Chapter 273: A Special Birthday Gift

Kevin's POV

I threw myself onto my couch with a deep sigh, loosening my tie as I replayed the scene from Katherine's ward.

Seeing her and Alexander locked in that passionate embrace had been... uncomfortable, to say the least.

But the raw emotion in my sister's eyes told me this reconciliation was different from their previous attempts.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. Katherine's name flashed across the screen.

My heart skipped a beat—was something wrong? Concern immediately washed over me as I lunged forward to answer the call, my fingers fumbling with the screen in my haste.

"Katherine, what's up?" I answered.

"Kevin, do you know any jewelry designers? Preferably high-end ones," she asked without preamble.

Thank goodness she's alright, I thought, feeling the tension drain from my shoulders as relief washed over me.

I exhaled slowly, my earlier panic subsiding as I settled back into conversation. "I know a few. Why?"

"Alexander's birthday is coming up, and I want to surprise him."

Her words hung in the air between us. I remained silent, weighing my response carefully.

All the memories of five years ago came flooding back—Katherine sobbing in my arms, her heart shattered beyond recognition. Alexander's stubborn pride, his refusal to believe her, his complete disregard for her choices.

I'd never approved of their relationship. Alexander had always been too controlling, too unwilling to compromise.

Katherine had loved him so blindly, giving everything without considering that love couldn't be sustained through one-sided devotion.

"Kevin? Are you still there?" Katherine's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"I'm here," I sighed. "Just thinking."

"I know what's going through your mind," she said softly. "But please trust me, trust Alexander. What happened before won't happen again. No matter what challenges we face in the future, we won't be separated again."

Something in her voice had changed. The desperate need for Alexander's approval that had always tinged her words was gone, replaced by a quiet confidence.

"You seem different," I admitted.

"I am. And so is he."

I rubbed my temple, feeling a headache brewing. Maybe it was more than just concern for Katherine making my head pound.

"Look, I need to remind you that you're the one who has to live this life," I said firmly. "If you're unhappy, don't just endure it. Don't be like before."

"Don't worry, Kevin. This time, I completely trust Alexander. The children trust him too."

I couldn't help but smile at her certainty. "Alright, enough showing off your happy marriage to this single guy. I'll send you my designer friend's contact info later. He's definitely high-end and should meet your requirements."

"Thanks so much. By the way, Kevin, why don't you move in with us? I worry about you living alone."

I laughed at her suggestion. "What brother lives with his sister after she's married? That's not appropriate."

"At least come visit. Don't you want to see kids?"

I hesitated, feeling a tickle in my throat. "In a few days. I think I've caught a flu. Don't want to infect the kids."

Her tone immediately shifted to concern. "Have you seen a doctor? Maybe I should come check on you—"

"Absolutely not," I cut her off. "Your dengue fever just got better. If something happens to you again, I'll be the one worried sick. Just enjoy your family life. I'll visit when I'm well."

"Then take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything."

I started coughing, trying to suppress it. "Oh, speaking of jewelry, I just remembered. That bracelet I bought from the vintage store should arrive in Seattle soon. I'll bring it to you when it does."

"That would be wonderful. Thank you for going to all that trouble."

"Always so sweet-talked," I teased, ending the call as another coughing fit overtook me.

By afternoon, my body felt heavy as lead. The persistent headache and chills convinced me to visit Seattle Private Hospital.

After a brief examination, the doctor confirmed it was just a regular flu, prescribing medication and rest.

As I was leaving, my phone rang with an international number.

"Is this Mr. Jordan?" a polite voice asked. "The bracelet you purchased from our vintage store has been processed. We'll ship it today, and I'll text you the international tracking number shortly."

"Thank you very much," I replied, hanging up just as the promised text arrived with a photo attachment.

Opening it, I caught my breath. The bracelet was even more stunning than I remembered—delicate silver links interwoven with small sapphires that matched Katherine's eyes perfectly.

I'd had a feeling when I first spotted it in that tiny shop in Europe: this might be the very bracelet our mother had promised Katherine before her death.

I imagined it traveling across continents to find its way back to us, as if carrying a piece of our mother's presence. Katherine would be thrilled.

Lost in these thoughts, I rounded a corner in the hospital corridor and collided hard with someone.

My phone clattered to the floor, and I immediately bent to retrieve it, apologizing profusely.

A slender, pale hand reached it before I could. Looking up, I found myself face to face with Selena, sitting in her wheelchair.

"Ms. Garcia! What a coincidence," I exclaimed, surprised.

She smiled warmly. "Not much of a coincidence. I've been staying at this hospital. What brings you here? Are you sick?"

"Nothing serious. Just a slight cold, picking up some medication."

"You should be more careful," she said, handing my phone back to me.

As she passed it over, her eyes caught the image still displayed on the screen. Her entire body went rigid, her expression transforming into one of utter disbelief.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, concerned by her sudden change.

Her eyes remained fixed on my phone, wide and almost fearful. "That bracelet..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Where did you get it?"

The intensity of her reaction caught me completely off guard. What could possibly be so shocking about an antique bracelet?