CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

“THERE YOU go.” The hair and makeup artist stroked Cyrel’s hair and smiled at her through the mirror.

Cyrel had to blink twice to make sure she was really looking at her reflection.

“You look so stunning, Mrs. King.”

“T-thank you, Lily,” she said.

Her flaming red hair and black chiffon prom dress complimented her skin very well. Her makeup was light. Her skin was glowing, and her lips were pinkish red, making her look younger.

“Your husband must be dying to see you.”

She could not help a giggle.

Lily helped her stand up from the vanity mirror. Cyrel took one last glance at the mirror before grabbing her purse.

Ross was waiting in the living room of the luxury room they rented at the hotel.

“Are you ready?” Lily asked.

“Yes,” Cyrel replied. She could not afford to have the party started.

Her heart was pounding as they walked out of the room. Will Ross like what he’s going to see? Even if he won’t, Cyrel could already imagine him saying nice words to her.

She took a deep breath as she found him pacing in the living room, his back facing in her direction.

“Mr. King, may I present to you your lovely wife,” Lily announced.

Ross turned around abruptly.

Cyrel held her breath. Ross looked dashing in his white shirt and dark suit. His hair was brushed back, making him look like a movie star—confident but not to the point of being cocky.

For a moment, he lost his composure as he drew a breath.

“And you are?” he asked.

Cyrel could not help a laugh.

Ross crossed their distance.

“You’re beautiful,” he said.

“You, too,” she replied, unable to take her eyes off him.

“Excuse me, love birds,” Lily said and went back to the room.

“Nice dress,” he remarked.

“Thank you.”

Ross offered his arm. “I can’t wait to show you off to the world.”

Cyrel slapped his arm. “Such a flatterer.”

THEY got into the empty elevator. Ross suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“I don’t want to ruin your makeup, so…” he said and chuckled.

“How considerate,” Cyrel teased and leaned against him.

Ross pulled her hand and kissed the back of it.

“Should we take a picture?”

And she hoped Sapphire would see it and melt in envy.

Guests had already filled the room when they arrived. Almost all eyes were on them. Cameras were flashing here and there. Cyrel knew this was going to exhaust her in no time.

Aiko and Jordan had appeared to meet them.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. King. We should have picture takings first before we officially start the party,” Aiko said.

“All right,” Ross said and glanced at Cyrel. “But let’s just make it quick.”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Dad.” Cyrel hugged Rustom at once.

“Cyrel, you look stunning. Thank you, dear,” Rustom said, chuckling.

“And you’re the most handsome man tonight.” Cyrel glanced at Ross. “You should understand. It’s his day.”

Ross motioned his hands in surrender.

“Thank you. I’m glad to be in second place.”

“Look, Rosell, here they are.”

Cyrel looked behind her and found her parents smiling at them. Christian opened his arms. Cyrel went to give them a quick kiss and a hug. Ross did the same thing.

“Wow, what a lovely family,” Aiko remarked, smiling. “All right. I would like to request Mr. King to stand beside the cake with your son and daughter-in-law. Just the three of you first.” She motioned them to the buffet table.

“AND, OF course, a birthday celebration would not be complete without a wish from the celebrator’s loved ones,” the host said after singing the birthday song. “So, may I call on the celebrator’s one and only son, Ross Ezekiel King, to share his wish for his awesome father?”

Ross looked completely surprised when he stared at Cyrel.

“Did you do this?” he whispered. “I-I’m not prepared.”

“You don’t have to prepare anything.” Cyrel cupped his cheek. “You just have to be true to yourself. You can do it. Come on.”

“Please give Ross a round of applause,” the host said.

Ross let out a nervous laugh as everyone around him clapped. He stood up and fixed his suit as he walked to the makeshift stage.

“Hi,” he said. “First of all, I would like to thank my wonderful wife for putting me on the spot.” Everyone in the room laughed.

Cyrel winked.

“I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing this beautiful day with us and for extending your generosity to our charities and foundations.” He drew a breath. “Happy birthday, Dad,” he said, turning in Rustom’s direction on the makeshift stage. “He almost disowned me, you know. I’m not a perfect son, but I always wish you the best. I wish you’d start dating again.”

Waves of laughter and cheers echoed through the whole room again. Rustom was laughing, but he suddenly looked teary-eyed when Ross approached him and gave him a tight hug. They were whispering to each other. Cyrel wished she could hear them, but the sight was already heart-warming.

“Wow, what a cool father and son tandem,” the host said, laughing.

Cyrel caught Ross’s hands when he returned to his seat. He was cold.

“How did I do?” he asked.

“You did great.” She cupped his cheek, and they shared a kiss.