Chapter 168 An Unexpected Birthday Surprise

Chapter 168 An Unexpected Birthday Surprise
Mia: POV

The past few days had been surprisingly peaceful. After Nathan heard that his family had given their blessing to our relationship, I could see the relief and happiness wash over him. 

Like any couple in the honeymoon phase, we'd fallen into this routine of video calls that sometimes stretched late into the night. He'd be sitting in his office with the Manhattan skyline twinkling behind him, looking exhausted but still handsome in his wrinkled dress shirt.

"The Singapore investors are being difficult again," he'd grumble, loosening his tie. "Their legal team keeps finding new clauses to nitpick."

I'd smile sympathetically, sketching while we talked. "Poor baby. Is your multimillion-dollar deal hitting a snag?"

"Mock all you want," he'd reply with that half-smile I'd grown to love. "Just wait until I'm too busy to spoil you properly."

Yet despite his hectic schedule, he never failed to text me throughout the day. Sometimes just a simple "Thinking of you" or "Miss your face," which made me grin like an idiot in the middle of class.

I was working on a design project when my phone buzzed. A text from Nathan: [Can you come downstairs for a minute?]

My heart skipped. Nathan was supposed to be in meetings all day. I quickly checked my reflection—sweatpants, messy bun, and not a trace of makeup. 

I rushed downstairs and pushed through the glass doors. There he was, leaning against a sleek black car, looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine despite the tired shadows under his eyes.

That's when it hit me. Today was my birthday. With everything going on, I'd completely forgotten.

"Happy birthday, Sleeping Beauty," Nathan said with a warm smile. "Today is all about you."

I flew into his arms, nearly knocking him over. "I can't believe you're here! I thought you had meetings all day."

He wrapped his arms around me. "I rescheduled. Some things are more important," he murmured into my hair. "I've got surprises planned for you."

As I reached up to touch his face, the silver bracelet Anastasia had given me caught the sunlight. Nathan noticed it too, gently taking my wrist.

"I see my mother really does like you," he said, wonder and satisfaction in his voice.

"First stop," he announced, opening the car door, "is to pick out something special for you to wear tonight."

In the car, I suddenly remembered something. "Oh! Mom said she was going to fly in for my birthday. I should check if her flight's on time."

I found a text from last night that I'd missed: [Sweetheart, the doctor wants me to come in for a follow-up tomorrow. Nothing to worry about, just routine monitoring. I'm so sorry I'll miss your birthday. Will call you tomorrow. Love you.]

My stomach dropped. I immediately called her.

"Mom? Are you okay? What's this about more tests?"

"Mia, honey, it's nothing serious. Dr. Hernandez just wants to check how the medication is working. Standard procedure for autoimmune pancreatitis."

"But why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"What would that accomplish? You'd worry yourself sick and cancel your birthday plans." She laughed softly. "You enjoy your day with Nathan. I'll call you tomorrow with the all-clear."

Nathan squeezed my hand after we hung up. "She'll be fine. The doctors are just being thorough."

We pulled up in front of a high-end boutique—the place we'd walked past weeks ago. 

I remembered lingering at the window, admiring a stunning blue dress that cost more than my semester's textbooks.

Inside, a sales associate was waiting with a selection of dresses.

"Mr. Sinclair called ahead with your sizes," she explained.

I tried on several gorgeous dresses, but I could tell Nathan was waiting for something specific. Finally, the associate brought out the familiar blue dress—the exact one I'd admired weeks ago.

"You remembered," I breathed.

Nathan's eyes crinkled. "Your face gave you away. You practically stopped breathing when you saw it."

When I stepped out wearing it, Nathan's expression made my heart race. "You have excellent taste," he said softly.

Next, we arrived at what Nathan described as "the best salon in New York." While they worked their magic, Nathan sat nearby, occasionally answering emails but frequently catching my eye in the mirror.

By early evening, we arrived at an upscale restaurant. The maître d' led us to a private VIP suite—a stunning space with dining area, lounge, and even a small dance floor, all bathed in soft candlelight.

Over dinner, Nathan told me how he'd managed to arrange everything despite his packed schedule.

"I've been planning this for weeks," he admitted. "The Singapore deal was just bad timing."

"Your parents..." I began hesitantly.

"Are coming around," he finished with a smile. "Dad even asked about you yesterday—completely unprompted. That's practically a miracle."

After dinner, a server wheeled in a beautiful cake with intricate designs recreating elements from my favorite projects in fondant and icing.

"Make a wish," Nathan said, his eyes reflecting the candlelight.

I closed my eyes, wishing for our love to last, for Mom to stay healthy, and for success in my career. 

I blew out the candles, and Nathan fed me the first bite, his gaze never leaving mine.

Later, we moved to the karaoke section. Nathan had programmed a playlist of my favorites. We took turns singing, laughing at ourselves. His voice was surprisingly good—deep and smooth.

"Let's sing one together," he suggested, selecting a romantic ballad. We stood face to face, each holding a microphone, smiling at each other as the lyrics about overcoming obstacles felt like they were written for us.

Nathan started first, his voice low and tender: "When the world feels heavy on my shoulders..."

I joined in, harmonizing, "You're the light that guides me home..."

Together we sang: "Through every storm we'll face tomorrow, we'll never have to stand alone..."

As the chorus built, Nathan set his microphone down and took my hand. The music transitioned to a slow waltz, and he led me to the small dance floor where LED lights changed colors with the music.

"You're everything I never knew I needed," he whispered in my ear.

I rested my head against his chest, feeling the silver bracelet press against his body—a reminder of the connection between us, blessed by his family.

As we danced, I accidentally brushed against the dessert table, smearing cake frosting onto Nathan's crisp white shirt.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" I gasped, grabbing a napkin. "This is your favorite shirt, isn't it?"

Nathan just chuckled and began unbuttoning his shirt. "Well, it's ruined now anyway."

I went rigid, watching him casually peel off his shirt, exposing his sculpted torso. The brutal gashes from just days before had already healed into faint red lines across his back—silent testimony to what he'd endured.

"Since you've ruined my shirt," he said with a mischievous grin, "I guess turnabout is fair play..."

Before I could react, he pulled me close and smeared frosting across my cheek. He pressed a button on the wall panel, engaging the privacy lock. A small red light came on.

Slowly, deliberately, he leaned in and began to lick the frosting from my face, his tongue and lips gentle against my skin.

Our breathing quickened as the atmosphere shifted from playful to something far more intimate. His kisses moved from my cheek to my lips, and we melted into a deep, passionate embrace, losing ourselves in this perfect moment.