Chapter 60 Happy birthday
CHAPTER 60
Happy birthday.
The evening of Leo’s birthday arrived with a quiet kind of anticipation that slowly built into something grand. The celebration was set at an open beach, where the soft rhythm of the waves blended seamlessly with the distant hum of music and conversation. Warm lights were strung across wooden frames and palm trees, casting a golden glow over the entire setting. Tables were arranged elegantly across the sand, decorated with fine details that reflected both luxury and careful planning. It was not just a party, it was a statement.
Guests began arriving in waves. Business partners, associates, and familiar faces from Leo’s world stepped into the setting, each carrying an air of aura. Conversations formed quickly, blending business with celebration, as laughter and polite greetings filled the space. The atmosphere balanced between formal and relaxed, creating a setting where power and pleasure coexisted.
Richard arrived not long after, his presence commanding in a quiet, effortless way. He was greeted with respect, his status evident without needing to be announced. He took his seat at one of the central tables, where he was soon joined by Trent and his wife, Stella. Their interaction carried a subtle tension beneath polite smiles, as though each word was carefully measured.
Trent scanned the environment with interest. “Quite the setup,” he remarked casually.
Richard gave a small nod. “Leo doesn’t do things halfway.” There was a hint of pride in his tone, though it was restrained. While Stella just stared like she didn't want to be there.
Meanwhile, Ruby arrived with Jane, stepping into the glowing atmosphere with a different kind of presence. They were both dressed like wives of governors, Ruby was dressed in a blue dress while Jane in a red dress, one would almost mistake them as twins. Ruby’s appearance drew attention, though she carried herself with a quiet elegance rather than seeking it. Jane, on the other hand, embraced the moment more openly, her excitement evident as she took in the surroundings.
They found their seats together, slightly away from the central business tables. From there, they had a clear view of everything: the guests, the ocean, and eventually, Leo.
Ruby tried to remain composed, even if her mind was not fully intact, as she sat down her eyes moved searching for Leo.
Jane noticed. “You’re looking for him,” she teased lightly.
Ruby shook her head. “I’m just… looking around.”
Jane smiled but didn’t argue.
Not long after, Leo made his entrance.
The shift in the atmosphere was immediate, though subtle. Conversations paused briefly, attention drawn toward him as he walked in with calm confidence. He was dressed in a black tailored suit that matched his style, his hair was neatly combed and made him even more handsome, he stood out as everyone around him was already attracted to him, his presence commanding without effort. There was something about him that naturally held attention, something that didn’t need to be forced. That was because people loved him or some were jealous of him.
For a moment, everything else seemed to fade.
“Ruby!!!!!!!!!!!
Jane called out, she held her mouth with shock.
“What”. Ruby said slowly.
“You didn't tell that your boyfriend is the and and only Leo Carter” she said drooling immediately. “Oh my God I'm so happy,” she said smiling and holding Ruby's hand.
“Calm down girl”
Jane leaned slightly closer. “Now I see why you’ve been distracted lately.”
Ruby didn’t respond. She simply watched.
Leo moved through the crowd with ease, greeting guests, exchanging brief words, maintaining his composed demeanor. Eventually, he was joined by his close circle, his best friend Blake and his other close friends Daniel and Chris who lived in different towns, of course they all left their work for his birthday. Blake’s presence stood out in a different way. Unlike the others, he carried a calm, observant energy, someone who noticed more than he said. As he spoke with Leo, there was a familiarity that suggested a long standing friendship. They have been away for sometime since they live far away from each other.
“I've missed you bro” Leo hugged Blake as they both laughed.
“Birthdays look good on you” Blake said jokingly as they say down.
He exchanged greetings with Daniel and Chris as they all teased him calling him a birthday boy.
On the other end Ruby has not seen Leo so happy before, he really was close to his friends, at some point she felt jealous, she couldn't admit that she missed him so much, she looked one last time and turned away .
At some point, Daniel’s gaze shifted toward Ruby.
“Who’s that?” he asked casually.
Leo followed his line of sight.“Someone important,” Leo replied.
Daniel raised a brow slightly but didn’t press further.
Back at their table, Jane nudged Ruby again. “You’re definitely not just ‘looking around.’”
Ruby sighed softly. “Jane…”
As the night progressed, the energy of the party grew livelier. Music filled the air, laughter became louder, and the formal edges of the evening softened. Guests mingled more freely, moving between conversations and enjoying the atmosphere.
Eventually, it was time for the main moment.
Leo stepped forward, drawing attention naturally without needing to demand it. The music lowered, and conversations went quiet as he prepared to speak.
He stood with confidence, yet there was a hint of something more personal beneath his composed exterior.
“Thank you all for coming,” he began.
His voice came clearly across the space, steady and controlled.
“I don’t usually make a big deal out of birthdays, but this one… felt worth sharing.”
He glanced briefly across the crowd. For a moment, his eyes found Ruby. Then he continued.
“This year has been… different. There have been changes I didn’t expect, and moments I didn’t plan for.”
His words were simple, but they carried meaning beyond the surface.
Richard watched carefully, a faint, approving expression on his face.
Trent, however, seemed more intrigued than impressed.
Leo continued, “To my partners, my friends, and everyone here tonight thank you for being part of this journey.”
He raised his glass slightly.
“And to new beginnings.”
The crowd responded with a collective acknowledgment, glasses raised, voices echoing the sentiment.
But for Ruby, the speech felt more personal than it sounded.
She couldn’t explain why.
As the music resumed and the night continued, the atmosphere shifted once again into celebration. Drinks and foods were served as all were busy with the events of the day.