Chapter 485 : My Birthday

Chapter 485 My Birthday

Alice became famous in high school with a single dance performance.

She'd already gained attention for her looks before that—countless eyes followed her wherever she went.

But Michael truly noticed her during that performance.

Alice on stage was stunning, radiant—every beautiful word could describe her.

Michael still remembered his classmate saying it would be Alice's last time performing. She wanted to focus on her studies and wouldn't consider anything else.

But that day, she danced just for Zaid.

After school that evening, under the golden sunset on the empty basketball court, Alice moved like poetry in motion. Wearing nothing but her plain white school uniform skirt, she looked like a graceful swan.

And Michael had watched it all from the second-floor classroom window...

Alice gazed at the wedding dresses, suddenly curious. What had she looked like in Michael's mind back in high school? Just an ordinary student, probably?

What kind of wedding dress would Michael want her to wear?

The traditional pure white with diamond accents wasn't Michael's style. The colorful gowns were too flashy—knowing Michael's personality, he probably wouldn't like those either.

Then her eyes landed on one particular white dress.

Pure white with red roses adorning the bodice, tiny roses scattered across the skirt, and a red sash at the waist tied into a large bow at the back—like a butterfly dancing among flowers.

Alice instinctively reached out to touch the gown. Michael chuckled softly. "Mrs. Johnson has excellent taste. Did you spot my design right away?"

The first time he'd noticed Alice, this butterfly had flown straight into his heart.

Alice pulled her hand back, speaking coldly. "Lucky guess. Didn't Mr. Johnson say there wasn't time for custom work?"

"There isn't time now, but this wasn't recently made. I had it designed years ago." He smiled, holding the dress up against her. "Just needs some size adjustments, doesn't it?"

Years ago? Alice looked at the intricate handcrafted roses, knowing this type of gown required years of advanced planning. When had he commissioned it?

Had he really thought about marrying her back then?

Alice's thoughts swirled, something heavy settling in her chest.

Michael lifted her hair gently. "So beautiful. Your neck and collarbones are gorgeous—perfect for this style."

"Mr. Johnson seems quite knowledgeable about women's fashion. Maybe the Johnson Group should expand into that market." Alice swatted his hand away, though her lashes trembled.

Michael knew that was her tell when she felt shy.

He pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Alice, that day you danced for Zaid, I was watching from upstairs. That night, I dreamed about you."

"You! Jerk!" Alice spun around and shoved him hard. "In high school, you were already—you were already what?"

"Already what? I dreamed you danced just for me, Mrs. Johnson. What exactly are you thinking?" Michael grinned wickedly. "I just wish you'd dance for me alone someday. I didn't want anyone else to see you like that."

That truly was what Michael had thought then, though he hadn't acted on it. Thankfully, fate had been kind to him and given him this chance.

Only now, he felt like the kite in his hands was about to slip away.

Alice clenched her fists tight, then slowly released them.

Whenever Michael wanted to, he could always move her. He knew exactly what mattered most to her.

The Johnson family's only heir, the untouchable Michael, had harbored feelings for her since high school, quietly following her life from afar. He never interfered, never forced anything—just watched over her.

He'd even designed a wedding dress for her, commissioned years ago, never finding the right moment to give it.

How humble was that?

To love so humbly—any other woman would have fallen completely. If this had been the Alice from years ago, she would have followed Michael with her whole heart.

But now, knowing everything, she didn't dare fall again. Hadn't she been fooled enough times already?

Alice's gaze turned cold again. "What's the point of Mr. Johnson saying all this? It's in the past. Who knows who they really liked as kids? It was probably just about looks."

Before Michael could respond, she asked, "Has Mr. Johnson set a wedding date?"

She hadn't said she wouldn't marry him—she'd asked about the date.

Michael's lips curved into a smile, thinking she was giving in.

"You were studying that calendar for ages earlier. Which day looks good to you?" Michael pulled her down onto the sofa beside him.

"This Saturday," Alice said flatly.

"This Saturday? Why?" Michael asked.

Alice shot him a withering look. "Mr. Johnson claims to like me, care about me, want to marry me—and you don't even know when my birthday is? Because it's my birthday!"

Seeing her anger, Michael squeezed her hand apologetically. "Didn't you say you'd rather spend birthday time working for better performance reviews?"

When they'd first gotten together, Michael had celebrated her birthdays. But later, Alice had refused.

It wasn't that she disliked birthdays—she just hated feeling older. And Michael never really paid attention anyway, just giving her money to buy her own gifts. Those birthdays had been pretty meaningless.

"Two years ago, I went to Mira's hometown for my birthday and took three days off. You docked an entire quarter's bonus."

"Last year, I went with Mira for hot pot, and you got drunk that night. Made me leave before I finished eating to pick you up from some bar."

"This past year I was in the hospital..." Alice clicked her tongue. "Whatever. Not worth mentioning."

He never cared anyway.

"Then let's celebrate properly this year. We'll have the wedding on your birthday. How about that?" Michael nuzzled her cheek affectionately. "Every birthday from now on, we'll spend together. Sound good?"

"Sounds terrible." Alice pushed him away, her expression growing distant.

"Michael, did you forget we lost a baby? That we already broke up?"

"Now with all this hatred between us, we're supposed to get married? Michael, is nothing important compared to your grand ambitions? Not just me—not even the baby, right?"

Whether from pregnancy hormones or not, Alice's emotions flared.

"When we lost the baby, you acted as if nothing had happened. What did you say? That you wouldn't have wanted it anyway. But now you're telling everyone I'm pregnant. Why?"

"Michael, you hypocritical bastard! You don't have any real feelings at all!"

"So I'd have to break down crying to prove I was hurting?" Michael's voice hardened as his gaze dropped to Alice's stomach.

"Baby, I will have children. A healthy child. A child who grows up surrounded by love. Trust me."

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Alice instinctively looked away. She clenched her fists, taking a long moment before asking, "When exactly is the wedding?"