Chapter 180: Set My 183 - Set My

Chapter 183

Seth’s POV:

Seth! Happy birthday!”

I heard her voice before I even saw her. Standing at the airport’s pickup zone was Anna, holding what looked like a fancy cake box.

For a moment, I thought I was hallucinating from exhaustion after last night’s endless business dinner.

“Thank you, Anna! I nearly didn’t make it this morning. I called out, jogging toward her. ‘Last night’s business dinner dragged on forever. Am I dreaming right now?”

“You wish, she laughed, that amber gaze sparkling. “You dream about me often?”

“Good thing you’re real. Waking up would’ve been devastating.” I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. I’d actually forgotten today was my birthday.”

How long had it been since anyone remembered my birthday? And here she was, not just remembering but flying across states to surprise me.

Something caught in my throat as I reached for the cake she was holding.

“What’s this for? I’m too old for birthday cakes,” I said, trying to sound casual while my heart was doing somersaults. “You being here is already the best gift.

“Oh, you don’t like it? I’ll just throw it away then,” she teased, making a motion like she was about to drop it.

“Are you crazy? You bought it already–don’t waste it!” I grabbed the cake protectively, cradling it like a newborn.

Anna mimicked my voice, ‘I’m too old for birthday cakes.”

“Is that how I sound to you?” I laughed, reaching out to mess up her hair.

She swatted at my back, but I was too focused on protecting the cake.

“Let’s go eat! I reserved a place. Nothing fancy–hope that’s okay for the great Seth Price,” she said with mock deference.

“You reserved a restaurant? For me?” My voice sounded embarrassingly hopeful even to my own ears.

“You can thank me later,” she smirked.

Inside my car, our arms brushed accidentally, sending electricity up my spine. I pulled out my phone, recording a video of the cake.

[Nothing special today,] I narrated, [just a hot girl flying to New York to bring me cake and take me out to dinner. Despite having sampled the finest cuisine in the world, I’ll graciously accept. Check out this gorgeous cake, right?]

“Here.” Anna interrupted, handing me a small box. My heart skipped.

“For me?” I opened it to find a vintage pocket watch the exact limited edition model I’d been hunting for. “Holy shit! This is the watch I’ve been wanting! How did you know?”

‘I have my ways,‘ she said coolly. “Don’t make such a big deal. I’m just glad it suits you.”

“It means a lot,” I said quietly. “Thank you, Anna.”

When she reached over to touch my curls, I nearly stopped breathing. Her fingers gently brushed my hair, and I leaned slightly into her touch.

“My hair isn’t usually accessible to just anyone,‘ I murmured. “You’re special.”

“Damn, I didn’t fix my hair this morning,” I suddenly realized, embarrassed at my disheveled appearance.

1/3

Chapter 183

Yet part of me didn’t mind–Anna was the only person I’d ever let see

I moved closer, narrowing the gap between us.

this undone.

The scent of her shampoo filled my senses as I gazed into those amber eyes.

Tilting my head slightly, I cupped her chin. This was it–the closeness I’d been dreaming of. My palm was sweating as our faces inched closer.

“We’ve arrived, Mr. Price! My driver’s voice shattered the moment.

I smiled mischievously to hide my disappointment. “Nervous? Can’t blame you–I’m irresistibly handsome.

“Save your smooth talk,” Anna replied with a relieved smile.

During dinner, I kept raving about how delicious the dishes were. After all, this was the restaurant Anna had chosen for me, and to me, everything taste incredible.

“When are you heading back?” I asked over dinner, trying to sound casual though my heart was racing.

“Tomorrow, of course. Just staying one night,” Anna replied matter–of–factly.

“Oh. Just like that, our happy bubble burst. One night. That’s all I was worth to her? The delicious food turned tasteless in my mouth.

“Staying at my place?” I offered, fingers nervously tapping the table.

“Already booked a hotel room. You don’t have birthdays every day, and honestly, once midnight strikes, I should be saying goodbye.”

Something in me snapped. I scraped my fork against the plate, producing an irritating noise.

“So you’re Cinderella now? With a time limit?” I said sharply. “What am I to you, anyway? Why would you even come see me?”

Anna fell silent, clearly taken aback.

“It’s almost midnight. Let’s go before you transform and I see your true self. Which hotel?” My voice was cold, but inside I was bleeding.

I couldn’t keep deluding myself. If she had no place for me in her heart, this would only hurt more.

“Why are you being like this? I was just joking,” she tried.

“Not funny. Or do you find me amusing? Do I entertain you?” My eyes burned with unshed tears.

I stood up, and Anna had no choice but to follow me out.

The car ride to the hotel was silent. Anna tried to lighten the mood, but I just couldn’t muster any interest.

that made

‘I’m sorry your birthday turned out like this,” Anna finally said. “I can get myself to the airport tomorrow. Don’t worry about when I’m leaving.”

I blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. It was now or never. I couldn’t let her walk away again.

As she was about to close the car door, I stopped it with my hand, which trembled slightly despite my best efforts.

‘What do I mean to you?” I asked, my voice low but firm.

“What?” She seemed confused.

“The best way to forget someone is to start a new relationship. So what am I to you? Just a friend? Your backup plan? Or, to put it bluntly, your lapdog? Someone you’re using? Or… could I possibly be your future boyfriend?”

I pushed the door open and wrapped my arms around her tightly, feeling her heartbeat against mine.