Chapter 76 Candles and Prank
Phoebe
The day felt like it dragged on forever. With everything spinning in my head, my chest felt tight, my thoughts tangled.
Hayden pulled me into his arms, letting me cry until my shoulders shook. He didn’t say a word—just held me close, his warmth wrapping around me like silent reassurance that I didn’t have to hold it all in anymore.
I didn’t even know how long I cried. By the time my tears finally stopped, my eyes stung and my body felt drained. Maybe I’d been holding it back for far too long.
“Still feel like crying?” Hayden’s voice was low, but there was a teasing lilt to it that made me smile faintly.
“No. Turns out crying’s exhausting,” I said, trying to sound light even though my head felt heavy.
He loosened his hold and looked down at me with that warm gaze of his. “Happy birthday, Phoebe. Sorry I’m late saying it. I wanted to wait until you’d calmed down first.”
Oh God. My eyes widened. I’d completely forgotten it was my birthday.
Before I could say anything, a loud thud came from outside Hayden’s room. My heart immediately skipped. Hayden frowned, clicked his tongue in annoyance, and got up from the bed.
Instinctively, I started to follow, but he shot me a look and raised his hand—stay put. I bit my lip, fighting the curiosity that was already eating me alive.
Then I heard his voice rise beyond the door. “What the hell are you two doing?”
I froze.
A second later, Finley’s voice echoed, “Phoenix made me do it! He dragged me here!”
Phoenix? My brother? What was he doing here?
I stepped closer, ignoring Hayden’s earlier warning. “What are they doing?” I whispered, though honestly, it was more to myself than to him.
Then Phoenix’s voice cut through, sharp and protective. “She’s my sister. I don’t trust you, so I’m making sure you’re not hurting her, Hayden.”
Hayden’s jaw tightened. “You’ve got some nerve, Phoenix. Eavesdropping without permission? This is my private room.”
“You think I’d just sit back and do nothing? Phoebe’s my sister. I have every right to keep an eye on her—twenty-four hours a day if I have to!” Phoenix shot back heatedly.
The tension between them was almost tangible.
“Enough!” I snapped, stepping forward. My gaze darted to Finley, who was standing beside Phoenix, looking far too entertained. “Can’t you at least try to stop them?”
He shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Me? I was dragged here too, remember?”
I rubbed my temples, feeling the exhaustion that had been building all day finally spill over. I was done. So damn tired. As if my own problems weren’t enough, now I had to deal with this—on my birthday.
“That’s enough, both of you!” My voice cracked, louder than I expected. “I’m tired of this. I’ve had enough. It’s my birthday, and you’re both turning it into another stupid argument!”
The room fell silent. Hayden looked down, clearly realizing he’d gone too far. Phoenix’s face stiffened, but his eyes flickered with guilt.
“I’m sorry,” Phoenix said quietly. “I was just worried about you, Phoebe. I didn’t mean to ruin your day.”
Hayden took a deep breath, his expression softening. “And I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have let my temper make things worse.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to pull myself together. But before I could say anything else, the door swung open.
Zion walked in, grinning from ear to ear, holding a small birthday cake with lit candles. Behind him, Adonis followed, carrying a big, wrapped box.
“Happy birthday, Phoebe!” they yelled in unison.
I blinked, completely thrown. “What… is this?”
Phoenix and Finley burst out laughing. Finley even slapped Phoenix’s shoulder, barely holding himself together. “Prank successful. You should’ve seen your face, Phoebe.”
I just stood there, stunned—then it hit me. They’d planned this. The whole argument, the tension—it was all a setup.
Tears welled up again, but this time, they weren’t from sadness.
Zion set the cake on the table and smiled. “Today, we’re not talking about problems or pain. Today’s just about celebrating a stubborn, strong girl named Phoebe, who’s been through so much and still stands tall with us.”
His short speech hit me right in the chest. I smiled through the tears that I couldn’t stop anymore.
I stared at the glowing candles, closed my eyes, and made a silent wish. Please give me the strength to keep going—with them by my side.
Then, with one breath, I blew the candles out.
A small cheer broke out. I laughed, feeling lighter than I had all day.
Then came the gifts.
Hayden walked back in with a small box in his hand. He came up to me and handed it over. My fingers trembled a little as I opened it—a moonstone ring, softly shimmering in the light.
“For you,” he said gently. “So you’ll always remember that even in the darkest nights, there’s still light beside you.”
My heart melted. I nodded and hugged him tightly.
Then Finley stepped forward with another box. Inside were two matching knitted scarves—one for me, one for Phoenix. “To remind you that I’m both Phoenix’s friend and your mate. We’re connected, Phoebe.”
The simple gesture made my chest ache in the best way.
Zion chuckled. “I don’t have a physical gift, but… I know you love music. So, I got you unlimited streaming access.”
I laughed. “You really know how to make me happy with the simplest things.”
Finally, Adonis handed me the biggest present of the night. I tore the wrapping and gasped. “The newest phone model?”
Adonis smirked. “You need something faster to write your notes or listen to your playlists, right? Consider it my way of supporting you.”
I was speechless. Tears fell again, but this time out of pure gratitude.
I looked at them—my four mates. Each one so different, each one loving me in their own way, and all of them here tonight, for me.
“I… I’m really lucky to have you guys,” I whispered. “Thank you—for reminding me that I’m loved, even when I almost forgot how to love myself.”
That night, despite how chaotic it started, ended in laughter, warmth, and a renewed certainty in my heart: I wasn’t alone.
As long as they were with me, I’d always have a reason to keep moving forward.