In the evening, I went out to throw away the trash and saw Laurence leaning against the corridor wall, smoking.
His lazy yet elegant demeanor had charmed me countless times.
Now, I would no longer be deceived by his charming appearance.
I ignored him and pressed the elevator button.
He extinguished his cigarette and followed me, softening his tone:
"Kiki, I didn't tell you because I was afraid you'd misunderstand. Please don't be angry."
I didn't want to discuss it and asked directly:
"What do you want?"
He replied naturally, "It's Lila's birthday today. She invited us to dinner."
"If you don't go, people will think you're really mad."
I hadn't planned on going, but the video had left me feeling uneasy all day. Not going to Lila's birthday to spoil it a bit would leave me feeling unjustified.
His car was parked downstairs. I threw away the trash and got in, catching a whiff of white peach perfume-Lila's usual scent.
The mountain wasn't far; they must have driven there yesterday with Lila in the passenger seat.
Thinking about this made me uncomfortable, so I got out and sat in the back seat.
Laurence joked, "Alright, you're the boss today. I'll be your driver."
I couldn't help but ask, "Do you really like white peach-scented perfume?"
He glanced at me through the rearview mirror before saying, "Don't overthink it. If you don't like someone else sitting in the passenger seat, I won't let her sit there anymore."
He had said this countless times before. The passenger seat still carried her scent. He was just placating me with empty words, while I took them seriously.
Before long, we arrived at the hotel suite.
Several people were already waiting inside.
Lila stood up with a smile when she saw us arrive together:
"Laurence, Kiki, we were just waiting for you two."
She gave me a meaningful look and provocatively said:
"Kiki, I thought you were too angry to come. Laurence was right; Kiki isn't one to hold grudges, so I shouldn't worry about it."
Ha! He had already reassured his childhood friend so she wouldn't feel bad.
I forced a smile and said:
"Yes, not only do I not hold grudges, but I also have a poor memory. I forgot to get you a birthday present."
Laurence immediately took out an exquisite box and handed it over:
"This is from Kiki and me. Happy birthday!"
Lila opened the gift box in front of everyone and excitedly took out the new Ocean Heart necklace inside. She deliberately exclaimed loudly:
"Oh! Isn't this the Ocean Heart Kiki has been wanting for a long time? I thought you bought it for her for Valentine's Day. I didn't expect it to be my birthday present. Laurence, how did you know I liked it too? What a surprise!"
I was furious.
Others curiously stared at the three of us as if they were the real couple and I was the third wheel.
I tried to maintain my smile and said as calmly as possible:
"He bought it for me. I didn't want it, so he gave it to you instead."
Lila's face turned pale instantly. Her fingers trembled as she held the necklace and asked Laurence in a shaky voice:
"Laurence, is that true?"
Seeing her fragile state, Laurence couldn't bear it and said: "Kiki is just joking with you."
I smiled again: "Yes, not only do I not hold grudges, but I also like to joke."
Laurence looked at me disapprovingly and whispered a warning:
"Kiki, it's Lila's birthday. Don't make trouble. I'll get you another Valentine's gift."
Then he softened his tone as if afraid I'd be upset:
"What do you like? I'll buy it for you."
Suddenly, it all seemed pointless-competing with Lila on her birthday only for others' amusement.
I stood up and told Laurence:
"I won't like anything you give me anymore. So don't waste your effort; just pick something nice for Lila."
A flash of frustration crossed his eyes; his emotions were on edge.
Lila noticed his stern expression filled with emotion and cautiously said:
"Kiki, don't be mad. How about this necklace goes back to you? Don't let me affect your relationship."