CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER ONE
A Birthday to Remember
The morning sun spilled through the large windows of the Stewart mansion, filling Cathy Stewart's bedroom with warm golden light. It was her twenty-first birthday, and the entire house had been buzzing with activity since dawn.
Fresh flowers decorated every corner of her room. Beautiful gift boxes, wrapped in ribbons of different colors, covered the table by the window. The sweet scent of roses mixed with the smell of freshly baked pastries drifting up from the kitchen.
A gentle knock came at the door.
"Cathy?" her mother called softly. "Are you awake?"
"Come in, Mom."
Mrs. Stewart walked in with a bright smile, wearing an elegant silk robe. Behind her, Nelly, one of the family maids, carried another stack of neatly wrapped gifts.
"Happy birthday, my princess," Mrs. Stewart said, pulling Cathy into a warm hug. "Every year, I thank God for blessing me with you."
Cathy smiled and hugged her back.
"Thank you, Mom."
Mrs. Stewart kissed her forehead before stepping aside.
"I know you always tell me not to buy too many gifts, but I couldn't help myself."
She pointed toward the growing pile of presents.
"I hope you like them."
Cathy laughed.
"You've already spoiled me, Mom."
"You deserve to be spoiled today."
Nelly carefully placed the gifts beside the others before excusing herself.
Mrs. Stewart sat beside her daughter and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"I still remember the day you were born. It feels like yesterday."
Cathy rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"I'll always be your little girl."
"You always will."
Just then, her phone buzzed nonstop with birthday messages from friends and relatives.
Her best friend, Isabella, had already sent several voice notes filled with excitement.
Cathy smiled as she listened to them.
"I'll be there before lunch," Isabella promised. "Don't cut the cake without me!"
"I wouldn't dare," Cathy replied with a laugh.
Although the room was filled with love, Cathy couldn't help glancing toward the door every few minutes.
She was waiting for someone else.
Her father.
Mr. Stewart had left early for an important business meeting before sunrise. Running Stewart Group meant he rarely had time to slow down, even on special occasions.
Still, Cathy hoped he would make it home.
As if reading her thoughts, Mrs. Stewart gently squeezed her hand.
"Your father called this morning. He said he'll try his best to be here before dinner."
"I know," Cathy said with a small smile.
She understood how demanding his work was, but a part of her still wished birthdays could come before business.
Little did Cathy know that this birthday would change her life forever.
Someone unexpected was about to walk back into her world.
And from that moment on, nothing would ever be the same.