automatic gates opened, and the red luxury car glided in, stopping in front of a two-story building with a classic, vintage design.

Leo stepped out first, holding Tara’s high heels in his hand as he walked around to her side. He placed the shoes on the ground by the driver’s door.

Tara took his arm for balance as she got out of the car, slipping on her heels.

The moment she stood up straight, a loud “Bang! Bang!” rang out.

Tara jumped in surprise.

Suddenly, a shower of red rose petals rained down from the sky, floating gently around them like something out of a dream.

Leo pulled her close, shielding her in his arms.

The two of them—an undeniably striking couple—stood together as rose petals rained down around them.

Laughter erupted around them.

“Happy birthday, Tara!”

“Happy birthday!”

“Tara, you’re gorgeous! No wonder Mr. Carter keeps you hidden!”

“You two are such a perfect match!”

Tara stood there, stunned, completely taken aback.